I'm studying to get my pilot license and also using Flight Simulator to help me get familiar with the aircraft, terms, instruments etc.
A Flighti Smulator really is of little use in the early stages of learning to fly and may even be detrimental. In any event you should not be practising things you have not been taught.
Whilst there is some basic instrument flying in the PPL syllabus, this is best conducted in an aeroplane. Probably the only use for a simulator is to learn how to use radio navigation aids which come much latter in the course. Again you need to be taught before you practice.
IFR and VFR are sets of rules; for the PPL you will only ever fly in accordance with the VFR.