Highly Recommended Payware Add-ons that greatly enhance the PG areas

Canada Modern Cities Vol. 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Canada often gets left behind in flight sim updates, but this pack corrects that beautifully. It targets Ottawa, Calgary, and Edmonton, fixing the "apocalyptic" melted look of the default photogrammetry. It’s a must-have for Canadian simmers who want to fly low over the capitals without breaking immersion.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Massive Scope: Features over 400 handcrafted building models across the three cities.

• ✅ Helicopter Ready: Most skyscrapers have "hard" rooftops, making them landable for heli-ops.

• ✅ Bridge Fixes: Replaces the solid/glitchy default bridges with proper custom 3D models.

Performance Note: Very smooth. Since it replaces complex photogrammetry with optimized custom models, it often runs better than default.

New York City Times (V2) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Flying over NYC is a staple of flight sim, but the default scenery lacks vibrancy. The Version 2 update is a game-changer, adding over 50 new buildings and updating the textures to be sharper and more realistic. It focuses heavily on Manhattan, making the skyline look correct from a distance and alive up close.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Times Square Alive: Features fully animated billboards and the updated 2025 New Year's sign.

• ✅ The Bridges: Includes high-detail custom models for the Brooklyn, Manhattan, Williamsburg, and Queensboro bridges (with moving cable cars!).

• ✅ Texture Overhaul: Over 160 buildings have been given PBR textures, so they react realistically to sunlight and streetlights.

Performance Note: NYC is always heavy on FPS, but V2 includes better LOD optimization than the original release.

USA Modern Cities Vol. 1 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cities Included: Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami.

Why I recommend it: This volume targets four of the busiest aviation hubs in the US. The standout here is Miami and Los Angeles cities that rely heavily on distinct skylines that the default sim often misses. If you fly airliners into LAX or MIA, this improves the approach view significantly.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ 60+ Custom Buildings: Key landmarks in each city have been hand-modeled to replace generic blocks.

• ✅ Night Lighting: Drastically improves the "city glow" at night, especially around the coastal areas of Miami.

• ✅ Boston Seaplane Base: Includes the BNH seaplane base for amphibious ops.

Performance Note: Good performance. Excellent compatibility with third-party airports like iniBuilds LAX.

USA Modern Cities Vol. 2 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cities Included: San Francisco, Atlanta, Charlotte, Honolulu.

Why I recommend it: This is arguably the most diverse pack in the series. It covers the hills of San Francisco, the dense urban sprawl of Atlanta, and the tropical paradise of Honolulu. The Honolulu update is particularly good for island hoppers, adding high-rise resorts that are missing from the base game.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Golden Gate Area: Enhances the San Francisco bay area with custom bridges and shoreline fixes.

• ✅ Tropical Skylines: Honolulu gets the high-density hotel skyline it deserves, perfect for approaches into PHNL.

• ✅ Helipads: Dozens of landable rooftops added across Atlanta and Charlotte.

Performance Note: Solid frame rates. Honolulu is particularly performance-friendly.

USA Modern Cities Vol. 3 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cities Included: Dallas, Austin, Houston, San Diego.

Why I recommend it: A dedicated pack for "Texas & SoCal" flyers. The default scenery for Texas cities is notoriously flat, and this pack gives them the verticality they need. The San Diego portion is also fantastic for Navy/Marine fliers operating out of KNXZ or KSAN.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Texas Triangle: Covers the major Texas hubs (Dallas, Austin, Houston) with proper skyscrapers and lighting.

• ✅ San Diego Vibes: Adds critical landmarks to the downtown area that are visible on the famous "Checkerboard" approach.

• ✅ Night Environment: Greatly enhances the night lighting for city approaches.

Performance Note: Excellent. These cities are generally less taxing than NYC/LA, so this pack runs very smoothly.

USA Modern Cities Vol. 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cities Included: Phoenix, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Denver.

Why I recommend it: This volume covers the "Flyover Country" hubs that are actually massive destinations. Denver and Phoenix are the stars here; both cities have unique architecture that auto-gen fails to capture. Seeing the proper Denver skyline against the Rockies backdrop is a highlight.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Desert & Mountains: Custom buildings that fit the unique color palettes of Phoenix and Denver.

• ✅ Sports Stadiums: Includes detailed models of the major sports arenas in Indianapolis and Minneapolis.

• ✅ Landable Rooftops: As with the other volumes, helicopter pilots get plenty of new playgrounds.

Performance Note: Very light on resources. Highly recommended for mid-range PCs.

Tokyo City Times ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Thumbnail of Tokyo Tower or Shinjuku] | Text on Right:

Why I recommend it: Tokyo is a massive city, and this add-on makes it feel infinite. It replaces the default "melted" photogrammetry with over 500 handcrafted buildings. It focuses heavily on the distinct districts like Shinjuku and Shibuya, making VFR navigation by following train lines and landmarks actually possible.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Train Stations: High-detail models of major JR stations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station).

• ✅ Gundam: Yes, it includes the animated 1:1 scale Gundam in Yokohama bay!

• ✅ Haneda Approach: Adds handcrafted buildings around RJTT Haneda Airport for a better view on final approach.

Performance Note: Tokyo is demanding, but this is well optimized. Compatible with the Japan World Update.

Osaka City Wow ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Osaka often plays second fiddle to Tokyo, but this scenery makes it a primary destination. Known as "Osaka City Wow" for a reason, it brings the vibrant, neon-soaked streets of Dotonbori to life. If you like night flying, this is one of the best cities in the simulator.

Key Highlights:

• ✅ Dotonbori District: Incredible detail in the shopping districts with custom neon signs and the famous "Glico Man" billboard.

• ✅ Osaka Castle: A handcrafted recreation of the historic castle and its surrounding park.

• ✅ 600+ Buildings: A massive overhaul of the city center density and height accuracy.

Performance Note: FPS friendly thanks to aggressive LOD (Level of Detail) usage.

Toronto City Times ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Why I recommend it: Toronto is a beautiful city in the sim, but the default photogrammetry can often look "melted" or inconsistent when you get up close. SamScene3D fixes this by replacing over 200 iconic buildings with handcrafted 3D models. It’s the perfect upgrade if you frequently fly into Pearson (CYYZ) or Billy Bishop (CYTZ), as it sharpens the skyline and fixes the "melted" look of the downtown core.

Key Highlights: ✅ PBR Skyline: All 200+ custom buildings use 2K PBR materials, meaning they react realistically to the sun and weather. Iconic structures like the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the various bank towers in the Financial District look crisp and sharp.

✅ Performance Friendly: Unlike some city packs that tank your frame rate, this is designed to work with or without the default photogrammetry turned on. It uses excellent LOD (Level of Detail) settings, so you get the visual upgrade without a massive performance hit.

✅ Airport Synergy: This pack is specifically designed to complement FSimStudios’ Billy Bishop (CYTZ). If you have both, the transition from the airport to the city streets is completely seamless, making it one of the best urban flying experiences in North America.

Performance Note: Toronto is already a dense area, but SamScene3D's optimization actually makes the city center run smoother for some users than the default "heavy" photogrammetry. It’s a very stable add-on that doesn't cause the stutters often associated with high-detail city centers.