X-Plane 11
- March 30, 2017
- Laminar Research
- 71h median play time
Get on SteamX-Plane 11 is a highly realistic flight simulator, offering a vast range of aircraft and detailed global scenery. It features accurate flight dynamics, weather modeling, and a flexible plugin system for expanded functionality. Players can customize their flying experience with an array of options, making it a great choice for both casual pilots and serious aviation enthusiasts.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Linux
Reviews
- graphics1,117 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 46 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics in X-Plane 11 receive mixed reviews, with many users noting that while the visuals can be impressive, especially with high settings and add-ons, they often fall short compared to competitors like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. Users appreciate the realistic flight dynamics and the ability to enhance graphics through various mods, but many also mention that the default graphics can appear dated and require a powerful PC to run smoothly. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, they are often seen as secondary to the simulator's superior physics and realism.
“The graphics are stunning, and the scenery is incredibly lifelike, making it easy to lose yourself in the world of aviation.”
“X-plane 11 presents a breathtaking world of aviation, with stunningly realistic visuals that capture the essence of flight.”
“The graphics are amazing and incredibly realistic.”
“The graphics are so bad it feels like the game is older than my granny, and the ATC is garbage, and so is the VFR navigation.”
“The graphics are nothing to write home about, but they will do.”
“The graphics in this game look absolutely terrible unless you download literally hundreds of GB worth of ground textures called 'orthophotos' from the X-Plane forums and plenty of other addons which may or may not work right away.”
- optimization253 mentions
- 28 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The optimization of various flight simulators has received mixed reviews, with many users noting that while some titles like X-Plane 11 have improved performance through updates like Vulkan, they still require powerful hardware to run smoothly, especially at high settings. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 is often praised for its graphics but criticized for performance issues, particularly on lower-end systems. Overall, while some users report solid performance and stability, others experience significant stuttering and lag, indicating that optimization remains a critical area for improvement across the board.
“The simulator's use of blade-element theory ensures that every flight feels unique, with factors like weight, balance, and environmental conditions accurately affecting the aircraft's performance.”
“X-plane runs super smooth with its new Vulkan rendering engine, no stuttering at all.”
“Great flight simulator, well optimized for modern systems and has a great flight model.”
“The game optimization is done like shit.”
“The game is not optimized enough for VR.”
“I have reached my end and now loading this dated and very poorly optimized sim becomes instantly frustrating.”
- story143 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 77 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game is criticized for its complete lack of a story and missions, leaving players feeling unfulfilled and bored. Many users express disappointment with the shallow flight school missions and the absence of engaging scenarios, which are common in other flight simulators. Overall, it is viewed as a realistic flight simulator but lacking in content and narrative depth.
“It is realistic and has helped to further me in my quest as an aspiring pilot in real life.”
“Yet, if you're looking for a highly realistic, good looking flight simulator that has small scenario missions, and a map of the entire world, then this is the one you should get.”
“After the love story I had with FSX and then P3D, I told myself it can't get any better than this until I tried X-Plane; the moment you hit the throttle of the default Cessna you immediately get thrown out of the chair, the physics are spot on.”
“There is no story in the game, so it lacks something to play through.”
“The flight school is literally 5 short missions long, and after that - you are on your own.”
“In my opinion, the game is absolute trash; I have tried and tried to enjoy it, but it just feels empty and the flight physics are about non-existent.”
- gameplay120 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 3 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the simulator is generally praised for its realistic flight mechanics and excellent design, making it a top choice for aviation enthusiasts. While the graphics are noted to be stunning, some users feel that the gameplay can be forgiving in certain aspects, such as landings. Overall, the game offers a smooth experience with quick load times, though it may require additional purchases for enhanced content.
“I would say that the game mechanics overall are excellently designed.”
“The immersion, quality, and flight mechanics are spot on.”
“X-Plane 11 is a simulator that has great physics, mechanics, and gameplay and will certainly not disappoint with its high cost.”
“The overall gameplay experience is somewhat okay.”
“You will get about 3 hours of gameplay before your headset needs to be charged.”
“The graphics are amazing and well optimized, the aircraft physics and mechanics are far beyond what I experienced in FSX, but overall the game has succumbed to the microtransaction/payware DLC flare that ruins games for casual gamers like me (who don't have the cash for the numerous plugins which often come with a monthly fee) after having already paid $60 for the game.”
- stability88 mentions
- 23 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 77 % negative mentions
Overall, users report a mixed experience regarding stability, with many noting that while the game runs well on various hardware configurations, it is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, particularly in VR mode. Some players have experienced significant technical issues, including crashes and performance drops, while others find it relatively stable with minor bugs. Despite these challenges, many still enjoy the game, citing its engaging gameplay and community support for troubleshooting.
“Installed and playing flawlessly, no troubleshooting or settings changes needed.”
“Runs great on Linux and with the Logitech yoke.”
“Very easy to install planes and addons, not buggy, not laggy; I think it is a good flight simulator.”
“After hundreds of hours played and more than that spent troubleshooting, it just wasn't worth it.”
“It's incredibly buggy for a $60 game.”
“My overall experience in x-plane 11 was satisfactory but this program is still very buggy, has memory allocation issues/errors and I simply cannot trust this simulator for a long haul flight.”
- grinding33 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 73 % neutral mentions
- 27 % negative mentions
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that grinding in the game is excessively time-consuming, often requiring players to invest significant effort and patience. Many users describe the experience as tedious, with outdated interfaces and lengthy setup processes contributing to the grind. Overall, players feel that the game demands an unrealistic amount of time to progress effectively.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“Setting up X-Plane and the associated hardware is tedious and takes longer than the steam power gives you to evaluate the program.”
“My only knock would be that plugins/scenery (which are nearly a requirement for the best experience) can be a bit tedious to set up, as they require editing in the file system instead of an in-game interface.”
- humor19 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is often derived from its quirky mechanics and unexpected situations, such as the limited AI traffic and the absurdity of the ATC banning players after crashes. Players find amusement in the game's unrealistic elements, like the AI's inability to land planes and the humorous challenges posed by the controls. Overall, while the game has its flaws, many users appreciate its comedic moments and lighthearted approach.
“After crashing due to bad ATC instruction, the ATC actually bans you from their airspace, which I find hilarious.”
“If you install the right add-ons and read a few flight books, you can have very funny flights.”
“I really like this game; it's very realistic and also has anything you need, but one very funny thing is that there is a space shuttle.”
- music7 mentions
- 57 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as moderately engaging, enhancing the overall experience, especially during night flights. While some users feel it could be improved with more mission-specific tracks, many appreciate the ability to play their own music in the background, contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. Overall, the combination of sound and music is well-received, particularly for those seeking realism in their flight simulation experience.
“Great game if you want realism. If you download this game, you should install addons like the SR22 or the Zibo 737-800X. Flying at night with music in the background is the best and most relaxing feeling I have ever had!”
“Great flight sim experience to relax and fly while enjoying beautiful scenery and playing music in the background.”
“Sounds and music feel moderately engaging, and the HUD and in-game menus are pretty much user-friendly.”
“Could be a bit better with missions and music like Flight Simulator 10, but it's okay, I love it!”
- atmosphere5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- -20 % neutral mentions
- 60 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is highly customizable, allowing players to manipulate weather conditions with impressive graphics and realism, especially when compared to other simulators like FSX. While the current version shows significant improvements in lighting, shading, and overall optimization, those seeking extreme realism may want to wait for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, which demands high-end systems and operates on a subscription model.
“Players had the option to manipulate weather conditions, choosing from presets or customizing their own atmospheric setups.”
“Compared to version 10, the atmosphere is far improved; the lighting looks correctly saturated and appealing, the shading and colors look lifelike, and the entire sim is optimized beautifully (even more so in the coming update).”
“It provides relatively great graphics when compared to other sims like FSX and also comes with increased realism.”
“If I know something about physics, a B737 can't rocket fly up to 600,000 feet - of course - having atmosphere-based engines.”
“Weather/atmosphere”
“Compared to version 10, the atmosphere is far improved, the lighting looks correctly saturated and appealing, the shading and colors look lifelike, and the entire sim is optimized beautifully (even more so in the coming update).”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Users express a mix of frustration and nostalgia regarding the emotional experience of using the simulator. While the software can evoke feelings of heartbreak due to technical issues and the challenges of transitioning from previous versions, there is also a sense of satisfaction and worth in the overall experience.
“It's heartbreaking and so frustrating, and it's happened to me more than once with this sim.”
“I know it's heartbreaking leaving FSX and all the addons we have bought over the years, but it has certainly been worth it!”
- replayability4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- -50 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers high replayability, with some describing it as "infinitely replayable," indicating a strong potential for players to return to the experience multiple times. Additionally, improvements in performance on various hardware, such as the 1080 GTX, enhance the overall enjoyment and accessibility of the game.
“Replay value is outstanding.”
“The game is infinitely replayable.”
“Replayability is a key feature that keeps me coming back for more.”
“Replay value is lacking.”
“The replayability is minimal.”
“There isn't much incentive to replay the game.”
- monetization4 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game has received criticism for intrusive ads that appear frequently, alongside a plethora of in-app purchases that detract from the overall experience. While some users appreciate the reduced ad presence in certain areas, the overall sentiment leans towards dissatisfaction with the aggressive monetization strategies.
“Since recently, you now receive annoying ads every time you load the game!”
“There are way too many in-app purchases for the game to get a 5-star review.”
“After the FS2020 cash grab refund.”
