TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction

Whether you are a new or returning player, you may find this guide useful for explaining many of the unique features in Train Sim World 4. The guide is in order, so it will take you through the first steps of  purchasing and downloading the game, to exploring all the features available.

Purchasing Train Sim World 4

If you are struggling to decide which bundle is right for you or have any other questions about purchasing Train Sim World 4, please head over to the Train Sim World 4 FAQ for more information. The information covered in the FAQ will include:

Downloading Train Sim World 4

This next section assumes that you have purchased a version of Train Sim World 4 on your chosen platform. For this example, we will be using Train Sim World 4 Standard Edition, which consists of the core game (Training Center), plus 3 add-ons which provide the content.


PlayStation 4

  1. From the home screen, go to Library and then select Purchased.
  2. Select the Train Sim World 4 and then select Download.
  3. From there, you will be asked to select which add-ons you want to install. Select All > Download.
  4. To check on the progress of your download, go to Notifications > Downloads.
  5. To start the game, you will need to complete any active downloads of the core game and any add-ons.


PlayStation 5

  1. From the home screen, select Game Library > Your Collection > Train Sim World 4.
  2. Select the PS5 version to download the best version of the game for your console.
  3. Now select Download > Select All > Install, to download all the add-ons you are entitled to.
  4. To view the progress of your download, press the PlayStation button and navigate to Downloads/Uploads.
  5. Before you start the game, make sure you have completed any active downloads.


Xbox One/Series S|X

  1. From the Xbox dashboard, go to My games & apps > Full library > All owned Games. 
  2. Select Train Sim World 4 and press Install All (This will Install the game and every add-on you own)
  3. To check on the progress of your download, go to My games & apps > Manage > Queue.
  4. Before you start the game, make sure you have completed any active downloads.


Steam

  1. Open the Steam and go to the Library and select Train Sim World 4.
  2. Click on Install and select the installation location (This will automatically install the game, plus any add-ons you own).
  3. To start the game, you will need to complete any active downloads of the core game and any add-ons. 
  4. To check on the progress of your download, go to Library > Downloads at the bottom of the window.


Epic Games Store

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher and navigate to the Library > All.
  2. Select Train Sim World 4 and choose the installation location.
  3. Once the core game has downloaded, you will need to download the add-ons included in your bundle.
  4. Now click on the "..." under the game art.
  5. Go to Manage Add-Ons.
  6. From here, you may use the toggle button in the Installed column to add/remove an add-ons.
  7. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads. 
  8. To check on the progress of your download, click on Downloads in the lower left corner of the window.


Microsoft Store/Xbox for PC

  1. Open the Xbox app and go to My Library and select Owned.
  2. Now Select Train Sim World 4 > Install.
  3. This will install the core game with the Training Center, but you will need to download your add-ons separately to access all the content included in your purchased bundle. 
  4. After the core game has finished downloading, scroll down the page and click on the edition you own (e.g. Standard Edition).
  5. Where it says "Included in this bundle" click on each of the add-ons, select Install and choose the same location.
    • Antelope Valley Line Route Add-On
    • East Coast Mainline Route Add-On
    • S-Bahn Vorarlberg Route Add-On
  6. To start the game, you will need to complete any active downloads of the core game and any add-ons. 
  7. To check on the progress of your download, go to Downloading in the bottom left of the window.

Downloading Compatible Content

If you own previous Train Sim World games or add-ons on the same platform and account, then you may already have a collection of compatible content waiting to be downloaded in Train Sim World 4. In this section we will learn how to download those add-on on your chosen platform.


Train Sim World Console Games on Disc

If you own a Train Sim World game on a PlayStation or Xbox disc you will need to contact Dovetail Support to use the add-ons included on the disc with Train Sim World 4. However, you only need to do this if you have not claimed the digital version of these add-ons before.


Troubleshooting Compatible Content on Consoles

If you appear to be missing an add-on you believe you own, you may have to “redeem” the correct version from the store before it is added to your library. However, this will only be applicable to Xbox and PlayStation consoles. To do this, enter the in-game store of Train Sim World 4. Then select the add-on you wish to download and press View to be taken to the store page. On the store page press Download which will “redeem” and download the add-on. Once you have redeemed an add-on it will become a permanent part of your account and can be downloaded again using the normal instructions for your platform. 


PlayStation 4

  1. From the Home Screen go to Library > Games.
  2. Select Train Sim World 4.
  3. Go down to PlayStation Store > View All.
  4. Select an add-on you want download.
  5. If you are asked to Choose a Version, then select the first available option, and press Download.
  6. If you can’t find something you own go to the PlayStation Store from the Home Screen.
  7. Select Search and type in the add-on name.
  8. Select the add-on marked “Train Sim World 4 Compatible”.
  9. Then select Download or Choose Version > Free > Download.
  10. If you see an error message, this won’t be the correct download for your game. To fix this, simply go back and choose the next available option from the drop-down menu.
  11. To check on the progress of your download, go to Notifications > Downloads.
  12. To start the game, you will need to complete any active downloads


Please note that you cannot remove an add-on without reinstalling the entire game on PlayStation 4.


PlayStation 5

  1. Highlight Train Sim World 4 and press the Option button on your controller.
  2. Select Manage Game Content and select an add-on to start downloading.
  3. To view the progress of your downloads, press the PlayStation button and navigate to Downloads/Uploads.
  4. If you can’t find an add-on, go back to the home screen, and open the PlayStation Store.
  5. Select Search and type in the add-on name.
  6. Now, select the add-on marked “Train Sim World 4 Compatible” and Download.
  7. Please be aware that downloading directly from the store page will attempt to download every version of that add-on. 
  8. If you have downloads for games or platforms you don’t need, press the PlayStation button and navigate to Downloads/Uploads.
  9. Now, select the unwanted download and press the Options button, then Cancel and Delete.
  10. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads.


Xbox One/Series S|X

  1. From the Dashboard, select My games & apps > Games.
  2. Then, highlight Train Sim World 4 and press the View button to Manage Game.
  3. Select Train Sim World 4 again and then Manage installation on Internal storage.
  4. Next up, select the add-ons you want to install with the A button.
  5. Then press Save Changes to start downloading.
  6. To view your download progress, simply go to My Games & Apps > Manage > Queue.
  7. Before you start the game, make sure you have completed any active downloads.


Steam

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Navigate to the Library > Train Sim World 4.
  3. Right-click on Train Sim World 4 and go to Properties > DLC.
  4. From here, you can place/remove the tick in the Install column to add/remove an add-on. Any changes you make will be confirmed by closing the window.
  5. To check on the progress of your download, go to Library > Downloads at the bottom of the window.
  6. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads.

Epic Game Store

  1. Open the Epic Games Launcher.
  2. Navigate to the Library and locate Train Sim World 4.
  3. Now click on the "..." under the game art.
  4. Go to Manage Add-Ons.
  5. From here, you may use the toggle button in the Installed column to add/remove an add-on.
  6. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads. 
  7. To check on the progress of your download, click on Downloads in the lower left corner of the window.

Microsoft Store/Xbox for PC

Xbox App

  1. Open the Xbox app and go to My Library.
  2. Select Owned and select Train Sim World 4.
  3. Scroll down to Add-ons for this game and click on Show All.
  4. Select an add-on (it should be marked as "Owned").
  5. Click on Install to start the download process. The Install button should update to display Installing.
  6. To check on the progress of your download, go to Downloading in the bottom left of the window.
  7. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads.

Microsoft Store App

  1. Open the Microsoft Store App.
  2. Go to Library > Games.
  3. Click on Sort and filter and untick "show installed products only".
  4. Brose the list of products for the add-on you want to install.
  5. Click on the cloud icon next to the add-on to download.
  6. To check on the progress of your download scroll to the top of the Library page.
  7. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads. 

Web Page

  1. Go to: https://www.xbox.com/en-gb/games
  2. Sign into your Microsoft account.
  3. Search for the add-on you want to download
  4. In the search results select the add-on marked "Train Sim World 4 Compatible".
  5. Click on Install To > PC > Launch.
  6. Press Install to begin the download inside the Xbox App.
  7. To check on the progress of your download, go to Downloading in the bottom left of the window.
  8. Before starting the game, please complete any active downloads.

First Time Startup

This section will take you through the experience of starting the game for the first time and what to expect.


Signing in/registering for Dovetail Live

Creating a Dovetail Live account is an entirely optional step, but the image below shows just a few of the features you can enjoy by creating an account. If you wish to skip this step, simple press the on-screen prompt.


Importing a TSW 2/3 Profile

If you have played Train Sim World 2 or 3 on the same platform and account, you can choose to import a profile rather than create a new one. You will be prompted to import a profile when you first start the game. However, if you miss this prompt you can go to [Main Menu > My Profile > Switch Profile > Import Profile]. Further details about profile transfers is available here: Will my Train Sim World 3 progress be transferred to Train Sim World 4?


Please Note: 
- Profiles cannot be transferred across different platforms. PS4 and PS5 do count as different platforms.
- You cannot import a profile with the same name as an existing profile.


On this screen, you will be required to agree to the privacy policies before you can play the game. However, you can choose not to see real-world advertisements in-game. We would recommend that all players take the time to familiarise themselves with this information. In summary, only your region is used to provide you with locally relevant advertisments and no personally identifying information is shared with third-parties.


Setting the difficulty level

Your first introduction to Train Sim World 4 will also set the difficulty level of the game based on the Player assists explained below. 

Beginner - You will start by learning the fundamentals at the Training Center and all player assists will be turned on.

Standard - You will be taken directly to Journey mode, where you will be able to choose a route and be taken through scenarios and introductions in an order curated by the developer. Player assists will be set to the Standard level.

Experienced - You will be taken directly to the main menu, where you can choose where to go next. All player assists will be turned off.

Configuring the Game

In this section, you will learn how to configure the game to meet your needs. You may not know what settings you will prefer at first, but it would be recommended to familiarise yourself with the options available.


Player Assists

(Main Menu > Settings > Player Assist)

These players assists are recommended to be turned on for new players, but can also be used to make the game easier to play for those who are more experienced.


Haptic Feedback

(Main Menu > Settings > Controls > Gamepad Settings)

These settings can be used to adjust the vibration intensity of haptic feedback.


HUD Settings

(Main Menu > Settings > Accessibility > HUD Type)

These settings will allow you to change between three different HUD types depending on your gameplay style. Further customisation of the HUD is available under Settings > HUD & Gameplay.


Normal

The normal HUD will be familiar to any TSW 3 players. You will be given objective based information in the top left, score and track monitor in the top right. The speedometer will be flanked by the brake pressures on the left and gradient on the right.


Simple

The simple HUD does away with the "wings" on the speedometer to provide you with critical information only. This mode would be recommended for new players.


Minimal

The minimal HUD condenses critical information into a slim bar in the top left to increase immersion.


Graphical Settings (PC Only)

(Main Menu > Settings > Screen)

To get the best experience, we would recommend that players choose an appropriate Resolution and Graphical Preset for their PC. The table below will give you an idea of what settings you will need to use based on the hardware in your computer. To fine tune your graphical settings, please head over to our Settings Guide for an explanation of each setting.


 

Minimum

Balanced

Recommended

Ultra

Graphics Preset

Low

Medium

High

Ultra

Resolution

720P

1080P

1080P

4K

Average FPS Target

30

30-60

60

30+

Processor

Intel Core I5-4690/AMD Ryzen 1500X

Intel Core i5-9600K/AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Intel Core i5-9600K/AMD Ryzen 5 3600

Intel Core i5-11600K/AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Memory

8 GB

16 GB RAM

16 GB RAM

16 GB RAM

Graphics Card

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750 Ti/AMD Radeon RX 460 with 2 GB VRAM

Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB/AMD Radeon RX 580 8 GB

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 6 GB GB/AMD Radeon RX 5700 8 GB

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 8 GB/AMD Radeon RX 6800 8 GB

Storage

80 GB

80 GB

80 GB

80 GB

Operating System

Windows 10/11 64-Bit

Windows 10/11 64-Bit

Windows 10/11 64-Bit

Windows 10/11 64-Bit



Unreal Engine 4 Shader Compilation Stutter

Unfortunately, many games built on the Unreal Engine 4 suffer from shader compilation stutter including Train Sim World 4. This is most noticeable as pauses between frames, whenever something new is being rendered for the first time. This kind of stutter will occur on any PC hardware, so it cannot be eliminated with a hardware upgrade. 


However, you will find that a second run of the same route will be dramatically smoother. This is because the shader is cached when it first appears. This allows the game to reuse that data, which is much faster than compiling shaders on the fly. The cache size is limited, so eventually it will be overwritten by new data. Furthermore, shaders will need to be recompiled if you update the graphics card driver or change your graphics card.


This doesn't happen on consoles because the hardware inside a console is a known quantity and the shaders can be precompiled and shipped with the game. The different combinations of hardware inside a PC is impossible to predict, so shaders have to be compiled on demand.


Gamepad Controls

(Main Menu > Settings > Controls > Gamepad Controls)

The default controller scheme is called "Immersion" which is depicted in the image below. This scheme makes best use of the limited number of buttons on a controller by introducing "modifiers". These are buttons which can be held while pressing another button to make it do something different. The full controller layout can be found in the settings menu. 

  • Operations Shift [Hold X/Square] covers AFB, PZB, and sanding.
  • Camera Shift [Click and Hold the Right Analogue Stick] covers Internal & External cameras, zooming and taking a screenshot.

Common Controls

  • A/X - Interact
  • Y/Triangle - Enter/Exit Seat
  • Menu/Options  - Pause the Game
  • View/Touchpad - In-Game Map
  • Left Trigger/R2 [In Loco] - Increase Throttle
  • Right Bumper/R1 [In Loco] - Decrease Throttle
  • Left Trigger/L2 [In Loco] - Increase Brake
  • Left Bumper/L1 [In Loco] - Decrease Brake
  • Left Analogue Stick Up/Down [In Loco] - Zoom the camera
  • Left/Right D-Pad [In Loco] - Open/Close the Left/Right Doors
  • Hold B/Circle [In Loco] - Contact the Signaller/Request permission to proceed
  • Click Right Analogue Stick [In Loco] - Swap between Internal/External camera
  • Click and Hold the Right Analogue Stick + Hold Down on the D-Pad - Take a DTL Screenshot


Keyboard Controls

(Main Menu > Settings > Controls > Keyboard Controls)

There are many keyboard bindings and you will learn much of these as you play the game. However, you can review these binding any any time by accessing the Settings menu. 


Common Controls

  • W/S [In Loco] - Reverser Forwards/Backwards
  • A/D [In Loco]  - Throttle Increase/Decrease
  • Q [In Loco]  - Acknowledge Alerter
  • Tab [In Loco]  - Contact the Signaller/Request permission to proceed
  • 1 - First Person Camera
  • 2 - Front/Rear Boom Camera
  • 3 - Front/Rear Exterior Camera
  • 8 - Free Camera
  • 9 - In-Game Map
  • Ctrl+0 - Return to the Cab
  • Ctrl+F12 - Take a DTL Screenshot
  • Esc - Pause the game


Raildriver Desktop Controller

(Main Menu > Settings > Controls > Advanced Controls)

The RailDriver Desktop Controller is designed to mimic the levers and buttons found with a train cab and can be used with any train in Train Sim World 4 on PC. To learn how to calibrate your RailDriver controller we would recommend trainsimulatordriver's videos:


By default the Advanced Controls menu will show options for the 3 Training Center locos. To configure other locos you will need to load into a route and access them from the pause menu.

Other Settings

There are many more settings to customise your experience, and it is likely that you will not know how they will impact your gameplay at first. However, it would be recommended to familiarise yourself with the options available. For explanation of each setting, please have a look at our Settings Guide.

Learning the Game

In this next section we will cover the various modes you can enjoy in Train Sim World 4 and how to access them.


Training Center

(Main Menu > Training Center)

  • Start Journey - New begineers are recommended to start here. This will take you through the fundamental training modules in order.
  • Fundamentals - A complete list of the fundamental training modules where you are free to choose where to start. The available modules take you from learning how to interact with the game to refuelling Steam locomotives.
  • Training - Visit this menu frequently, as it contains a complete list of training modules for every loco you have installed. 
  • Explore On Foot - Explore the Training Center on foot to find hidden surprises or jump into one of the stabled locomotives and take it for a spin.
  • Video Tutorials - This our YouTube playlist of gameplay tutorials in your preferred web browser.


Fundamentals

(Main Menu > Training Center > Fundamentals)

Click on the links below to see how each tranining module in completed.


Journey Mode

(Main Menu > To The Trains > Rail Journeys)

Journey mode allow you to select a route then be taken on a guided experience which will take you through all the highlights of that route. This is a great option for beginners as it will start you off with training modules and steadily progress on to more complex challenges. Journey mode will remember which scenarios you have completed, so you can carry on when you left off next time.


Timetable Mode

{Main Menu > To The Trains > Choose a Route >Timetable)

Timetable Mode will allow you to select the locomotive and service of your choice on an authentic timetable. The available locomotives will be made up of those that came with the routes, plus comptible locos from other routes. When a compatible loco from another route adds services, we call this a "layer". Not all layers will be unique, as some services can be driven with multiple locomotives. We call this "substitution".


You can also take advantage of our new free roam tools in Timetable mode to add/remove rolling stock and set paths. This could be used to make a service more challenging, remove an AI service in the way, or just to cause chaos! However, modifying a service may prevent you from completing it, if you happen to block another service.


Scenarios

(Main Menu > To The Trains > Choose a Route > Scenarios)

Scenarios will take you on a unique experience where every aspect has been pre-configured by the designer to tell a story. Battle the elements, breadkdowns, delays, other challenging circumstances a driver may come across. To see one of new scenario in action please have a look at the "Blockbuster" Scenario Preview Video.


Free Roam Mode

(Main Menu > To The Trains > Choose a Route > Free Roam)

Start a Free Roam scenario on any route and use our tools to add/remove rolling stock and set paths. This mode will give you a blank canvas to create a service/timetable on the fly or just make the most imagintive consist you can think of.


To access the free roam tools, simply press the TAB key or the Left D-Pad Button on your controller. Then, select a train and press the X key or Y/Triangle button on your controller to spawn it. To set a path, open the in-game map with the 9 Key or the View/Touchpad button on your controller, then select your train and choose Set Path. The next step is to select a destination and the path will be automatically set.  However, you will not be available to set a path to a destination your loco cannot physically reach. For instance if you are driving a train that draws power from an overhead line, you cannot set a path to an area with no overhead power. 

To see how Free Roam mode works in action, please have a look at our Free Roam Overview Video.


Photo Mode

(Pause Menu > Options > Photo Mode)

Open Photo Mode from the pause menu. Freeze the game and line up the perfect shot. Use the sliders and onscreen button prompts to adjust the image, then take the screenshot. After this you may save the shot or save and upload to Dovetail Live. When you are done, you can view and manage your photos from the Photo Gallery [Main Menu > Live > Photo Gallery]. To learn more about photo, please have a look at our Photo Mode Overview Video.


Livery Designer

(Main Menu > Creators Club > Livery Designer)

You will start off by selecting a blank train and pressing Add New to create a new livery. You will be asked to provide a Name, description and whether the livery will be activately used by AI trains in timetable mode or not. AI Livery Usage can be toggle at any time, with any livery.


Once, inside the Livery Designer you will have an assortment of tools at your disposal to realise your creative ideas. To learn more about how the Livery Designer works, please have a look at our Livery Designer 2.0 Overview Video.


Scenario Planner

(Main Menu > Creators Club > Scenario Planner)

Create your own scenarios and timetables by combining multiple services, chaining paths and custom weather settings. The path selection has been increased, giving you more options to play with. Tell a story with introductory text at the start of a scenario. Get immersed by adding AI driven services that spawn/despawn from off-world portals to create a sense of an interconnected network. To learn more about how the Scenario Planner works, please have a look at our Scenaio Planner 2.0 Overview Video.


Creators Club - Online Sharing Hub

(Main Menu > Creators Club > Online Sharing Hub)

The Online Sharing Hub allows you to view and subscribe to player made scenarios and LIveries from around the world. A Dovetail Live account is required to access this area, but you can also use this space to upload and share your own creations. Once you upload a scenario or livery, it is safe in the Dovetail Cloud and an editable copy can be downloaded at any time, no matter what happens to your local save data. 


Players are limited to a total of 100 subscriptions, so attempting to go beyond this limit will prevent you from making any further subscriptions. You will also see a Required Content button on the subscription page which will tell you what add-ons are required to use the included content and whether you have it installed or not. 


Tips & Tricks

Reset Physics Simulation Button

(Pause > Overview > Reset Simulation Physics)

Locomotives are complex machines and it is possible to get it in a state where it may be difficult to figure out why it isn't doing what you want it to do. Rather than checking hundreds of buttons and levers, we have simple answer to this problem. You can now reset the physics simulation using the dedicated button in the pause menu. This will reset your loco to the state in which it was found at the beginning of the scenario. This means you can use basic startup procedures to get yourself up and runnning again, rather than complex troubleshooting. You can find startup procedures for most locos in the Guides & Manuals available on the Dovetail Support Knowledge Base.

Auto Coupling

(Settings > Player Assist)

Auto Coupling can be a huge time saver for those who don't enjoy this aspect of train simulation. When enabled you will automatically couple with any rolling stock by gently bumping into it. This is instead of leaving the train and making sure the couplers are set correctly.


Auto Set Path

(Settings > Player Assist)

If you don't enjoy the complexity of shunting or just want an easier time, auto set path will autimaitcally set junction/switches so you can get to where you are going without having to leave the cab or open a map. 


Mastery Rewards

(Main Menu > Live > Mastery Rewards)

Tier 1 Mastery Rewards can be something like extra decals for the Livery Designer. Tier 2 Mastery Rewards provide an "Overlay" for a route, which changes the appearance of a route in interesting and unique ways. You can toggle the appearance of an overlay from the same menu. To complete each tier you must earn progress towards Mastery Challenges, that require you to be signed into Dovetail Live.

Manual

Train Sim World 4 Manual

Gameplay Guides

Our gameplay guide cover rolling stock, scenarios, achievements, frequently asked questions, and compatible content. Wherever possible we link to gameplay footage demonstrating how each scenario can be completed.

Community Video Guides

Our community and ambassdors make many videos to help players get up to speed with Train Sim World 4.

PC Editor (beta)

The Train Sim World 4 PC Editor (beta) can now be downloaded here from the Epic Games Store. You will be required to have an Epic Games account. If you have any questions, please see the Train Sim World 4 - PC Editor (beta) FAQ

Known Issues

Insufficient Disk Space error when creating a new profile on PC 

This is casued by antivirus software and we have a dedicated support article for troubleshooting this problem here: How to resolve "Failed to Create Profile/insufficient disk space" error


I can't find the Wallpaper Pack on Steam

Fully exit and restart Steam, after a small download has been completed you will find the wallpaper in:

\\Steam\steamapps\common\TrainSimWorld 4\WindowsNoEditor\TS2Prototype\Content\Wallpapers 


How to use any controller with TSW 4 on Steam. For Xbox controllers "Use default settings".

  1. Go to the Library > Train Sim World 4. 
  2. Right-click on Train Sim World 4 and go to Properties > Controller.
  3. Under Override for Train Sim World 4 choose Enable Steam Input.