X-Plane 11

About

X-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.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

92%

Audience ScoreBased on 8,736 reviews

graphics576 positive mentions

story27 negative mentions

graphics
1,179 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
49%
46%
5%
The graphics in X-Plane 11 receive mixed reviews, with many users praising the overall visual quality and realism, especially when running on high settings or with additional mods. However, several reviewers note that the default graphics can appear dated compared to competitors like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, and some express disappointment with the scenery and object density. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, they may require significant tweaking and additional content to reach their full potential.
- “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 nothing to write home about, but they will do.”
- “The graphics are so ugly and poor that it reminds me of PS2.”
- “The graphics quality of MSFS and accuracy of the terrain are unquestionably superior.”
optimization
268 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
28%
51%
21%
Overall, the optimization of the flight simulator has received mixed reviews. Many users appreciate its ability to run smoothly on low-end hardware and commend the recent Vulkan update for improving performance, while others report significant stuttering and lag, particularly on high settings or in VR. Despite some users experiencing excellent performance, there are consistent complaints about the game's optimization being subpar, especially for older systems, leading to a need for powerful hardware to achieve satisfactory frame rates.
- “Very optimized: the simulator is very stable.”
- “The game is extremely well optimized!”
- “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.”
story
154 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
77%
18%
The reviews overwhelmingly indicate that the game lacks a meaningful story or mission structure, with many users expressing disappointment over the absence of engaging content and scenarios. Players note that the flight school missions are minimal and poorly designed, leading to a sense of emptiness and boredom. Overall, the game is characterized more as a flight simulator focused on realism rather than a traditional game with a narrative or mission-driven gameplay.
- “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.”
- “Despite this, nothing feels better than knowing that you can startup a commercial airliner, plot its course, and land at its destination.”
- “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, it just feels empty and the flight physics are about non-existent. I couldn't stall a jet out at 60 mph with full air brakes applied and full flaps... the game has zero missions.”
gameplay
130 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
73%
2%
The gameplay of the simulator is widely praised for its realism and well-designed mechanics, offering a significant improvement over previous versions like FSX. Users appreciate the stunning graphics and immersive experience, particularly for aviation enthusiasts, although some note that the aircraft can be overly forgiving during landings. Overall, the game is considered a top choice for realistic flight simulation, with smooth performance and extensive customization options, despite some concerns about the complexity of installing additional aircraft.
- “I would say that the game mechanics overall are excellently designed.”
- “Went from FSX to X-Plane 11 and it was a massive improvement in both quality with graphics and the overall functions and mechanics of how the aircraft react to situations and airflow. They got it right; X-Plane game developers are killing it.”
- “The immersion, quality, and flight mechanics are spot on.”
- “The overall gameplay experience is somewhat okay.”
- “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.”
- “If you are looking for an actual game with missions, enemies to fight with, and tutorials that show you the 'gameplay', you are probably not the person that should buy this. However, this is not a plane-fighter type of experience so do not buy if you expect that sort of gameplay.”
stability
87 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
22%
78%
Overall, user reviews indicate that while the game generally runs well on various hardware configurations, it is plagued by numerous bugs and glitches, particularly in VR mode and with certain aircraft systems. Many players report a frustrating experience with frequent crashes, freezes, and issues related to add-ons, although some appreciate the community support for troubleshooting. Despite these stability concerns, many still find the game enjoyable and recommend it for its flight simulation features.
- “Installed and playing flawlessly, no troubleshooting or settings changes needed.”
- “Runs great and performs for a flight sim.”
- “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.”
grinding
35 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
74%
26%
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 UI elements and lengthy setup processes contributing to the grind. Overall, players feel that the game demands an unrealistic amount of time to achieve progress.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Setting up X-Plane and the associated hardware is tedious and takes longer than the time you have to evaluate the program.”
- “I also wish these missions had a quick restart option on the report card screen, but the only options are exit and next lesson, so it's tedious to try and improve specific scores.”
humor
19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is often derived from its quirky mechanics and absurd situations, such as the limited AI traffic and the comical failures of the AI pilot. Players find amusement in the game's unrealistic elements, like the ATC banning players after crashes and the humorous challenges posed by the controls. Overall, while the game has its flaws, many users appreciate its funny moments and lighthearted approach.
- “After crashing due to bad ATC instruction, the ATC actually bans you from their airspace, which I find hilarious.”
- “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.”
- “Yup, the AI pilot can't even land a plane, so watch the AI pilot land; it's funny.”
atmosphere
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
25%
25%
The atmosphere in the game is highly praised for its stunning graphics and realistic weather manipulation options, enhancing the overall immersive experience. Players appreciate the improved lighting, shading, and color saturation compared to previous versions, contributing to a more lifelike simulation. However, some note that achieving extreme realism may require high-end systems, especially when compared to upcoming titles like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020.
- “Players had the option to manipulate weather conditions, choosing from presets or customizing their own atmospheric setups.”
- “Graphic is absolutely stunning; the atmosphere in the simulation is something fantastic.”
- “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 simulation is optimized beautifully.”
- “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”
music
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
57%
29%
14%
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, creating a relaxing atmosphere while enjoying the game's realistic flying 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!”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Users express a mix of frustration and emotional attachment in their experiences with the simulator. While they find the journey through various states rewarding and visually captivating, they also encounter technical issues that can be disheartening, particularly when leaving behind previous software. Overall, the emotional impact is characterized by a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and occasional disappointment.
- “It's heartbreaking and so, 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!”
- “Within 10 hours of playing, I have already flown a route (LGA-ATL) in the default MD-80 and couldn't stop taking screenshots, even as my wheels were touching down (thanks autoland).”
replayability
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
75%
75%
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.”
- “Vulcan beta has made VR much more playable on my 1080 GTX.”
- “The replay value is quite low, making it hard to justify multiple playthroughs.”
- “Replayability is lacking, as the game doesn't offer enough variety to keep players engaged.”
- “Once you've completed the game, there's little incentive to return for another playthrough.”
monetization
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
75%
The monetization aspect of the game has received criticism for the frequent and intrusive ads that appear during loading, as well as the excessive in-app purchases required to enhance the gaming experience. However, some users appreciate the reduced ad presence in certain contexts, such as the marketplace for purchasing new planes.
- “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.”