FSX / P3D scenery

FSX/P3D FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0

FreeMeshX Global replaces the stock terrain mesh with near-worldwide LOD10 elevation data, sharpening mountains, ridgelines, valleys, and coastlines for more believable low-level VFR and high-altitude routes. Built for FSX and Prepar3D v4/v5, it serves as a solid base for photoreal scenery and requires an up-to-date vector product for correct water and airport elevations.

4.2/5 (223) 189.9k downloads 🔥 Popular 45.47 GB Scanned clean Global (World)
Flight Simulator X Prepar3D v4, v5, v6
Adam McEnroe
Editor reviewed · Tested in-sim

Expert Overview

FSX FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 revitalizes the entire planet with advanced LOD10 coverage, bringing stunning depth to mountains, valleys, and remote landscapes within FSX, FSX: Steam Edition, and Prepar3D. Developed by Nine Two Productions, it compiles over 40GB of raw data into a transformative global mesh package that corrects and enhances default terrain, especially across continents like Africa, Asia, and South America where low-detail mesh once stood out.

Most regions reach LOD10, with exceptions like Antarctica and parts of Russia at LOD9, and an optional HD LOD12 expansion for the United States adds even greater realism. In my decades of testing add-ons, FreeMeshX 2.0 proves itself essential for flight sim fans seeking a truly immersive environment. Its comprehensive approach to terrain detail pairs seamlessly with vector updates, elevating the overall landscape accuracy and delivering an engaging, lifelike world you can explore for hours on end.

This mod was installed, tested and reviewed by Adam McEnroe for Fly Away Simulation. Adam is an FS mod expert. Read his bio →

For users of Flight Simulator X (and FSX: Steam Edition) and/or Prepar3D, terrain meshing can feel dated. With the immersion of a flight simulation being increasingly important to the enjoyment of the process, we recommend that you take a look at FreeMeshX.

Example of using this freeware global mesh scenery in P3Dv5.

This is a groundbreaking global mesh scenery replacement for stock FSX, FSX: SE, and P3D (it works with P3Dv5 and P3Dv4 too) mesh terrain.

This add-on looks to add a global terrain transformation, replacing all stock mesh and features for the vast majority of the planet. This works on all meshing and features LOD10 (38m) coverage. This improves the quality of detail and precision to around the same level used in the default United States of America scenery.

It's essentially a global scenery upgrade that improves the terrain beneath you as you fly. This is not photoreal scenery that contains textures as such, it is the terrain detailing that brings mountains, hills, and valleys to life.

This package is an excellent base for photorealistic scenery packages and essential to install first if you are going to use them. This package can (and by most users is) used on its own and all of the screenshots you see display this addon being used without anything else installed except default FSX/P3D scenery. If you are interested in photorealistic scenery then check out our article here.

Typically, the rest of the world will be around LOD6 to LOD9. With the whole world scaled and improved to LOD10, this vastly improves major parts of the world to a greater level of detail than before. Since anything above LOD11 is a space-eater with minimal improvements, maximizing the world to LOD10 is absolutely worthwhile.

With over 44GB of new meshing in here, users can enjoy an immersive change to the wider world. This is created to help add LOD10 standard detail as the base. However, please be aware that the following areas are released with LOD9 data:

  • Antarctica
  • Greenland
  • Russian territories beyond 60N latitude.

However, users can enjoy transformative LOD10 changes to the following areas:

  • North America (already LOD10).
  • South/Central America
  • Canada
  • Europe
  • Asia
  • Africa
  • Australia and Oceania
  • Russia

This means that the vast majority of the world, with the exception of a few snowy zones, will look fresher than ever. New detail and meshing help to make your general flights feel much more immersive, using over 40GB of space to improve the imagery entirely.

What about the USA?LOD12 mesh scenery for the entire USA.

If you want to take the USA further with an even higher HD version of this add-on, then this exists as "FreeMeshX USA".

As pretty much all of the USA is already LOD10 in the stock install - this scenery will improve on the default meshing but not as much as you would expect.

To remedy that, FreeMeshX has been released for the entire USA using HD LOD12 data (currently in beta).

It really brings some crisp terrain to the entire USA - and it highly rated by our users.  Also compatible with all versions of FSX and Prepar3D.

You can download/view the USA HD Mesh LOD12 FreeMeshX pack here.

What’s New?

  • Fully supports FSX, FSX: Steam Edition, and P3D – including P3D v4 and P3D v5 64-bit.
  • A transformation of all parts of the world, excluding Antarctica, Greenland, and some of Russia.
  • Over 400GB of raw terrain data compiled to create a 46GB file that transforms the wider world using LOD10 meshing.
  • Continental packages are available for faster and more streamlined installation.
  • 10 deg x 10 deg files, with mosaics from 1 deg x 1 deg, all compressed into BGL files for easy and effective installation.
  • Immense improvements made across the wider remote regions of South America, Asia, and Africa especially, where previous LOD6/7 meshing stood out.
  • Effective changes to LOD9 regions across Europe and North America, adding greater accuracy and attention to detail in mountainous regions especially.

Note: Please consider using defragmentation of all mechanical hard drives for easier, less time-consuming loading.

Meshing VS Vectors

To install FreeMeshX, all you need to do is follow the basic installation instructions provided. However, please make sure that FreeMeshX is placed above all default terrain entries in your Scenery Library. Also, please make sure that the add-on is placed below all airports, FTX regions, or landclasses.

By using FreeMeshX, you will be working with a solution that does not update or edit flight simulator vectors. It is important that you use a simulator vector update tool, such as FTX Vectors or UTX. Otherwise, the topography will be incorrect.

Using FreeMeshX alone will not update any vectors within Microsoft Flight Simulator X or Prepar3D. The vectors used within the simulator are often used to help control water elevations and airport elevations. Meshing alone will not adjust this.

If you were to use FreeMeshX without the use of a third-party solution to update the vectors, conflicts may emerge. This may result in the topography of any updated terrain to sit at different elevation levels, ruining the spectacle. This could see issues like immersion-breaking water bodies and/or airports that are excessively sunken/raised.

At present, we recommend that you use a reliable vector updating tool, as it will improve the overall atmosphere and ensure accuracy in the layout.

Installation Instructions

Added by popular demand in the comment section below are more complete installation instructions.

  1. Extract the entire archive to somewhere where you want to keep the add-on on your computer while you use it.
  2. Open up FSX or P3D and enter the "Scenery Library" section/settings from the settings master menus.
  3. Click on "Add Area".
  4. Browse to where you extracted the FreeMesh X add-on and select/browse into the first of the "FreeMeshX" titled folders - for example, "FreeMeshX - Africa". Once inside the directory, there should be one folder visible called "scenery". Then ensure you select "Use this scenery directly" and finally click on "OK".
  5. Repeat that process for the remaining "FreeMeshX" folders that you haven't yet completed, for example - "FreeMeshX - Antarctica", "FreeMeshX - Asia", "FreeMeshX - Australia and Oceania", "FreeMeshX - Europe", "FreeMeshX - North America", "FreeMeshX - Patches", "FreeMeshX - South and Central America".
  6. Once all are added, ensure that they are at the top of your scenery library - higher (priority) than any other add-ons.
  7. Then press "OK".
  8. For good measure, close and then re-open your simulator (FSX/P3D) and enjoy the new mesh terrain in your flights.

Note - quote from Nine Two Productions

There is a bug in FSX where clicking OK does nothing, and may seem you are stuck. Don’t despair! Clicking anywhere any white space in the browsing menu will close the dialog window.

NOTE: If these installation instructions are vague, not helpful, or need revision then please let us know in the comments section below.

Developer: Nine Two Productions (FreeMeshX).

Nine Two Productions logo.

Donate to the developer

You can donate to the developer using their PayPal donation page here.

Ready to download FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0?

Free for all simmers · 45.47 GB · Scanned clean

File information

Filename
FreeMeshX-Global-2.0.zip
File size
45.47 GB
Virus scan
Clean (scanned with ClamAV)
Access
Freeware
Content rating
Everyone

Download speed: Free tier is capped at 2 Mbps (this file takes approximately 24h+ at the cap). PRO members download at full line speed.

This is a freeware file — use is subject to our freeware copyright terms.

How to install this mod

FSX / P3D scenery

  1. Extract the downloaded archive

    Use 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR to extract the ZIP to a temporary folder. Don't install while still zipped — the simulator can't read inside ZIP files.

  2. Place scenery in Addon Scenery

    Create a folder under FSX\Addon Scenery\ containing scenery and texture sub-folders.

  3. Activate in Scenery Library

    In FSX, go to Settings → Scenery Library → Add Area. Higher priority means it overrides lower entries for the same location.

  4. Always read the included readme

    Every mod ships with a readme.txt or README file. It tells you exactly where files go, what dependencies are needed, and any quirks specific to this add-on.
Still stuck? The readme included with the file is the authoritative source for this specific mod. Visit our Flight School tutorials or ask in our Q&A forum.

File X-Ray

Inspect every file inside this archive, verify the SHA-256 checksum, and view the full manifest. Files are scanned monthly with ClamAV.

TXT JSON
ClamAV clean · 9d ago 601 files 45.47 GB ZIP 46.13 GB raw 1.01x compression 2013-10-29 to 2020-06-26 3cede906d241… Verification policy Report this file

95 comments

Read what other simmers think, or add your own.

Leave a comment
Comments below are opinions of individual posters and don’t always reflect Fly Away Simulation’s views. Every comment is manually moderated before publication.
Most helpful comment
Ian Stephens PRO

@Ultrageoff

I understand the confusion you're experiencing with the FreeMeshX Global Terrain Mesh Scenery 2.0 installation, especially regarding the hierarchy of add-ons in FSX Steam Edition. Let's clarify this to get you soaring with improved terrain in no time.

In FSX, especially with comprehensive mods like FreeMeshX, the order in the Scenery Library is crucial. The seeming contradiction you've encountered is actually about balancing mesh scenery with other types of add-ons. Here's the key: FreeMeshX, being a terrain mesh, should indeed be placed above all base terrain entries. This ensures that the enhanced terrain meshes it provides take precedence over the default FSX terrain.

However, specific types of add-ons, like airports and land class modifications, require a higher priority. That's why the instructions suggest placing FreeMeshX below these. It's about ensuring that the detailed changes these add-ons provide (like airport layouts or land class definitions) overlay the terrain mesh correctly.

Regarding the 'Parches' and regions - think of these as layers. The 'Parches' are designed to refine and correct certain areas, and hence they should be placed above the broader regional meshes in your Scenery Library.

In practice, your Scenery Library might look something like this:

  1. Airport Add-ons
  2. Land Class Add-ons
  3. FreeMeshX Patches
  4. FreeMeshX Regional Meshes
  5. Default FSX Terrain

A working example, as you requested, would ideally show these layers in the FSX Scenery Library settings. Unfortunately, I can't provide a screenshot here, but this hierarchy should guide you.

If you're still facing challenges, please share more specifics about the issues encountered. Are there error messages? Does FSX fail to load certain areas? These details will help in troubleshooting more effectively.

Remember, the flight sim community is here to assist. If further clarification is needed, our dedicated flight sim Q&A forum at Fly Away Simulation Q&A Forum is a great resource for detailed guidance from fellow enthusiasts and experts.

Happy flying and best of luck with your FreeMeshX installation!

Ian Stephens
Fly Away Simulation

  1. Joseph Gatt
    Replying to ronaldfa

    Peru would be a good shout.

    Link
  2. Peter Wilburt
    Replying to Ian Stephens

    Thank you, this mod for FSX is absolutely amazing!

    Link
  3. Martin

    Which programs exactly are needed to achieve the graphics shown in the screenshots???

    I have downloaded the 45 GB of data, but it still looks the same as before...

    Link
  4. antony15828 PRO

    I need help with this. I have FSX Steam Edition and I have followed every single installation step to the letter. No matter how many times I try or how many times I add the mod from the Scenery Library (it's not the FSX bug previously stated above; it adds to the Scenery Library just fine), nothing changes and I still have the default terrain mesh.

    The only change I had at the end after I reinstalled everything again is that FSX keeps freezing every time I try to start it. It's either that, or when it actually loads, no changes are visible anywhere.

    Link
  5. Claude3 PRO

    I just downloaded and installed FREEMESH X 2.0, and paid for ORBX VECTOR.

    Under the “Installation Instructions” lines #6 and #7, it says:

    “Once all are added, ensure that they are at the top of your scenery library - higher (priority) than any other add-ons. Then press ‘OK’.”

    Then, on Tue, 16 Jan 2024 22:09:32 GMT, Ian Stephens wrote:

    “Ensure you've added the FreeMeshX folders correctly in the Scenery Library, prioritizing them above default terrain but below airports and other add-ons.”

    Can someone please tell me which one is “Correct?” Thank you in advance....... #USAFVeteran

    Link
  6. Ian Stephens PRO

    @Yago,

    I understand you're facing issues with the "OK" button in the FSX dialog box after following the installation steps for FreeMeshX. This is a known FSX bug, where clicking "OK" seems unresponsive. The workaround is simple: click on any white space in the browsing menu after hitting "OK". This should close the dialog window and proceed with the installation. If the files still don't appear, ensure you've added the FreeMeshX folders correctly in the Scenery Library, prioritizing them above default terrain but below airports and other add-ons.

    If you've followed these steps and the issue persists, it could be a different technical hiccup. In that case, could you provide more details about your installation process and FSX version? This will help me offer a more tailored solution. Also, feel free to discuss this further on our dedicated flight sim Q&A forum at Fly Away Simulation Forum for more in-depth assistance.

    Link
  7. ultrageoff PRO

    I have spent days and days over Xmas trying to get this working. I'd love to experience the transformation some people are seeing, but - despite being a bloke who can code a database-driven website in PHP/HTML/CSS and JS - I cannot get this running. I'm on Steam edition. To give just one illustration of my difficulties: the instructions say that 'the add-on' should go below airports and land classes. The instructions also say that the mesh should be above everything else. How can both of those things be true? Sorry, I just don't understand. For one thing, this seems to be not one but several add-ons, with the 'Parches' having to be above the regions. PLEASE, if you have got this installed and working, please let me know the priority of each of the added areas for this mesh. ANY WORKING EXAMPLE will do, a screenshot is ideal. Sorry if I've not been polite, at my wit's end with this.

    Link
  8. Rudy_AZS PRO

    Great Add-On. Looks great for most barren areas. Highly recommend especially for the retired very limited-budget-minded! THANK YOU ALL!

    Link
  9. Hpjp

    Freeware but needs additional (expensive) payware to work. Good to know, right?

    Link
  10. Skipfx PRO

    Will this work on MSFS 2020? Is the install process the same?

    Link

Leave a comment

Replying to

Used only for your Gravatar avatar — never shown publicly or shared.

Minimum 30 characters 0
Your comment is reviewed by a moderator before publication. Spam, abuse and self-promotion are removed.