TS2021 Core update

[AmericanSteam]

From DTG 3/2/2021
Today, we are bringing a core update for Train Simulator 2021 that includes optimisation and loading performance improvements aimed at addressing long load times experienced by players when loading content that is contained within asset package files (.ap).
This update has been tested vigorously but, given the vast scale of the Add-on catalogue, User Generated Content (UGC) and the Third-Party Add-on catalogue (non-Steam), it is entirely impossible to test every possible combination. We are, therefore, making these improvements available as an "opt-in" update. This means, to utilise the benefits of this update, you will need to do some additional steps as explained below
.
To use this update, please follow the steps below:
1. Open Steam and navigate to your Steam Games Library.
2. Locate and right-click on Train Simulator.
3. Select Properties from the context menu to view Train Simulator's Properties Dialog.
4. In the General Tab, scroll down until you see Launch Options.
5. Click in the text entry box and type (see image below): -fastload
6. Close Train Simulator's Properties Dialog to save your changes.

Please note: If you use a desktop shortcut to launch Train Simulator, you will need to also add the above launch option to the shortcut. Launch options only work when clicking Play in Steam and, if they are not also added to your shortcut, you will not see any difference. To add the launch option to your desktop shortcut, follow the steps below:
1. Right-click on your desktop shortcut and select Properties.
2. In the properties dialog, click the Shortcut tab.
3. Locate and click in the Target text box.
4. Scroll to the end of the text, add a space then type: -fastload
5. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.

If you have issues simply undo the previous steps.


Full Text here: https://forums.dovetailgames.com/thread ... 021.36321/

[buzz456]

I did this and can't say I noticed a whole lot of difference. I may go back to actually time all this in the original config but here's what I have,
Game launch to opening screen 25 seconds
opening screen to drive menu 30 seconds
drive menu to free roam 2.5 seconds
free roam to Marias Pass scenario open 35 seconds.

[AmericanSteam]

If I read this correctly it will only apply to items packed within.ap files. Not everything is. It may apply mostly those from DTG. I have left the command line unaltered in the Steam start but I have changed it in the desktop shortcut to see if there is any difference that I can notice. So far I have seen little difference. Read the information in the noted link for all the particulars.

[NS349]

Thanks for sharing this info.

[minerman146]

Yuge loading difference on the Bergen: 2m 05s from short cut to showing up in Suffern in route editor.
Was 7 minutes previously. All three of my DLC and 2 dependencies are packed .ap.
I am impressed!

[mindenjohn]

Well I got the update, I didn’t particularly want it but when I get the message to “log in to Steam” I know I have had an update! It always messes things up and the log tells me it updated last night.

Edit
Nothing else changed overnight. I was working on a route mod yesterday and today can’t access because it won’t launch and I have verified, deleted all workshop stuff and repeated verification. Restarted so many times and effectively wasted the day.
Having a fast start is no use to me if I can’t launch!!

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

I believe it only works when you put -fastload in your Railworks.exe command line?

[AmericanSteam]

If you have a desktop shortcut you need to add it to both the 32 bit and 64 bit versions. It is only noticeable if the files are located within .ap files. Unpacked files will not show any improvement.

[ET44C4]

Ah, I was hoping for a nice improved loading experience. But everything I have has been unpacked from their .ap files!

[AmericanSteam]

Well I got the update, I didn’t particularly want it but when I get the message to “log in to Steam” I know I have had an update! It always messes things up and the log tells me it updated last night.

Edit
Nothing else changed overnight. I was working on a route mod yesterday and today can’t access because it won’t launch and I have verified, deleted all workshop stuff and repeated verification. Restarted so many times and effectively wasted the day.
Having a fast start is no use to me if I can’t launch!!

Have you removed it from your properties ans does the game start then?

[mindenjohn]

Have you removed it from your properties ans does the game start then?[/quote]

I have and it doesn't.
I have sent in a ticket to DTG.

[Overshoe]

Ah, I was hoping for a nice improved loading experience. But everything I have has been unpacked from their .ap files!

So you already had the improvement :)

[buzz456]

I took one of the few routes that I have that is stock so it's all in a .ap and loaded it with one of the few locomotives that is stock so in a .ap and I can confirm that it does load really fast. Since I have few that are that way I don't see it doing much for me.

[o0nightfire0o]

thought id ask here, can i just re zip routes and assists and turn them into .ap?

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

Yes, you can. It will save you on HD/SSD space and with the -fastload switch set, might give shorter loading times.

There a few snags however, RW_Tools/TS_Tools cannot look into .ap files when you'd like to check something, create QD consists or want to edit a .bin file.

Also, complicated scripts, esp those where one scripts calls another, like with some sound improvement packs, might not work properly.