Favourite Things About Tsw

alright here's an idea, as we can't share our opinions online without things turning bad, lets spread some positivity, what are your favourite parts about Train Sim World.

for me its the wealth of routes and dlc we have as well as some of the very best timetables we have in game, such as BML and Sehs which are 2 of the very best.

im interested in hearing what other players like about TSW

 

Being able to relive some great memories of time spent with my Dad.
I cannot tell you how impressed he would be, knowing he could drive a peak across the pennines, on his PC screen.
GWE reminds me of the first time I ever saw a HST. The noise was epic.

 

I very much agree with your sentiments on Bml and Sehs, I like Tsw as it gives me the chance to chill and enjoy my favourite hobby in peace.

 

Service mode, definately a boon. Being able to walk around and explore. The cabs and the interactivity of them. Being able to ride on the trains as a passenger. The graphics and the fact that often on loading a service straight away you often have to remind yourself it isn't a video of a real cab ride.

The atmosphere of the backdated routes is impressive, especially NTP and Clinchfield.

 

oh yes, the interactivity of the cabs is amazing, how you can click on nearly everything, and even things like the hotplate glowing on the class 20 and the message you get from it

 

train starting procedure. that routine is very satisfying for me

 

The variety of the routes is the biggest positive for me. Regardless of what I feel like doing, I‘ll always find something. Also the challenge of learning the routes and trying to run hudless and improve my own driving.

 

For me, the implementation of the German Safety systems is the highlight. Absolutely love the feeling of completing a run without an emergency brake. (Though that’s quite rare as I’m easily distracted).

 

I am still using PZB helper, I can never remember what all the signals mean. I have now got a print out of them beside me! I will be brave one day!

 

Overall, my favourite thing about TSW is the timetable - and as already mentioned, when you have two of the best routes/timetables in the whole of TSW (London Commuter and SEHS) which are lengthy in mileage, super-busy with plenty of rolling stock; additionally, also not forgetting the majority of fantastic modern German routes, which I absolutely love too, especially with PZB - then I'm very happy.

TSW is my favourite-ever game and I look forward to many more years of enjoyment.

 

Whilst they are many great elements of TSW, it makes it a hard choice to narrow it down to one.

I would have to say though the ability to role play the driver from controlling trains to walking about is one of my top favourite things of TSW

 

Being able to sit in the best seat of the train.

 

Lots of things actually...

1. The feel that I get by clicking in-cab controls, pulling levers & so on is absolutely divine for me.
2. Role-playing as a train driver; something which isn't a rewarding career IRL in my country.
3. Drive one of the best trains in the world from a different country & a different era, with Spotify in the background & my favorite drink in my hand - all from the comfort of my couch !
4. Loads of DLCs ( it's okay if you disagree ) but that means I always find something different & unique to experience.
5. Timetable mode is such an underrated star. Truly unique to TSW, makes it so lively.
6. Some of the models are absolutely amazing. The textures, the light reflections, and so on... ( Even my 'non-railfan' friends gaze at them with awe )
7. AND EVERY SINGLE PIECE OF ROLLING STOCK THAT ( IS / WILL BE ) ADDED TO THIS GAME

Honorable mention - Incredibly passionate people at DTG & community like Matt, Joe, and many others who make all of this a reality & share their domain knowledge from time to time

 

absolutely agree with the wealth of amazing DLC

 

The ability to walk out of the train and walk around the station.

Be a passenger and enjoy the scenery.

TSW just looks great graphically. Barring a few issues here and there like draw distance and stuff The train models look very realistic.

Can’t wait for future DLC’s. Always look forward to them. Hoping the August roadmap reveals the big 3 while I mention DLC.

 

I think for me its definitely the window into historic content. Being someone who was born late 90s I never got the chance to see steam or the height of the BR diesel era so being able to see at least a representation of how things were is really amazing to me! Even if things like rolling stock and timetables are lacking somewhat

 

All day timetable, easily the No.1 attribute.

 

Three things for me, that stand out:

1) Timetable mode and that I am not bound to a single train! I can get out of my cab and "highjack" any train I want, all day long, as many as I want, if I want to... That alone will prevent me from ever going back to TSC.

2) The way you are able to interact with your world. For me the TSW journey has only really started to kick off with Dresden Riesa, when suddenly I was able to manipulate the brake settings on my fright trains. I found it absolutely amazing how I was able to put stuff, that I have theoretically learned in the real world, to the test in the simulator. Suddenly all these numbers started to make sense. I still am amazed by the physics this simulator has and that, if you leave a braking curve in any circumstances, it manages to bring your train to a halt prior to a red signal!

3) The generated atmosphere. I love to take over a fright train in the middle of nowhere, in the middle of the night, run alongside with my torch, which is by far not bright enough, and start setting up my train for the journey. This is just meant as an example, of course. There are many more...

 

One of the main things I like about Train Sim World is the fact I can walk to, climb up / in and start up and drive a train, drive a route from 0.1km all the way upto 186km and at varying speed.. I am never ever going to get the chance to do that in real life. So this is the next best thing. Plus I have made a few friends from around the world.

Hentis

 

I like how we can explore all these amazing places on the different routes, there's always a great view out of the window. Places I would probably never have heard about in my life if it wasn't for tsw. I find it interesting to look on Google maps and Wikipedia to find out more info about the place I'm driving.

 

The busyness of some timetables for me. SEHS being my favourite because there is just so much I am able to do (plus the seasonal services being a nice touch as well as random AI bringing the route to life). Finish one service, hijack another train. I could do that all day if I really wanted, and spend ridiculous hours doing so).

It allows me to drive trains, which I can't do in real life (getting there though), and also see other parts of the country (I focus mainly on British routes but do sometimes like to venture elsewhere.

One minute I can drive a commuter, then high speed, then freight. I never get bored.

 

Took the words right out of my mouth!

You’ll manage! I’m always eager to see more people give the German systems a shot. Should you need help with anything, all of us are just a forum post away and are eager to help

 

I think the timetable is its biggest strength but also the ability to build such high levels of immersion that it genuinely puts me in proper serious 'driving mode' which is something I haven't got from any other sim.

 

Definitely livery and scenario maker. It's just endless possibilitys.

 

I might be able to provide a different perspective since I'm a developer. I barely "play the game" any more since the majority of my time is spent in the editor. All my points are compared to Train Sim Classic development.

1) TSW gives unparalled flexibility when it comes to creating literally anything in the editor. It's insane how much power you have. Your knowledge is the limitation.
2) When it comes to signal scripting, you're able to make an extremely realistic product provided you take the time. You can produce similar products in TSC, but the TSW variants have much more potential and are less prone to bugs due to the much improved dispatcher.
3) Simugraph is freaking amazing for locomotive physics.
4) Blueprints Visual Scripting is the best thing ever. I'm NOT a programmer (I actually dropped out of college due to failing Calculus/progarmming in 2012 and joined the military), but Blueprints in UE4 make me love programming again.

The developer stuff aside, I love the following things about TSW in general:

1) Good framerate on modern hardware.
2) Great physics (huge nod to Simugraph)
3) Excellent visuals

Train Sim Classic is pretty cool to develop for and the graphics aren't all that bad. But it runs abysmal on modern hardware unless you do a massive amount of tweaking. TSW is indeed the future but it requires things like the public editor and the Steam Workshop to realize its true potential.

 

Actually for me the number one "Favourite thing" is just being able to play a fully functioning train simulator on console. Now even better on PS5!

After giving up on PCs a good number of years ago I thought I'd also left the world of train sim-ing behind. Top marks to DTG for giving me that enjoyment back again.

 

Yes, I now very rarely boot up the PC for games other than Transport Fever 2 as I think TSW is much better on the series s on a big screen at my desk.

 

After a lifetime of seeing U.S. freight trains in action, actually being able to be behind the wheel, as it were, and control these beasts is amazing. Size does matter.

Also, being able to just have a chill walk the entire length of a route with headphones on, checking out the scenery and atmosphere and watching trains go by, is wonderful. Led Zeppelin is great music to wander by.

 

Sadly haven't found anything I really like about TSW, nothing about it really stands out from other Sims. The timetable mode is nice, but you are stuck on what comes with the route. If it's good then that's great, if it's not, you don't have the freedom to fix it yourself.

 

I love a simulation game that recreates, and lets you explore a real place.

I remember the moment TSW really grabbed my attention in that way. I was on foot in Paddington on Great Western Express. Walking around in the game I had this strange sense of deja vu. I thought back to a trip to London in 2007. We took the Heathrow Express from the airport and sure enough that's where it comes in. I was like.. "holy **** that's the place. I HAVE been there"

I'm from Boston and I can say with confidence that the South Station area and the Boston skyline are extremely well done.

American Truck Simulator is also a favorite of mine for the same reasons. ATS and TSW are both hypnotic recreations of real places, and you explore them in huge heavy vehicles with challenging physics.

On the more technical side of things, I love the different train protection systems. It's a relatively new interest for me since really diving into TSW, but the rabbit hole is deep. Learning to think ahead of a train safety system is so satisfying.

Trains are so efficient because they have next to no rolling resistance; but that also makes them extremely dangerous. Despite that danger, thousands of trains operate safely around the world thanks to elaborate technology designed around the fact that the thing can't just stop. Every system has it's own way of achieving the same goal, and they all seem to have their own personality. Dare I say they reflect the culture of the country from which they originate. Why else would the AWS green signal ping sound so polite?
It's been a fascinating pursuit for my curious mind, and I can thank TSW for that.

 

Trains. That's really it. Being able to drive trains from different areas of the world even if the majority is in the big 3. I don't live in a country where rail is the wide network like the UK and germany

 

Don't think you'd get anyone playing this game if they didn't like trains.

 

TSW (like the various iterations of TSC) gives me the opportunity to learn about rail systems in the UK/EU which I wouldn't know about since I live across The Pond. It's become a hobby of sorts too, as the sim lends itself to curiosity and then extra research (e.g., foreign signal systems) which in turn fleshes out knowledge making gameplay that much more enjoyable for me. I thoroughly enjoy TSW3.

 

I care not for trains in the real world.
I just like simulators.

 

I like the simplicity of TSW. I don't need to buy a route, then the Armstrong Powerhouse enhancement for the route, and then a train (like the Super 47) from a website that looks like it wants all of your personal data, only to find that the AP enhancement no longer works.

I can just buy a route from steam.

Now, I understand the appeal of TSC, and that not all enhancements are needed, and that I could probably learn what enhancements I would need to buy, but since TSW was my first experience with PC gaming ever, it was comforting having the whole package for £25/£30, all in one place (with maybe a couple of official loco DLCs too).

 

I'm a big fan of railroads. TSW for me is an opportunity to experience something that I will not experience in real life. This is a great journey across the continents in the world of trains in different historical eras. Each new DLC is like a new part of a fictional novel with its own characters and history. Each new journey is like a new exploration of a separate piece of land with its surroundings and population. This is cool. After the announcement of each new route, I turn to google maps and other sources that can tell me about the upcoming trip. It's a fascinating pastime to match the virtual world with its real prototype.

I never thought that I could be so passionate that I can not miss a single new DLC and is in constant expectation of new products. For me, it’s already a big problem to choose a route for an evening run. I would like to explore everything in full volume, I want to repeat something again, but there is sorely not enough time for this.

I want to thank DTG and all the participants in the development for the opportunity to travel in my favorite world of trains and the pleasure they brought.

 

Fair enough.

 

Being able to drive a gronk again. I was driving these about 10 years old at white moor but then cars and a hearing issue (one ears a nob) took me away from rails. Tsw reignited my fire and much as theres always knightly battles with armoured keyboards here it's a decent community and i enjoy the streams too

 

Agreed! This will only benefit DTG and the TSW franchise!

For me, it's the fact that i can drive my favourite locos, which i of course can never do in real life. What a joy!

 

Pretty much the main reason I like it.

 

For me it's driving without having the next signal distance and state, while recording it, and putting them on YouTube.

Saves hard disk space, and I will never lose them. Also, always fun when I see that other people watch them to.

 

What a great thread idea. I have to echo the Timetable is my fav thing about the game. I love to set the time to my current time and find a service on Realtime Trains or other train tracking site and essentially race the real train. Cannot explain why but is just so much fun. Ran a Glossop service to Manchester Picadilly this morning and arrived earlier than timetabled. Look at the real time train and it also arived early. The Glossop Line timetable is quite tight. Also the updated lighting in am/pm times very atmospheric.

 

Every new route or train announcement has me on the internet reading Wikipedia articles, looking at google maps, and following the route on Open Railway Map.
Where does this route go? Where does it go after the last stop in game? What are the represented services all about? What ELSE uses the line in reality? Why was that particular piece of equipment designed and built the way it was? What did it replace? What’s that signal mean? What are the real world practices regarding headlights, horns, bells, throttle notch selection etc etc… it never ends, and I’m okay with that.

Curiously is kind of an addiction. I’m glad I’m not the only one.

 

I would say the main thing for me is the Livery Designer tool, let's me flex my creative muscle in another way, in a more satisfying fashion as I can play with the result and even share it for others to enjoy.

I would like more considerations for the tool going forward, as it's challenging, fun & satisfying nailing an intricate design, if not frustrating at times and anything to improve the process is more than welcome!

 

I would suggest Matt that regardless of feedback, criticisms that the work you and team do, your concept becoming a reality has broke down barriers, gave people a passion, helped people make friends and brought trains more to the mainstream

Absolutely should be heart warmed by the work you do, people always moan more than they compliment.

Some might say its just a game but id say youve changed a lot of lives here that you'll never ever know about

 

chieflongshin well said. I wasn’t a quote-unquote railfan before TSW. But now I proudly am. I actually have a whole UK trip idea centered around rail travel and BR history.

So thank you all for that. It’s been a fascinating journey so far.

(Typing this over dinner so I’m well fed for my first 700 run)

 

That's true. I can certify

+1 on that. Both UK & US for me !

 

For me I love the ability to be able to explore the routes on foot and freely change between being a passenger or the driver of a service on the 24hr timetables, but it's also having all the interactivity with the locos and rolling stock that for me makes this feel more of a simulator than most other train sims out there. Also the accessibility options such as the PZB HUD helper has definitely made me more confident to drive the German routes with the safety systems active. To this day I've played TSW2 & TSW3 over 1,200 hours each which is more than another train sim I have combined... So in short I do enjoy playing it lol.