This or Train Sim World for absolute trains beginner?

[inix40]

Hello everybody!

Recently i was checking these train simulators but didn't bought any because of the pricing. Now i see both are in discount so which one would you recommend for an absolute beginner to trains? Well .. i've played Transport Fever and Mashinky but it's not my cup of tea. I just want to immerse myself while driving these things. Does one of these games approach new players in a better way? I want to buy only one because i may end up disliking it and would not buy the other one afterwards.

And i have one more question about TS2019 graphics - I've heard that they were not updated much since TS2012. Is this true? I would love to play some Czech and Slovak mods (i'm from Slovakia) but the graphics are putting me off. What about older Train Simulators? 2018, 2017? Are they releasing the same game with a different name each year, like EA Sports used to do that with ice hockey games? Or is there a difference that's worth buying the 2019 version?

I'm looking forward to your opinions ^^

[electronx]

These discussions usually end up with "buy the starter package for both".

TS2019 was gradually upgraded. Some effects here and there, and most recently the engine was upgraded to 64 bit (which improved stability on my end to 100%).

TSW is much prettier and realistic looking, comparing screenshots from friends. One of them shared a few weeks ago that it's time to shift his focus to TSW, it's getting there. TS 2019 can feel more artistic and captivating sometimes, though.

TS2019 has many add-ons which can be driven nice and easy, using the HUD. Generally the older ones, even including steam. Other add-ons add pieces of complexity such as German signaling or having to let collected water out from the cylinders of a steam engine when starting up.
Also, the insane amount of DLC allows plenty of possibilities. For example, you could build your Austrian fleet if you fancy that. There is also a huge community, 3rd parties and freeware alike. You have mountains and valleys, 20mph to 200mph, American monster trains to British, well, toys.

TSW seems to be more about hands on realism, with a steeper learning curve. I'm sure someone will give adept feedback. It appears that for now they avoid steam and long (US) freight.

Green Man usually offers old keys. TS 2014 to 2018 is available, old ones are really cheap sometimes.

[aris]

Interesting review in comparing both packages, thanks Electronx.

[inix40]

Thanks for elaborating but it's not clear to me if you are suggesting TSW for a beginner or one of the Train Simulators :-) I'm not searching for an "easy" game and i don't mind a learning curve. I just want to be engaged by the gameplay so i don't get bored easily.

[mattj]

Train Simulator 2019 for the most part is a kind of "stick in forwards an go" type of simulator. There are a few advanced locomotives out there that provide a real challenge, but most of the time you're going to be looking at the trees going by the track. You can pick up an older version of the game (same core engine, just slightly different content) for under $6 online, so there's that to consider.

For your Czech trains, there are a number of independent forums all over the internet for specific regions, and some of them have download libraries - I'd check out https://ts-sim.com/ first, then do your own searches.

[inix40]

I've decided to try Open Rails and see if this genre is my cup of tea. If it scratches the itch i would probably buy TSW. Thanks everyone for sharing your thoughts

[Purno]

It's hard to recommend one of the two, because they both have their ups and downs. TS20xx is old, but that's why it's generally cheaper and has loads of extra content available (both DLC and mods). TSW is newer with more advanced features and visuals, but that's why it's more expensive and there's considerably less content available.

I'd recommend TSW if you're convident you like these kind of simulators. You could try TS20xx whenever you're unsure, especially since there's websites selling older editions for just a few coins [insert your currency here].

Be sure to check if your system is up to the requirements. There's also quite a lot of video footage of both games available on YouTube.

[inix40]

I've just finished some of the Open Rails tutorials and i can say that i will like these kind of sims very much. My specs are down below and i think i'm gonna buy TSW right now. Thanks for your thoughts

[CheckedWriter56]

If youre just starting out i would say get TS2019 because the trains are easier to setup and drive(Buy some TS PRO DLC if you want a beginner challenge(I would say the Class 460 and the London to Brighton Line personally))

[inix40]

I've already bought TSW but thanks for your suggestion

[JJTimothy]

Originally posted by Zloba:

I've already bought TSW but thanks for your suggestion

Why not have both? That's not as blasé as it sounds- you should be able get an older edition of TS quite cheaply. The prices change all the time and there can be issues posting links to rival retailers here but you know how to use Google right? TS2016 (which was a pretty good bundle) was available for less than a pound at one time last year.

[inix40]

To be honest, i'm pretty dissapointed by the TSW tutorials.

What about Train Simulator 2019? They're mentioning a TS Academy on the store page. Is this some sort of an ingame guide for noobs with maybe advanced tutorials?

[Jack.Grave]

@Zloba TS Academy are somehow basic tutorials and few tad advanced ones. If you have some questions take a look at czech/slovak forums: https://railsimulator.simtrains.eu/index.php
Jack

[inix40]

Thank you

[JJTimothy]

The Academy tutorials will give you the gist of locomotive control and how block signalling works if you didn't know but leave much to be desired- they don't prepare you for German signals at all for instance. There are plenty of guides in Steam itself and YouTube to make up any shortfall however.

Further to my suggestion above the Academy has been a fixture of TS for some years now. If you are thinking of getting an older version BTW look for one distributed as a Steam code so you get the updates to the core program automatically.

[inix40]

I will keep that in mind, thanks