Laminar Research has released X-Plane 12.2.0 as a Release Candidate. Marking one of the most significant updates to the platform since the simulator’s initial launch. This release brings sweeping changes to the visual engine, cockpit lighting, cloud rendering, and numerous under-the-hood systems aimed at improving both performance and realism.
The longstanding “dark cockpit” issue has been addressed with a new exposure fusion system, which balances internal and external light levels to deliver a far more natural look when flying during varying daylight conditions. This change is further complemented by updated rendering of shadows and lighting across clouds, with more realistic transitions and curvature-based lighting to enhance immersion at altitude.
Cloud rendering itself sees a substantial leap forward. The new system now supports high-resolution volumetric clouds rendered within 1km of the aircraft, improved inter-layer shadowing, and enhanced global lighting accuracy that reacts to weather and time-of-day changes. These upgrades provide a much more dynamic and believable sky environment.
Performance-wise, users can expect improvements thanks to optimisations within the graphics engine. Laminar has introduced smarter shader compilation and a revamped VRAM allocator, both aimed at reducing stutter and improving overall efficiency. Scenes with complex lighting—such as busy airports or night operations—should benefit from improved frame pacing due to updated tiled lighting logic.
Ground visuals also receive attention with the addition of high-resolution surface decals for more detailed runways and taxiways. Weather effects like rain, snow, and puddles are now better integrated into roads and terrain, adding to the environmental fidelity. Several new and updated Gateway airports have been added, providing more variety and quality in default airport offerings.
The update also enhances aircraft handling with improved brake simulation, including more realistic parking brake mechanisms, anti-skid behaviour, and new support for physical wheel chocks in some aircraft. Additionally, refinements to the ATC system allow for better VFR handling, more realistic startup and pushback procedures, and clearer phraseology during flight.
The full release notes for X-Plane 12.2.0 are here and you can download it right now from the beta branch.
X-Plane 12 Roadmap
With X-Plane 12.2.0 now out in the wild, Laminar Research have offered us a brief insight into the next minor and major release for the platform.
X-Plane 12.2.1 will be a minor update, that paves way for some new 3D/2D assets, along with a new heliport. This is a short n’ sweet update, and likely means it will be out relatively soon, with little to no beta testing truly required.
The next major release will follow as version 12.3.0. Expect a new weather radar, plus WX/WXR API, and improvements to the A330. There will also be a G1000 Synthetic Vision and a brand new enhanced airport.
FlightSimExpo FSExpo Friday
Laminar Research will be taking to the stage on Friday 27th June as part of #FSExpoFriday. We’re hoping that during their seminar they talk more about X-Plane 12.3.0 and beyond, and maybe even share more news on the X-Plane store that they announced well over a year ago.
Click ‘Notify’ below to ensure you watch along live!
We have updated the article to reflect this is an RC build and not an official release. We apologise for the incorrect information prior to the article update.
