TABLE OF CONTENTS


This guide was designed to help new and returning players get the best value out of their purchases. If you are looking to start your journey with Train Sim world 3 or expand your collection, then this article is for you.


Platforms

Depending on which platforms you own, there are many places to start your journey. However, once you start your collection on one of these platforms, you will not be able to transfer it to another platform. So, please keep that in mind. 


The one exception being where Train Sim World 3 content is purchased on the Microsoft Store, which will allow you to play that content on both the console and PC version of the Microsoft Store. You will see this reflected in the platforms listed in the product description.


Example:


Available Platforms:


Buying Train Sim World 3

In this next section, we will go over the various options available for purchasing Train Sim World 3 and how beneficial they will be for new or returning players.


(Train Sim World® Upgrade Pack is only available separately on Steam)


Train Sim World® Upgrade Pack

The base of every version of Train Sim World 3 is the Training Center available separately as the Train Sim World® Upgrade Pack. Every other piece of playable content is an add-on (downloadable separately). On most platforms, this will only be available when bundled with other add-ons, such as the Standard/Deluxe Editions of the game.


However, as a Steam exclusive, you will be able to purchase the Train Sim World® Upgrade Pack with no additional add-ons at a lower price point. Therefore, it would only include the Training Center content. This would not be a recommended entry point for new players, but returning players will be able to bring their profile and add-ons with them from Train Sim World 2 or Train Sim World 2020, so long as this was purchased on the same Steam account. If you are just looking to upgrade to Train Sim World 3 to play your TSW Compatible add-ons with the latest features and updates, this could be the best option for you.


What is included in the Train Sim World® Upgrade Pack?

  • Training Center route, to explore on foot or by loco.
  • 4 Training Scenarios
  • Class 66 TTC loco
  • Scenario Planner
  • Livery Editor
  • Creators Club Online Hub


Standard/Deluxe

Train Sim World 3 Standard/Deluxe include the Training Center, plus 3 or 4 Route Add-Ons. This would be a great starting point for new players, if you're not sure what kind of driving experiences you would like, as there is a good variety of content included. However, this also provides great value for returning players, as it is a significant saving on purchasing the Route Add-Ons separately.


Train Sim World 3: Standard Edition (Training Center + 3 Add-Ons):


Train Sim World 3: Deluxe Edition (Training Center + 4 Add-ons):


Bundles

Bundles may or may not contain the base game, so it is important to check the details before you commit to a purchase. However, bundles can be a great way to get multiple add-ons in one purchase and save money. Often, they will be cheaper than buying the add-ons individually. If you were to purchase a bundle which contains something you already own, you will not receive a giftable/duplicate copy of that item. Lastly, the range of bundles available may differ, depending on which platform you are on.


Base Game Bundle

An example of a base game bundle would be the Train Sim World® 3: US Super Bundle. This bundle will come with base Train Sim World 3 (Training Center) game and six add-ons.


Add-on Bundle

An example of an add-on bundle would be the Great Western Bundle. This bundles will come with four similarly themed British add-ons.


How do I know what is included in a bundle?

Steam

Using Train Sim World® 3: US Freight Bundle as an example. Click on "Package Info" to view a breakdown of what the bundle contains.


Epic 

On the Epic Games Store, check the product description for details of what is included in the bundle.

Example: Train Sim World® 3: New York Starter Pack


PlayStation

On the PlayStation Store, scroll down to "Editions" and you will find a bullet pointed breakdown of what each bundle contains.


Example: Train Sim World 3: US Passenger Bundle


Xbox

On the Microsoft Store, scroll down to "Compare Editions" to find a breakdown of what each bundle contains.


Example: Train Sim World 3: US Super Bundle


Expanding your Collection

If you are enjoying your time with Train Sim World 3 and wish to expand your collection, there are three types of add-ons you can purchase.


Route Add-ons

Route add-ons will expand the game into new regions and countries. Content may vary, so always check the product description for the "Key Features". However, your route add-on may include:

  • Locomotives + Rolling Stock
  • Route Introduction + Training Modules
  • Scenarios
  • Timetable Services
  • Rail Journey Mode (A guided tour of the included content)
  • Route Tasks (Collectibles)
  • Livery Designer & Scenario Planner compatibility


Requirements:

Route add-ons will only require you to own the base game (Train Sim Word 3) on the same platform and account.


Example:

Birmingham Cross-City Line: Lichfield - Bromsgrove & Redditch Route Add-On

  • 37-mile (60 km) route from Lichfield Trent Valley to Redditch and Bromsgrove
  • BR Class 323 EMU in West Midlands Railway livery
  • Highly detailed, feature-rich, driving cab
  • True-to-life performance and handling

  • Accessible Tutorial on the Training Center

  • Includes 5 Scenarios and an extensive 24-hour Timetable

  • Journey Mode tying together Training, Scenarios and Timetabled Services

  • A selection of Route Tasks to complete

  • Livery Designer and Scenario Planner compatible. Share your creations with the Creators Club

  • Powered by Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine and Unreal Engine 4® technology


Loco Add-ons

Loco add-ons will always have a "home" route on which to play the included content. Therefore, it will require you to own a certain route-add-on in order to get the most out of it. The content on offer may vary, so please check out the product description for "Key Features". However, these add-ons will often include:

  • A highly detailed locomotive with feature rich drivable cab.
  • Training Module/s
  • Scenarios
  • Timetable Services
  • Livery Designer & Scenario Planner compatibility


Requirements:

The requirements of a loco add-on will always be explained in the product description. So please make sure you fully understand requirements before you commit to a purchase. In the case of Steam, the description will also include handy links to the add-ons it requires.


Example:

Train Sim World 3: Amtrak's Acela®

  • Acela Express trainset in Amtrak Acela livery
  • Highly detailed, feature-rich, driving cab
  • True-to-life performance and handling

  • Includes Training Module on the Training Center

  • Includes 3 Scenarios and additional Timetable Services for Boston Sprinter

  • Includes additional Timetable Services for Northeast Corridor: New York - Trenton

  • Livery Designer, Scenario Planner and Creators Club compatible

  • Powered by Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine and Unreal Engine 4® technology


Expansion Add-ons

Expansion add-ons are designed to expand the amount of content you have for one or more of the add-ons you already own. The content on offer may vary, so please check out the product description for "Key Features". However, these add-ons will often include: 

  • New Liveries
  • Training Module/s
  • Scenarios
  • Timetable Services
  • Livery Designer & Scenario Planner compatibility


Requirements:

Expansion add-ons may require routes or routes + loco add-ons for the full experience. So please make sure you fully understand requirements before you commit to a purchase. In the case of Steam, the description will also include handy links to the add-ons it requires.


Example:

Train Sim World® 3: Union Pacific Heritage Livery Collection

  • UP SD70Ace diesel locomotive in 6 Fallen Flag railroad liveries:
  • UP 1982 Missouri Pacific
  • UP 1983 Western Pacific
  • UP 1988 Missouri-Kansas-Texas The Katy
  • UP 1989 Denver & Rio Grande Western
  • UP 1995 Chicago & North Western
  • UP 1996 Southern Pacific
  • Highly detailed, feature-rich, driving cab
  • True-to-life performance and handling
  • Includes Training Module on the Training Center
  • Includes 6 Scenarios and is operable on the Timetable for Sherman Hill
  • Livery Designer, Scenario Planner and Creators Club compatible
  • Powered by Dovetail Games’ proprietary SimuGraph® vehicle dynamics engine and Unreal Engine 4® technology


Train Sim World Compatible Add-ons

When you browse the store on your chosen platform, you will find a single store page for every add-on made for a Train Sim World game, instead of one for each game.


When you see the “Train Sim World Compatible” logo you will get the Train Sim World 3 Add-On + Legacy Add-Ons for any applicable Train Sim World games (on the same platform and account). These entitlements will only apply to purchases made after the launch of Train Sim World 3, where the logo is visible.



Example:

Train Sim World®: Great Western Express Route Add-On

Great Western Express is a route add-on that was originally created for the original Train Sim World, then preserved for Train Sim World 2, and brought forward to Train Sim World 3. Therefore, when you purchase this add-on, you are getting access to the following add-ons which are all downloable separately.

  • Train Sim World 3: Great Western Express Route Add-On
  • Train Sim World 2: Great Western Express Route Add-On
  • Train Sim World: Great Western Express Route Add-On


Bringing Your Legacy Add-Ons to Train Sim World 3

Train Sim World 3 supports a large array of legacy content if you have historic TSW purchases on the same platform and account. Most add-ons will be as you remember them from previous games with a few tweaks here and there. However, a select few Route Add-Ons have been fully upgraded to support new Train Sim World 3 features, such as the new lightinig system, upgraded passenger behaviour and new weather effects.


Upgraded Route Add-Ons:


If you already own any of the above routes in Train Sim World 2 (on the same platform and account) you will automatically be entitled to download the updated Train Sim World 3 version. Entitlement will work just as described in the support article: How to Use Legacy Add-Ons in Train Sim World 3