PC Is It Worth Upgrading From Tsw2 To Tsw3 - Advice

* This is not a "bash Dovetail thread", please refrain from doing so.

The question is as the title says, is it worth it to upgrade the sim; not looking at just new features but also compatibility with old addons, I would very much like to have my favourite routes to play on, but I don't have enough space for a third sim. So how is TSW3 handling routes that originally is from TSW2020 ?

What is in your opinion the pros and cons of TSW3 compared to TSW2 ?

 

i would say it’s worth it especially if you get a starter pack in a sale, most routes are handled well in game aswell as new ones being added which i think is the biggest thing, as ofc no new dlc is being produced for tsw2

 

I do think it’s worth the upgrade, of course even more so in the sale

Some of my reasonings;

1. Access to the latest features, e.g. new sky box
2. Access to the latest addons available, e.g. Birmingham Cross City
3. All previous dlcs brung along free of charge
4. More Frequent Updates
5. Can be done for price of a route, e.g. they could have been a lot meaner and went with standard game price of around £60
6. Better more engaging main menu, e.g. TSW2 was before just a list of route names and got flags next to them eventually…

edit: 7. Dynamic weather (whilst a it is a feature like point 1, it’s worthy advancement for more of what the players have been asking for, for sometime.

 

As far as I know, TSW3 doesn't have any negative impact on the old routes. I've found TSW3 to be worth it just for all the new content it gives you access to purchase.

 

Pros

• You get access to preservation crew updates and any future updates tsw3 has received for legacy content. Tsw2 will still get preservation updates and stuff, but haven't been released yet.
• Possibility of new tsw3 skyboxes and lighting on legacy content: boston sprinter and sherman hill have received it so far
• If you want the new content.
• Legacy content ports over free of charge
• More frequent updates

Cons

• It is more expensive, so be mindful of your spending so you don't go broke
• Some things don't work: ex) certain tutorials can't be finished due to the port
• Inconsistent quality. Some dlcs have been good, some poor. But that was also been the case in past tsw titles
• New lighting isn't the best: washed out, eye adaptation needs some work, brights are too bright. And darks can get too dark

 

There are a couple of issues, the biggest problems are to do with Peninsula Corridor, Caltrain Baby Bullet, and the original DB BR 182 DLC. Other than that the older content works pretty much fine in TSW 3.

 

I would mostly echo this summary. I will say I keep TSW3 and TSW2 installed for routes like Peninsula Corridor, as well as Sherman and Boston since they got TSW3 updates, as I'm one of the people who cannot handle how washed out the lighting is and the bugs like tunnel entry flash and the radioactive rails.

I don't really think the blacks ever reach a true black in any daylight situation in TSW3, the problem with no ambient occlusion, etc. so on the issue of dark areas being too dark I think this only really applies to nighttime lighting of routes, where there's a complete and total lack of any ambient light, which is frankly inconsistent with the fancy skybox. I used to live in the countryside, I remember how well I could see by the light of the moon and stars.

 

I would say yes it is worth it, if only to get some of the new content, if it interests you.

I think overall TSW3 looks better I like the new lighting in the main, however there are some instances on some routes where some of the tunnel lighting is unsatisfactory or it looks too washed out in areas. I think the new weather skybox is a big improvement and dynamic weather is nice, although it can get predictable. I don't think routes in TSW3 look as dark as they do in TSW2, which for me is an improvement.

I have found that I am generally getting better performance in TSW3 despite not having a particularly powerful computer, my graphics card is a Nvidia GTX1060 and I have most settings on maximum.

 

In my sense, the only negative point for migrate is your computer if it not follow the new requirement. TSW3 mastreed routes required more resources than TSW2.But TSW2 routes in TSW3 will offer similary performances with some optimisations and corrections, including dyanmic weather. Migrate TSW3 is a good choice to be able received new contents and continue playing TSW2 improved content.

 

No

 

I would say yes, simply because otherwise you will not be able to buy any of the new DLC that takes your fancy.
There are issues with the over bright lighting and adaptive eye exiting tunnels etc., though if on PC there is a mod that offsets the worst of it. And at least TSW3 doesn’t suffer from the black tar like shadow over everything that 2 was wont to do.

 

Absolutley. I‘m not on PC, but I enjoy TSW3 alot with it‘s new features, and the routes that have come out for it are (for the most part) really good and the ones I drive the most right now. The pros far outweigh the cons in my opinion.

 

To bright and washed out. I have both versions and always play tsw2 more than tsw3. Tsw2 looks so much better on my oled. And I think the older routes had more detail the country side and the trees look so much better on the older routes now they just look washed out nuked and almost cartoon in places.

 

Part of the issue with the trees is that the low detail distant ones under the new lighting are much more bright and uniform, making them draw the eye more, while the close ones have no noticeable shadowing, so they look really flat.

 

If you play TSW regularly you will at some point want a new DLC and then you have no choice to migrate. I think DTG did a reasonable good job with TSW3. The main issue is that steam achievements are not converted and for a fair number of them you have to start all over, which spoils the fun, at least for me.

During the sale you can buy an upgrade, which is not to expensive, though I think it should be free. But why not give it a try?

 

On PC, the 'washed out' effect is easily fixed.

I use

r.TonemapperGamma=1.65
r.BloomQuality=3
r.Color.Max=0.8
r.Color.Mid=0.4
r.Color.Min=0.004​

Of course, that's tuned to my particular display and everyone will have to diddle with the parameters to taste. But those commands tame the lighting quite nicely (no help for the night lighting or lack thereof, I'm afraid)

 

In my honest opinion.... NO

But don't listen to me. Here is a selection of other people's views on the mess that is TSW3 :

This is from the review from RailAdvent :

These are posts from this forum :

The choice is yours but you have been warned.

 

I had to try this one immediately, here is the comparison for those interested. The first one is my usual setting and already has the r.BloomQuality=3 parameter.
Koblenz Hbf, 3rd July, Summer, Clear, 7:50



I will have to tweak the numbers a bit, but there is a noticeable difference. Thanks, solicitr!

 

I think you will find if you don't selectively choose the quotes which fit your narrative that many of those are also using TSW3 and enjoying it.

You will find as many who think it is worth it than those who don't.

 

It's not really an upgrade as it won't overwrite anything and you are keeping TSW2 in your library and can still play it.

 

I would pay less attention to the post of many quotes above than other replies. It is a cherry-picked list of some of the worst things people have said to try and prove something that isn’t true, and many of the quotes are from well known trolls who would demean TSW3 even if it was perfect. It isn’t perfect but it isn‘t as bad as the quotes make it appear. It is actually very good.

In my opinion it is well worth getting TSW3. You have been un-warned now.

 

If you've played TSW2 and got all the achievements, you can get TSW3 and start from scratch, and unlock another big batch of achievements, except for the broken ones (there are a handful of achievements that cannot be unlocked in TSW3).
Most TSW2 routes play under TSW3 at least as well as they did under TSW2. Some of them have been "upgraded" to TSW3 (new lighting, new sky box) making them... different. Opinions vary if better/worse than before.
As stated above, the main advantage is that you get to play the new routes that only work under TSW3. DTG and partners have launched quite a lot of content since September 2022, some of which is very well done.

 

With "friends" like this DTG don't need enemies. LOL.

Sadly this is the best that TSW3 supporters can come up with!

So there you have it... 50% of people think TSW3 is NOT WORTH IT. We have a contentment rating of 50% here. That alone is probably enough to help you with any decision.

 

So much valuable input here, this turned out to be a great thred

Reading everything here I ended up buying the Standard edition and will keep TSW2 with my older favourite routes. The Niddertalbahn looks really interesting so might have to pick that one up.

 

I’d say it is worth it, especially as there are often sales on, you can pic it up for a bargain price. You’ll also get access to any new content which won’t be TSW2 compatible but everything you currently have that was TSW 2 comparable is including the routes that came with TSW2

 

I am just capable of giving my own opinion rather than having to give other peoples, many of which have been taken out of context. I never stated a figure of 50%, I just stated that you will find as many will say it is than it isn't an improvement, that isn't taking into account all those silent users who don't comment on this forum.

And if you want to read my posts you will see that I find plenty to complain about. I just try to be balanced.

TSW3 certainly isn't perfect but it isn't the awful mess that some on here make it out to be, certainly not from my experience.

 

Indeed and that is exactly how it should be. You have your bias and I have mine. Would you prefer a harmonious North Korean form of group think where we all make 10k posts just agreeing with each other and gushing with praise for DTG whilst never mentioning the pitiful failures that have plagued TSW for years culminating with TSW3 now reaching breaking point with many previous customers?

Yes my friend. You keep telling yourself that over and over and maybe eventually you may actually believe it.

 

I am playing the ICE journey now, so far it has impressed me. There is a bit of stutters here and there, but nothing more than TSW2 had in it's birth. I have found that having the graphics set at high looks better than on ultra though I can achieve 60 fps on ultra. I set image scaling to 120 % and graphic preset to high.
The sound was mentioned by someone, I don't have any popping or crackling, but I know from other games that uses the same game engine that there is some sound issues on some systems. For me it works setting windows spatial sound to off when using my headset.

 

[Removed - Alex - Inappropriate, Political, Rude]

 

You have quoted people out of context, many of those people have been positive about TSW3!

Resorting to petty insults says a lot frankly.

 

I think you've gone too far with your comment. You really didn't have to share every single comment about tsw3 being the worst game. You could have just said you don't like tsw3 and give reasons why instead of quoting a whole forum.

 

I was criticizing a certain aspect of the game, not rubbishing the entire game.

I'm enjoying it very much, albeit wishing they would improve the lighting/colour calibration (at particular times of day).

They could do with fixing bugs, too, but one significant improvement over TSW 2 is that I can now save my game and resume without encountering a permanent red light bug, which was never fixed in TSW 2.

So TSW 3 is definitely the better version for me because I can play it and actually complete a route from beginning to end. From my point of view, I do recommend it over TSW 2.

And the new volumetric cloud skies are a significant improvement, as a bonus.

 

Not to mention quoting people who haven't even played TSW3, but are themselves parroting others.

On Steam, at least, TSW3 is sitting right in between 3/4 and 4/5 approval. In fairness, about 2 percentage points down from TSW2, but still pretty good.

 

To support this, if I'd been completely happy with TSW, I wouldn't be here, and I don't bother with reviewing games anyway. The only reason I joined here was to get my voice heard because of the red light save bug.

Having initially thought I must be doing something wrong, having waited at my first red light following a resumed save, I read that it was an ongoing, known problem with the game – and had been for several years. Unable to accept that I have just spent good money on a game whose developer can't be bothered to fix a serious bug, I joined here to kick up a stink. Thankfully, it actually worked, albeit forcing an upgrade to a newer version too.

Now I'm here, and now my "campaign" has paid off, I'm rather enjoying the game and the forum.

But, no, I wouldn't have typed a word about Train Sim World anywhere if I'd been happy with it to begin with. But there is a lot of good to say about the franchise, too.

 

I'd like to see some proper benchmarks stats on that, empty words, no matter the opinion on this matter means nothing to me.

 

IMO, I think it's worth it. I have it on PC & PS5. Both upgrades from TSW2. At full price, maybe not, but there are always offers or key sites to use. Steam and PS sales come around often enough. TSW2 cost me 4.99 on PS5 and 2.99 on Steam. I then upgraded during a sale. My money, my choice. Is the game perfect, no. Do I feel I have had value for my money, yes. In the end, that's all that matters. Don't really give a damn what anyone else thinks.

 

Now, if they'd just give us ingame sliders for these kinds of options across all platforms...

They could neatly stick them in a "display calibration" submenu of the options screen. Nice and simple.

 

Oh, that looks MUCH more natural on my monitor!

 

Adding on, others have mentioned it but there is dynamic weather for all older routes in TSW 3, it's not completely perfect but it's a nice system, plus if you want any new content going forward, you have to make the jump to TSW 3 anyways. Another thing worth mentioning, TSW 3 has a much, much nicer UI interface compared to TSW 2, I think the upgrade is worth it just for the new UI alone tbh, the older TSW 2 one was horrible compared to now.

 

DTG is famous for making high-quality games. TSW3 works well on my computer. No stutter. No broken.
I recommend you to buy New York - Trenton route, because it is very popular in forum.

 

Can you not. There's no need to take it to that level. You'll lose your credibility if you keep on exaggerating everything.

 

Content wise, as someone who mainly only touches US Freight, the answer is no, too many cheap rushed out packs that are either dumb ideas not fleshed out (ATSF F7). Or are just cheaply put together like the UP Heritage Pack or the BNSF SD70ACe.

HOWEVER, Boston and Providence is an example on why you should upgrade, since its update in TSW3, combined with the Acela DLC makes it a decently completed route, and probably the best US Passenger route right now.

I think it mainly depends on what you are looking for in TSW's content library, various DLC's you should upgrade, other you shouldn't.

 

Might I ask what is wrong with the Peninsula corridor and the Baby bullett, I know it was bugged in TSW2 even.. is it just not fixed or have more bugs appeared ?

 

MP36PH has like 5 selecrable services and the cab car doesn't even show up in the timetable selection.
Fortunately on PC, there is a fix available
https://www.trainsimcommunity.com/m...by-bullet-cab-car-selectable-in-timetable-fix

Tried it this week and it works well, but there is almost no engine noise in the cab of MP36PH.

 

And in addition to the above. there's this: Baby Bullet Cab Car | Dovetail Games Forums.

Another mention, the TwinBayHopper railcar, the exterior decals for the graffiti and numbering don't appear anymore. I also think the functional railroad crossings were set up wrong initially when TSW 3 was released, I'm completely unsure whether or not that was patched.

The issues with Peninsula Corridor/Baby Bullet are summed up as one major issue (Cab Car not being selectable) - and some smaller issues that add up. It's certainly still playable, benefits from the LondonMidland clouds, but imo it shouldn't had passed QA in this state, Peninsula Corridor held up so well throughout TSW 2, and now it's still good, but not as much.

 

Sliders would be good generally, for personal adjustments – but they wouldn't be the answer to this issue, because the lighting, and how it impacts colour, shadow, detail and depth, on the problematic routes is sometimes fine as you move the camera: while it can be washed-out while sitting in the cab, in external view it can look natural; or washed-out in an external camera view, then normal as you point the camera in a different direction. So if you adjust the washed-out views using sliders (or the settings on your display) to look better, as soon as you change the camera viewpoint, the previously natural-looking views will then look wrong.

This was part of the point I was trying to make in another thread, when I said the developers need to get it right during the development phase and calibrate it between viewpoints using their own eyes. They must see what looks wrong because they get it right plenty of other times. Other developers manage this just fine.

 

Despite what all these people may say, and they can have their opinion I am happy to play TSW3. My major criticism is that it is a gain a new game and again you loose progress and so on and into my opinion the core update should be free.

If you cite an opinion like I will stick to TSW2 because there are many bugs and I don't trust them. That may be tru, but if you do not play TSW3 you cannot give a balanced judgement. And let's not forget a number of issues is fixed. Game Save works better and more reliable now, they improved the dispatcher functions a lot, though it may not yet be perfect, they improved lighting, the UI is a lot better, though it still has some bugs.

I think the major issue with TSW is bug fixing. But, remember TS Classic, where after each route you would get ONE update and all other bugs would stay forever. For TSW even after a long time not all hope is gone. And though I think DTG still has a lot to do to improve internal production processes, they made a lot of progress.

 

Well yes, it's all over the place, as previous videos I have linked of testing internal and external cams in different lighting conditions have shown. Part of it is the sloppy "eye adaptation" and how it reacts so unnaturally and with such extreme exaggeration to the camera being in a shadowed location, being in an open location, looking into a shadowed location, looking into a light, etc.

Being able to get a more consistently realistic and comfortable in-cab view would at least alleviate it for the most common experience though.

 

Koln-Aachen
I was amazed by the green light, the last time I saw it was in old film photos.

 

You stated something, and I want you to back up your claims with... something, at the very least.

Coming from the GTA community, I've seen fools state that the PS4 runs the game at 4k60, which is false, but they genuinely believe it does, THAT'S why I want YOU to back up YOUR claims, fair enough or is that too much to ask for nowadays?