Would It Be Worth It To Switch From Xbox To Steam?

Discussion in 'TSW General Discussion' started by modeltrainmaster08, Oct 3, 2025 at 7:28 PM.

  1. modeltrainmaster08

    modeltrainmaster08 New Member

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    I've been on Xbox since tsw2020, but recently I've been off it due to the whole content port over fiasco that happens every year, and the just general usability improved that comes with steam. Not to mention the increased amount of sales on steam. So I'm considering switching over and want some feedback.
     
  2. Myron

    Myron Well-Known Member

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    Steam not only helps you with DLC transfer issues and lack of sales, but also enables you to use a large library of community-created mods which severly improve gameplay, such as soundmods or enhancement packs for visuals. Even timetables exist for some routes. Depending on how many DLCs you have on X-Box, it may be a difficult choice and a considerable waste of money due to the purchases, but in the end the upgrade is indeed worth it, as I can imagine. If your PC hardware specifications are meeting average videogame-use expectations, it should also run quite better or a LOT better than on X-Box.
     
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  3. modeltrainmaster08

    modeltrainmaster08 New Member

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    Would it be possible to copy the files from the Xbox pc download and paste them in the steam install?
     
  4. Sharon E

    Sharon E Well-Known Member

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    Good question, but probably not. You would have to ask X Box on this.
     
  5. iriv#7314

    iriv#7314 Well-Known Member

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    most likely not
     
  6. azzax333

    azzax333 Well-Known Member

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    There might be a work around this as long there's no encryption on the files however steam may not be able to verify it
     
  7. Rudolf

    Rudolf Well-Known Member

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    Check if your PC has enough power to run this, accept you loss of XBOX investments, but it may be low because sometimes there are really good sales especially for the old routes. PC (on steam) works good, but only with a powerful computer.
     
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  8. operator#7940

    operator#7940 Well-Known Member

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    Yes. Beyond the benefits of PC for cost effective upgrading and tweaking, and additional storage space, Steam has a much larger selection of games and better support than Xbox or Playstation. You're also not limited to just TSW for train sims.
     
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  9. Tigert1966

    Tigert1966 Well-Known Member

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    It's what I did. I just wrote off what I spent on XBOX and completely moved to Steam (Plus a few DLC on PS5 so I can still play on the sofa in front of the TV).

    It was worth it for me as I bought a high end PC and the difference, especially with mods, is amazing.

    As far as copying over the DLC, I couldn't make it work. The Xbox version is a totally different file structure, as far as I can remember, plus I don't think steam would recognise when anything was updated, so you would be unlikely to receive any update.

    However you have to decide how much you are prepared to spend and how much better your experience will be based on PC specs
     
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  10. yardem

    yardem Well-Known Member

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    Since TSW are "Play Anywhere" titles, you can play on PC with the XBox app.
    It's working quite similarly to the Steam version, the only major difference being the DirectX version: while it's possible to make the Steam version run with DX12, I've yet to find a way to do the same for the XBox app version. If anyone knows how this can be achieved, please enlighten me.

    As for mods, I was able to get some of them working on the XBox version. If I remember correctly: if they are route dependent, they can be installed with that route. YMMV.

    P.S. It is definitely impossible to copy files from one platform to the other. Even if the files were the same, the platform would not recognize the licenses, which is the whole thing: you paid Microsoft for your TSW licenses, not Valve. Why would Valve recognize the ownership?
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2025 at 2:43 PM
  11. Princess Entrapta

    Princess Entrapta Well-Known Member

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    It's always worth switching just for the long term savings on purchasing routes, and the greater control over the visuals and performance possible via engine.ini. If you can afford a PC that can at least match console performance, it's not a difficult choice.
     
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  12. azzax333

    azzax333 Well-Known Member

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    The file structure is slightly different however all the files should or should be the same to how they are on the steam version. I'll have to have a play around with this at home and see if I can get it working
     
  13. Emmy_MAN

    Emmy_MAN Well-Known Member

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    Even if you purchase TSW6 on Steam now or install the Free Starter Pack version, Steam will not recognise your copied DLC.

    They would not appear in your Steam TSW6 version because they are not in the Steam library.

    Even if Steam can recognise these DLCs, you will still need a tool to view your DLCs in the Steam TSW6 version.
     
  14. iamachuchu#8180

    iamachuchu#8180 Member

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    Just to second what others have said.
    Moving over to steam is a YES

    TSW on a PC is generations ahead of consoles.
    The modding community is fantastic as most of the mods are basically remasters of old routes.

    They also enhance a lot of the game assets and stocks too, better weathering, sounds, train lighting etc etc.
    oh, and the enhanced timetables are to die for.

    In addition to that is all the tweaks you can do to the ini file.
    No more shadow pop-ins, infinite draw distances beautiful cinematic colour scales, lens flares etc etc. The sunsets are to die for.

    The PC version is so much better that I cant watch people streaming their games on consoles, it looks bad in comparison. Especially as Steam user get to have it all through DX12.

    Sometime next year there may be a new generation of console that can handle a lot of the current console limits.

    But by that time the PC modding community will be bigger and more varied. So even when a new console arrives, it wont stand a chance with whats on offer with a PC and steam.

    A lot of folk love having a console by the TV as its a super easy way of gaming, compared to a desktop PC on a desk, with a chair probably in another room, with its own speakers etc etc

    What I've done with my PC is have it plugged into the TV too via a long HDMI cable its sat next to me buy the side of the sofa. I have a wireless keyboard, mouse and controller. It has the same convenience now of the console, which was the very last advantage consoles had for me since I abandoned them altogether.

    If you beat the rush now, you may be able recover a few bucks by selling your console now before the next generation arrives. It all helps with getting a new PC


    Steam, its the future I tells ya.
     
    Last edited: Oct 7, 2025 at 6:18 PM
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  15. FredElliott

    FredElliott Well-Known Member

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    That would be unauthorised copying then, probably not something you want to post about on the official forums
     
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  16. star#5823

    star#5823 Well-Known Member

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    It would also be a crime
     
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