Personally I would not purchase any scenery, effects or utility addons at the very start.  There is tons of free stuff on Flightsim.to  Give it some time to get used to the MSFS interface, especially set up of hardware and cameras.  Only after you are comfortable would I recommend adding other purchases.  Probably will save you some time, effort and money on quick buys you may not use at all as you are still in the FSX/P3D mindset that the base sim sucks and you need to add stuff to get it up to the standard you like.

3 minutes ago, Daube said:

In Steam, you can specify a launch option "-FastLaunch" to skip the intro videos and speedup a bit your loading time.

The rest of the important tips are, for me, purely from general purpose: before launching the sim, I always perform these three operaitons:

1- launch the MS Store and check/force the discovery and download of any updates for your programs

2- ensure the XBox application is launched (X icon near the clock in the taskbar). Window can be closed, the application remains in the background.

3- trigger a synchonization of the clock in Windows.

Then I launch the sim.

Thanks for the information. Regarding the 3 things you do before launch of the sim, if going through Steam, I didn't think you had to mess about with the MS Store or XBox app? Am I wrong in that assumption? 

I don't think you can go wrong with the Kodiak. For many of us it was the first solid aircraft with a good flight model that we used -- I can't believe it is nearly a year since it was released. The NXi is really excellent, and I do not think we have ever had such a complete avionics package in simulator. I spent a good block of time last winter exploring northern Ontario and Manitoba in that aircraft.

1 hour ago, B777ER said:

Does anyone think the SWS Kodiak 100 worth the buy or the Carenado PC-12? 

Kodiak, without a doubt. 

 

1 hour ago, B777ER said:

Thanks for the information. Regarding the 3 things you do before launch of the sim, if going through Steam, I didn't think you had to mess about with the MS Store or XBox app? Am I wrong in that assumption? 

Indeed, we might be talking about a kind of placebo effect here. However, I found out that this XBox application is at least a good proof that your XBox live account and connectivity is alright.

Even when using MSFS on Steam (which is my case), you still need to login to your XBox Live account within the sim the first time (login is automatic after that). The XBox app might not be exactly  "required" by MSFS, but in the past I had some connection problems in the sim (refused to switch to online, or something like that), and once I installed the XBox app and kept it alive during my usage of the sim, the connectivity problems were gone. So I keep doing that now 🙂

2 hours ago, B777ER said:

I've finally uninstalled everything to do with P3D and going all in on MSFS (don't have time to manage 2 sims). Will install it tomorrow likely. Plan on buying via Steam as the evidence shows that is the most trouble-free way of going vs. the MS Store. Having said that, I hope some will indulge some questions I have to help point me in the right direction. 

1. Rolling cache - on or off? What is the best setting? If needed, I have a 9900k, 3090 gpu and 64GB of physical ram. 

2. Shader tool recommended, or no? From reading, I see most use GeForce Experience or ReShade. I'm thinking of just going with GeForce Exp. as it is already on my computer if one is needed.

3. Other than Lorby AOL for putting scenery on a different SSD and AAO which I plan on getting so I can run all my controls through along with Streamdeck and Guenseli's profiles, is there any other must have add-on's that I should use? 

4. I forever have flown big iron. With this sim, I plan on a RTW flight with a GA starting at my homebase here in Florida. I've read that the Milviz C310 and the FSW C414 are top notch. Are there any others out there that I should consider? I want glass and not steam for gauges. I plan on just picking one and spending about 2 or 3 months seeing the world with it. 

5. Lastly, any other tips or tricks for MSFS that you have said to yourself, "I wish I knew about this a long time ago" as far as sim quirks / workarounds?

Thank you all for any input you might give, appreciate it. 

1. Off. It's a cause for CTDs after updates, so better leave it off. No advantage unless you fly in the same area day in day out.
2. No, don't go down that route, that was P3D.
3. Accuseason (my preference) or Bijan for the trees, also GSX and AIG since you are into airliner flying.
4. Not my thing, I fly big iron only.
5. Not something I can think of right now.

I like the Carenado V35 + Dark Cockpit Mod, this is the best plane in the MSFS store under $18 IMO.
If you have a limited budget, consider that one even though it doesn't have the fanciest cockpit that you prefer.  I have not purchased the 414 yet, but the V35 is just kind of fun to fly.

HJet is probably my favorite third party plane overall though, mainly because I don't usually like to fly slow and it's ILS system works better than most other planes in the game. It rarely trips up like so many other planes can.

I do have the Milviz c310 and it's good but it's just not my favorite one to fly anymore. 
The Kodiak is slow and I'm not a fan of planes that have non-retractable gear (just a personal quirk of mine). 
 

Edited October 14, 20223 yr by Alpine Scenery

3 hours ago, B777ER said:

Does anyone think the SWS Kodiak 100 worth the buy or the Carenado PC-12? 

Not day one. Start with the C414 and TDS GTN750.

7 minutes ago, Bert Pieke said:

Not day one. Start with the C414 and TDS GTN750.

If you are into jets, I would start with the PMDG 737-800 (or variety of your choice). Why?  Because this is familiar territory, like a home cooked meal, you will feel good, know what is going on and enjoy the flying.  Add the other stuff later.  

The MSFS Add-Ons Linker is a must. It is advised to clear your community folder before doing updates, and this tool makes that super easy to do. It is a no brainer. Steam is also my preferred platform. It always just works. As far as GA I have neither the Milviz C310 or FSW C414, but they both get excellent reviews so either would be good. Too bad you ruled out steam gauges because Black Square has two really good study level ones (Caravan and King Air). I only have one scenery installed (Denver International) because that is my home airport. The rest are really good in stock form, in my opinion. But it depends on which version you have. 

Have fun.  

Edited October 14, 20223 yr by RobJC

3 hours ago, B777ER said:

Does anyone think the SWS Kodiak 100 worth the buy or the Carenado PC-12? 

I highly recommend Black Square's Caravan and King Air. With the FTSim+ sound packs 

44 minutes ago, Cpt_Piett said:

I highly recommend Black Square's Caravan and King Air. With the FTSim+ sound packs 

Sorry, I am finding Blackbird (Milviz) but I cannot find Black Square.

Disregard, found it at JustFlight. 

Edited October 14, 20223 yr by B777ER

21 minutes ago, B777ER said:

Sorry, I am finding Blackbird (Milviz) but I cannot find Black Square.

Disregard, found it at JustFlight. 

Just a disclaimer: The King Air was released yesterday, there's some issues that they're working on. I'm positive they'll release an update early next week though 👍 

5 hours ago, Daube said:

Rolling cache helps when you fly frequently around the same area.

In a world tour, it would be useless 😉

Depends on his navigating skills 🙂

42 minutes ago, DAD said:

Depends on his navigating skills 🙂

Been at it since 1997, hopefully I know how. 😉