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You know Netflix is working on giving Stranger Things its very own video games, right? If you forgot about that, maybe it's because they keep working the franchise into other games. Fortnite, Dead by Daylight - hell even Rocket League got a couple of custom Upside Down skins the other year. But now, Stranger Things has announced what could be its most unexpected crossover yet: with none other than the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise.

Specifically, MFS 2024 just received an all-new expansion pack that puts simmers in a helicopter above the skies of Hawkins, Indiana, during what's a little bit less "reality-driven" than what the hard facts-based simulation franchise is famous for. 

"An adrenaline-packed journey into the universe of the cult series awaits fans and simmers alike," reads the announcement on Playstation's official blog, "Led by Murray Bauman, from the original cast, and his team! Enter the world of Netflix’s Stranger Things to help Hawkins, a town under lockdown, heavy patrols, and supernatural threats."

Yeah, folks, this expansion puts ex-investigative journalist Murray on the front lines of Hawkins defense - you may recall the character is portrayed by Bret Gelman of Fleabag fame. What is not clarified in the blog post, however, is whether Gelman himself has recorded lines for the expansion.

"Think you have what it takes to fly a Bell UH-1H Huey," continues the description. "And help the residents of Hawkins in their latest encounters with the dangers that destroyed their hometown? Try your hand at five exhilarating missions, shady supply ops, close-call chases, and high-stakes rescues… all of it pulling you deeper into the city’s worst fears. No spoilers, but 'Yeah, it gets intense!' as Murray would say."

Intense indeed, and on another note, something for Stranger Things fans to do while biding their time before the next batch of Season 5 episodes drop. Or even, and I shudder to even say this, loyal Hawkins reader, after the show has wrapped.

The Stranger Thing expansion is free to download now for owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Stranger Things season 5 is on Netflix now, followed by volume 2 on December 25, and the ultimate finale of the series on December 31.  

As we all collectively wait for Stranger Things season 5, here's the keys to getting ready:

• How to watch Stranger Things in chronological or release order
• Getting to know the Stranger Things season 5 cast
• There needs to be more death in Stranger Things, says co-star Gaten Matarazzo
• The Stranger Things time jump between season 4 and 5 has been confirmed by Netflix - and it raises some serious questions
• "They land the plane," David Harbour describes the Stranger Things finale, which he calls its "best episode"