X-Shop EducationArticles
AliveGrass for X-Plane 12: grass that finally exists
AliveGrass from AionSky Studios adds simulated vegetation around the camera in suitable terrain. Fields, airport environs, and countryside no longer appear as flat textures.
Fenix A320 Family: an overview for those who want to Airbus for real
Fenix has long been considered the benchmark study-level Airbus in MSFS. We analyze what’s inside the A320 Family, how things are with MSFS 2024, and who really needs this aircraft.
GSX Pro in MSFS 2020/2024: what it is and how to set it up from scratch
If the default ground services in MSFS 2020/2024 seem cardboard-like — GSX Pro fixes that. We break down what the addon can do and how to install it correctly the first time.
iniBuilds A350: we analyze the most ambitious widget from the studio
The A350 from iniBuilds for MSFS 2020/2024 is not just “another widebody”. Let's figure out what's inside, whether it's worth taking and who it's suitable for
MSFS 2024 - what's new in Sim Update 5.1 (1.7.35.0)
Update 5.1 has been released for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Let's look at what has been fixed: from stability and electrics on glass to WASM crashes on ATR and Aerostar 600.
How to install an addon manually - step-by-step instructions
I bought the addon in X-Shop, received the file - and what next? We disassemble the installation manually for MSFS 2024, X-Plane 12 and P3D. No further words, just to the point.
Where to start in MSFS 2024: the first 3 hours in the simulator
Bought MSFS 2024 and don’t know where to start? We tell you what to do in the first hours so as not to get lost and immediately enjoy flying.
FELIS 747-200F: first flight - step-by-step instructions
A complete guide to the first flight of the FELIS Boeing 747-200F in X-Plane 12. From a cold cockpit to shutting down the engines - no water, just what you really need to do. Suitable for those who just bought the addon and want to immediately lift Classic Queen into the air correctly.
Newbie mistakes when flying for the first time under VFR
PVP seems simple - take off, fly, land. But beginners consistently make the same mistakes. We look at the top mistakes and how to avoid them the first time.
Landing in a crosswind: how pilots cope with crosswind
Side wind is one of the main enemies when landing. Let's look at how the crab and sideslip techniques work, what crosswind limit is considered safe, and what it looks like in the simulator.
Putting together the perfect setup for X-Plane 12 in 2026
We select plugins, planes and utilities that will turn X-Plane 12 into the perfect simulator - from visual improvements and camera to performance and navigation
PMDG Boeing 737-600 for MSFS 2024 - a compact airliner from industry leaders
PMDG has released the Boeing 737-600 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 - the smallest and most affordable aircraft in the 737NG line. Let's figure out what's inside, who it's suitable for and whether it's worth buying
🎧 BeyondATC Base Pack - a new era of air traffic controllers in MSFS 2020/2024
BeyondATC is a smart air traffic controller for Microsoft Flight Simulator that replaces standard ATC with lively, logical and realistic communication. No more boredom and identical phrases - just a real aviation vibe.
Weather in the sim: how close to reality it is
We'll figure out how realistically the weather works in modern flight simulators, what data is used, and where the border between real weather conditions and simulation lies.
How MSFS 2024 differs from MSFS 2020
Let's look at the key differences between Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020: physics, content, approach to simulation, and who should really upgrade.
IniBuilds Airbus A340-300 for MSFS 2024: four engines for long-haul flights
Four engines, insufficient thrust and a 40-minute climb - IniBuilds has recreated the A340-300 with all its limitations. Ready for the challenge?
WalkAround for X-Plane 11/12 - when the simulator comes alive
WalkAround is a plugin for X-Plane 11 and 12 that allows you to walk around the plane and around the airport like a real pilot. Minimum pathos, maximum immersion. One of those things that makes a regular camera feel like a fake.
TOP 7 mistakes made by beginners in flight simulators (and how not to lose the pleasure of flying)
Newbies to flight simulators often get frustrated not because of the difficulty, but because of the common mistakes. In this article, we analyze the most common failures and explain how to start flying for pleasure, and not through pain.
How we choose addons in X-Shop
Why do X-Shop sell these particular addons and not others? We talk about the criteria for selecting products for our store
Autopilot in simple words
An autopilot in aviation is not a magic “fly by yourself” button, but a complex system of assistance to pilots.
💸 How much does it really cost to enter flight sim (X-Plane 11/12)
An honest analysis: is it possible to fly in X-Plane without huge expenses and how much does this hobby really cost at different levels?
🛫 Airbus A320ceo by ToLiss - classic Airbus in X-Plane
Airbus A320ceo by ToLiss is a highly realistic add-on for X-Plane 11 and X-Plane 12, recreating the classic version of the A320 family with maximum accuracy of systems, avionics and flight model. An ideal choice for those who want an old-school Airbus experience with ToLiss' signature fly-by-wire philosophy.
How to choose a sound pack for X-Plane 11/12 - comparison of BSS, Mango and FMOD
Full comparison of sound packs for X-Plane: BSS, Mango Studios and FMOD. We analyze the quality, compatibility, features of each package and recommendations for different aircraft. Helps you choose the best sound for your simulator.
How to Increase FPS in X-Plane 11/12 - Complete Optimization Guide
Learn how to significantly improve X-Plane 11/12 performance: optimal graphics settings, Tweaks, Lua scripts, plugin cleanup and scene tips. A complete guide that will help increase FPS on any PC.
10 must-have plugins for X-Plane 12 - the best additions for your simulator
A complete list of the best plugins for X-Plane 12 in 2025: improved camera, realistic aircraft movement, ground handling, maps, traffic and much more. An updated and current selection of must-have add-ons.
❄️ Competition “Best winter X-Shop screenshot”! 🎄✈️
Winter is in full swing - it's time to show how beautifully you fly in the snow of MSFS and X-Plane! We are launching a New Year's screenshot contest, and each of you can not only express yourself, but also receive X-Shop Rewards bonuses 🔥
Mango Studios Custom Sounds for X-Plane: Are They Necessary? Detailed analysis
Let's figure out whether it's worth buying sound packs from Mango Studios for X-Plane 11 and 12. We compare standard sounds with custom ones, analyze the impact on the realism of the simulation and immersion in flight.
X-Camera for X-Plane 11/12: what is it and why is it needed
X-Camera is a powerful plugin for X-Plane 11/12 that revolutionizes the simulator's camera system. Create cinematic looks, save your own camera angles and control your camera with never-before-seen flexibility ✈️
ToLiss A320neo: the best Airbus for X-Plane 12?
In this article we will look at why the ToLiss A320neo is called the best Airbus for X-Plane 12 and whether it is really worth the money.
FlightSim Studio Boeing 727 Freighter
FlightSim Studio Boeing 727 Freighter is a highly detailed add-on for the cargo version of the legendary three-engine airliner for Microsoft Flight Simulator.
FlightFactor 777 Freighter Upgrade - the new generation of cargo aircraft in X-Plane
The FlightFactor 777 Freighter Upgrade takes the iconic Boeing 777F to a new level of realism with improved graphics, redesigned systems, new capabilities and a modern approach to simulating a heavy cargo vehicle.
Products from REX are the key to improving your MSFS
If you want to take your Microsoft Flight Simulator to the next level of graphics, atmosphere and realism, products from REX Simulations are the perfect solution.
✈️ ATC Phraseology for flight simmers: how to speak confidently
ATC phraseology is a structured language designed to eliminate ambiguity and speed up communication. It is enough to master a few key situations and fear disappears.
Complex landings of the world: Lukla, Gibraltar and Princess Juliana
Once you've mastered the basic piloting skills and feel confident behind the controls, it's time to try something more exciting.
Practice for sim pilots: Where to start and how to develop
Flight simulators are not just games. This is an opportunity to feel like a real pilot without leaving home.
Landing approaches: types and explanation of each
A detailed story about landing approaches in simple language
⛽ Calculation of fuel for a long-haul flight
Fuel is the life of an airplane! 🛫
🌤️ METAR, TAF, NOTAM: learning to read aviation weather
Flying without weather is like going to a restaurant without a menu! 😄
📍 How to create a flight route: from SimBrief to FMC
Here we will tell you in detail about drawing up a flight plan!
Must-have addons: quick start
The best addons for X-Plane and MSFS.
X-Plane vs Microsoft Flight Simulator: Fair Comparison ✈️
Here we'll outline the key differences between the two leading flight simulators, help you choose the right option based on your goals and PC specs, and explain why many simmers use both platforms.
X-Shop - we sell emotions
Who we are and how we help simmers