Hi all, noob of the day here.Been a flight sim wannabe for a while now but IMO the graphics just haven't been realistic enough at lower altitudes. Seems the plethora of semi-recent addons and 3D autogen have brought simulated flying to much more immersive levels.That said, I pretty much have one question...What are some recommended mods or addons to maximize FSX's visuals, outside and inside the planes?Thanks in advance.

Well the ORBX scenery's are top notch, as are airports from FSDT, Fly Tampa and several others. There's nothing you can do to improve the inside of a plane other than just buying a good plane though. REX or AS2012 for Weather and cloud texturesGEX is good for enhancing the entire north america.

ORBX Pacific Nothwest is amazing, just don't know what your specs are...and really any airplane from the likes of Carenado, PMDG, IRIS, and other great developers, as well as REX, check that out too!

Well I am sure you will get a lot of varying opinions, as many of these are very subjective to an individuals taste.Below are what I consider, for me, to be must haves - and am very glad I have them. I am sure you will see some of these repeated from others as well as more feedback rolls in...FS Genesis MeshUTXGEXREX2For me, these four items really tranformed FSX from an outside view the world perspective, to a whole new sim.

Well I am sure you will get a lot of varying opinions, as many of these are very subjective to an individuals taste.Below are what I consider, for me, to be must haves - and am very glad I have them. I am sure you will see some of these repeated from others as well as more feedback rolls in...FS Genesis MeshUTXGEXREX2For me, these four items really tranformed FSX from an outside view the world perspective, to a whole new sim.

Just to add; the FSGenesis US landclass adds greatly to the UTX one. I commented on using them in conjunction in a post a few days ago.

Not a textures mod but since you said "maximize FSX's visuals" I would say my #1 addon is EZDOK. Since I can't use trackIR due to neck injury EZDOK is a lifesaver, and fun to use. I don't think I would sim without it.FS Water Configurator is fantastic too. I just discovered that one.

Just to add; the FSGenesis US landclass adds greatly to the UTX one. I commented on using them in conjunction in a post a few days ago.

Yes you did, I remember that post- I really need to reinstall the Genesis landclass and give that a go. I have it, just when I built this new machine and already having UTX, I just didn't bother reinstalling the Genesis landclass...

In addition to above, SHADE. Welcome to the AVSIM Forums!Best regards,Jim

Along with everything mentioned, Shader 3 mod and ENB mod.

I have REX but have never been totally satisfied. Using Pablo Diaz's free sky textures for FSX and have my eye on this:http://secure.simmarket.com/zinertek-world-environment-2012.phtmlAnother vote for Orbx FTX. It totally transforms FSX.Cheers

So lets see doing quick search for general info sake...

• MS Flight Sim X $28.00
• few FSDreamTeam airports x 3 $81.00
• ORBX Pacific Nothwest $45.00
• REX - Real Environment Xtreme v2.0 $40.00
• or Zinertek World Enviro 2012 $16.50
• Ground Environment X Africa-Mid East $45.00
• FSX NEXTMap Europe Bundle $70.00
• EZdok Camera Addon $35.00
• SHADE for FSX $11.00
• ENBseries and Shader 3.0 mod $free
• ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Approx. Total $343.00

Yikes! best of the best isn't cheap. :(Ok, so now need to prioritize and take this further,what is the best bang for the visual buck in the above list?or going differentwhat are some freeware versions of the above list that comes close?

Hi all, noob of the day here.Been a flight sim wannabe for a while now but IMO the graphics just haven't been realistic enough at lower altitudes. Seems the plethora of semi-recent addons and 3D autogen have brought simulated flying to much more immersive levels.That said, I pretty much have one question...What are some recommended mods or addons to maximize FSX's visuals, outside and inside the planes?Thanks in advance.

Hey,Welcome to AVSIM and to the FSX Forum. This is the best place in the world to get the best world class knowledge and advice for all things FSX related. Hope you have as much fun and friendship that most of us have found here. Again, welcome!Kind regards,

I would vote for Orbx and Zinertek with ENBseries. Orbx won't give you the whole world, but will give you a big area to explore with some of the best scenery.

So lets see doing quick search for general info sake...

• MS Flight Sim X $28.00
• few FSDreamTeam airports x 3 $81.00
• ORBX Pacific Nothwest $45.00
• REX - Real Environment Xtreme v2.0 $40.00
• or Zinertek World Enviro 2012 $16.50
• Ground Environment X Africa-Mid East $45.00
• FSX NEXTMap Europe Bundle $70.00
• EZdok Camera Addon $35.00
• SHADE for FSX $11.00
• ENBseries and Shader 3.0 mod $free
• ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
• Approx. Total $343.00

Yikes! best of the best isn't cheap. :(Ok, so now need to prioritize and take this further,what is the best bang for the visual buck in the above list?or going differentwhat are some freeware versions of the above list that comes close?

I have found the following gives me a free and satisfying alternative to REX:Water is from the FS Water Configurator from www.strikingsoftware.comClouds from here: http://sites.google.com/site/aimecreations/freeware-fsx/fsx-clouds-screenshotsFor sky textures, do a search for "HDEv2 Sky Color converted for FSX"ENB ModFor scenery, you can try the ORBX PNW demo. Striking software has sone sceneries for the caribbean. BlueskyScenery.com has great free photo terrain of CA, AZ, and NV. You can find other specific areas, you just have search for what you want.For general enhancements of larger areas, GEX, UTX, and the FSG mesh are the best (if not the only options). However, for me they were't worth the price since I like smaller, more detailed areas. Also with the UTX/GEX approach, some areas turn out well, but others actually look worse than stock.My 2¢.

For looks:FSrealWX lite - weather mod that runs similar to Active Sky. Free.REX for textures. I haven't used Zinertek, so I can't compare but REX will soon include a full weather engine, which will likely make your purchase worth it.Shader 3 mod and ENBseries. Free.Any of the OzX scenery, but especially the full Australia and NA: http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/category/1-ozx-scenery/Excellent ORBX freeware: http://fullterrain.com/freeware.htmlAnt's Australian Airports: http://www.antsairplanes.com/scenery.htmlOSHKOSH scenery: http://www.fs-mp.com/oshkosh/scenery/Oshkosh%20Airport%20Scenery%202011.zipThen some aircraft:Awesome Tiger Moth: http://aussiex.org/forum/index.php?/files/file/1012-de-havilland-tiger-moth-dh-82a-v11/CLS Piper Arrow - ex-payware - http://www.flightsimstore.com/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=15&products_id=590&osCsid=3ctaheb9pqdmfigv5u88oj82h0IRIS ex-payware - especially the PC-9 and F-20! - http://irissimulations.com/the-hangar.phpDino Catteneo's T-45 and F-14Just Flight Cessna 152: http://www.justflight.com/microsoftc152.aspJust Flight Freemium Boeing 757: http://www.justflight.com/product.asp?pid=880Finally, honorable mention as it's not strictly a mod for FSX, but it will enhance your flying:http://www.flyaoamedia.com/aviator-90/Very good, video-based flight training.