Train Simulator Classic - Update Now Live
Apr 27, 2023
Your ultimate railway hobby starts here – Core update, routes refresh and Deluxe Edition arrive.
The Train Simulator Classic update is now live on the Steam Store! This update marks the start of a new journey for the simulation, read on to find out more.
UPDATE: Please read an important launch update for anyone experiencing launch issues.
Core Update
With today’s update we have extensively reworked the core code to establish a foundation on which we can build a Train Simulator for the modern world. Removing parts of the code which are no longer used and rewriting elements to bring it up to a modern standard. The core has never been more stable than it is today. This update will also include access to an experimental DX12 build from 28th April (see the FAQ below for some important information on this before trying). This update is free to all existing owners and is included with Train Simulator Classic going forward. Make sure you have automatic updates switched on to get this.
Routes Refresh
Explore the picturesque countryside of Bavaria with Pegnitztalbahn, take on America’s busiest commuter with Long Island Rail Road, and face the challenging Pennines as you tour the Huddersfield Line. Featuring 10 officially licensed locomotives like the tilting DB BR 612, the commuter workhorse M7 and the classic BR Class 158. These three routes are now included with Train Simulator Classic. Existing or new players can now purchase Train Simulator Classic to get three routes for a low price.
Deluxe & Bundles
In addition to the standard edition of Train Simulator Classic you can also now find on the store a Deluxe Edition featuring the world-famous Flying Scotsman ready for centenary celebrations and new regional bundles. The bundles are set up as ‘complete my collection’ on Steam, which means you only pay for the Add-Ons you don’t own. Breakdown below for these.
- Train Simulator Classic (£19.99/$24.99/€24.99) – Pegnitztalbahn, Long Island Rail Road, Huddersfield Line
- Train Simulator Classic: Deluxe Edition (£29.99/$34.99/€34.99) – Pegnitztalbahn, Long Island Rail Road, Huddersfield Line, East Coast Main Line London-Peterborough, Flying Scotsman Centenary Pack
- Train Simulator Classic German Bundle (-40%) - Pegnitztalbahn, Long Island Rail Road, Huddersfield Line, Frankfurt Koblenz, Inselbahn, DB BR 204
- Train Simulator Classic US Bundle (-40%) - Pegnitztalbahn, Long Island Rail Road, Huddersfield Line, Tehachapi Pass, Hudson Line, LIRR M3
- Train Simulator Classic UK Bundle (-40%) - Pegnitztalbahn, Long Island Rail Road, Huddersfield Line, Riviera Line In The Fifties, North Wales Coast Line, Western Hydraulics Pack
Head over to the Steam Store to check out the updated Train Simulator Classic. You can join Jamie on Railfan TV tonight (YouTube, Twitch) for launch at 7PM UTC, and make sure you’re following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to stay up to date with the latest. In the coming months we’ll be updating on what’s next for the simulation and more coming to core.
UPDATED FAQ:
◍ TRAIN SIMULATOR CLASSIC
What is included in this release?
This Train Simulator Classic release includes two parts; a free core update and a paid refreshed routes package.
When will this Train Simulator Classic release be available?
This is available now on the Steam Store.
What will the price be?
The price for Train Simulator Classic remains at £19.99, €24,99 $29.99? The Deluxe Edition is £29.99/$34.99/€34.99. For other currencies please see the Steam Store in your region.
Will there be a discount for existing owners of Train Simulator Classic or included routes?
No, there is no discount for this. The core update is free for all existing owners and for those purchasing to get the routes this is a good way to get three routes for a low price.
Can I buy this if I already own Train Simulator Classic or another older Train Simulator release?
Yes. By purchasing this on the Steam Store existing owners will get the three included routes added to their Train Simulator Classic DLC library on Steam. This is a good way to get three routes for a low price.
Can I buy this if I’m new to Train Simulator Classic?
Yes. This is the best way to get started with the Train Simulator Classic hobby.
◍ CORE UPDATE
What does the core update include?
The core update includes a streamlined codebase establishing a stable foundation on which we can build on meaning you will see less crashes due to problems caused by invalid code in the software. We’ve upgraded the core code to use newer plugins which perform better and enable us to take the code forward towards bigger things such as multi-threading. We've also added an experimental DX12 build to try that will be available from 28th April.
Do I need to purchase this to get the Train Simulator Classic core update?
No. Updates to the main software are free to all existing owners of Train Simulator Classic and will be installed automatically via Steam. Purchase is required for the routes only.
What should I do if the game freezes after the update?
If you're having problems loading a Train Simulator Classic route after the Steam update we recommend following the below steps.
- Clearing your cache. This can be done in game via Settings > Tools > Clear Cache.
- Checking to see if you have any routes that have been identified to cause freezing, more information on this here.
- If you're still having issues you can reach out to our Support team here.
How do I access the DX12 Experimental Build?
From 28th April the DX12 experimental build for Train Simulator Classic can be selected from the launch menu after you hit play on Steam. Windows 10 or higher is required for this and the latest version of Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime may also be required. Please note, this feature is in development so your experience may vary.
We'd like to hear your feedback on your experience with this, which you can do through the forums here.
Why can't I see DX12 Experimental?
If you turned off launch options and don't see DX12 Experimental, you will need to right click Train Simulator Classic in your Steam Library and change your launch option to “Ask when starting game“. This will be available from 28th April.
Can I expect any performance or visual updates with this update?
No. This update was a necessary and important one to give us a foundation to work on future updates, including performance improvements and more.
Will there be future updates?
Yes. We’re currently working on additional updates for Train Simulator Classic that include a variety of improvements. These will be released as free updates when complete. You can expect more developer updates to cover this.
How can I access experimental builds?
Following this core update we will be looking to set up a BETA to allow testing of experimental features that are in development. More to follow on this soon.
◍ ROUTES REFRESH & YOUR DLC
What are the routes featured in this Train Simulator Classic release?
The routes included with this Train Simulator Classic release are Huddersfield Line: Manchester – Leeds, Long Island Rail Road: New York – Hicksville, Pegnitztalbahn: Nürnberg – Bayreuth. The Deluxe Edition also includes East Coast Main Line London – Peterborough and the Flying Scotsman Centenary Pack.
Are the Train Simulator Classic routes in this release free?
No. Whilst the main core update is free to all existing owners, the routes included as part of this release are not free. To get these routes you need to purchase either Train Simulator Classic from 27th April or the individual routes.
Will the Train Classic routes in this release still be available separately?
Yes. All of the routes (Huddersfield Line, Long Island Rail Road, Pegnitztalbahn) will still be available separately, and if you already own them they will remain in your DLC library.
Are there any differences to these routes?
There are some minor updates, however the content, route layout and including locomotives remains the same as their original release. There are patches for the included routes that include some small fixes on Quick Drive for Long Island Rail Road, scenery for Pegnitztalbahn and language localisation across all routes. These patches are also applied to all existing owners. Full patch notes.
What happens if I already own any of these routes?
Any routes you already own will stay in your DLC library and you will be able to play them as normal.
Will I still be able to play or buy routes from last year’s release?
Yes. If you’re previously purchased these routes (Bahnstrecke Leipzig – Dresden, Tehachapi Pass, WCML South), either as individual DLC or as part of the Train Simulator Classic release in 2022 they will remain in your DLC library on Steam. The routes will also remain available separately on the Steam Store following this update.
If you have any other questions not covered here, feedback on this update or on your experience with DX12 Experimental - please let us know in the forums:
