I have been eyeing down X-Plane 12 for a bit now and I think I want to buy it, however after seeing MSFS 2024 I am debating whether to get X-Plane 12 or MSFS 2024. While I value the realism in planes X-Plane gives, I also want good graphics and a wide selection of aircraft that MSFS gives since addons for X-Plane are very much expensive. MSFS also is overbudget for me so thats why im debating if I should get that or X-Plane. Please give your thoughts on this.

Why don't you just get the $1 Game Pass trial from Microsoft and try out MSFS, along with installing the free X-Plane 12 demo?

No perfect sim exists. IMO, one needs to list their top feature priorities and choose a sim based on that.

Be warned, FS2024 has lots of issues still, especially if one tries to fly seriously.

First sorry for my bad english 

I use both 2020 and xp12 one does not exclude the other, both simulators. The issue of addon is already what you already look for or need what to be more expensive or cheaper is relative, for example the 738 zibo is a free masterpiece but I personally do not like the 737 so I do not fly it, the CL650 for 125 dollars may be difficult to buy for many people as in this hobby there are many realities but there is no addon that comes even close to everything this plane offers but of course you have to see what use you are going to give and what your preferences are.

2024 is a very personal decision but I'm not going to buy it as it doesn't have offline mode and I'm not going to invest hundreds of dollars in a simulator that Microsoft can close at will as Google did with Stadia.

2 hours ago, sfaviation said:

While I value the realism in planes X-Plane gives, I also want good graphics and a wide selection of aircraft that MSFS gives since addons for X-Plane are very much expensive.

If you want to see X-plane potential when it comes to graphics. Check this trailer of the C525 Citation Jet by Torquesim which going to be release today. Kind of gives you an idea of what can be done while still having the realism.

BTW they use no plug for the graphics, just default and XPrealisitic for the camera.

 

 

 

Edited December 14, 20241 yr by BobFS88

4 hours ago, sfaviation said:

I have been eyeing down X-Plane 12 for a bit now and I think I want to buy it, however after seeing MSFS 2024 I am debating whether to get X-Plane 12 or MSFS 2024. While I value the realism in planes X-Plane gives, I also want good graphics and a wide selection of aircraft that MSFS gives since addons for X-Plane are very much expensive. MSFS also is overbudget for me so thats why im debating if I should get that or X-Plane. Please give your thoughts on this.

Hi,

 

I use both Microsoft and X-Plane. I prefer Microsoft during the day and XPlane at night with reshade.

X-Plane and MSFS are both good sims

11 minutes ago, Mike_CFII_MEL said:

Hi,

 

I use both Microsoft and X-Plane. I prefer Microsoft during the day and XPlane at night with reshade.

The ideal solution is to use both as they have different strengths and weaknesses, but that does come with cost and disk space requirement implications so isn't perfect for everyone.

Like Cameron said, invest 1$ in MSFS 2024 and play with it for two weeks.
Also invest 0$ in the XP12 demo and play for as long as you want in 15 minutes sessions around Portland, Oregon.

Then make your choice.

To expand a bit, MSFS2024 is in a bit of a messy state at the moment and has hw requirements higher than XP12

9 hours ago, sfaviation said:

I have been eyeing down X-Plane 12 for a bit now and I think I want to buy it, however after seeing MSFS 2024 I am debating whether to get X-Plane 12 or MSFS 2024. While I value the realism in planes X-Plane gives, I also want good graphics and a wide selection of aircraft that MSFS gives since addons for X-Plane are very much expensive. MSFS also is overbudget for me so thats why im debating if I should get that or X-Plane. Please give your thoughts on this.

As a BIG fan of X-Plane for many, many years, take my advice: if you only have money for one sim, get MSFS.

Also, MSFS is cheaper than X-Plane v12 ($60 vs $80), so not sure why you think MSFS is "overbudget"...?

This isn't to say that MSFS is "better" than X-Plane or vice-versa, but simply that for the most immersive experience with the least amount of money and/or messing about with configuring freeware visual improvements and such, MSFS is the literal Easy Button.

Edited December 14, 20241 yr by UrgentSiesta
2nd point

I fly both but my frustration level with current MSFS 2024 is reaching all time high.  My chance of completing a flight without incident is 50% 😞  . The UI, key binding, etc is a mess.  However VR is beyond amazing in MSFS. 

Yeah, frustrated too with my MSFS2024 purchase, at least for now until the glaring issues are fixed. I uninstalled it like it used to do our fellow simmer here, no names needed 😁 and going back to the trusty MSFS2020 and also enjoying all the time X-Plane 12.

35 minutes ago, alexcolka said:

I uninstalled it like it used to do our fellow simmer here, no names needed 😁

Can't you Just COMMunicate more clearly? Sheesh! 😇

6 hours ago, BobFS88 said:

If you want to see X-plane potential when it comes to graphics. Check this trailer of the C525 Citation Jet by Torquesim which going to be release today. Kind of gives you an idea of what can be done while still having the realism.

BTW they use no plug for the graphics, just default and XPrealisitic for the camera.

To be fair, box-stock XP Default aircraft look great. They really did a good job with them aand they give a very good flight experience.

A good way to get a GREAT flight experience for cheap is to pair up one of the Defaults with one of the Reality Enhancement Packages.

1 hour ago, Cameron XA said:

Can't you Just COMMunicate more clearly? Sheesh! 😇

🤣🤣🤣

10 hours ago, sfaviation said:

I have been eyeing down X-Plane 12 for a bit now and I think I want to buy it, however after seeing MSFS 2024 I am debating whether to get X-Plane 12 or MSFS 2024.

Why not use both? MSFS leans a bit more toward a game-like experience, but I found its career mode quite enjoyable. The missions provide unique routes and tasks that I wouldn’t typically try, and the scenery is stunning. If you’re looking for a sim with a sense of purpose, it’s a great choice. (Note: You don’t have to use it this way, but the UI does encourage it.)

That said, I still prefer X-Plane (though I keep both installed). It starts up faster, has a more straightforward UI, and is my go-to when I know exactly what I want to fly. Ultimately, third-party add-ons are what pull me between the two sims.”