Basically, the accurate and lifelike activity taking place all around you as you go about your missions. While there is much focus – and rightly so – on the specifics of the planes themselves and even the airports upon approach and landing, some of the most important aspects of flight simulation for that all-around authentic feel is AI traffic. With that in mind, then, here some of the best add-ons available for FSX that contribute greatly to achieving such realism, realistic graphics and environment and of course authenticity. Finally, some of the add-ons will also work with Prepar3D and even P3Dv4 - it's just a case of trying them out.Īs this article is quite lengthy, you can jump to individual sections using the links below However, to make things clear, all payware options have been marked in the header with, '(Payware)'.Ĭompatibility with Steam Edition and P3D(v4).Īlso worth noting, we have ensured that all of the mods featured below are compatible with the Steam Edition of FSX. The add-ons and mods featured below are mainly (mostly) freeware. Such is the beauty of flight simulation and the details and data these add-ons provide, that the experiences are potentially endless and leave the pilot with a plethora of opportunities to choose from.

Indeed, while Microsoft Flight Simulator X is perhaps the platform that shows the gateways to the virtual world, it is the add-ons that hold the keys to opening them and truly exploring what lays beyond each one. Whether it is how authentic the planes themselves look, or the attention to detail on the many famous airports that are themselves household names around the world, it is arguable that the real journey of flight simulation begins once one begins to explore the abundance of extra choices available. Realism, attention to detail, and absolute authenticity are at the heart of any top-notch flight simulation experience.

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