1946 - where to start?

[Asheshouse]

If you are new to IL2-1946 then you will have lots to explore just with the game patched with the official patches to v4.101, as per links above. No need to worry about ModPacks until you have got familiar with the stock game.

The quality of content in the official game varies considerably. Which reflects the length of time the game has been around. The latest maps like Slovakia are works of art, while some of the older ones are a bit lacking in detail IMO.

Try them all and you will soon find what you like.

The same can be said of some of the aircraft, the later released versions generally being better looking than the early ones.

An essential addon to the stock game is to download some missions and campaigns from Mission4Today. These often come packaged with new aircraft skins.