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How to get started with Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor

Updated

This guide has been designed to help new players with their journey across the Island of Sodor. Within we will cover navigation, controls, game modes, stories, challenges, and gameplay tips.

Table of Contents

First Time Setup

When you first start the game, you will be asked to select a character to be your driver and enter a name for your profile. If you see an error or you are returned to this screen, please try entering a different name, as some names may get blocked by the profanity filter.

If you are on PC, you will also need to give the game permission to create a folder for your saved data. To do this, please check out our support guide: How to Resolve Profile and Save Game Issues on PC.

Next, we’d encourage all new players to play through the Introduction to Sodor which will teach you how to drive. If you need to replay the tutorial, you can find it under Ffarquhar Station on the main menu.

Menu Navigation

From the main menu you will find an interactive map, and a menu bar. The map is where you will find the Stories and Explore Mode. Whereas the menu bar, will give you access to Timetable, Challenges, Photos, News, and Settings.

 

Interactive Map - Main Menu

To use the map, move the white cursor with your mouse or the left analogue stick on your controller. Select one of the blue icons to interact with it.

  1. The red exclamation mark on the map suggests where to go next.
  2. There are 3 types of icon on the map, Town/Villages, Stories and Stations. Any of these icons can be used to launch Explore Mode from that location.
  3. After selecting a Stories location, you can choose from a list of stories starting from this location.
  4. The tutorial can be found and replayed at any time by selecting Ffarquhar station and then Introduction to Sodor.

 

Navigation Bar - Main Menu

Home – View the interactive map to access stories and Explore Mode.

Timetables – From here you will be able to select a train and complete a number of services across the island at different times of day.

Challenges – From here you can see how many collectibles you have found. Challenges, Posters and Tiles require a Dovetail Live account which you can register for here.

Photos – From here you can view any photos you have taken in Photo Mode which can be accessed from the pause menu during gameplay.

News – The latest updates can be found here.

Settings - Configure the game to suit your preferences.

Controls

Controller – Movement

This controller layout will be active when you are walking around on foot.

 

Controller – Standard

This controller layout will be active when you are driving.

 

Keyboard & Mouse – Movement

This keyboard and mouse layout will be active when you are walking around on foot.

 

Keyboard & Mouse – Driving

This keyboard and mouse layout will be active when driving.



 

Gameplay

The reverser controls the direction of travel. It has 3 positions you can move through in order. These are Forwards, Neutral, and Reverse. When you start a new session, you will typically find the reverser in the Neutral position so you will need to move it depending on where you want to go.

Reverser Positions

  • FORWARDS
  • NEUTRAL    
  • REVERSE     

LB/L1/A Key = Increase Reverser (Towards Forwards)

RB/R1/D Key = Decrease Reverser (Towards Reverse)

Story Mode

Stories can be access from the main menu via the interactive map by selecting a location, then a story. In this section we will cover some brief tips for each story and you can click the title of each story to view a play through.

 

Introduction to Sodor (Ffarquhar Staion)

During the introduction keep an eye on the yellow arrows. They will show you where to go and what to interact with.

During the introduction you will be told how to switch cameras. Using the external camera can help you see around you and enjoy the scenery. You can quickly switch to the external camera by clicking the right analogue stick in, or by pressing the 3 key on PC. This camera can be re-positioned to get abetter view using the analogue sticks or the arrow keys and mouse on PC.

Use the yellow arrows to understand when you need to change direction and take your time to learn how to use the Reverser. The HUD will always show you which direction your train is going in, as indicated by the arrow next to the speedometer.

 

Thomas and Gordon (Knapford Station)

In this story, the camera will move back into the cab when you go through tunnels. When the entire train has come out the other side you can go back into the external camera.

When you approach Gordon, make sure to slow down early, so you can safely couple the train. 

When you pass the first station, be prepared to slow down. You will be stopping at the next station and by this time you will have picked up a lot of speed.

If you make a mistake, select “Load the Last Checkpoint” and you will only lose a few minutes of progress instead of starting from the beginning.

 

Thomas Goes Fishing (Elsbridge)

In this story you will need to fill up the boiler using water collected from the river. Once you have a bucket full of water, turn around and look towards Thomas, when the button prompt appears press the Y/Triangle button to climb up, or the E key on PC. Then you can open the water tank by selecting it.

 

Thomas and Bertie (Knapford Station)

You should be able to go around 50-60mph between station. At this speed, allow yourself around 500-600 yards to slow down.

The red indicator on the speedometer shows you the current speed limit, which will help you stay on the tracks.

 

Percy’s Troublesome Day – Part 1 (Knapford Station)

Be prepared to stop if you see something on the tracks! 

To clear the track, you must leave the driver’s position and climb down from the cab to move the cows by using the E key or Y/Triangle on a controller. Click on each cow to move them away from the track.

 

Percy’s Troublesome Day – Part 2 (Ffarquhar Quarry)

If you are not sure where to go at this point, follow the corner round to the left. This will take you to the next objective. Your path to the next objective will be indicated by the light blue line on the map. You can access the map by pressing the Touchpad/View button or by pressing the 9 key on PC.

Percy can be tricky to handle in the rain and his wheels may slip if you apply the brake all at once. Try coming off and on the brakes to prevent the wheels from slipping. It will take longer to stop in the rain, so make sure you start braking early. Lastly, during the downhill section you will need to use the brakes to control your speed

 

Gordon & the Troublesome Trucks (Tidmouth Sheds)

In this story you will need to hold the brakes when the trucks start pushing Gordon down the hill. This will help you keep your speed under control.

 

Emily and the Express (Kellsthrope Road)

Make good use of what you have learnt so far to help Gordon when he runs into trouble. Check out the gameplay video linked above for additional guidance.

 

Branching Out (Knapford Station)

Use every you have learnt in the introduction and previous scenarios to take on a new challenge with Diesel. The gameplay video linked above can provide additional information.

 

Shunting Showdown (Vicarstown Yard)

This will be your most difficult challenge yet. You will need to sort these wagons into numerical order faster than Diesel.

To help you succeed keep your speed under the limit and be gentle when coupling to the wagons. Using the in-game map will help you plan your route and change junctions. To get a clearer view of the map, try disabling Labels by pressing the button/key shown on screen. 

 

SPOILERS:

If you get stuck try sorting the wagons in this order:

  1. Take 1+4+5 to the siding on the right.
  2. Then, take 5 and couple to 6.
  3. Then, take 4 and couple to 5.
  4. Go all the way round to the top and take 2 and couple to 1 from the top end.
  5. Then, take 3 and couple to 2 from the top end.
  6. Go all the way round to the bottom end again and couple to 1+2+3
  7. Take them right to the bottom end then couple 1+2+3 to +4+5+6.

 

Leaves (Knapford Station) (Requires Deluxe DLC)

Try reducing your speed to around 30mph before entering the first station, so you can come to a controlled stop.

When you first take control of Gordon, the player needs to go backwards as indicated by the yellow arrow. After this you will need to carefully pull up behind James.


You can pick up a lot of speed coming down the hill to Maron. Make sure to start slowing down around 900 yards from station stop.

 

Jack Frost (Vicarstown) (Requires Deluxe DLC)

When you enter the first tunnel, slow down to around 30mph, as you will be making a sharp turn just after you exit the tunnel.

 

James and the Van (Tidmouth Sheds) (Requires Deluxe DLC)

In this story you will be changing direction frequently. Master the Reverser and make good use of the external camera to get a clear view of the line ahead.

You can pick up speed on the downhill section towards Maron, so keep on the brakes to control your speed.

 

First Class Engine (Knapford Station) (Requires Deluxe DLC)

This is a longer story in which you will need to walk over to mail bags and select them to pick them pick. Before you leave the train, make sure you have come to a complete stop.

After picking up the mail bag, move over the red mail van with the white envelope on them and drop off the mail.

If you fall off the platform at any time, simply look the platform and press the E key/Y/Triangle to climb up.

When you are few miles away from Ballahoo, be prepared to slow down for the junctions. The speed limit shown on the HUD will drop accordingly. 

Shunting Challenges

Shunting Challenge (Knapford)

In this challenge there are 6 wagons to put in the correct order.  There are multiple wagons you do not need mixed in with those you do. We would recommend the players complete “Shunting Showdown” before attempting this challenge.

 

Shunting Challenge (Vicarstown Yard)

There are 9 wagons to put into the correct order. We would recommend that players complete “Shunting Showdown” before attempting this challenge.

 

Shunting Challenge (Ffarquhar Quarry)

In this challenge there are 8 wagons to collect and put in order. We would recommend that players try Shunting Showdown” before attempting this challenge.

Timetables

In Timetable mode you will select a train and then service taking place at a specific time of day.

If you find yourself in stuck in front of a red signal and the game is telling you to "Stop & Wait" you may need to Contact the Signaler to proceed. When you are in this situation, we'd recommend that you go through the following steps...

  1. Slowly approach the signal 
  2. Wait a moment to see if the signal changes
  3. Press the TAB key (Hold Circle/B on consoles) and select "Contact Signaler"
  4. The signaller will respond and let you know what to do next. If the answer is “Proceed at Restricted Speed” you may slowly pass the red signal.

Explore Mode

To fully enjoy Explore Mode you will need to Set a Path using the in-game map, as indicated by the pop-up. This will clear a path to your destination, turning the signals green and allowing you to explore the Island of Sodor. To learn more please check out the following community guide.

 

Part 1 - Spawning a Train:

  1. When you first open Explore Mode, you will be told how to spawn a train.
  2. On PC you can use the TAB key to open the spawn menu, or the LEFT DPAD button on a controller.
  3. Spawn menu will allow you to add, remove or duplicate a train.
  4. Select “Spawn a Train” and then the train you want from the list.
  5. Look at the tracks where you want to place the train and press the Y/Triangle button to spawn a train, and the X key on PC.

 

Part 2 - Setting a Path:

  1. When you enter the driver’s position for the first time you will be told to open the map, select your train and where you would like to go.
  2. To do this, open the map with the View button/Touchpad button or the 9 Key on PC.
  3. Then, you must select your train on the map. Your train will appear in blue, but you may need to disable Labels by pressing the button shown on screen to get a better view.
  4. Selecting a train will allow you to Set Path, Remove Train, or Close the menu.
  5. Select Set Path, will allow the player to choose where they want to go.
  6. After doing this click on another part of the track to set the destination.
  7. The objective marker will now point to the destination and the lights leading there will turn green.

Challenges

Collectibles

You will find four types of collectibles across the Island of Sodor. Paintings, Conductor Hats, Whistles, and Thomas Books. Your progress will be tracked in the Challenges menu, accessible from the main menu. The books and paintings you find will be proudly display at Knapford, on platform 1.

Collectibles can be tricky to find, but that is part of the challenge! However, if you do get stuck, the following community guide should help you find the last few.

SPOILERS: All Collectible Locations

 

Challenges

To take part in Mastery Challenges you will need a Dovetail Live account. You can register for an account when prompted by the game, or here. Completing a Tier of challenges can unlocks rewards such as Posters and Scenery Tiles.

Each challenge will have a written description and a count to show how much of that challenge you have completed.

 

Posters

Posters can be unlocked by completing Tier 1 Mastery challenges, and pop up all over the island.

 

Tiles

Scenery tiles can be unlocked by completing Tier 2 Mastery challenges. Once unlocked, new scenery will appear across the island.

Photo Mode

What Is 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 a photo. Photos you have taken can be viewed on the main menu via the menu bar.

 

How do I access Photo Mode?

Photo Mode will be accessible under the options tab of the pause menu, or via the hotkey:

  • Console - Click and Hold the Right Analogue Stick + Hold Down on the D-Pad
  • PC - Shift + Space

Community Video Guides

Tutorials:

Gameplay:

Collectibles (SPOILERS):

Additional Tips

Realism Mode

For players wanting more fine control, enable realism mode under Settings > Controls to drive using the in-cab controls.

 

Fast Travel

In Explore Mode you can quickly jump between stations using fast travel.

  1. Press Shift + F or LB/L1 + Y/Triangle on a controller to bring up a list of fast travel locations.
  2. Select a location, and you will be taken there after a short loading screen.

 

Reset Player

If you get stuck or stranded while on foot, press Ctrl+0 on your keyboard to quickly jump back into the driver's seat. 

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