Prepar3D v4.3 or XPlane 11?

[wyman_hd]

This is a very controversial topic. Which is better Prepar3D or XPlane? The short answer is, it’s your opinion. This question really has no answer. If you can spend tons of money, get Prepar3D. If you can’t afford too much, (but you’ll need at descent computer) get XPlane. 

Its really what you want in a simulator. If you want a really good 747 and 777 get Prepar3D. If you want a 737-300 series, get XPlane.

But with that in mind, I guess I’ll go over the pros and cons of both sims. 

Prepar3D v4.3

This simulator was developed mpby Lockheed Martin and is still receiving updates. Prepar3D has a WIDE range of addons. (However depending if you buy 32-bit or 64-bit some addons might not work) Also, Prepar3D has been out for quite a while, so it means many developers create software for this simulator. Even today.

Prepar3D has the option of using weapons. (With the hefty price of over $2 grand) And, it has many addon-airport locations. Weather you’re into turboprops or jet engines, Prepar3D has it all. Of course, price might be a big factor. Depending on the addon, it can get expensive. PMDG’s 747 is not easy to come by, and FlightSimLabs’ A320 and 319 is also a big wallet ripper. However, if price isn’t a big problem, then I suggest investing in Prepar3D. Scenery is also a problem. Prepar3D isnt really a flight simulator, but it’s more like a platform to run software. 

However, if you don’t have a decent computer, you can expect terrible framerate with Prepar3D. Prepar3D isn’t great when it comes to optimizing (however it’s gotten better) especially with addon traffic. 

If you experience issues with addons or the simulator, the community will definitely help. Prepar3D has a large community and forums so if you have a problem with anything, just post a topic and you might be able to fix your problem.

Also, if you are looking into freeware aircrafts and sceney, there is no shortage. While of course freeware isn’t as good as  payware, it still can get the job done. And there are some pretty darn good freewares out there. Freeware has started in FS2004 and so there are a lot of addons out there. And freewares aren’t as much of a headache as paywares when it comes to installing to different sims. Most freewares are compatible with FS2004 through Prepar3D. Due to the fact that freewares are quite simple and don’t require making 32 or 64 bit version.

However, if auto gen scenery and cities are very important to you, I would suggest NOT getting Prepar3D as unless if you buy ORBX, Prepar3D’s scenery placement of buildings isn’t very accurate. And, some places might not be updated correctly. I’ll give you an example of what I mean. In Reno Nevada a hotel called Peppermill (Its east of the airport KRNO) has 2 towers. However, since Prepar3D’s sceney is so outdated, you will only see 1 tower. (The 2nd tower’s construction completion was in 2008) Also, I believe ORBX only takes in account of the roads and building placement. But the actual building design doesn’t change. So if scenery is a big deal, I would suggest staying away from Prepar3D. 

XPlane 11 

Now, if you’re looking for a cheap and recent flight simulator, XPlane 11 is the way to go. While, XPlane doesn’t have a wide range of addons like Prepar3D, XPlane doesn’t need it. XPlane is pretty good without scenery addons. With OrthoXP (basically a free ORBX) you can have updated sceneries. Since XPlane was released not too long ago, the scenery will be much more updated than Prepar3D’s. 

Now, when it comes to aircraft, XPlane is struggling. With the only large success was the IXEG 737and FF 767/757 it’s hard to say XPlane has good addons. Of course, I cant blame them since it’s a new sim, and Prepar3D has been out for a while. XPlane does have good autogen and optimization for older computers, and the lighting and weather engine is much better than Prepar3D’s. And, the night lighting is astounding. If you’re into VFR flights, you’ll love XPlane. 

Flight dynamics in XPlane is also much better than Prepar3D’s. XPlane takes in account the weight of the plane, the size of the plane, the wind, the OAC, and others. Prepar3D is like a fixed value and doesn’t change. XPlane is very flexible and can change how the plane behaves. 

However, most plane in XPlane are either, not in developed yet, or, developed but isn’t that good. Let’s say, the 787. In XPlane there’s I believe there the Magknight 787. The cockpit isn’t that good and it’s comparable to infinite flight. In Prepar3D, the QualityWings 787, is a great rendition of the 787 (although not free). While I won’t be talking if the Magknight or QualityWings is better, you can expect the QW to be at least a little better. (Considering how much more pricy it is) So, of course, you will have to sacrifice something if you decide to pay less. If you pay more, you’ll get a great plane, but, your wallet will be dying.

Addons like the 717, Concorde, BAc One-Eleven, 707, Dash 8 Q400, and 777 aren’t in XPlane (actually some are but they aren’t as good as the Prepar3D versions). So, you can invest I Prepar3D now, or wait until XPlane has released these addons. 

FAQ:

If XPlane has better scenery, why is companies like ORBX and LatinVFR surviving?

Prepar3D has a much larger community, and so that means people will stick to Prepar3D.

Of XPlane doesn’t have addons like 717 and Concorde, how is XPlane even surviving?

XPlane is a great platform for new scenery and new flight simulator enthusiasts. And XPlane is much cheaper.

Does XPlane have wing flex?

Yes, however, I feel like it’s a bit too overdone and sometimes your wings can bend like a rubber band.

Does XPlane or Prepar3D have any crashing physics?

Neither of these games are softbody physics or have any crashing engine of any kind. However, XPlane does have crashing physics. Prepar3D just gives you a message saying “CRASH” and you’ll be reset to your original position. However I would mind too much on crashing physics because these simulators were meant to use for flying not crashing. If you want a soft body physics crashing engine, I suggest BeamNG.drive. 

 

[vgbaron]

ok, you've made your point. Topic closed - it's been beaten to death.

 

Vic