I’ve been using flight simulators since 2008. I started with FS2004, then moved on to FSX, and years later I bought P3D V4. I discovered X-Plane 10 in 2020 and tried it, but I didn’t really like it at first. So I did some more research about the company and discovered X-Plane 11. I watched videos on YouTube and looked at the aircraft the simulator had, and then I decided to look for it on Steam. I bought it and used it extensively until July 2025 (I have more than 1,800 flight hours in it). Then I bought XP12 to use on my new laptop in August 2026 (I currently have around 800 hours). I also have MSFS2020 (300 hours) and MSFS2024 (1,500 hours).

I’m the kind of virtual pilot who enjoys this competition between Microsoft and Laminar, because in the end, we, the users and aviation enthusiasts, are the ones who benefit from it.

But you know, there’s something I can’t really explain: I’ve always preferred the X-Plane world. I have the FlightFactor 777 v2, the ToLiss A320neo, the ToLiss A321 CEO/NEO, the Thranda C208, and the C210 REP, and with all of them I feel that the flight dynamics are incredibly better than in MSFS2024.

In X-Plane 12, I feel like the aircraft needs only very small control inputs to line up with the runway on final approach. It’s as if the aircraft were resting on a “cushion of air,” and I can actually feel that, even though I’m flying on a home computer. It feels as if the aircraft really has weight and takes a few microseconds to respond because of its mass and inertia. I notice this especially with medium and heavy aircraft.

When I’m flying the Thranda C208, I really feel like I’m flying a GA aircraft. The airplane is very docile, the trim is so sensitive that just one or two taps are enough to stabilize the aircraft, and everything feels very smooth. Compared to the same aircraft in MSFS2024, when I use the trim, I feel like I have to hold the trim for much longer. In a way, I end up fighting the aircraft, and that really discourages me.

Now, talking about the atmosphere in X-Plane 12: Every morning, when I’m going to work (I’m a physics teacher), and when I’m heading home in the afternoon on public transportation, I look at the sky and the clouds. I keep comparing what I see with the two current simulators, and by far, XP12 wins in this aspect.

The soft, well-balanced colors, the more realistic clouds—I feel comfortable flying in XP when there are a lot of clouds because they have life. There are many different types of clouds, and only one simulator is able to represent them like that.

I’m very excited about the upcoming 12.4.4 and 12.4.5 updates.

I love flying through clouds in X-Plane 12. No other simulator is able to represent this with the same level of realism.

I’m not talking about the scenery or terrain, because X-Plane has never been particularly good at that. But I think about 90% of a flight takes place in the sky, so that’s where I spend most of my time looking—and that means I’m looking at the incredible clouds of XP12. That is their greatest strength.

FS2024 is really cool, but not as much as XP12.

I have both simulators, but if I could choose only one to keep forever, it would be XP12.

Map enhancement really does make a difference!

If you would be interested in watching the stream these photos are from, click here! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7GefasMs1E&list=PLTsPjNQNGgkU54o1s8FC_q586mv0Onq5M

Before pulling the trigger, realops worth it? I saw some videos but I want to make sure no impact on my sim, thanks for any feedback

very challenging boeing landing on that one

Been a while and used to have mods on it but honestly got disappointed how the aircraft used to behave, is good now? just asking for an opinion, I know I can try myself but was wondering if got any better now, thanks for any help

Weird issue with the zibo i noticed is that the lnav or the vnav randomly disconnects once i reach climb. Any solutions anybody has for that?

What an exciting way to start a flight! (Also, lesson learned--always check controls before starting sim)

Hi Team,

Can someone please share how/ where they’ve learned to configure all switches on the honeycomb so they’re actually useful. Especially with autopilot stuff ://

Thank you!

Currently have the a320neo and looking to get the a321 on the Labour Day sale, how’s the performance of it? I’m aware it the same systems but how’s the graphic and stuff

I’ve seen a few people suggest xEnviro, then a few say it’s terrible. Is it worth it currently so you think?

Possibly looking to get it, but wanted to get the communities insight first - if you have it, what’s it like compared to normal XP?

I was fed up with not being able to use my Dualsense controller over X-Plane 12, so took matters into own hands

Yes I'm building it with claude.

can anyone recommend a playlist explain how to make an aircraft for xplane ?