X-Plane 12

Simulation· Flight· Realistic· VR

Released Dec 2022

Ultra-Realistic Flight Simulation

87% positive · 6,655 reviews

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Not yet

Released, but still in active development

High confidence

Active Development

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $59.99

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Evaluation

X-Plane 12 launched on December 17, 2022 and has been in continuous, sustained development ever since. Laminar Research has shipped a consistent stream of named version updates at a pace of roughly two to four major releases per year: 12.1.0 (July 9, 2024), 12.2.0 (June 23, 2025), 12.3.0 (November 5, 2025), 12.4.0 (February 18, 2026), and most recently 12.4.3 (June 25, 2026). Each of these major releases has introduced new features, systems improvements, and content — not merely bug fixes. Maintenance patches such as 12.4.2 (April 22, 2026) and 12.4.1 (March 30, 2026) fill the gaps between major releases. The developer has never announced that development is complete or that a final update has shipped. The DLC ecosystem continues to grow actively, with third-party add-on airports and scenery packs released as recently as August 2025 (FSDG - Monastir). With the most recent major release on June 25, 2026 — just under two months before today's date — X-Plane 12 remains a platform that Laminar Research is actively and consistently developing.

Evidence

X-Plane 12.4.3 released, described as a VR update, representing the most recent major content release from Laminar Research.

news post · Jun 25, 2026 source content shipped

high

X-Plane 12.4.0 released as a major update with new features.

news post · Feb 18, 2026 source content shipped

high

Content

55 of 55 released · no outstanding content

Released

X-Plane 12 Add-on: Aerosoft - Culebra XP

Sep 2026

Released

X-Plane 12 Add-on: DarkBlue Scenery - New Chitose Intl Airport

Mar 2026

Media

Details

Developer

Laminar Research

Publisher

Laminar Research

Achievements

—

Platform

Windows, macOS, Linux

Controller

partial support

Steam Deck

Unsupported

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op

Simulation Flight Realistic VR 3D Immersive Sim Action-Adventure First-Person Atmospheric Military Controller Relaxing Choices Matter Open World Moddable

About this game

Since 1995, X-Plane has been at the forefront of flight simulation, continually pushing the boundaries of realism and immersion. X-Plane 12 carries this legacy forward, offering a state-of-the-art simulator that combines real-world physics, unprecedented systems depth, and a true-to-life simulation of the world. Whether you're an aspiring pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply seeking an unmatched flying experience, X-Plane 12 is the go-to platform for any aviation fan.

X-Plane 12 takes immersion to new heights with its dramatically improved volumetric clouds and real live weather system. The new volumetric clouds create stunning, dynamic skies that evolve with the weather. Paired with our revamped live weather feature, which updates conditions in real-time based on global meteorological data, every flight feels truly authentic.

X-Plane 12 introduces a new lighting model that transforms the visual experience. With photometric lighting, every surface is rendered with real light intensities, capturing the subtleties of natural light across different times of day and weather conditions. The addition of bloom effects further enhances realism, creating stunning visuals and making every moment feel more vibrant and authentic.

X-Plane 12 redefines environmental realism with its enhanced scenery features. The world comes to life with new 3D trees that sway in the wind, realistic 3D water that reacts naturally to weather, and updated autogen that brings cities and landscapes to vivid detail. Airports are more immersive than ever with fresh textures, moving boats, and over 20,000 3D airports sourced from the X-Plane Gateway, each with unique, community-driven enhancements. Whether flying low over dense forests or landing at a bustling airport, X-Plane 12's scenery creates an unparalleled sense of place and realism.

New Aircraft in X-Plane 12