Microsoft Flight Simulator looks stunning in the new Insider teaser

(Image credit: Microsoft)

Earth is the star of the latest Microsoft Flight Simulator teaser, which gives members of the Insider programme a glimpse of the upcoming Feature Discovery series' first episode. Episode 1 will be taking a look at our funky planet and all the picturesque locations you'll be able to soar over when Microsoft Flight Simulator launches next year.

The Feature Discovery series will begin in October, but you can sign up to the Insider programme with your Microsoft account and get a sneak peek in the member's area. There are other benefits, too, not least of which is the opportunity to take the game for a spin early.

The preview doesn't feature any planes, but there's still plenty of amazing aerial shots of forests, cities and oceans to gawk at—they're much nicer views than you'd get if you were actually flying. Insiders can watch it here.

Technical alpha recruitment started earlier in the month for Insiders, and while the road map made it look like the alpha would be out in September, it actually won't begin until October 24. If you don't get an invite this time, there will be other opportunities to fly around before launch.

Microsoft Flight Simulator's Feature Discovery series starts on October 10. In the meantime, there are plenty of clips and screenshots on the Insider page.

Fraser is the UK online editor and has actually met The Internet in person. With over a decade of experience, he's been around the block a few times, serving as a freelancer, news editor and prolific reviewer. Strategy games have been a 30-year-long obsession, from tiny RTSs to sprawling political sims, and he never turns down the chance to rave about Total War or Crusader Kings. He's also been known to set up shop in the latest MMO and likes to wind down with an endlessly deep, systemic RPG. These days, when he's not editing, he can usually be found writing features that are 1,000 words too long or talking about his dog.