I think THIS is the Best Ship Simulator Game in 2024

Let me tell you why I think this is the best ship simulator game in 2024. What game am I talking about? Well, it's Virtual Sailor NG.
I know that Virtual Sailor NG is a few years old now, but I still think that it's the best ship simulator game that you can currently buy. Let me tell you why I prefer it over Nautis Home, which offers a more educational ship simulation experience, and ship games like Fishing: North Atlantic, where sailing isn't the primary objective.
Free tug boat add-on from SIM3D: sim3d.snabbserver.com
Free Southampton, UK and Los Angeles Port & Long Beach sceneries from Robert Neath: robsvsfaddons.weebly.com/
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#shipsimulator #shipsim #virtualsailor

[@RobsTravelBlog]

Thanks for showing a few of my sceneries off on here - as always they are being updated as time goes on, same with my ships too :)

[@TheTransportDepot]

No problem, Rob. I've been really enjoying them, so was happy to share. Having lived by Southampton Water most of my life and used the Hythe Ferry for decades, I was really pleased to find them for VSNG.

[@hmr171]

It's pretty sad that this type of quality is all that is available in 2024. My theory why ship simulation is not a popular genre is because everything happens so slowly that the experience is pretty boring. I was a ship's officer on oil tankers in the 80's and 90's, and I can confirm that it's pretty boring in real life also. Even so, my dream is to have a simulator with modern graphics, decent physics and a world map like that found in MSFS.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, it's definitely a small niche, and it's never going to attract the casually curious people like MSFS does. People can get a rush from crashing a jet, but running a supertanker up a beach at 6 knots isn't so thrilling.

[@yerunski]

I remember playing POC (Ports Of Call) back in the days under MS-DOS. Enjoyed it quite a bit! Maybe I will start to play it with DOSBox again 🙂

[@yermomsboyfriend]

@@TheTransportDepot Tutorial mode: "Now crank the rudder 4 degrees over to port. Good! Leave it there and monitor the radio for 11 minutes.......... No contacts? Alright time to straighten out that rudder! Verify you're on course inside the shipping lane. Next we're gonna chug straight up this inlet for about 15 minutes and poke fun at the suicidal pleasure craft owners who seem to be expecting us to divert around them. Awesome! Next we're going to come to a full stop and wait an undetermined amount of time for the tug operators to arrive and begin coordinating docking maneuvers. There's nothing for you to do at this time. Make sure you stay near the radio or the tutorial may not progress" Endgame content: "The company has still not paid the ransom for you and your crew (day 23), remain in the panic room."

[@yermomsboyfriend]

@@yerunski I never played the original, so no promises it hadn't been altered, but I see there is a win10 compatible version of it up on steam.

[@yerunski]

Yep that's the one. It looks original, I think they just ported it to Windows 10.@@yermomsboyfriend

[@tidepod10yearsago97]

Its a shame the Developer died on a plane crash, I wonder what happens to the game. R.I.P Ilan

[@andygorman858]

I just saw the thumbnail for this and though I would check it out. I bought Ship Simulator Extreme many years ago and still play it from time to time, and this sim looks very similar…just better graphics! Thanks for sharing this vid!

[@TheTransportDepot]

You're welcome, Andy.

[@alexpaiva1595]

Ty for sharing the link to get access to these maps, they are all great :)

[@TheTransportDepot]

No problem. Hope you enjoy them.

[@TheTransportDepot]

I've recently learned that the sole developer of Virtual Sailor NG, Ilan Papini, has passed away in a light aircraft accident. It's a real shame.

[@warcreed5658]

I didn't know him personally, but it is possible I saw him once. He lived in the city next to me (Haifa), and I went for many sails from the ports there, some with groups that he might was there. So sad he died the way he did. As his fellow country man and as a sailing and aviation lover, it is realy hitting hard. I saw such crash once, also in the city of Haifa, so I can imagine how it looks and how terrifying it is to die like that. May he rest in peace.

[@redbelliedgaming]

This game actually looks really good, honestly kinda peaceful looking

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I was pleasantly surprised about how much I just enjoy pottering along. It's one of those where you have to make your own entertainment though, as there's no pre-set missions or goals.

[@roloduarte3100]

I really enjoyed the video; I like this sim and your channel.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Thanks. I appreciate it!

[@TrashFixation]

Heh, I had Virtual Sailor and Micro Flight (I believe they were made by the same author) back in 2000-ish. Neat to see it's still around.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, though in some ways it's a shame that nobody else has really made a better modern alternative. Respect to the author though.

[@AboveSomething]

me too, had it way back.. i remember having a boat that was able to dive like a submarine, and a sort-of yacht with a missile on the front.. i used that to drive around venice and blow stuff up lol

[@murrethmedia]

Thank you for this video, I had no idea this game existed!

[@TheTransportDepot]

You're welcome!

[@rybuds47]

Uboat is my jam atm. Full game release coming soon. This looks relaxing though. Cheers!

[@saintsword23]

UBOAT is too easy. As long as you stay underwater during the day and only surface at night there's little reason to fear the allied fleets. Snorkels make it even easier.

[@badgerjoey]

Who doesn’t love a free tug

[@terrynorton3182]

😂😂

[@TheTransportDepot]

Certainly beats paying.

[@cybershark2020]

Other games that scratch the ship and I've tested : Fishing Barents Sea and the newer Fishing North Atlantic also Ships at Sea is coming out with Unreal 5, UBOAT, Sea of Thieves - awesome sea simulation and boat movement,

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I've enjoyed playing Fishing: North Atlantic recently, and I'm looking forward to Ships at Sea. I hope it addresses some of the things I don't particularly like about F:NA.

[@cybershark2020]

@@TheTransportDepot roger that, can't wait to see unreal5 water simulation

[@kamata93]

We need Passenger version of UA:D. That would be awesome, to build different ships and have campaign.

[@pooltuunitud]

Anyone intersted In VS NG, there are tons ant tons of addons, freeware and buyware. Alot of scenerys and ships of all types, witch most are user created. most ships are pretty mutch 1:1 to theyr real life counterparts as far as the details go.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Well said! And, people are still releasing new add-ons for it all the time. SIM3D brought about new ships in December and January.

[@andresbg8757]

Alex Beaut page is one of the best he has both free and paid ships, I was able to get the Olympic Class and others 🚢

[@kj3rd2657]

To me I think the best ship sim right now is MSFS Ship & Boats Addons! These are looking like in real life.

[@TheTransportDepot]

I tried a boat in MSFS, the physics are terrible. The slightest wind makes them weathervane as if they're made of paper.

[@vampsith]

I’m still waiting for a quality P1 offshore or America’s Cup sim

[@nativeafroeurasian]

Can you sail multiple days over the atlantic and arrive in New York without loading screen (as in flight simulators)? How many ships are in the main game?

[@TheTransportDepot]

No, it has loading screens. It's not a AAA game, and I believe it was built with a custom game engine that, unfortunately, doesn't support seamless streaming of scenery.

[@yourdonefor4454]

I have a question for you, how are the sinking mechanics in the game? Are they slow like ship similar extremes?

[@TheTransportDepot]

There really aren't any sinking mechanics as such. It doesn't appear that sinking was a primary focus of the game.

[@Top-Jimmy]

I agree with you 100% ..If it was Multiplayer, The developer ( who is a nice chap btw) would be a billionaire!! This is all it needs now, Then more people would buy it for sure, especially the Virtual Sailing community.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Sadly, the developer passed away a few weeks ago in a light aircraft accident, so it seems like development won't go any further.

[@Top-Jimmy]

@@TheTransportDepot IIan passed away???

[@Top-Jimmy]

@@TheTransportDepot Thats so sad ..I talked with him a few times, Im speechless right now 😢😢

[@garethhughes5745]

well, theres fishing north Atlantic on steam which is good, but doesnt have rough seas, and the release of ships at sea, from same developer i think that looks promising.

[@Knottypine79]

Yeah I just saw that they will have Early Access for Ships at Sea coming this year. It does look promising as they will have more activities than just fishing. On my wishlist.

[@garethhughes5745]

@@Knottypine79 wishlisted here too! :)

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yep, I also have Ships at Sea wishlisted.

[@sim3d204]

Glad you enjoyed the free model, let us know if you want some more addons to test. :)

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I'm a fan of classic tugs. Thanks for the offer. I've had my eye on Pavo Cristatus, as I'd like to try something a bit bigger, and I like peacocks.

[@sim3d204]

@@TheTransportDepot I've sent you an order with a couple of different vessels for you to try out! :) Would love to see a video! /Erik SIM3D

[@TheTransportDepot]

@sim3d204 Thanks Erik! That's very kind of you. I should get some time later in the week to put a video together.

[@roomofidiots]

Highly suggest everyone check out the game grand voyage by ocean liner designs, that is in production. Very exciting!

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I've recently seen the videos for that and it looks great. I'm keeping a keen eye on it. I believe it's more of a "cruise experience" than an actual sail-the-ship-yourself game, but I'm really looking forward to it, especially with the historic dock buildings to explore in each port.

[@Triggernlfrl]

What about the Dutch 'Schip Simulator' from Lighthouse Interactive?

[@TheTransportDepot]

Lighthouse Interactive have been gone for years, haven't they?

[@user-xm8bi5zk8n]

В CSP с форпостами все четенько, как по мне

[@maity787]

very nice

[@TheTransportDepot]

Thanks!

[@rassman48]

It is a computer game, so they could have given bigger windows so you can see out properly. But mostly I think, like Starship simulator, there isn't enough to do, pilot some ships out of port, Wave goodbuy as they sail off into the blue, and you have to go help another ship. So we all know that after one or two of those, we will be aiming ships into other ships, try to run aground a few times, then ..... wash the glazed expressions off our faces in cold water and find something more interesting to do, like putting the bin bags out.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Who's "we"? If you want to put the bin bags out then that's your prerogative. I hope it's fulfilling for you. Joking aside, if these types of games don't appeal to you then that's perfectly fine. You're clearly not the target audience for them, but there are those who like this sort of thing, me included.

[@rassman48]

@@TheTransportDepot When you put a review out you have to expect some will watch it, hoping for something to their taste, and find it isn't. Accept all input, because that makes the post nice and rounded.

[@brunoivanovic9645]

Is there any good simulator that includes al least some speed boats, yachts etc...?

[@TheTransportDepot]

Virtual Sailor NG comes with a speedboat and a sailing yacht. I'm not sure how good they are, as I've never used them. There are add-on sailing boats you can get though.

[@Top-Jimmy]

There are heaps and heaps of downloadable boats mate, The sailboats are awesome.

[@Hansiwansi]

Wait for Ships at sea! i bet it is the best Simulator!

[@TheTransportDepot]

I'm looking forward to that.

[@jacksonholt8388]

Ships at sea is coming out May 9.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I'm looking forward to that one.

[@19GAME]

i cant get the mods for the game to install and i dont understand how to do somr of them

[@TheTransportDepot]

Usually, you just take the folder from inside the downloaded zip file and copy it to either the "Vehicles" or "Scenery" folders of VSNG. If a downloaded scenery doesn't have a pre-saved "Situation" then it's best to start the game with "Empty Scene" and then teleport to the location of the downloaded scenery using the chart plotter map and the "Move TP" button. For vehicles, press V key, select vehicle form list and click "Add Vehicle" button.

[@19GAME]

a zip ?@@TheTransportDepot

[@TheTransportDepot]

The ships and scenery I downloaded were as Zip files I think. Might be a RAR file, but the same steps apply.

[@TzNikolas]

Have you seen this game Nautis Home SHIP SIMULATOR? It looks quite realistic and has good graphics I haven't played and can't give my opinion but from what I've seen in various videos it seems to be above average The only downside is that you pay with a subscription (€30 per six months)

[@TheTransportDepot]

I've seen videos of Nautis, but not played it myself. The subscription is putting me off at the moment. I know it's not hugely expensive, but the cost still builds up.

[@djsatane]

now we just need uboats in it

[@RSProduxx]

VERY underutilized genre... Fishing Barent´s Sea was giving me some hope the grenre would get a push, but nope... Wonder why no one got the Idea to make something like Euro Truck Sim with ships... I mean I would, if I could get a 100k funds for starters :D

[@TheTransportDepot]

Euro Truck with ships sounds like a great idea. I'd buy it!

[@SVKallisti]

The devs behind Fishing Barent’s Sea and fishing North Atlantic have a new game coming out this year called Ships at Sea that looks promising. I also love the concept of ETS with ships for what that’s worth.

[@RSProduxx]

@@SVKallisti ah, thanks for letting me know. Curious what they´ll come up with. Their previous games weren´t too bad

[@marlinspike3990]

I wish I could get enthusiastic about Virtual Sailor NG, but the complete absence of at least a basic global scenery kills it for me. If it had something like X Planes autogen, or some kind of OSM based scenery things would be much better.

[@TheTransportDepot]

I totally agree with you, and I alluded to that in the video. Unfortunately, I don't see a better alternative at the moment. I did try a boat in MSFS, but the physics are awful. I agree, X-plane autogen would be a nice solution.

[@blasterml]

Agreed the feeling for being free is important.

[@marlinspike3990]

I should have said…nice video! Whilst I have a love/hate relationship with the game, you did do a great job of presenting it. And I tend to agree; it is about as good as it gets for ship simulators at the moment. I’m curious to see what ‘Ships at Sea’ brings, but suspect it will be very similar to Fishing Barents Sea/North Atlantic.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, I've got my eye on Ships at Sea too. I've not played either of the Fishing games as the fishing mechanics didn't interest me too much. I have been watching a lot of "North Atlantic" gameplay videos recently though, and it is kind of tempting.

[@hia010]

Multiple community members have made a complete world port map. To my understanding none of them are available for public use though.

[@slavbandit]

I think Nautis Home is a little bit better :) But interesting to see ur opinion :) :D

[@TheTransportDepot]

I have been back and forth on this one. Perhaps if Nautis wasn't subscription-based, I'd give it the win.

[@OCTANOFX]

Can you get a version for Android?

[@TheTransportDepot]

No. Sorry.

[@ShipSimulatorRealistic]

Let me know if you to try my sim

[@JAndDvermatechpestcontrol]

It mad I live in Weston lol 😆

[@TheTransportDepot]

Gotta love those tower blocks!

[@user-dj2fh6sy2i]

Is it on ps4?.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Nope, PC only.

[@discoveryrelax]

The graphic of Silent Hunter 4 more better.

[@ionaguirre]

Why is your boat showing two white toplights? She is neither a tall ship nor is towing anything.😊

[@TheTransportDepot]

I didn't design the model. Not all models have switchable lights, and even then, the only switchable options are steaming lights or anchor lights, so, unfortunately, some vessels have lights "hard-coded" that are just on all the time. Well spotted though.

[@kespa25]

yeahback to 90´s graphics lol

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yes, but sadly it's the best current option really. I wish things were different.

[@wan4891]

Wondering why there is, until now as far as I know, no good ship simulator developed based on MSFS 2020: good graphics, whole world at your disposal....... In short time, MSFS 2024 will be available, so: who knows......... Would very much like a good sailing simulator: possibly will be even able to sail the ship of Jeff Bezos ? 🙂

[@TheTransportDepot]

Yep, MSFS has a good basis with the map and autogen technology already there. As I mentioned in my recent MSFS ship video though, it has no real water physics at all, so a lot of work would need to be done to the base code to correctly simulate water behaviour and ship hydrodynamics. The problem with including proper water physics and hydrodynamics in MSFS is that it would be a whole load of new calculations causing even more CPU load, and most people who were just flying a plane would never even care what the water was doing (aside from it killing their FPS). It could happen though, if Asobo were to split it into a separate game, rip out the unneeded aerodynamic calcs, and add hydrodynamic calcs and proper water physics instead. But, that would be a bold commercial decision on Microsoft's part. Sorry, for the long essay, but you raised an interesting discussion point (for me anyway).

[@Flying_Acehole]

if "SEA OF THIEVES" has better water animations than *the best* ship simulator..

[@TheTransportDepot]

It's not necessarily just about water animations though. The ships also have to behave in a realistic way.

[@Raghu-yd2rq]

gema Nema please

[@Raghu-yd2rq]

gema Nema

[@vinylrabbit7295]

best boat simulator is Sea of Thieves.

[@TheTransportDepot]

To be fair, Sea of Thieves does offer a more satisfying boating experience than boats in MSFS do.

[@ichauch110]

I guess we have to wait AIs to produce better games by working with real data and videos etc.

[@TheTransportDepot]

Humans are capable of making them, but there isn't a big enough market for them to be commercially viable. It's money that's the sticking point, not technology.

[@lauracroft6977]

So this is just a tug boat game. Looks boring.

[@twistedaxles9126]

You can drive almost any type of vehicle, ranging from a Cessna to the RMS Titanic

[@TheTransportDepot]

It's a simulation rather than a game, so there aren't any gameplay elements or "missions" to it. You have to rely on your own imagination to think of things to do, so not everyone's cup of tea.

[@vitalyrasp]

Very bad textures...