Which Train Sim To Invest Time and Money In

[Ricebug]

I've got several train simulators but have only played the classic. The others seem a bit too techy for me, especially Derail Valley. So my question is, out of the three, is Classic, Train Sim World 2, or Train Sim World 3, which one is best?

One driver that has kept me from getting too involved in TSW 2 and TSW 3 are the DLC costs. Yet Classic seems a bit long in the tooth, with promises from the devs somewhat shallow. Maybe y'all can sway me one way or the other.

[Sharpey™]

- Classic is great for all the DLC that has been compiled over the years. Plus it has the route editor and a great scenario editor.

- TSW2 isn't worth going into detail as it's no longer supported by DTG, better off with TSW3.

- TSW3 has the best graphics out of all them but lacks substance from the classic version such as a route editor and an indepth scenario editor.

You might want to check out Sim Rail also.

[Ricebug]

I don't play with editors since playing Thief, but I will check out Sim Rail. Thanks.

[coenvijge]

Originally posted by Ricebug:

I
So my question is, out of the three, is Classic, Train Sim World 2, or Train Sim World 3, which one is best?

If your computer can handle it: TSW3.

(
The costs can be reduced with 60-70% if you buy only on sale, and, during the sales, buy bundles; (e.g. the US Freight bundle is at the moment on sale for €17; it contains the game-engine, two routes, and a livery pack; only for the two routes you would pay over €72; same goes for the standard and the deluxe bundles)
)

[KodiakJac]

Originally posted by Ricebug:

So my question is, out of the three, is Classic, Train Sim World 2, or Train Sim World 3, which one is best?

For the best living world and overall railroad operations, Train Simulator Classic beats TSW3, hands down. TSW3 has better graphics, but it has a repetitive sterile sameness from one route to the next that I can't quite put my finger on. TSW3 just gets boring after a while. TSW3 uses Unreal World 4 (or whatever it's called) while Train Simulator Classic has a much broader array of hand drawn assets that often approach "fine art." Train Simulator Classic is beautiful

And TSW3 won't let you zoom the cameras out very far, so it's more about up close rivets. It's like TSW3 is trying to be Forza Train.

So, if you're into rivets and the best graphics, go with TSW3. If you're into railroad operations, Train Simulator Classic blows TSW3 away. And you don't need to use the editor to use the thousands of scenarios in the Workshop for Train Simulator Classic. Just subscribe to them, and go. They are plug and play.

But TSW3 is easier to get started with. It's almost like TSW3 is for beginners and younger players, and Train Simulator Classic is for advanced players. If you check the Steam statistics for TSW2/3 vs. Train Simulator Classic, there are 2 to 3 times as many players using Train Simulator Classic over TSW2/3 combined. And the reason is more sophisticated scenarios for Train Simulator Classic. I've got both, and I finally stopped playing TSW3 completely. It just gets boring. Train Simulator Classic never gets boring.

[Ricebug]

@KodiacJak: Thanks for the feedback, brother. It's almost like why a low budget game sells better than the latest & greatest in sound & graphics. It's all in the game play, something many developers forget.

Since I've "invested" ("wasted," according to the wife) $1,500 in locos and scenarios for the Classic, I may as well stick to it. That said, I'm still gonna grab Sim Rail, as recommended by Sharpie.

[OldAlaskaGuy]

TSC has the greatest of options. You can take one route and make an unlimited amount of scenarios and with free reskins and rolling stock from 3rd party even more options.