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basics:beginnersguide

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Beginner's guide

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Game modes

Transport Fever has two game modes: The campaign mode and the free game mode.

The campaign mode consists of two campaigns with seven missions each. Each mission has a predefined map and a clear goal that can be reached by completing various tasks.

The free mode (also called the endless game mode) allows you to build any transport network imaginable on a randomly generated map. The scenario, start year and various other parameters can be set before the game starts. This mode also supports the use of mods.

Tips and tricks

Tutorial

There are three interactive tutorials available in the game:

  • Basics
    Learn how to gain an overview of your empire and obtain key figures for your business; how to build your first yards of road and lay your first railroad tracks
  • Passenger transport
    Learn how to transport your first passengers by bus and train.
  • Cargo transport
    Learn about industries and cargo chains and how to supply towns with cargo.

Guidelines for the early game

  • There are two ways to earn money:
  • Option 1: Start with a direct train connection between two neighboring towns.
    • There are different types of stations for passengers and cargo - make sure to use the right one!
    • All stations have a limited catchment area. To allow passengers from all over the town to reach a train station, connect it with bus lines to the rest of the town.
  • Option 2: Start by setting up a simple cargo chain.
    • Transport grain and livestock to a food factory and from there transport food to the commercial zone of a town.
    • Cargo chains have to be complete in order to work properly.
    • See industry for more information on cargo chains and where cargo has to be delivered too.
  • Use the contour lines overlay to find the ideal route.
  • Build along rivers.
  • Vehicles do not have a schedule or target when they are bought. Instead, vehicles have to be assigned to a line. Lines are created in the line manager.
  • Buy enough wagons for a train, otherwise it is likely to make a loss.
  • For a cost-effective operation, the locomotive and wagons should have a similar top speed.

Advanced tips

Here are some additional tips to get you started:

Making money
  • Money is earned by transporting passengers and cargo. The further and faster people and cargo travel, the more money you will earn.
  • When constructing complex networks, an upfront investment is needed in many cases. This might result in a loss for the first couple of months, but will pay off later.
  • If you run out of money, you can borrow more in the finance window. Be aware that you have to pay interest, so it's a good idea to pay back as soon as possible.
Vehicles
  • An old vehicle causes high maintenance costs − replace it manually or by using the line auto-replacement feature.
  • Click on the crosshairs in the info window to follow a vehicle or a person.
Industries
  • An industry gets upgraded if the production remains at high levels for several months.
  • Conversely, it gets downgraded if the production remains at low levels for several months.
  • Cargo chains need to be complete. Make sure to transport the output products, otherwise the storage will fill up and the industry will stop production.
Towns
  • Towns are divided into three different districts: residential, commercial and industrial.
  • Commercial and industrial districts consume end products. The town's exact cargo demand is shown in the info window.
  • Accelerate town growth by fulfilling the cargo needs of the commercial and industrial districts.
Transportation
  • When setting up a line, try to avoid empty runs. If possible, use the same vehicle to haul cargo back and forth.
  • Freight wagons, trucks and cargo ships get refitted automatically at stations, unless they are set to a specific cargo type.
  • Some passengers prefer the fastest, others prefer the cheapest path to the destination.
Track and road building
  • Build high bridges over rivers so ships can pass under.
  • Use the track modification tool to electrify an existing rail line.
  • Try to avoid tight curves as these restrict the speed limit.
  • Use the Shift modifier to disable snapping for more precise construction.
  • Use the Shift modifier when upgrading a street to enable segment-wise operation.
  • To build a bridge or a tunnel, raise and lower a street with the <m> and <n> keys.
Stations
  • Rotate constructions with the <m> and <n> keys, and press Shift for smaller steps.
  • To increase the catchment area of a station, connect it with a town by building a bus, tram or truck line.
basics/beginnersguide.1486584454.txt.gz · Last modified: 2019/03/19 10:19 (external edit)