Long story short: I discovered and enjoyed MSFS on Xbox series X but since my PC needed a refresh, I ended up ordering a pretty nice rig, primarily for work but that can also double as a nice gaming machine (i7-12700KF, 32GB DDR5, RTX 3080). After getting more familiar with the vanilla sim on Xbox, I started to get a few add-ons: Zinertek enhanced aiport graphics, HJet and Zodiak. I understand that the switch to PC will provide a whole new catalog of add-ons, aircraft and sceneries.
Among the plethora of available third-party add-ons, which ones would you recommend installing first? I’m not looking at super high-fidelity aircraft that would require a substantial time commitment to learn but rather sceneries, small enhancements and utilities that make the sim really pop out on the PC.
They have a complete list of a must-have for scenery and world add-ons.
My personal impression on some that I use:
We love VFR: basically a must-have freeware if you like flying VFR in certain regions of the world where it is covered. It greatly expands the default building / objects library and localise the variety. You’ll see important landmarks such as smokestack, chimneys, industrial areas like warehouses, refinieries, cranes, antenna masts, etc
Global AI Ship Traffic: as an airliner enthusiasts, this greatly enhance the scenery when approaching a port city like Singapore or Tokyo or Sydney. Plenty of things to look at, instead of just plain blue surface of the seas.
Any add-ons that expand the animal flock variety - levels up the immersion, especially if you love VFR sight-seeing.
Any freeware add-ons that enhances your hometown airport & local landmarks.
I think it entirely depends on what and where you fly. Personally I buy a lot of high quality airports in my home country (UK) and add airports in other countries when and if I fly to them.
So if I were you I would start with the best airports in your home country first if that’s your main area of interest.
If you say which country most interests you I am sure there will be lots of recommendations but just generally saying get this or that because they are good isn’t necessarily the best bang for your buck in my opinion.
There are lots of good freeware options too but the same applies in my view, you want add-ons that are relevant to your flying interest.