This guide is designed to help new and returning player through the their first time setup. We will go through what to expect and best practices.
Sign In/Register for Dovetail Live
Creating a Dovetail Live account is entirely optional, but it does open the door to Creators Club, Community Challenges, Photo Uploads and Mastery Challenges. If you wish to skip this step, simply select "Skip".
Creating a Profile
If this is your first time playing a Train Sim World game, you will be asked to create a new profile. Whereas, if you are upgrading from a previous game, we'd recommend that you import your profile from the previous game.
In this step you will be asked to select a character from a range of models. Don't worry to much about your selection, as this is a first person experience and your character can only been seen from exterior cameras.
If you get an error message at this stage you are either trying to use a name which may be perceived as offensive or your PC is blocking the game. In which case we suggest that you try using a different name or check out: How to Resolve Profile and Save Game Issues on PC
Import a Profile
This step allow you to import a profile from TSW 2-5. To do this you will need to have the saved data will require on the same machine and no profiles with the same name, as the one you are importing. It is important to note that your saved data is stored locally, and Dovetail Live does not backup your in-game profile.
Instructions: How to Transfer Your In-Game Profile
Privacy Policy
On this screen, you will be required to agree to the privacy policy before you can play the game. However, seeing real-world advertisements in-game is optional. 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 advertisements and no personally identifying information is shared with third-parties.
Difficulty Settings
Next, you will be given the option to adjust the difficulty of the game. Once, you have told the game how experienced you are, it will automatically set the Player Assists, HUD, and where you will start. These settings can be changed later.
Beginner - You will start by learning the fundamentals at the Training Center and all player assists will be turned on. The "Simple" HUD will be enabled by default showing you basic information about your train and objectives.
Standard - You will be taken directly to Journey mode, where you will be able to choose a route and be taken on a curated journey through that route's introductions and scenarios . The "Normal" HUD is enabled by default and 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 and the Minimal HUD will be enabled by default.
Settings Menu
(Main Menu > Settings)
In this section, you will learn 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 familiarize yourself with the options available. For a more detailed explanation of every setting, please check out Train Sim World Settings Explained.
Accessibility
(Main Menu > Settings > Accessibility)
Please check out the accessibility menu to tailor the game to your needs. Options are included for a range of colour blind needs and reduction of flashing effects for photosensitive players. The Train Sim World Settings Explained guide covers everything you will find in this menu.
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 customization of the HUD is available under Settings HUD & Gameplay.
Normal
The normal HUD will be familiar to veteran 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 your 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 driving information. 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.
Players Assists
(Main Menu > Settings > Player Assist)
Players assists are recommended for new players, but can also be used to make the game a more casual experience.
| Player Assist Level | Auto Coupling | Automatic Set Manual Junctions | Notifications | Expert Mode |
| Beginner | On | On | On | Off |
| Standard | On | Off | On | Off |
| Expert | Off | Off | Off | Off |