not good

grrr

Recommended ★★★★☆ (4/5)

If you're looking for a hardcore flight simulator that prioritizes realism over accessibility, X-Plane 11 is one of the best in the genre. It offers incredibly detailed flight physics, a wide variety of aircraft, and an active modding community that keeps the experience fresh.

Pros:
✈️ Realistic Flight Model – The physics engine is one of the best, making every aircraft feel unique and immersive.
🌍 Massive, Open World – The entire globe is available, with accurate terrain and scenery.
🛠️ Modding & Add-ons – The community is amazing, with tons of free and payware mods that enhance aircraft, scenery, and realism.
🕹️ VR Support – A fantastic (though demanding) experience if you have the hardware for it.
🔧 Highly Customizable – Tons of settings to tweak, whether you're a casual flyer or a hardcore sim enthusiast.

Cons:
⚠️ Outdated Graphics – The base game looks decent, but compared to MSFS 2020, the default scenery and textures feel lacking.
💾 Performance Demands – Running the sim with high settings, add-ons, and dense scenery can be brutal on hardware.
🛫 Steep Learning Curve – Not beginner-friendly; expect to spend time learning systems, navigation, and proper procedures.
💸 DLC & Add-on Costs – While the base game is solid, many high-quality aircraft and scenery packs are paid, and they add up fast.

Final Verdict:
X-Plane 11 is a fantastic sim for serious aviation enthusiasts. It may not have the out-of-the-box visual polish of Microsoft Flight Simulator, but its flight physics, modding potential, and customization make it a great choice for those who want a true-to-life flying experience. If you’re into realism, flight planning, and IFR procedures, you’ll love it. If you’re looking for casual flying with stunning visuals, you might want to check out other options.

✅ Best for: Hardcore simmers, real-world pilots, and those who love tinkering with aircraft and mods.
❌ Not for: Those who want an easy, plug-and-play flight experience.

💡 Tip: Get community add-ons for improved scenery and weather effects—XP11 shines when modded!