Do you absolutely have to have a joystick to play this?

[joejccva71]

I know this isn't FSX but I played that simulator for years with just a keyboard and mouse and was fine.  But someone told me that if you don't have a joystick or rudder pedals you will not be able to play X-plane.

 

If that was true, then why does it not state that under the system requirements to play this?

 

Can I get by with just the keyboard and mouse?

[SwissCyul]

You can fly X Plane with your keyboard and mouse. Joystick control is much better, but you don't need one  

[Oliver]

It depends...

There are certain airplane addons available for X-Plane that solely work with the use of a joystick. Namely, most of the Peter Hager ones. You certain don't need a joystick for the base simulator, but as they are only 20-40$ entry price, I'd definitely recommend one for the added realism. 

 

[chris k]

Whomever "told you" is wrong.

The published system requirements are correct.

HOWEVER, you will have a much better experience using appropriate physical controls. I have no problems giving demonstrations of xplane on my laptop using nothing more than the mouse/trackpad.