Microsoft is holding a technical alpha later this month for the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 release. The technical alpha will be held over an unspecified weekend in October to test the game’s core services ahead of its debut on November 19th. Participants in the test phase will need a capable PC gaming rig to try out Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 before its release, as this alpha test won’t be available to Xbox players.

Free flight and a limited amount of career, challenges, and discovery will be accessible during the technical alpha, alongside a limited number of aircraft. “The technical alpha has been designed to gather feedback on specific areas and features, and the scope of what is available is limited,” says the Microsoft Flight Simulator team. You can sign up for the alpha test here.

The current version of Microsoft Flight Simulator is already a demanding game on PC, and this 2024 edition looks set to raise the PC requirements even further. The recommended specs include 32GB of RAM, an Intel Core i7-10700K, and an RTX 2080. Ideally though, Microsoft says you’ll want up to 64GB of RAM, an RTX 4080, and an Intel Core i7-14700K if you want to play at max settings.

Once Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 releases next month, you’ll be able to fly an air ambulance, be part of a mountain rescue team, or act as search and rescue. There’s even VIP charter services, skydive aviation, air racing, and hot air balloon trips.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is also getting smaller, with the install size reduced to around 30GB. Microsoft is using its latest cloud streaming technology to stream high detailed areas on a flight path, reducing the amount that needs to be preinstalled. Testing this cloud streaming technology is a big part of the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 technical alpha later this month.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 debuts on PC and Xbox Series S / X on November 19th.