Train Sim World 7 vs 6: Upgrade Guide & Right Buy

Train Sim World 7 (TSW7) and Train Sim World 6 (TSW6) are both train simulators from Dovetail Games, but TSW7 is the newer release with a few key additions. This article compares the two editions, explains what changes in the upgrade, and helps you decide which one to buy based on your hardware, content preferences, and budget.

Formula

The calculator above works out your average pace and speed for a given distance and time. The formulas are:

• Average pace (min/km) = Finish time (minutes) ÷ Distance (km)
• Average speed (km/h) = Distance (km) ÷ (Finish time (minutes) ÷ 60)

Variables: t = finish time in minutes, d = distance in kilometers. The pace output is minutes per kilometer, and the speed output is kilometers per hour.

Worked Example

Using the default values from the calculator: finish time = 50 minutes, distance = 10 km.

1. Pace = 50 ÷ 10 = 5.00 min/km
2. Speed = 10 ÷ (50 ÷ 60) = 10 ÷ 0.8333 = 12.00 km/h

The calculator shows 5.00 min/km and 12.00 km/h, matching the example.

Background: What TSW7 and TSW6 Actually Are

Train Sim World is a series of realistic train simulators available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. Each annual release builds on the previous one, adding new routes, locomotives, and gameplay features. TSW6 launched in late 2024, and TSW7 followed in late 2025. Both games share the same core engine and most of the same physics, but TSW7 introduces a few new features and a revised route lineup.

The key difference is that TSW7 is not a complete overhaul – it is an iterative update. If you already own TSW6, you can buy TSW7 as a standalone game, but you will not automatically get all your TSW6 content unless you purchase the appropriate edition or upgrade pack.

Key Changes in TSW7 vs TSW6

TSW7 adds several features that are not in TSW6:

• New routes: TSW7 includes a different set of starter routes compared to TSW6. For example, TSW7 features the London Underground’s Elizabeth line and a new German route, while TSW6 had the Southeastern High Speed and other routes.
• Improved lighting and weather: The lighting engine has been tweaked for better shadows and reflections, especially during dawn and dusk.
• New gameplay mode: TSW7 introduces a “Career Mode” that guides you through a series of tasks, which is absent in TSW6.
• Updated UI: The main menu and route selection screens are cleaner and faster to navigate.

However, the core driving physics, signaling, and route design are nearly identical between the two. If you are happy with TSW6’s feel, you will not notice a major difference in day-to-day driving.

How to Choose: Which Edition to Buy

Your decision depends on your current situation and what you value most.

• If you do not own any Train Sim World game: Buy TSW7 Standard Edition. It is the latest version, and it will receive ongoing support and new content for the next year. The included routes give a good variety of high-speed, commuter, and freight operations.
• If you already own TSW6 and are happy with it: You do not need TSW7 unless you want the new routes or the Career Mode. The upgrade pack (if you buy the Standard Edition of TSW7) will carry over your TSW6 base routes, but you will still pay full price. If you are on a budget, stick with TSW6 – it is still fully playable and has a large library of add-ons.
• If you own TSW6 and want the new routes: Buy TSW7 Standard Edition. It includes the Elizabeth line and other new routes, and you can use your old TSW6 routes via the upgrade pack (which is included in the Standard Edition at no extra cost).
• If you are a collector or want all content: The Deluxe Edition of TSW7 includes extra routes and liveries, but it costs more. Only buy it if you know you will play those specific routes.

Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Players often run into a few issues when upgrading or buying TSW7:

• Missing content: If you buy TSW7 but do not see your TSW6 routes, you need to download the upgrade pack from the store. It is free for Standard Edition owners, but you must manually install it.
• Save file compatibility: TSW7 does not read TSW6 save files. Your progress, liveries, and custom scenarios will not transfer. You start fresh in TSW7.
• Performance drops: TSW7 has slightly higher system requirements than TSW6 due to improved lighting. If your PC barely ran TSW6, TSW7 may stutter. Check the minimum specs before buying.
• DLC ownership: Some add-ons from TSW6 are not automatically compatible with TSW7. Dovetail has a list of compatible DLC on their website; most official routes work, but third-party content may need updates.

Comparison: TSW7 vs TSW6 – Side by Side

Here is a quick summary of the main differences:

• Release year: TSW6 (2024), TSW7 (2025)
• New routes: TSW7 has Elizabeth line, Munich-Augsburg, and others; TSW6 had Southeastern High Speed, Frankfurt-Fulda, and others.
• Career Mode: TSW7 only
• Lighting engine: Improved in TSW7
• UI: Slightly redesigned in TSW7
• Price: TSW7 is full price; TSW6 may be discounted now that the new version is out.

If you are only interested in a specific route, check whether that route is available in TSW6 or TSW7. Many older routes are available in both via DLC, but newer ones are exclusive to TSW7.

Costs and Upgrade Paths

TSW7 Standard Edition costs about $59.99 (or regional equivalent). The Deluxe Edition costs more, around $79.99. If you own TSW6, you can buy TSW7 Standard Edition and get a free upgrade pack that brings over your TSW6 base routes. However, you still need to purchase TSW7 itself – there is no discounted upgrade price for existing owners.

If you are on a tight budget, consider waiting for a sale. TSW6 is often heavily discounted after a new version launches, and you can get a lot of content for a fraction of the price. TSW7 will also go on sale within a few months of release.

Safety and System Requirements

TSW7 requires a PC with at least a quad-core processor, 8GB of RAM, and a graphics card with 4GB of VRAM. For console, you need a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S – the older PS4 and Xbox One are not supported. Always check the official system requirements before purchasing to avoid disappointment.

There is no safety risk in playing the game itself, but if you are using a simulator to practice for real-world train driving, remember that the game does not teach real-world safety procedures. Use it for entertainment only, not as a substitute for actual training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my TSW6 DLC in TSW7?

Most official DLC from TSW6 is compatible with TSW7, but you need to download the upgrade pack. Third-party DLC may require updates from the creators. Check the DLC’s store page for compatibility notes.

Is TSW7 a free upgrade for TSW6 owners?

No. TSW7 is a separate purchase. However, if you buy TSW7 Standard Edition, you get a free upgrade pack that brings over your TSW6 base routes, so you do not lose access to them.

Which game has better graphics?

TSW7 has slightly improved lighting and shadows, but the difference is subtle. If you have a high-end PC, you may notice better reflections and more natural dawn/dusk lighting. On console, the difference is minimal.

Should I buy TSW6 now that TSW7 is out?

If TSW6 is on sale and you do not care about the new routes, it is a good value. But TSW7 will receive new content and support for the next year, so if you plan to play long-term, TSW7 is the safer investment.

Can I play TSW7 on PS4 or Xbox One?

No. TSW7 requires PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S. TSW6 was the last version to support older consoles.

Will my save progress from TSW6 carry over?

No. TSW7 starts fresh. You will need to redo scenarios and unlockables. Your DLC purchases carry over, but not your progress.

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in t | Finish time | min | 50 | 0
in d | Distance | km | 10 | 0 | 100000
out pace | Average pace | min/km | t / d | 2
out speed | Average speed | km/h | d / (t / 60) | 2