PERF: Leaderboard loading caused a big lag if current gameplay score was low and leaderboard was big
PERF: Memory allocation removed from BendingLine.GetWorldPositionEnRoute
PERF: TrainRewardIconPlaceable.HasHighestPriority optimized

FIX: Clicking the current timeline train visit in the offered contract focus view was not showing the contract waypoints if something else was shown
FIX: Invalid configuration icon was not being shown on some of the offices
FIX: Perpetual circuit gets the wrong color once deselected in build mode
FIX: Shunting was not executed when train stopped at platform so short that it did not move towards the signal after departure
FIX: Sink was not being removed on grabbing it's platform

UPDATE: Localizations (ko: all)
UPDATE: Rio de Janeiro map facelift

PERF: Builders and bulldozers are not AbstractControllers to reduce their count
PERF: Checks if route can be created reorganized so the check that node is present in NodeRepository (perf-significant) only when all other checks pass
PERF: Leaderboard loading might cause a big lag if windows dimensions were not stabilized before the call
PERF: Memory allocation removed from PlaceableController.GetPlaceablesOfType by iterating by index
PERF: Placeable's sparse update calls spread over frames
PERF: Train filtering optimized

FIX: Insufficient funds text was not being removed even if you have enough money until the buy mode is closed and opened again

Hello Everyone,

Big news! Our next big update, "Happy Passengers", is set to arrive on May 21st. Were really excited for you to see what weve been working on.

Whats Coming? Passengers are joining the game! With this new feature, your stations will buzz with activity as you cater to each passenger's travel needs.

Wishlist now:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2943430/Rail_Route__Happy_Passengers/

[h2]Introducing the Survey Office[/h2]

To help you manage the flow of passengers, were introducing the Survey Office. This new facility will help you keep track of Transport Demands at each station, allowing for better route planning and efficiency.



[h2]Fulfilling Transport Demands[/h2]

Passenger demands will appear randomly every hour, each with a unique starting time, making the gameplay more diverse and challenging. Successfully transport passengers to their destinations within that hour to meet their demands. Regular maintenance of these routes is crucial to keeping your passengers satisfied.



[h2]Passenger Choices[/h2]

Your passengers will choose the quickest routes to their destinations. They'll also transfer between trains as needed, challenging you to design simple and effective routes to accommodate their preferences.



[h2]Grab Your Reward![/h2]

Complete the new challenge by fully satisfying all passenger demands on a map with the "Happy Passengers" feature turned on. Achieve this and earn a special visual rewarda diamond on top of the usual three stars, signifying your perfect completion. Ready to shine?



Mark Your Calendars!

Wishlist now, and get ready for fresh and exciting playthroughs of your favorite Endless maps with "Happy Passengers":
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2943430/Rail_Route__Happy_Passengers/

We are looking forward to seeing how these new additions improve your gameplay experience.
Happy dispatching and see you on May 21st!

In addition to all the exciting features coming with "Happy Passengers", were also introducing the Designer's Office. This new facility, available as part of the free update, allows you to create blueprints for contracts which can then be accepted in bulk. It's designed to help streamline and elevate your network design, and customize your contracts exactly to your liking.

As always, remember to join our Discord to take part in conversation, get sneak peeks of upcoming content and more:

Yours,
Jozic & The Team at Railways Dispatchers Company

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FIX: After converting a track to an autoblock, it doe not shows the correct speed color until you hover it again with the track item
FIX: Contract icons in the configuration view was drag-able
FIX: Double-click was sometimes needed in Mac instead of single click
FIX: Improved the game performance by 10 fps
FIX: Set departure time button was opening the upgrades panel even when it's does not have to
FIX: Train timeline sometimes is being shown empty with useless black background

Note: displayed version is 2.0.17.1 as the previous version suffered a build error.

Hello everyone!

We've been quiet since our game hit the big 1.0 release in February. You might think we've been taking it easy, and you're right, sort of. After all that hard work, we needed a break. But don't worry, the team got right back to supporting the game with updates and fixes, even after a little rest.

If you haven't, remember to check out our exciting release trailer:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aipDdgzpyNA

Update 1
A big thank you to everyone who has supported us. Your positive messages and reviews keep us going. We're excited to tell you about Update 1, coming at the end of May. It will be the first big update since the game launched.

We're working hard to keep the game fun and fresh for you. Update 1 will of course include free content and some extra things you can choose to buy. This helps us keep making great content for you without changing too much of what you already like.

[h2]So, what's new in Update 1?[/h2]
Free content, the Designer Office: Now, you can create your custom contracts for trains and stations and save them. This is perfect for players who like to control every detail.

Paid content, the Survey Office: This lets you find out what the passengers at each station need to be happy. It's a fun new challenge for all Endless-mode players.

We can't wait to share more with you soon - thanks for playing, and stay tuned for more updates!


As always, remember to join our Discord to take part in conversation, get sneak peeks of upcoming content and more:


Warm Regards,
Angel

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UPDATE: Ad-hoc trains (i.e. detached locomotives) no more require dispatching out of the timetable map to finish it

FIX: Contract failed to load after cloning it
FIX: Loco could not be attached to a train if was provided by a single-loco train + Contract failed (stations omitted) message suppressed in this situation
FIX: Rebinding some actions with compound bindings would get stuck at the second binding
FIX: Regional trains were considered among the trains that got dispatched from the Coach yard which gave the Coach yard achievements even though there is no coach yard
FIX: Shift warning tooltip of the station visit's minus button was not being show properly
FIX: Shunting Command execution was pending on the opposite Shunting Circuit after motionless reverse so the path was either created immediately or never
FIX: Toggle UI binding was moving camera down
FIX: Train reward icon shine effects were being played even when the icon's settings is set to be hidden

PERF: Increased performance when having a lot of Conductor and Dispatcher offices on the map
PERF: Updating of possible destinations & candidate path moved from FixedUpdate to Update not to hang the game if processing many possible paths

FIX: Changing the name of a custom level didnt immidiatly update the name on the current game menu page
FIX: Filter search by mandatory station visit in the contracts page was not working for the Regional contracts
FIX: Sensors on Autoblocks were not triggering from both sides when the 2nd signal was built after the sensor
FIX: Showing a contract in contracts page was clearing the filters even without new filters being applied
FIX: Stabling sensor tutorial might not highlight the clear command button and its train might be dispatched while task waiting for player
FIX: Train bottom bar status text was overlapping when train is at station with a long name
FIX: Trigger by remaining visits option in shunting sensor was being triggered for any station that matches the configured station regardless if it was remained or already visited

NEW: Set departure time button is added to the station info panel in the contract focus view, it will allows you to set a departure time to the visits that are only a passage
NEW: Warning icon with tooltip will be shown on the platform toggle in the station info panel of the contract focus view when selecting a platform that has no sink and it's the platform where the train should spawn at

UPDATE: Deallocate track before bulldozing it (prevents bulldozing if not possible)
UPDATE: Deallocate track signal is acting from before bulldozing the signal (prevents bulldozing if not possible)
UPDATE: Deallocate tunnel before bulldozing it (prevents bulldozing if not possible)
UPDATE: Routing Queue upgrade removed. Auto Signal queues once unlocked
UPDATE: Routing, Relay and Arrival Sensors will NOT trigger their automations if there is a direct path to the controlled signal (no branching) and the train is not heading towards it
UPDATE: Stabling Sensor tutorial text rephrased to highlight note about rule directionality
UPDATE: Waiting train icons will not always be sorted horizontally but instead, it will depend on the orientation of the platform's sink

FIX: Active contract configuration showed delayed times from trial train and not the latest train
FIX: Attach Loco and Go to Shunting Group commands were enqueued if the Signal had already some queue
FIX: Build conductor office task was not being fulfilled in the tutorial
FIX: Controller vibration option in settings menu could not be navigated to
FIX: Could not easily select delete contract confirmation buttons on controller in active contracts menu
FIX: DepartureSensor worked uni-directionally if platform did not posses both signals
FIX: Loco could be detached even when if train spread over multiple tracks, leading to a stuck train (Attach Loco can not attach to trains over multiple tracks)
FIX: Loco detached at other shunting group tracks did not continue executing the shunting queue (detach command was never marked finished)
FIX: Misleading arrival sensor priority tooltip
FIX: Missing spacer character before characters like ! and ? in french language
FIX: Multi leg train didnt go into shunting mode when station had sink on some platforms but not all
FIX: Navigation on level editor contract menu items moved in unexpected directions
FIX: Save list size was not updated when ui resolution was changed and save list shown at the same time
FIX: Selected save in save lists was not autoscrolled to when selecting with navigation
FIX: Sink Entry was kept allocated after Platform allocation was cleared without option to clear it as well
FIX: Stop Duration time buttons of the station info panels are not being hidden when the game mode is not rush hour and the station of that panel is not purchased
FIX: Train overview panel had blurry texts
FIX: UnlockNewStationTask was fulfilled immediately
FIX: Welcome screen didnt show icons on some languages

NEW: Warning message that a coach yard is missing when trying to accept a train that requires to get out of a coach yard

UPDATE: Added duplicate station name message when attempting to change a station name to an existing one
UPDATE: Auto-reverse suppressed on platforms with Departure Sensor to prevent interference
UPDATE: Disabled detaching and attaching of locomotives inside autoblocks to prevent train colliding with itself inside

PERF: Removed unnecessary refreshing of time speed button tooltip
FIX: A failing detach loco command could breaks the commands focus view
FIX: Active time speed button was not highlighted upon game start
FIX: Bulldoze section binding conflicted with contracts menu toggle on controller
FIX: Bulldozing a track that is used as one of the auto signal queued tracks was not being removed from the queue which led to a broken save
FIX: Find contract subtask in the tutorial was being fulfilled even when the contract focus view is closed
FIX: Map saving failed if Arrival Sensor referred deleted platform
FIX: Missing shunting circuit tooltip is being shown even when the circuit is not missing
FIX: Navigation highlighter was hidden upon opening the main menu and keybinds where hidden upon opening the system upgrades menu
FIX: Non-acting signals on queued routes where not shown as non-acting when route was allocated until cursor hovered over them
FIX: Platform-less stations (labels/captions) were selectable in sensors & could be added as waypoints, breaking the contract planning
FIX: Platforms from waypoint presets affected stations en route
FIX: Stabling Sensor worked only at station where next leg started despite UI allowing other stations
FIX: Station names not localized in majority of places
FIX: Station visit name is losing its localised name after a train crash
FIX: Train without locomotive didnt have correct status text on bottom bar
FIX: Traversing a switch sometimes failed after track upgrade, caused stuck train and/or perf problems
FIX: Unable to save old save after loading it
FIX: Upgrade / downgrade tracks controller keybinds interfered with build mode and contracts menu toggles

UPDATE: Added captions & subtitles toggle to first welcome modal
UPDATE: Button keybind hints now also show bindings with a modifier
UPDATE: Localizations (de: achievements; es: achievements; fr: achievements; ja-JP: achievements; ko: achievements; nl: achievements; pl: achievements; ru: achievements; zh-Hans: achievements)
UPDATE: Localizations (de: all; ko: achievements, ui; cs: research, tutorials, ui; es: research, tutorials, ui; nl: research, tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; fr: tutorials, ui; hu: ui; ja-JP: ui; pl: ui; ru: ui)
UPDATE: Subtitles enabled by default
UPDATE: Unbound gamepad (controller) binding for "Toggle bindings shown" by default to avoid conflict with precision key binding

FIX: Accept/decline contract sound was wrongly positioned
FIX: All sensors controlling the signal were triggered when train finished shunting at the sensor (now: execution order taken into account)
FIX: Also trains reused on tracks were counted to Coach yard achievement
FIX: Building and train bottom bar sizes incorrect after changing UI scaling
FIX: Building or bulldozing a sink of a platform in editor led to leave some trains not spawnable with a `Train not found` error message
FIX: Changing the ui scale setting with a controller would move the bar a big amount making it imprecise
FIX: Error on setting a train in editor to spawn from a platform that has no sink
FIX: Modifier binding was not shown when keyboard has single binding but gamepad doesnt and Xbox or Playstation specific bindings where shown
FIX: Rotate construction gamepad binding changed to resolve interference with open contract menu binding
FIX: Sink stayed allocated after contract was rejected & trial train disposed when about to leave station of origin towards the sink. Now trial train is never disposed en route.
FIX: Some keybinds could not be rebound due to input type mismatch
FIX: Some mini tutorial were failing without showing an appropriate dialog that says that, now there is a dialog to make it clear
FIX: Stabling sensor rule tooltips did not show
FIX: Welcome screen did not activate navigation when using controller input and language option was not selectable


Hey Rail Routers!

Buckle up, because we've reached a major station on our journey:

Rail Route's official 1.0 release! After two and a half years in Early Access
It's finally the game we always dreamed of building, and we're excited to share it with you in all its glory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aipDdgzpyNA

Early Access: A Journey of Growth

Let's be honest, Early Access wasn't just about adding features. It was a massive learning experience, packed with challenges and triumphs. We wanted to cram everything into Rail Route (we love this game as much as you do!), but there's that pesky thing called reality (aka budgets) to consider. So, we focused on what mattered most, and we think we've hit the sweet spot.

[h2] Player Onboarding[/h2]

The challenge of making our tutorials more effective was met head-on with live user testing, leading to significant improvements in how we tell the story of Jozic and introduce players to the game. We refined the onboarding process and ensured that the Rail Route was as welcoming and accessible as possible.



[h2] Clear Progression[/h2]

We revamped the game progression by organizing upgrades into a clear, tiered system, making it easier for players to identify their next objectives.



[h2] Easy of Use[/h2]

Our focus on simplifying game controls, alongside implementing automatic track laying has made managing your railway empire more intuitive. No more impossible connections and track layouts we've allowed all switch configurations, recognizing the struggles you faced and eliminating those frustrations.



[h2] Clean UI/UX[/h2]

We recognized the importance of the UI and have worked to integrate more interactions directly into the gameplay area, where your trains and tracks live. Sensors configuration is streamlined in your network.



[h2] Audio-visual Immersion[/h2]

We upgraded graphics, lighting, and visual effects, creating an immersive gaming experience like no other. We've enriched the audiovisual experience with top-notch sound and music design.



Moreover, ve've innovatively linked the music to your gameplay speed and flow. Keep your train network running smoothly at a constant pace, and the music will enhance your experience, rewarding your efficiency with satisfying tunes. However, slowing down the game will adjust the music accordingly, adding a playful challenge to maintain your rhythm and strategy.

And what's new on top that?
Here's some goodies for you:

• New Achievements:
  To all achievement hunters out there, we've added 30 new challenges for you to conquer.
  
• Steam Community Items:
  Dive into the new collection of trading cards, badges, emoticons, and backgrounds to jazz up your Steam profile.
  
• Soundtrack Release:
  We're proud to present our beautiful, piano-led soundtrack by the talented Rupert Cole. Now you can immerse yourself in the serene sounds that embody the essence of Rail Route, available on Spotify and your preferred music platform.
  
• Supporter Bundle:
  Long-time fan? New player? It doesn't matter! If you purchase the Supporter Bundle (Rail Route + Rail Route Soundtrack), you will get an extra sweet discount on top of the price!
  
• Steam Deck Verification:
  Check out our Steam page for the green Steam Deck icon Rail Route is now fully Steam Deck verified!
  

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NEW: Snapshot Player.log toggle in Debug Panel for easier bug reports

UPDATE: Main menu button was not shown after rush hour wave was finished

FIX: Buttons on victory screens could perform their actions multiple times when clicked multiple times
FIX: Contract Configuration failed if there was a station without sign en route
FIX: Editor did not show trains.txt import errors & terminated the import after the first duplicate
FIX: Endless victory screen incorrectly showed max reached score value
FIX: Escape did not toggle the main menu on endless and timetable victory screens
FIX: Path decoration effect when you make a route or highlight a signal sometimes started from the opposite direction
FIX: Reward icon tooltip rephrased to match the countdown
FIX: Secondary action did not close victory screens
FIX: Star reward progression bar had transparent backgrounds on threshold values
FIX: System upgrades menu remained visible and active when victory screens where shown
FIX: Tracks in Contract Configuration were not redrawn correctly in some situations

Hello Rail Routers!

Last week we announced our 1.0 release date! But besides launching our 1.0 version and the stream with a secret guest (don't forget to set a reminder!) we can now also announce the Rail Route - Soundtrack and Music Player DLC - arriving on February 22nd alongside the 1.0 release!

The DLC will be available in the upcoming Rail Route Supporter Bundle adding a sweet discount on top of the price, for all our dedicated train dispatchers this is a great way to continue supporting Rail Route and it's development!

[h2]Check out and wishlist the DLC right here:[/h2]
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2788780/Rail_Route__Soundtrack_and_Music_Player/

This soundtrack is the beating heart of Rail Route, a game that requires strategy and focus for its detailed, technical gameplay. The score was written and arranged to bring out the most expression from its stripped-back instrumentation, seeking to capture the experience of sitting in the front row of a recital hall to hear a transporting, emotional performance.

A collection of intimate, neo-classical pieces that encapsulate a sense of focus, calm and balance. Each piece takes you on a journey, flowing and evolving as you travel through icy climates and flower fields, past grand mountains and back home again. The music evocatively and expressively courses forth with sparkling harmony and bold melodies for piano and solo strings.

Track list:



Hello Rail Routers!



Mark Your Calendars: February 22nd - A Red-Letter Day in Rail Route History!

Last week we announced our 1.0 release date - VERY EXCITING! We will celebrate the release of 1.0 with a live stream where Angel and a secret guest will play Rail Route 1.0! There will be a chance to ask questions directly to the devs and the guest.

This is something you don't want to miss! You can just hit the "Set a Reminder" button to be notified when we're live!



So, set a reminder and tune in for a good time with us right here or on YouTube, at 21.00 CET / 12am PST / 20.00 UTC on Thursday, February 22nd!

Before we end today's announcement, there will soon be some hints on upcoming content that you can check out on the Rail Route Discord...

Happy dispatching,
The Rail Route team

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Hello Rail Enthusiasts!


We're thrilled to announce the new Update 20. Today, we're pulling into the station with some exciting news that's bound to make your railroad management experience even more thrilling. As always, don't forget to hop on board our Discord community to stay in the loop and connect with fellow rail enthusiasts and our dedicated dev team!


[h2]Rail Route 1.0 arriving on February 22nd![/h2]



Don't miss out on our epic LIVE stream on our Steam page, where I'll be joined by a special guest. And its more than just a launch; this will be a grand celebration of our shared passion of trains.


Now, let's embark on this journey and explore what's new!

[h2]Improved Contract Configuration: Precision is Key[/h2]

In Rail Route Update 20, we've fine-tuned the contract configuration process. A new algorithm takes the reins when you accept a contract, ensuring your railroad schedules are as precise as ever. This updated system calculates routing for intermediary stations based on your existing tracks, taking into account actual track speeds. Platform selection is now streamlined, with pre-selection based on search results.

But that's not all! If the algorithm encounters any hiccups along the way, it falls back to the original one, highlighting problematic segments with dashed lines. Our aim? To boost accuracy and make contract scheduling smoother than a well-oiled locomotive.


[h2]3rd Star Reward for Endless Mode: Reach for the Stars[/h2]

Ever felt like something was missing on your endless railway journeys? Well, we've got just the ticket for you! While you could earn 2-star awards on endless maps before, one for red traffic and one for green traffic, the elusive 3rd star remained out of reach, until now.

With Update 20, you can now aim for that coveted 3rd star on endless maps as well! To unlock it, you'll need to reach a certain score threshold. But here's the twist you can configure this threshold in your custom maps. Just head to the system upgrades menu, where you can also set the thresholds for the red and green stars.

Hover over the score at the top of your screen, and you'll find your progress toward earning that 3rd star next to the cycle report. And yes, you guessed it right endless leaderboards and contests are on the horizon!


[h2]Victory Screen for Endless Mode: Celebrate Your Triumphs[/h2]

Victory screens have been a hit in Rush Hour and Timetable modes, and now, endless mode joins the celebration! When you earn a star on an endless map, a panel on the right side of your screen will notify you of your achievement.

You can choose to simply hide this panel or view details, which will open the victory screen. On this screen, you'll see how many stars you've earned and how close you are to unlocking the remaining ones. Want to check your progress at any time? Just click on the score at the top of your screen.



[h2]Shunting Trains Visualization: Keeping Things on Track[/h2]

In this update, we've given our trains a fresh look and enhanced their visual cues. Trains now clearly indicate their travel direction. But that's not all trains in shunting mode sport a different appearance, making it easy to identify which trains won't stop at stations or be handled by sensors because they are currently shunting.



[h2]Particles and Animations: A Visual Treat[/h2]

If you've enjoyed the particle effects and animations while configuring contracts, you're in for a treat! Update 20 introduces more dazzling effects across the game. From tracks to sensors and signals, these effects not only enhance the game's aesthetics but also provide clarity on the elements you're interacting with.



[h2]Improved Sounds: A Symphony of Rails[/h2]

We've fine-tuned the soundscape of Rail Route. Different train types, like Com, IC, Reg, Freight, and Urban, now have distinct sound variations. Train sounds are intelligently positioned based on your zoom level and time speed, immersing you in the railroad experience. Plus, we've added new sounds for the victory screen a harmonious reward for your achievements.



With Rail Route Update 20, we're excited to bring you these enhancements and more. Join our Discord community to share your experiences with this update and stay tuned for more exciting developments in the world of Rail Route.


Until next time, keep those trains on track and your railways running smoothly!
- The Rail Route Team


[h2]Full Changelog[/h2]
NEW: Added 3 new music tracks
NEW: Added 3rd star reward for endless maps based on total amount of trains per cycle
NEW: Added star progression indicator to endless cycle report
NEW: Added tooltip to inventory amount editor on building buttons in map editor
NEW: Contract Schedule computation determines passed stations according to existing layout
NEW: Contract Schedule computation determines travel times according to tracks speed
NEW: Contract Schedule computation falls back to original search if some stations not connected (visualized by dashed line)
NEW: Contract Schedule computation finds fastest instead of shortest path
NEW: Contract Schedule computation in Editor determines passed stations & travel times according to existing layout when schedule recalculated
NEW: Different sounds for different train types
NEW: Fullscreen victory screen with star rewards can be shown on endless
NEW: Game Over sound
NEW: More visual effects for the board items
NEW: Punch animation on clicking a an item on the board
NEW: Route decoration particles on highlighting a manual signal
NEW: Station search in Debug Panel

UPDATE: Highlighting an auto signal that has a queued route will not only highlight the destination track but also the whole path on the way
UPDATE: Increased color of inactive perpetual circuit icon to be better visable
UPDATE: Localizations (cs: achievements; de: achievements, research; en: achievements; es: achievements; fr: achievements, research, ui; hu: achievements, research; it: achievements; ja-JP: achievements, research; ko: achievements, research; nl: all; no: achievements, ui; pl: achievements, research; pt-BR: achievements; pt: achievements; ru: achievements, research; sv: achievements; zh-HK: achievements; zh-Hans: all; zh-Hant: achievements; exports_pl: achievements)
UPDATE: Reduced thresholds for when endless stars are awarded for red and green traffic
UPDATE: The cross button in task panel now have a text which indicates that you can end the tutorial by clicking on it
UPDATE: Trains in shunting mode now have different sprite on locomotive

PERF: Contract Configuration view initialization spread to multiple frames to prevent single big lag

FIX: Bottom bar for train with rejected contract was still shown after rejecting the contract
FIX: Entering WASD values in shunting track configuration field would move the camera
FIX: Input fields required two clicks to lose focus after typing in them instead of just one
FIX: Map completion indicator in menu did not update after receiving stars
FIX: Perpetual circuit was not being refunded when its signal gets bulldozed
FIX: Shunting / Stabling Sensor train composition condition was ignored when no destination was selected ('other destinations' rule)
FIX: Signals that were hidden under the lock sign were clickable in the tutorial
FIX: Some station signs where having a black text instead of white in buy mode which made it hard to read
FIX: Switches was not being allocated in buy mode
FIX: Task tooltip shake effect was too much aggressive in the tutorial
FIX: Train in shunting mode was not disposed by Coach Yard
FIX: Trains arriving within a minute aftter their scheduled arrival were marked as delayed on the train bottom bar schedule
FIX: Unlocking auto accept trains upgrade does not enable auto accept trains toggle until the station configuration view is closed and opened again
FIX: Endless mode map completion screen could be shown on timetable and rush hour maps by clicking the score


Stay Connected with Rail Route:

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NEW: Open system upgrade page task to prevent confusion when unlocking an upgrade in the tutorial while the wrong page is opened

UPDATE: Localizations (nl: all; it: research, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials)

FIX: Timetable endscreen did not show upon completing timetable map
FIX: Average speed displayed on schedule sections was erroneous sometimes when a it was possible to bypass a station.
FIX: End of Rush Hour demo screen was not shown in demo
FIX: The tooltip of unlock upgrade task in the tutorial was not clear
FIX: Trains arriving within a minute after their scheduled arrival were marked as delayed on the train bottom bar schedule

Hello Rail Routers!

Hey everyone, Angel here - your fellow rail enthusiast. I'm over the moon to announce that Rail Route is gearing up for its full release on February 22nd! This isn't just a milestone; it's a celebration of our journey together.

[h2] Rail Route's full release date announced! [/h2]
Mark Your Calendars: February 22nd - A Red-Letter Day in Rail Route History!



Don't miss out on our epic LIVE stream on our Steam page, where I'll be joined by a special guest. And its more than just a launch; this will be a grand celebration of our shared passion of trains.



[h2]The rail log: Our Early Access expedition[/h2]

As we approach this significant milestone, let's look back at our voyage through Early Access. It's been an extraordinary journey with Rail Route, filled with challenges, learning, and triumphs. The game has really changed to the better a lot in so many areas.



[h3]In-depth journey insights & lessons:[/h3]

• Crafting a Visionary Roadmap: Learning the importance of a well-thought-out 1-2 year roadmap has been a game-changer for us.
  
• Navigating Changes and Choices: Each change was a stepping stone, each decision a lesson in resilience and foresight.
  
• Evolving Game Design: Our experiences have honed our game design skills, allowing us to create a more engaging and enriching experience for our players.
  
• Update Consistency: Committing to regular updates has been crucial in keeping Rail Route dynamic and stable.
  

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Hello Rail Enthusiasts!




We're excited to bring you the latest update for Rail Route Update 19! This update introduces new features and improvements to enhance your railway management experience. Don't forget to join our Discord community for engaging discussions, insights, and connections with fellow rail fans and our dev team!




Now, let's explore the new features!

Perpetual Circuit: A Fresh Approach

The Perpetual Circuit is a game-changer for continuous route allocation. Built onto an auto signal, it ensures the same path is allocated every game tick. Say goodbye to manual adjustments for long one-way block segments!



In Endless mode, find the Perpetual Circuit under a new System Upgrade, complete with a dedicated tutorial. In Timetable and Rush Hour modes, this circuit is readily available for seamless gameplay.

New Endless Scoring System: Aim for the High Score!



We've revamped the scoring for Endless maps, now measuring your success by the highest sum of experience points (Green + Red) earned during a cycle. This change offers a clearer measure of your rail network's efficiency. Climb the leaderboards, coming soon!

Improved Victory Screens: Celebrate Your Success



Victory screens in Timetable and Rush Hour modes have received a UI and immersion makeover. Endless mode will follow, ensuring your accomplishments are celebrated in style.

Simplified Station Construction: Build with Ease



Simplified Station Construction streamlines building. Build stations and platforms from the menu, connect platforms to stations, and configure platform sinks effortlessly.


Updated Bottom Bar: Smoother Navigation




The bottom bar designs now match the train bottom bar for intuitive navigation.

Message Log for Jozic: Never Miss a Beat



Follow Jozic's narrative story with the new Message Log, ensuring you catch every detail during your adventures on the Prague map.

Demo Version Now Available!



Curious about Rail Route but not quite ready to commit? We've got you covered!
The demo is back! Dive into rail network management and get a taste of the addictive gameplay that awaits.



We can also inform that the price has just been lowered in Poland and China, to adapt to local purchase power.

We hope you're as excited about these updates as we are! Join our Discord community to share your experiences with Update 19 and stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes.

Until next time, keep those trains on track and your railways running smoothly!

- The Rail Route Team

Full Changelog

• NEW: A bubble icon on the task panel that will open the `Message log` in the story of Jozic so you can see the previous subtitles if you missed some
  
• NEW: Cumulative time & average speed shown for mandatory stop & destination in Contract Configuration when train passes stations
  
• NEW: Edit map button in game mode if the map was loaded from editor
  
• NEW: Map settings check in editor that all stations that are used as an origin station in the timetable should at least have one platform with a sink
  
• NEW: New cycle period marked as yellow vertical line in station info panel timelines
  
• NEW: Perpetual circuit system upgrade that will unlock the Perpetual circuit building item, building this circuit on a semaphore allows it to make a perpetual route
  
• NEW: Platforms in editor are built from the construction menu instead of the stations panel
  
• NEW: Station sign item button in the construction menu in bottom bar
  
• 
  
• UPDATE: Border toggle removed from the station configuration panel in editor
  
• UPDATE: Changed modal backgrounds to match new UI style
  
• UPDATE: Conductor Offices pre-built in stock Endless maps in suitable locations
  
• UPDATE: Contract platform dropdown now highlighted when platform is selected
  
• UPDATE: Dispatcher office required warning message won't be shown in the station configuration view if no red contract upgrade is unlocked
  
• UPDATE: Dotted connectors are below tracks level. Tunnels have exception.
  
• UPDATE: Export stations button has been moved from stations panel to save and share panel
  
• UPDATE: Learn auto signal task will not be activated if the clicked signal has no possible free destinations to make a route to
  
• UPDATE: Offices required warning messages in the station configuration view will not be shown in editor
  
• UPDATE: Replaced Rail Route logo in illustrations with new yellow logo
  
• UPDATE: Replaced old UI style leader boards with new UI style
  
• UPDATE: Sinks can now be built only from the platform configuration view
  
• UPDATE: Slowed down star reward animations on victory screens
  
• UPDATE: Updated general, contract and contract focus view bottom bar designs to match train bottom bar
  
• UPDATE: Updated rush hour and timetable ending screens with new UI style and controller support
  
• UPDATE: Waiting train icons will no longer be hidden in build mode in Rush hour
  
• UPDATE: opening configuration views is now allowed in the construction mode
  
• 
  
• FIX: Achievements localization keys fixed after score changes
  
• FIX: Bottom left menu buttons where visible during rush hour wave completed screen
  
• FIX: Contract in editor was not properly updated after deleting used station or all platforms on used station
  
• FIX: Disabled navigation on modals containing only buttons with keybind to avoid confusion
  
• FIX: It was not possible to upgrade/downgrade tunnel speed with tunnel in hand
  
• FIX: Item video had incorrect aspect ratio on build button tooltip
  
• FIX: Mandatory station was not set when creating a contract in editor
  
• FIX: Missing word in main menu add map page
  
• FIX: Error when there was no suitable station found when generating Reg contract
  
• FIX: Only one attached sensor was triggered when train finished shunting by stopping at signal (now: all attached sensors are triggered)
  
• FIX: Plain signs were being included in the number of active stations in the system upgrades bottom bar
  
• FIX: Screenshot of previously loaded map was shown when opening main menu after creating a new map
  
• FIX: Scrolling info panels on the side interrupted when pointer was between info panels or on time offset slider
  
• FIX: Some contract icons were loaded twice
  
• FIX: Station signs that have no platforms were not being highlighted for selection
  
• FIX: Train jitters when focusing the camera on it while moving
  
• FIX: Train was incorrectly reused when just exiting the Coach Yard resulting in occupied CY and track after save&load
  
• FIX: UI was scaled too narrow on some ultrawide configurations
  
• FIX: Upgrade does not immediately become available when its parent has been installed
  
• FIX: platform number background sprite had line artefact on certain zoom levels
  

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Hey there, fellow Rail Dispatchers!


Get ready for Rail Route Update 19! We've got some great new features to share that are now live on our Unstable version.

But before we dive into the details, don't forget to join our Discord community. It's the perfect place to connect with fellow Rail Route enthusiasts, chat with our devs, get a sneak peek at what's coming down the track and also where you can get access to Unstable!

We want YOU to try it with us! How to join?

Check #unstable-version channel


Now, let's get right into the exciting updates:

Perpetual Circuit Streamlined Rail Management

Introducing the Perpetual Circuit! This circuit can be attached to an auto signal, offering continuous path allocation. It's perfect for managing long one-way block segments efficiently. We've also improved its accessibility, making it easier for both new and experienced players.



In the endless mode, you'll find the Perpetual Circuit under a new System Upgrade, complete with a dedicated tutorial. No more hunting for this handy tool - it's now right at your fingertips. In Timetable and Rush Hour modes, every signal automatically has access to this circuit.

A New Scoring System for Endless Mode!



We've revamped the scoring in Endless mode. Instead of Operational Turnover, we now focus on the sum of experience points (Green + Red) earned in one cycle. This change offers a clearer measure of your rail network's efficiency. Plus, stay tuned for leaderboards coming soon!

Improved Victory Screens - Celebrate Your Success!



Celebrate your achievements with improved victory screens in Timetable and Rush Hour modes. Endless mode will follow suit, complete with shiny star awards. Enjoy a more satisfying endgame experience.

Simplified Station Construction: Easier Rail Building

Introducing Simplified Station Construction, a feature that streamlines station building. Build stations and platforms from the menu, connect platforms to stations, and configure platform sinks. Updated bottom bar for a sleek look. Enjoy a smoother railway-building experience in Rail Route!

A Fresh Look for the Bottom Bar

We've given the bottom bars a visual refresh for a more cohesive and appealing design.

Message Log for Jozic



Stay in sync with Jozic's adventures through the new message log. Now you can easily catch up on Jozic's narrative during your adventures on the Prague map. No more missing important details!

Demo - Try Before You Buy



Curious about Rail Route but not quite ready to commit? We've got you covered! Our demo is back, giving you a taste of the Rail Route experience. Get a taste of the game for free, but act fast it won't be around forever.

Steam Capitalism & Economy Fest - Get on Board!



Celebrate capitalism with Rail Route during the Steam Capitalism & Economy Fest from January 8 to January 15. Enjoy a 10% discount as we roll along with the festivities.



That's all for now, folks! Join our Discord to try out Update 19 and be among the first to explore the Perpetual Circuit and other fantastic features. As always, your feedback is invaluable, so let us know how these changes enhance your Rail Route experience.



Until next time, keep those switches switching and those locomotives rolling!

- The Rail Route Team

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124180/Rail_Route

Hello fellow Rail Route enthusiasts!

The Money Train Has Arrived!

Join Rail Route at the Steam Capitalism & Economy Fest from January 8 to January 15. We're offering a 10% discount during this event. A little twist we're not 20% off, but 10%! It's our way of celebrating capitalism with a smile.



Try our new demo!

Experience rail network management with our new free demo, now available right here on the store page. Design, construct, upgrade, and automate your railway network in the city of Prague. Dispatch trains, make traffic flow, and watch your network grow...but don't forget to listen to Jozic's story.


Join Rail Route's Discord community

Connect with fellow Rail Route enthusiasts and our development team on our Discord community. Get pro tips, share suggestions, and be among the first to hear about updates and improvements to Rail Route. Also, if you are a big fan of maps, you still have some few days left on our community contest - will your map be integrated for the 1.0 release of Rail Route?



Don't miss out on the Steam Capitalism & Economy Fest. Rail Route is now 10% off, our new demo is ready to play, and our Discord community is waiting for you.

Until next time, keep the tracks clear and the profits rolling!

-The Rail Route Team

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UPDATE: Localizations (es: achievements, research; hu: achievements; it: achievements, ui; de: research; nl: research, tutorials, ui; ru: ui; zh-Hans: ui)

FIX: Attach loco shunting command in invalid queue prevented opening of shunting queue editing
FIX: Conductor Office returned to Berlin & Wroclaw maps after upgrade
FIX: Contracts with a leg without mandatory stop caused error when Regional Contract Manager was configured (and were rejected by the manager without consideration)
FIX: Double click on Play the Map button in Editor caused double saving & map corruption
FIX: If train overshot a platform (e.g. after reusing while moving over it), it never moved again
FIX: Impossibility to attach a loco to a train at the very end of the track (e. g. loco detached after pushing the train to the signal, then running around)
FIX: It was possible to configure Regional Contract Manager even when its upgrade was not installed
FIX: Recalculate schedule and topology buttons where shown on the bottom bar in play mode when editing a contract
FIX: Set arrival to current time button was shown outside of the editor when editing a contract
FIX: Stop time longer than 2 hours was wrongly formated
FIX: Timetable mode train bottom bar was too tall because research point awards were still shown
FIX: Typo in en text
FIX: Upkeep was not accounted to Operational Turnover and Total of Cycle Report


UPDATE: Attach loco command can be enqueued to train shunting queue even if Detach loco command is enqueued to be executed elsewhere than the train currently is
UPDATE: Importing contracts from text file in the editor will get rid of all the current contracts and adds the imported ones
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: all; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui; ru: ui)
UPDATE: Single allocated connections can be cleared by Secondary Action

FIX: Accepting contract from Offered Contracts panel ended in broken state as contract to highlight was not present in Active Contracts just after accepted (wait needed)
FIX: Contract breaking penalty is not being written correctly to the text file (it was doing the opposite)
FIX: Contract detail view shows the default max speed value instead of the value that has been set from the editor when the contract has been made
FIX: Contract schedule detail in contract menus showed above contract listing even when there was space below it
FIX: Contract schedule not being shown correctly in contract bottom bar in the editor
FIX: Delete button was cutoff in contracts menu for offered contracts and contracts in editor when horizontal scrolling was active
FIX: Fixing wrong tunnel connector in some maps (caused by an old error)
FIX: Left info panels stayed scrolled up after dragging the scrollbar with the mouse in a contract focus view and then exiting the view
FIX: Loading or starting a new game after finishing a timetable map did not reset the game speed
FIX: Restored missing localization for editor station reachability inaccurate warning and fixed typo
FIX: Revert in Contract Configuration did not redraw average speed indicators
FIX: Shunting and stabling sensor using the wrong rule when more than one rule is configured to the same station but with different commands for each composition state
FIX: There was no way to set the stop duration of the train in rush hour editor as the station visits view where completely hidden
FIX: Track allocation state is not being changed from shunting to occupied when the attach loco commands finishes executing
FIX: Trains were duplicated in Editor after export to trains.txt, import, save & load


NEW: Delayed stops are now marked as delayed in the train bottom bar schedule
NEW: Go to platform command can send the train to correct platform even before Reuse command switches the leg

UPDATE: Berlin Hbf in Berlin map split to tief and hoch station to prevent confused routing
UPDATE: IC contracts generation tuned. More IC contracts (40 % now, was 10 %) select their mandatory stop only from stations en route from origin to destination; IC contracts selecting their mandatory stop from all stations (60 % now, was 90 %) select the station proportionally by weight (was: the highest was selected)
UPDATE: Localizations (pl: achievements, ui; nl: research, tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui)
UPDATE: Shunting Commands tutorial now reiterates that train in shunting mode disregards stations & sensors after adding the first command
UPDATE: Shunting Sensor destinations configuration hint clarified
UPDATE: Train reward icon on board shows orange and has FX disabled when reward is lost

FIX: Clicked bottom most contracts in contracts menus with vertical scrollbar enabled had schedule outside of scroll section
FIX: Clicked contract in editor contracts menu with long schedule had invisible schedule
FIX: Complete text value is not being set correctly the first time you open the offered contracts menu
FIX: Contract period was not displayed in Editor
FIX: Go to platform command enqueued for a train (platform known) wrongly highlighted all platforms of that station (implemented for sensor rule display)
FIX: Missing UI volume label in audio options page
FIX: Northern passage in Wroclaw map was closed accidentally during previous map update
FIX: Save and load buttons were visible in the current game page of a mini tutorial, while they are not save able
FIX: Shunting Circuit description referred to the first command execution but it executes multiple commands in some situations
FIX: System upgrade menu bottom bar remained after toggling system upgrade menu with buy mode active
FIX: Timetable is not updated when a station or a platform is removed in editor
FIX: Timetable map loading failed when some connection was not in distance matrix
FIX: Tunnel upgrade cost half the price of same lenght track upgrade


While approaching the full release of Rail Route (check out this post if missed this!) we are now inviting you, our beloved community, to be part of Rail Route forever. This is your opportunity to create an immortal piece of Rail Route!

Starting today, and running until the 14th of January we are calling you, our players, to join our Community Map Contest. This is your opportunity to take map creation to a new level.

The most interesting and exciting maps, adding variation (location, play style and layout) to the current selection of maps, will be picked up and included in the official selection for Rail Route 1.0!

How to participate:

• Join our Discord, and check out the #contest channel
  
• Create your map and upload it to the workshop, so we can play it
  
• Submit in a post in the #contest channel
  

• Based on a real location (variation in location will be rewarded)
  
• Endless mode
  

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Hello fellow Rail Route enthusiasts!

We're excited to bring you additional improvements of Rail Route Update 18, with changes to enhance your railway management experience.

[h2]Composition condition for stabling sensor[/h2]

The stabling sensor now offers a new configuration option, allowing you to define rules based on the position of the train's locomotive. This enhancement provides greater flexibility in managing your railway network, especially during train stabling and intermissions.



[h2]Heading (next station) condition for shunting sensor improved[/h2]

Our shunting sensor just got smarter! We've introduced a new configuration option in the station list that allows you to set precise rules for when shunting commands should be triggered. You can now specify whether a station should match the train's next stop or any remaining station in the train's timetable. This gives you even more control over train operations and automation.



[h2]Tutorials Section in Menu[/h2]

We've finally added a dedicated 'Tutorials' section to the Maps page in the Main Menu. These tutorials are designed to help you master new features and improve your rail management skills. Go learn something new!



[h2]Updated Train Bottom Bar[/h2]

We've given the train bottom bar a makeover for improved usability. The control buttons are now larger and spaced out, making it easier to manage your trains during gameplay. Say goodbye to accidental taps and hello to smoother operations!



[h2]Improved Train Labels[/h2]

Selected train labels have been enhanced to adapt to your zoom level. Now, when you click on a train, its label will increase in size, ensuring you can easily read important information about the train's status and schedule.

[h2]Full changelog:[/h2]
NEW: Added tutorial section to main menu maps page
NEW: Functionality in shunting sensor rules that will allow you to decide if the train next station visit will trigger the sensor or any of the remaining station visits will
NEW: Selected Train label scales with zoom
NEW: Stabling sensor rule can now specify the train composition that will trigger the sensor

UPDATE: Increased bottom bar heights and improved train bottom bar button section
UPDATE: Localizations (fr: tutorials, ui; nl: ui)
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: research, tutorials, ui; fr: ui)
UPDATE: Moved buttons and reward sections around on train bottom bar
UPDATE: Regional contracts made the first item in Red category
UPDATE: in-game menu buttons no longer shown at edges of the screen when using wide aspect ratios

FIX: Arrival and departure time in station visit view were showing negative numbers if the minus button clicked while the shown time is 00:00
FIX: Clicking empty space while editing contract in editor would desync bottom bar from info panels
FIX: Performance drop in auto accept train chapter in SOJ
FIX: Relay Sensor connector is visible at the left down corner of the map before building it
FIX: Sensors & Routing Queue upgrades did not have Automatic Routing as prerequisite
FIX: Side configuration panels did not account for changing bottom bar heights and had incorrect shadow sprites
FIX: Term 'Advance Time' was used instead of correct 'Time in Advance' in Shunting Commands tutorial
FIX: Train was auto-reversed after reversed manually at dead-end platform

We hope you're as excited as we are about these updates. We've been listening to your feedback and working diligently to make Rail Route an even more enjoyable experience. As always, we welcome your thoughts and suggestions in our Discord community. Your feedback helps shape the future of Rail Route!

- The Rail Route Team

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NEW: Contract Configuration shows reward difference against state before modifications & Revert action to revert contract schedule to that state
NEW: Hotkey to edit contract from the active contracts menu ('X' on keyboard, 'D-pad/Down' on gamepad)
NEW: Tooltips to edit contract and accept contract buttons in the trial train info panel

UPDATE: Disabling Game Hints is not bound to a map but it's game wise
UPDATE: Localizations (fr: research, ui; de: tutorials; no: ui)
UPDATE: Make Coach Yard interactable when Precision key is pressed

FIX: Incoming trains passing border station each minute were marked conflicting
FIX: Maps with more than 30 stations had Available Stations section in System Upgrades distorted
FIX: Timelines shown on hover in station info panels where shown partly off-screen


Note: the build appears as 1.18.9.1 in game as the original build was flawed.

Hello Everyone,

The Rail Route team is thrilled to announce that Update 18 has arrived, bringing a host of exciting features and improvements to your railway management experience. Whether you're a seasoned dispatcher or just starting your rail adventure, these new additions are bound to enhance your gameplay. So, hop aboard, and let's dive into the details - BUT WAIT! Before we dive into the new features, take a moment to join our Discord community. It's the perfect place to chat with fellow members and the devs, share your insights, and maybe pick up a few pro tips along the way!




New sensors for increased efficiency!
Two new additions to your group of sensors, providing more effective automation and improved shunting commands. These will help you creating a more efficient, smoother and automated rail network.

[h2]Relay Sensor: Simple Automation, Big Impact[/h2]


Meet the Relay Sensor, your new best friend for simple yet effective automation. In the early stages of your network, managing intersections can be a challenge. The Relay Sensor comes to the rescue by instructing one signal to create a predefined connection, streamlining traffic flow. But that's not all! The Relay Sensor paves the way for more advanced automation with the Routing Sensor upgrade. Now, you can tailor connections based on a train's destination, allowing for more complex and efficient network management.



[h2]Shunting Sensor: Elevating Train Control[/h2]


Remember the Shunting Commands introduced in Update 17? Well, they just got a significant upgrade with the Shunting Sensor. Configure Shunting Rules that automatically apply to passing trains based on their heading and destination. It also allows you to define rules for trains with specific compositions, such as locomotives at the front, back, or both sides.



Conductor Office: Your Gateway to Green Contracts



Next to the Dispatcher Office, which provides you with red contracts, we're introducing the Conductor Office, where green contracts are generated. No more clutter next to station signs! Simply build the Conductor Office to speed up contract generation for a station. It's a game-changer for efficient contract management.


Loco Coupling: Advanced Train Handling



In our quest to revolutionize train management, we've introduced the Loco Coupling system. With this game-changing feature, you gain direct control over locomotive positioning. Attach and detach Loco Shunting Commands to reposition locomotives as needed. This added flexibility is perfect for the turnaround process of Intercity trains, all without impacting your station's efficiency.
The New Editor: Enhanced Timetable Management


Managing your railway network just got easier with the updated Editor. The new user interface aligns seamlessly with the improved contracts configuration flow. You can now access the Contracts List, which was previously only available in Endless mode. Editing timetables is a breeze, allowing you to add new stations and adjust departure times effortlessly.
Timetable View: Organized Train Lists


The timetable mode now mimics a set of one-off contracts, providing a clearer view of your train schedules. You'll find it similar to the Contracts panel in-game, offering a more streamlined experience in managing your railway network.
Updated Train Bar: Intuitive Control


To further enhance your control experience, we've integrated train control buttons into the train bottom bar. This cohesive design makes managing your trains more intuitive than ever before.

[h2]In Conclusion[/h2]
That's Update 18 for you! We're excited to see how these new features will enhance your gameplay in Rail Route, so join our Discord or any other social media and share your creations and thoughts. As always, we are eager to hear what you think!

- The Rail Route Team

Full Changelog
NEW: Relay Sensor Tutorial
NEW: Shunting Sensor
NEW: Shunting Sensor Tutorial
NEW: Conductor Office Building
NEW: Conductor Office building built when old map is started / old save is loaded & offered green contracts are moved to it
NEW: New UI design for contract editing in editor
NEW: Build conductor office task
NEW: Green Offerred contracts moved from Station to Conductor Office
NEW: All sensor sprites
NEW: Updated Train Bottom Bar
NEW: Attach loco shunting command
NEW: Detach loco shunting command
NEW: Clickable reference to the train of a detached locomotive on the train bottom bar
NEW: New UI design for contract editing in editor
NEW: Trigger standard automation once shunting finished and train is stopped at signal linked to a sensor
NEW: Ability to adjust schedule with 10 minute increments by holding the action modifier key
NEW: Contract bottom bar for editor and support for showing contracts on general bottom bar in editor
NEW: Dispatch Reversed toggle for stabled trains in Coach Yard Configuration button (affecting next leg)
NEW: Dispatch reversed toggle in schedule section of train bottom bar
NEW: Map requirement for Endless: at least 1 conductor office built

UPDATE: 'Go to platform' shunting command now routes trains to last visit if train departure fromt there is not recorded
UPDATE: Advance Time was misinterpreted as Delay Time. Reworded to 'Time in Advance'
UPDATE: Allow Urban trains of rejected contracts exit the map via Sink
UPDATE: Departure & routing sensor symbols unified because they do the same. Sensors reordered as they come in game
UPDATE: Don't show keybinds on train bottom bar all the time
UPDATE: Endless maps start with initial contracts in 'trial' state instead of 'accepted' for more customizable game start
UPDATE: Full station visits of the contract's schedule will now be shown when an active contract item is clicked in the contracts panel
UPDATE: Improved invalid configuration sprite
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: achievements; no: research, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui)
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: tutorials)
UPDATE: Localizations (no: research, ui; cs: ui)
UPDATE: Moved interface configuration and automated contracts manager toggles to general bottom bar
UPDATE: Non-stopping trains enter border stations only 10 seconds ahead of their passing time (was: 1 minute)
UPDATE: Passing station visit logged once train enters the platform (was: once whole train was there)
UPDATE: Penalties on new contracts on timetable maps created in editor are disabled by default
UPDATE: Player is now notified that station reachability calculations might be inaccurate in editor when level layout has been edited
UPDATE: Red tier 2 threshold requirement lowered to 10 from 15
UPDATE: Removed limitation of non adjustable stops on one-off contracts
UPDATE: Returning to contracts menu from editing a contract now scrolls list to that contract
UPDATE: Reuse button removed from train bottom bar
UPDATE: Schedule computed from max speed rather than expected speed for Freight contracts to have realistic schedule
UPDATE: Shifting of all first station passing times one minute earlier when pre-Update-18 timetable map is started to counteract shortening of train's prepare time
UPDATE: Shunting Track building moved into Connections
UPDATE: Sprites for all sensors updated
UPDATE: System upgrade context menu is no longer hidden when clicking near the tier progression bar
UPDATE: Train does not move even in shunting mode until departed from station
UPDATE: Transfer time between stations in contract schedule can be set to zero (was: min 1 minute)
UPDATE: Updated play map modal to new UI style and added gamepad support to it

FIX: Bottom left binding hint was shown over menus
FIX: Bottom left context actions where overlapping the bottom bars
FIX: Bottom left menu buttons where interactable when new map in editor was not created yet
FIX: Construction actions were doubled when Exit Construction action was initiated with Stations panel opened and then Platform button was clicked on it
FIX: Creating contracts for timetable map in editor did not have braking penalties enabled by default
FIX: Difficulty of a custom map is not updated until the game is closed and opened
FIX: Experience point for trial train was not awarded if contract schedule was shifted earlier during contract acceptance
FIX: Go to platform command did not have support for multiple stations reachable
FIX: One-time trains showed contract repeat time in contracts menu
FIX: Rejected Urban Transit contract train was removed from Coach Yard but reappeared after save&load
FIX: Reward displayed in Contract Configuration for offered contract was initially not calculated according to schedule based on to pre-set waypoints - True reward was displayed only after any change in the schedule.
FIX: Stabling sensor did not automate trains coming from a different platform of the same station
FIX: Subtasks where not localized upon loading a save
FIX: System upgrade context panel did not update localization or tutorial completed status upon opening the the upgrades menu
FIX: Train heading to Sink failed to display the shunting queue
FIX: Train label was visible trough offered contract panels on board
FIX: Tutorial task icons where shown under menu buttons
FIX: Unlock new station task limits the time to speed x1 if you did not have the money for the platform
FIX: Waiting train icons and train labels overlapping info panels on board

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UPDATE: Viafier Retica initial traffic streamlined to prevent conflicts

FIX: Map was not loadable if it contained an arrival sensor referring a deleted platform
FIX: Regional train in shunting mode leaving the map caused broken save
FIX: Train on platform did not move with 'Go to platform' shunting command to other platform currently executed
FIX: Tunnel length value was not accepted in Editor

Hey Rail Route Community,

We're back with another update on what's new in Rail Route. Let's dive into the details of our latest features.

Loco Coupling: Advanced Train Handling



Weve introduced the Loco Coupling system, a game-changer in train management. Heres what you can do:

• Attach/Detach Loco Shunting Command: Gain direct control over locomotive positioning.
  
  
  
  
• Customizable Shunting Sensor: Tailor sensor settings for specific train compositions, like having a locomotive at either end.
  
  
  

• Access the Contracts List: The panel from Endless mode is now integrated into the Editor.
  
• Edit Timetables: Similar to contract editing in the game, add new stations and move times with ease.
  

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UPDATE: All platforms and all shunting tracks in a group light up when hovering over a got to platform or shunting group command
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: tutorials)

FIX: Contract with locked stations could still be accepted
FIX: Errors thrown upon rejecting a train causing trains to stop moving and train bottom bar would still show contract info
FIX: Experience points cycle report broken after unlocking all tiers with cheats
FIX: On-board train's color was not immediately updated when rejecting a contract
FIX: Rush Hour might have variable traffic with the same seed across game version
FIX: Video for Shunting Commands upgrade was not displayed
FIX: Wave finish modal didnt display unlocked items correctly
FIX: using the modifier key to open track details failed to open configuration focus view and prevented showing configuration panels

You, our community has been the foundation of Rail Route's success, and we're thrilled to have you on board. Announcing that we are leaving Early Access and releasing 1.0 in February is a huge step for us. To mark this milestone, we're announcing "The Shanghai Rail Riddle" contest on the endless map of Shanghai. What better way to celebrate than by testing your rail dispatching skills in one of the world's busiest train hubs?

The Challenge: Keep 'em on time!
Starting today and running until Thursday the 30th of November, we invite you to join "The Shanghai Rail Riddle" contest. Your mission is to keep as many trains running "on time" in cycle 10. It's a challenge for those who enjoy solving puzzles and optimizing rail systems.

How to Join the Contest

• Load up Rail Route and select the endless map of Shanghai.
  
• Dispatch trains and aim to keep as many as possible punctual in the 10th cycle.
  
• Once you've completed the challenge, take a screenshot and head over to the #contest channel in our Discord and drop your results.
  
• Bragging rights are definitely on the line!
  

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Hello Everyone,

You might think the title of this post sounds like the start of a quirky joke or an intriguing story "A Shunting Sensor, a Relay Sensor, and a Conductor Office walk into a bar..." But no, it's actually the exciting lineup of features we're rolling out in Update 18 for Rail Route - a Train Dispatcher Simulator!



And we're thrilled to pull back the curtain on Update 18, which is currently chugging along in our #staging version. Lets unpack the goodies we've been tinkering with!

Wait! What's Staging Version?

Wondering about #staging? It's our exclusive playground for the most active and passionate community members on Discord. They get a sneak peek at new features and provide invaluable early feedback, shaping the game's future. Big thanks to our dedicated players!



Want to join this elite group? If youre a Rail Route fan and value Rail Route as high as nominating it for a Labor of Love Steam award and you actively playing Rail Route (Rail Route is your second job), then hop onto our Discord and ask for #staging access.



Introducing: Relay Sensor



The Relay Sensor is your new best friend for simple yet effective automation. Ideal for managing intersections in the early stages of your network, it instructs one signal to create a predefined connection. Routing Sensor then takes over for more complex scenarios, tailoring connections based on a train's destination.



NEW: Relay Sensor
[NEW: Relay Sensor Tutorial

Introducing: Shunting Sensor



Remember the Shunting Commands from Update 17? They just got better with the Shunting Sensor. Set up Shunting Rules to automatically apply to trains based on their heading and destination.



What's more? Future upgrades will allow rule customization for trains with specific compositions! Expect that next week in #staging!

NEW: Shunting Sensor
NEW: Shunting Sensor Tutorial

Conductor Office: Your Gateway to Green Contracts



We're introducing the Conductor Office alongside existing Dispatcher Office. This new feature generates green contracts, streamlining your station's contract management. Say goodbye to contracts cluttering next to station signs decide where to have them by build a Conductor Office and speed up contract generation by building more.

NEW: Conductor Office Building
NEW: Green Offerred contracts moved from Station to Conductor Office



In Conclusion

And guess what? We're just getting warmed up! Next week, we'll be bringing even more to the table with a revamped schedule editing feature in the Editor all part of Update 18. The pace at which we're churning out these updates is nothing short of a high-speed train, and it's all thanks to the incredible teamwork and passion here at Rail Route.

We're all aboard this journey with you, our amazing community. So, come hang out on Discord, share your thoughts and laughs, and let's continue this incredible adventure together.



Until next week, keep those tracks busy and your trains on time!
- The Rail Route Team

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[h3] Click the box above to nominate Rail Route [/h3]


As the Steam Autumn Sale (November 21st to November 28th) approaches, we've got some exciting news to share. It's that time of the year again when you, the players, have the power to nominate your favorite games for the prestigious Steam Game Awards. And guess what? We're counting on your support to make Rail Route a standout choice in the "Labor of Love" category!

[h2] Why Rail Route Deserves Your Vote [/h2]
Dedication Beyond the Tracks:
Rail Route isn't just a game; it's a labor of love for our dedicated development team. We've been working on updates, improvements, and optimizations to ensure your train dispatching experience keeps getting better and better.

Continuous Innovation:
Rail Route is constantly evolving. We've listened to your feedback and incorporated new features, automation tools, and optimizations to keep the game engaging and exciting.

Community Engagement:
You, our incredible train dispatchers, are the heart of our community. Your feedback and ideas have shaped the game's development, making Rail Route a true labor of love for both us and you.

[h2] How to Nominate Rail Route [/h2]
Nominate directly at the top of this post or nominate Rail Route in the Labour of Love category on the nomination page!

Remember, your vote counts, and your support means the world to us. We couldn't have made Rail Route the game it is today without our community. Spread the word, rally your fellow players, and let's make Rail Route the shining star of the Steam Game Awards. Together, we can celebrate our shared passion for trains and dispatching!



Over the years we have released a lot updates, really advocating for Labor of Love award. To celebrate this, we have created a roadmap guiding you through our time together - take a look:



If you wanna dive into the memory lane and check out every update, we got you covered:
Early Access! - Rail Route officially launched on Steam
Update 1 - 1.1 finally made it to the public
Update 2 - Meet Jozic!
Update 3 - New Accessibility Features
Update 4 - New Game Mode - Rush Hour!
Update 5 - Contests, leaderboard for Rush Hour and new maps!
Update 6 - Rail Route's new story mode "The Story of Jozic"
Update 7 - A multitude of quality of life improvements like train alerts.
Update 8 - Advanced arrival and routing sensors
Update 9 - New Menu and Waiting Train Icons
Update 10 - Menu and game scene combination and New loading screen
Update 11 - More Control and Flexibility in your Rail-building Experience
Update 12 - Revamped UI
Update 13 - Keybindings: More Freedom, More Control
Update 14 - The new dispatcher office
Update 15 - More diverse contracts and improved schedule modification
Update 16 - Tiers are in, improving system upgrades
Update 17 - Shunting and improved contracts planning


But whats next? We are quickly approaching the 1.0 release, aiming to leave Early Access in February. Stay tuned for more information, share your feedback, and thank you for being a part of our incredible journey.

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UPDATE: Localizations (es: achievements, ui; nl: tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: tutorials, ui; no: ui; ru: ui)
UPDATE: Station visit info panels can no longer be dragged around in contract focus view

FIX: Error thrown when train was selected and new contract was accepted in focus view
FIX: Hovering a subtask icon leads to bad icon flickering
FIX: Main menu tab selection buttons where still acting on keybinds when menu was closed
FIX: Playing the story of Jozic with all researched pre unlocked leads to the story to get stuck
FIX: Positions of windows were wrongly saved for stabling rules
FIX: Reuse shunting command did not show up when editing stabling sensors
FIX: Saving a go to signal shunting command with a deleted signal leads to a NPR and breaks the load
FIX: Stabling sensor would still add shunting commands to train with rejected contract
FIX: Start / stop train button was still listening to binding after train bottom bar was hidden
FIX: Text in timetable completion modal had graphical artifacts
FIX: Train dispatched from Coach Yard in advance (as ECS) caused errors when schedule editing was attempted
FIX: Train shunting queue was not cleared when trains contract was rejected
FIX: Trains outside of endless mode did not show timeline on hover
FIX: Zoom to contract views were wrongly computed in some cases


Note: Build 1.17.15 contained critical bug and was skipped.

Come and celebrate the annual Czech & Slovak Games Week with us. To celebrate this, Rail Route will have a 20% discount for the coming week!

Every year on the 17th of November, Czechia and Slovakia celebrate national holiday in honor of the events of 1939 and 1989. The Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy is primarily linked to the year '89 and the so-called Velvet Revolution, which marked the peaceful transfer of power and the advent of democracy. It represents the beginning of free entrepreneurship in our countries, including the gaming scene, which gradually developed during the 1990s to its present form.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Czechia and Slovakia may be small countries, but the local gaming scene punches well above its weight! Join us in celebration of Czech and Slovak game developers, and the plethora of games theyve brought to this world!

As a studio in the Czech Republic, we are proud to be part of the annual Czech & Slovak Games Week with so many other fantastic studios and great games.

Rail Route received Update 17 last week, finally adding the long-awaited feature shunting. This week we recommend you to try it out on our Prague map, to celebrate this very special week. Go dispatch some trains!

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Hotfix 1.17.13
NEW: Train schedule is shown when hovering visit in station info panel timeline

UPDATE: Bigger tunnel connector sprite
UPDATE: Stock endless maps updated (more space for yards)

FIX: Closing contracts menu would leave black artifacts behind from station signs for a short time
FIX: Contracts menu did not switch to correct tab when showing specific contract
FIX: Edit contract keybind closed active contract focus view when different train was clicked
FIX: Incorrect duplicate tooltips on editor checklist items
FIX: Player was forced to wait for Jozic to stop talking until he can close the station panel in the auto accept trains chapter
FIX: Wrong sound position when station sign clicked on UI

Hotfix 1.17.14

UPDATE: Dock station info panel subtask in the tutorial has been removed

FIX: Incorrect string format for chinese localization of reuse shunting command time
FIX: Localized text on upcoming trains and train bottom bar was not updated directly after changing game language
FIX: Non bulldozable items could be bulldozed when clicking just after deselecting an item on the board in bulldoze mode
FIX: Subtask hint icons being displayed under the system upgrades panel
FIX: Subtasks hint keybinds in the system upgrade panel were confusing for the gamepad
FIX: Train names where not localized when loading a save with a different localization active or changing the localization in game

NEW: Collect upkeep each cycle for Shunting Track and Stabling Sensor

UPDATE: Increased minimum default ui scale for smaller resolutions
UPDATE: Localizations (zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui)
UPDATE: Reg train Intermission now measured from arrival to departure (was: from departure to arrival), making leg's last stop and next first stop be included in intermission - their lenght now does not matter. Brings better stabling platform allocation visualization and earlier leg switch possibility.
UPDATE: Upkeep rebalanced for Shunting Circuit (1000), Shunting Track (2000), Stabling Sensor (4000) and Coach Yard (10000)

FIX: CycleBalance.Upkeep was not saved
FIX: Lists with filters were not cleared when filter was modified to unmatching string (no result expected) while the list was still being loaded

Hello All Train Dispatchers,



Great news for all rail network enthusiasts Update 17 has officially pulled into the station! It's crammed with enhancements that will redefine how you manage your railways. But before we dive into the buffet of new features, take a moment to join our Discord community. It's the perfect place to chat with fellow members and the devs, share your insights, and maybe pick up a few pro tips along the way!



Now, lets get to the good stuff.

Shunting: The New Era of Train Control

Shunting is not just moving trains around anymore; its about smart automation and precision. Queue shunting commands and watch your trains follow orders flawlessly with the help of the newly introduced shunting circuit. This innovative feature breathes new life into your control strategies.



To understand how this elevates your gameplay, let's delve into the mechanics: When a train with any shunting command queued approaches an auto signal with a shunting circuit attached, the system kicks into high gear. The first command in the queue is executed with pinpoint accuracywhether its routing to another signal, stabling into a designated tracks group, or making its way back to the platform to prepare for the next leg of its journey. And this is just the beginning. With the next update, we're gearing up to expand the list of commands even further, including the ability to attach or detach locomotives, enhancing your control and customization options even more.



Multi-leg (Regional) Trains Automation

With the hustle and bustle of your growing network, platform space is gold. Update 17 allows you to automate the intermissions of regional trains more effectively, "shunting" them to stabling areas to keep your network flowing smoothly.



[h2]Shunting Track[/h2]

The update introduces Shunting Track Groups, a practical tool for organizing your rail yard. You can now group several tracks together into what is known as a 'Stabling Group.' With this feature, you can issue a shunting command for a train to move directly to one of these groups, which optimizes train dispatching and yard management, making your rail operations more efficient.



[h2]Stabling Sensor[/h2]

The Stabling Sensor allows for automatic command execution for trains that finish their leg at sensor-equipped platforms. Set up commands to manage end-of-line procedures, ensuring trains are directed to the correct facilities or prepared for their next service without manual intervention.





Improved Contracts Planning

Your operational clarity just got a significant boost! The overhaul in contract planning now displays every stop in a train's journey, enriching your station timelines and simplifying routing sensor configurations.

[h2]All Stations Inclusion[/h2]

The updated system now includes all stations on the train's path within the schedule, granting you visibility of your train at every station it traverses. This comprehensive overview ensures that no part of your network is left unchecked and enhances your ability to monitor and manage the station platforms.



[h2]Add/Remove Waypoint[/h2]

With the ability to add or remove waypoints in your train's schedule, you're given complete control over the route configuration. Each modification automatically recalculates the route and adjusts the rewards, providing a dynamic and responsive planning experience that adapts to your strategic changes.



Building Made Better

The build menu has received a facelift. Enjoy an enhanced, neatly categorized bar that promises a more organized and accessible construction process.



A Clear View of Offered Contracts

Keep an eye on potential business with the new Offered Contracts panel, conveniently located for easy access and better decision-making.



Streamlined Sensor Configuration

Configuring sensors is now an integral part of your layout planning. This direct approach is set to minimize confusion and enhance your dispatching flow.



Music to Your Ears Or Not

Need to focus? The new music configuration option mutes all game music when Rail Route is not the active window. Stay in control, even when you're multitasking!



We hope you're as excited about these updates as we are. For a deep dive into the new features, join our community on Discord and let us know how these changes are shaping your Rail Route experience. See you next week for more behind-the-scenes insights!

Until next time, keep the switches switching and the locomotives rolling!
-The Rail Route Team

Full Changelog

[h2]Notable Additions[/h2]

• A hint in the station configuration view about not getting red contracts for stations that are without a dispatcher office
  
• Added hint for changes to trial contracts
  
• Added offered contracts panel
  
• Arrival sensor configuration view
  
• Build dispatcher office narration hint on unlocking a red contracts upgrade
  
• Coach Yard can dispatch individual trains as ECS
  
• Departure sensor configuration view
  
• Full schedule! All stations en route included in trial train schedule
  
• Full schedule; Add & Remove waypoint actions to set up own route
  
• Full schedule; Finished trial train indicates delayed / faster run to schedule & requests schedule modification
  
• Full schedule; Trial train departs at scheduled time or after ShorterPossibleStop & commuter trial trains stop at scheduled stations only as the schedule is pre-configured
  
• Particle effects when build bar is opened
  
• Reuse icon in the regional train label when it is waiting for next leg train
  
• Routing sensor configuration view
  
• Shunting Track building added to facilitate assigning tracks to Shunting Group; target of 'Go to Shunting Group' shunting command.
  
• Shunting commands introduced to control stabling of regional trains and turning the locomotive around the train
  
• Shunting commands mini tutorial
  
• Shunting commands upgrade & Shunting Circuit building item
  
• Shunting queue displayed in focus view with shunting commands placed in front of signals they command the train to
  
• Stabling Sensor building added to facilitate automated assigning of shunting commands to trains requiring shunting (e. g. Reg trains during their intermissions)
  
• Stabling sensor mini tutorial
  
• The game mutes audio when not in focus
  

• AcceptContractTask now have a subtask to adjust the Bubny's station visit's platform
  
• All core Endless maps updated to be more open (part 1)
  
• Background color of some buttons and checkbox made brighter for better visibility
  
• Better animation at the start of offered / active contracts views
  
• Building buttons on bottom bar for recently installed upgrades show animation when first shown
  
• Building item texts refined
  
• Changed building bottom bar visuals
  
• Coach Yard Automation upgrade discarded. Coach yards are capable of automation once built.
  
• Coach Yard price increased to 50000 + upkeep of 5000 per cycle introduced; it is an end-game building
  
• Coach Yard stables instances of trains, not only counters. Reg train is always dispatched from CY where previous leg was stabled.
  
• Configuration 'Paste all' button now copies configuration of currently edited sensor to neighbours instead of config in clipboard
  
• Contract connector bends over autoblocks or tunnels en route instead of short-cutting them
  
• Currently edited train has different color in Station Timeline
  
• Currently edited train shown on board in contract configuration and shunting focus views
  
• Improved visuals for checkbox hover states
  
• Improved visuals for toggle button hover states
  
• Improved visuals of station visit panels in contract planning
  
• Increased size of small buttons
  
• Increased targeted framerate for slow loading operations
  
• Localizations (ja-JP: tutorials, ui; nl: research, tutorials, ui; no: research, tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui)
  
• Money not refunded when item grabbed and not charged when rebuilt. Refunded only when rebuild is not possible.
  
• Music intensity is rewarding players that do not switch time or pause
  
• Overlapping visits in the station info panel timeline are now marked to indicate a conflict
  
• Renamed some columns on active contracts panel and replaced train type text with icon
  
• Right mouse can be used in Focus Views to move the map without closing the view
  
• Selected Train is shown in Contract configuration Views
  
• Sensors mini tutorials have been updated to use the new sensor configuration focus view
  
• Stabling Sensor triggers also for Com and IC trains ending in Coach Yard
  
• Station Info Panels that were deliberately opened in focus view will be closed with the focus view once it get closed
  
• Traffic types (Through and Oneway) renamed to just 'Green' and 'Red'
  
• Train in intermission timeline: 2nd station of next leg displayed for easier decisions
  
• Trial train failed narration has been updated
  
• Updated hints modal to be fullscreen panel in new UI style
  

• Build buttons without editable inventory amount where not shown inline with other buttons
  
• Build mode could not be opened in timetable maps with inventory enabled
  
• Build mode is not closeable at the beginning of the tutorial
  
• Buttons on station info panels in contract adjustment focus view moved up when hovered
  
• Contract connector & topology search allowed orthogonal connection to autoblocks without signals
  
• Departure sensors that were saved with null connection using the old configuration method were not configurable
  
• Filtering stations list in editor while in platform placing mode resulted in broken platform placing
  
• First train chapter in the tutorial was failing if the time was paused before 08:00 in the previous chapter
  
• If the mouse was at a ui item and you clicked something on the keyboard, the mouse clicks were not working until you move the mouse a bit
  
• Jozic says gain 5 green points in for the auto accept trains upgrade while it actually costs only 3 points
  
• Keybind without dedicated icons fallback text sometimes contained "Press"
  
• Map item animation kept repeating when hovering mouse near edge of map
  
• Middle click were opening configurations where moving map
  
• Modals during story and upgrade tutorials did not hide other UI and menu button bindings would still trigger
  
• Open focus view subtasks in the tutorials could be fulfilled by opening the wrong focus view
  
• Opening the options menu for the first time lagged the game
  
• Performance issues in contracts panel
  
• Red and Green system upgrades menu pages where not lined up on the same position
  
• Regional trial trains were not auto-dispatched from Coach Yard
  
• Score panel is not being hidden once a victory screen is shown in the timetable
  
• Sending the train in the run trial train task out of the map led to a narration to be played twice
  
• Sensors were buildable at the autoblocks' end points
  
• Small track pieces where barely or completely invisible when highlighted as routing destinations
  
• Smart formatting was not applied in some places.
  
• Story prompt to play wakefield map didnt hide UI to focus on prompt and menu button bindings could still be activated
  
• Switch was not reset to track after the track was extended
  
• System upgrade menu button remained highlighted when closing upgrades menu in editor
  
• System upgrade menu did not open in editor when level was timetable mode
  
• The subtask done marks on the board overlap with the train label and with each other
  
• Tier unlocked popup referred to 'green' even if red tier was unlocked in languages with different pluralization to English
  
• Time speed was capped to last time speed value even if previous value had higher value
  
• Tool tip of the system upgrade button "Install first" does not actually says what should be installed first
  
• Tooltips where being hidden whenever some component that also has a tooltip was destroyed
  
• Train types in CY were hidden according to first loaded map / save after game start
  
• Urban train was not able to enter CY before accepting or rejecting contract condition
  

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Greetings Rail Route and train enthusiasts! We may have been silent, but we've definitely been busy! Remember the last major update? Well, hold onto your conductor hats because here we go again, revamping our Unstable version with another mega update.

And, guess what? We want YOU to try it with us! How to join?

Check #unstable-version channel




Update 17 - Core of Shunting

This update lays the foundation for new game mechanics aptly titled "shunting commands". Now, you can queue various commands for a train, which are executed as the situation allows. To access this new feature, simply enter the train's queue configuration view.



Multi-leg (regional) trains automation

We're putting the spotlight on regional trains. Initially, letting trains sit on platforms during their intermission is all well and good. But space is a luxury, and as it dwindles, shunting trains to stabling areas becomes imperative.




Shunting Commands

We're rolling out these shunting commands to keep your trains in tip-top shape:

• Go To Signal: Directs the train to a specific signal.
  
• Go To Shunting Group: Sends the train to a designated shunting group.
  
• Go To Platform: Routes the train to a chosen platform.
  
• Reverse: Reverses the direction of the train.
  
• Reuse Command: Switches the train to next leg
  

Shunting Circuit

For the commands to work, you'll need the all-new shunting circuit. Build it next to any auto signal, and when a train with shunting commands halts in front of that signal, the circuit will kick into action and execute the next command in line.




Shunting Track

Introducing the Shunting Track a place where trains can take a breather. Position it on any track and assign it to a group using a letter. Then, with the Go To Shunting Group command, guide multiple trains to the designated shunting tracks in the group.



Stabling Sensor

Thinking about how to automatically bestow shunting commands on a train? The Stabling Sensor is your answer. Installed on platforms, it equips any train ending its leg on that platform with pre-set commands.



What's Next in Shunting?

This isn't the end of our shunting journey. Future updates will see us expanding on this framework, introducing even more commands and scenarios. For example, detaching locomotives and shunting them to the opposite side using a turn-around sensor. We're confident this sets the stage for a series of exciting developments.

Improved Contracts Planning

Here's a biggie: a complete overhaul of contract planning. Rather than just showing Origin, Mandatory, and Destination stations, you'll see every stopover in between. This will bring clarity to station timelines and make routing sensor configurations even more intuitive.

Adding/Removing Waypoints

The system now calculates the shortest route for contracts, but you're not stuck with it. Need to change course? Simply add waypoints, and the train's route adjusts in real-time.



UI & Sensor Configuration Enhancements

In line with our commitment to UI improvements, sensor configurations have been relocated directly within your layout. This ensures a more seamless experience. We've also revamped the Routing Sensor configuration based on feedback, allowing for a more logical approach to station connections.



Improved Build Menu

Yes, we acknowledge our recent build menu didn't quite hit the mark. But as we've always maintained, iterative refinement is our mantra. Feast your eyes on the revamped visuals; we're sure you'll find them much more appealing!



Offered Contracts List

Your wish is our command! Want a consolidated view of all offered contracts? We've got you covered. The Offered Contracts List is now handily positioned next to active contracts, all a click away from the main navigation button.



Thank you for journeying with Rail Route. We're excited to see how you leverage these new additions. If you appreciate our never-ending effort to improve and enhance the game, please consider leaving us a review. Your feedback not only helps us grow but also brings more rail enthusiasts into our community. Join the conversation on our community platforms for the latest updates and discussions.



Until our tracks cross again next time, keep the trains running!

-Angel

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124180/Rail_Route

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1896900/Rail_Route_The_Story_of_Jozic/

UPDATE: Localizations (zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; nl: tutorials; no: tutorials)
UPDATE: Repeat narration time of gain green points in the UnlockMoreOfferedContractsTask is now 240 sec instead of 30 sec

FIX: Regional Trains Stabling upgrade did not mention that it unlocks Coach Yard building
FIX: Smart Format did not work for some localized texts in some languages because Smart Format Tag was not set. Migrated to shared metadata.

UPDATE: Default UI scale updated to accomodate Active Contracts without horizontal scrollbar
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: tutorials, ui; no: tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: More upgrades are now allowed to be unlocked in the demo of the story of Jozic
UPDATE: System upgrade description now only auto scrolls when a pointer device is not in use

FIX: Departure & Routing sensor did now work when its platform / autoblock did not have signal at both ends
FIX: Elements with auto-hiding scrollbars where invisible or cut-off in some scenarios
FIX: Info panel section scrollbar overlapped info panels content
FIX: Locked state of info panels was not saved
FIX: More offered contracts upgrade requires 20 green points while the task in the tutorial asks you to get only 2 points
FIX: Reg contracts never stopped at first leg origin
FIX: Reusing the train inside an auto block led to its crashing with itself
FIX: Scrolling was disabled when it should not be
FIX: System upgrade descriptions where cutoff when switching between upgrades with different description lengths

Note: Version 1.16.14 contained a critical bug and was skipped.

Theres something incredibly satisfying about watching a train smoothly run its course, much like a perfectly written piece of code executing its function. This Programmers Day event, were combining the thrill of coding with the excitement of railways in Rail Route!

Choo-Choo-Choose Your Challenge!
To commemorate our recent rollout of Update 16, we're thrilled to introduce an all-new contest that not only challenges your railway management skills but also your optimization talents. It's set in the gorgeous backdrop of Marseille, France. The scene is alive with the vibrant energy of the bustling Mediterranean port, chugging engines, and lively stations, waiting for your command.

Two Stars, One Objective!
Here's the deal: The contest revolves around achieving two stars one in green and the other in red traffic (30/30). But the twist? You've got to do it in the least amount of cycles possible. Whether you're someone who finds joy in crafting intricate railway systems, an aficionado of the locomotive world, or simply someone who thrives on intense challenges, this contest has a little something for everyone.

Why Join the Fun?
Well, besides the sheer joy of mastering your rail network, this contest offers a unique opportunity for every Rail Route enthusiast:
Showcase Your Skills: Let your strategy shine among the community.
Learn & Adapt: See how others tackle the same challenges and refine your approach.
Special Recognition: Winners will be spotlighted and getting a key that you can give to a friend that should experience all the fun with Rail Route!

How to participate?
Share your entry in the #contest channel on the Rail Route Discord.

Mark Your Calendars!
The contest chugs off today and runs until Tuesday next week (October 3rd to October 10th). So, dust off your dispatcher's cap, rev up your optimization engines, and get ready to embark on the ultimate railway journey.

And remember, in the world of Rail Route, its not just about getting from point A to B, it's about doing it with finesse, strategy, and a dash of railway magic!

Ready to take on the challenge? All aboard The Marseille Express, and may the best dispatcher win!

Link to map: https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3044719682

And remember to stay connected:

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UPDATE: Improved the fluency of the tutorial, chapters do not pile up anymore and the timing of the chapters activation has become more effective
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: tutorials, ui; no: tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: ui)
UPDATE: Tier progression bar current value indicator now shows left of current value instead of right
UPDATE: Unlocking all tiers either by debug menu or by hint menu will make sure that you have at least 3 red points to be able to progress in the red category

FIX: Automation was not triggered when sensor was built at the track end (e. g. after speed was upgraded in segment ending just where the sensor is)
FIX: Autosaves after cycle end were corrupted because saving happened in mid-state
FIX: Autosaves created when cycle starts were not cleared
FIX: Backward compatibility for saved WaitForDepartureSubTask when it's saved in a broken state
FIX: Description of dispatcher office was misleading
FIX: Rush hour get stuck when a train times out
FIX: Table sorting header interaction area did not match text size
FIX: Trains were spawning from 00:00 when Endless map contract prototypes had times < 8:00

UPDATE: Added button to view required upgrade if another upgrade requires it to be installed first
UPDATE: Coach yard imbalance calculation will now ignore regional trains

FIX: CheckTimetableSubtask was not being done when the first upcoming train arrives
FIX: Create route subtask from Bubny to Docks in tutorial was also fulfillable by creating an opposite route which is wrong
FIX: NPR in tutorial when a subtask is loaded and tries to get research that depends on the system upgrade menu being created
FIX: No sound played and system upgrade button was not toggled when opening system upgrades from a button that is locked by an upgrade
FIX: Red upgrades where not accessible with ignore tiers option enabled
FIX: Sensors tutorials get stuck if one of the trains left the map
FIX: Shine effect in the SystemUpgradeContextPanelView when unlocking a new upgrade is not being hidden properly
FIX: Station names where overlapping buttons on sensor configuration panels
FIX: Station sign backgrounds where visible over active contracts panel sorting bar
FIX: Story illustration english text missing 'a'
FIX: System upgrade context panel could overlap menu buttons because it was too tall
FIX: WaitForDepartureSubTask was not being fulfilled in the Accept new contract chapter in tutorial

NEW: Added horizontal scrolling on active contracts panel for smaller resolutions or UI scales

UPDATE: Added sorting by contract experience point rewards to active contracts panel
UPDATE: Dispatch Office not ignoring border stations when being built. Regional contracts generation updated to force owning station as the first or last station if being a border station.
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: ui; no: ui; zh-Hans: ui)
UPDATE: Offered contract details now show total experience point rewards for contract instead of reward per leg
UPDATE: Subtitles background color for better reading in the tutorial
UPDATE: Time speed tooltip now contains hint how to customize time speed
UPDATE: Warning design of the minus buttons in station visit view has been updated

FIX: Active contracts panel total contract count was misaligned
FIX: Auto accept and auto reverse toggles in station configuration view were not interactable after toggling them off
FIX: Bubny hint narration of the trial train in the tutorial was being played each time the train visit Bubny station
FIX: Game saving failed when experience point was granted during serialization
FIX: Incorrect train icon shown on system upgrades page tier progression bar
FIX: NPR in accept contracts chapter if contract was accepted without specifying the platforms
FIX: Sorting live trains on active contracts panel did not work correctly
FIX: Train experience point reward indicators animated number change when first shown or briefly showed -1
FIX: Trial train hint was not being played when game set to other language than English

Rail Route - Developer Blog Post: Update 16!

Hello Rail Route enthusiasts! Another week, another update to share. The development team has been hard at work, chugging along to make your railway management experience even better. Let's jump right into the details!



New System Upgrades Structure
Gone are the days of the tree-like structure! We found it a tad too sprawling, and sometimes a little confusing. Now, upgrades are split into two categories: green and red. Green for Commuter and InterCities trains, and red for Regional, Urban, and One-off freights. Each category now boasts three tiers to unlock even cooler upgrades. This should make your upgrade path clearer and more intuitive.



Unlocking Tiers
Want to level up? Youll need to handle enough traffic within an in-game hour. For instance, dispatch 10 green trains on time to unlock tier 2. As you pile on the upgrades and delve deeper into automation, you can easily juggle more contracts and increase train throughput per cycle.



For those who've already tasted progression, we added an option to bypass tier requirements in the 'New Game' settings. And for our creative map authors, you can set tier thresholds in the level editor.




New UI for System Upgrades
We've given the System Upgrades panel a complete makeover to accommodate the changes. Plus, there's a new Experience Points Cycle report for a snapshot of your progress.



Freight Contracts moved under Dispatcher Office
Remember to build the Dispatcher Office! It's now home to Freight contracts and regional trains.



New Configuration Panels
Goodbye right panel! We've revamped the configuration for Tracks, Signals, AutoBlocks, and Tunnels. Sensor configuration is up next on our list.



Updated Active Contracts Menu
Our active contracts menu is now more modern and spans the full screen.



Plus, with the new sortable column, you can easily refine your older contracts.



Delay Allowance on the Contracts
There's now a buffer for how much delay is acceptable before losing experience points. And guess what? It varies by train type! Commuters are more forgiving now.



Contract Types Rebalancing
For instance, commuters now have a leeway of 2 minutes delay before you miss out on those precious experience points. On the flip side, Regional trains come with a fixed reward during the intermission period, making it independent of the train speed. Dive into the numbers: the average reward for Commuters has been given a boost, while InterCity's (IC) rewards have been scaled down for better equilibrium. And for those who noticed the painstakingly slow reversing of single-head trains? Weve upped their reverse speed to a brisk 40 km/h. This means you'll now have more gameplay time before needing to reverse those single-head trains. Also, a little cherry on top: Urban Transit now grants you access to the coach yard directly, instead of being dependent on it.

Time Speed Buttons
For those who want a change of pace, adjust the Time Speed buttons in the options. Default speeds are set at 1, 3, 10, and 25.



Changelog
[h2]Notable additions[/h2]

• Added option to ignore tier requirements to 'New game' settings
  
• Added sortable column of possible contract improvements to active contracts menu
  
• Added tier threshold configuration to the level editor
  
• Clicking accept contract in offered contract focus view will show the next leg until all legs are shown once, clicking accept after that will accept the contract
  
• Configuration UI for AutoBlocks
  
• Configuration UI for Tracks & Switches
  
• Configuration UI for Tunnels
  
• Experience point cycle report added to display experience points statistics
  
• Game will be auto saved each time a new cycle starts
  
• Hint for current players explaining new progression model
  
• Multiple hint modals are allowed to be shown on game load
  
• Narrative chapter about giving the player red experience points to unlock freight or regional trains in the red category
  
• Note narrative chapters that reminds the player of the importance of increasing the experience points
  
• Offered contracts message hint
  
• Progression notifications pop up once next tier is reached, red upgrades are affordable and star is awarded
  
• Reach tier 2 of the green category chapter was added in the story of Jozic
  
• Score panel now shows successfully handled trains per cycle
  
• Stars added to endless maps in main menu to track completion of throughput goals
  
• Stars are rewarded for throughput in endless maps
  
• Time Speed buttons can be set configured in the options, defaults are 1, 3, 10 and 25.
  
• Train alerts tooltips to explain their meanings
  
• Updated active contracts menu to the new UI style and made it fullscreen
  
• Warning tooltip about shifting all the schedule legs for the station visit view minus buttons
  

• Active contracts toggle has been moved out of the general bottom bar
  
• Added enter and backspace bindings to Yes and No keybind
  
• Auto signal & Departure sensor costs halved
  
• Automated contracts manager icon updated
  
• Available station display under system upgrade menu made functional
  
• Bottom bar buttons will be shown next to the time panel and the upgrades button is now next to build button instead of being above it
  
• Building tracks, tunnel or wall is paused upon opening system upgrades or active contracts menu
  
• Changed available station icon on system upgrades menu
  
• CheckTimetableSubtask in the tutorial now has a subtask to select the upcoming trains and a subtask to wait for that train arrival time
  
• Close system upgrade menu button now shows as binding instead of button with binding hint
  
• Closing contract configuration focus view reopens active contracts screen when it was open before
  
• Com and IC in CY detail hidden when not present on save
  
• Com and Urban trains are allowed to be delayed up to 2 minutes without losing the experience point (was 1 minute)
  
• Contract rejection penalty charged once contract is accepted after trial (was: after first subsequent contracted train entered game)
  
• Create schedule of contract leg from actual visits just as each trial train finishes (was: once last leg trial train finished, causing eventual changes being lost)
  
• Default keybind for Active Contracts changed to (I) to prevent conflicts
  
• Improved navigation highlighter visuals
  
• Increase system upgrade menu scrollbar width and fixed some minor graphical issues
  
• Input field visual corner radius reduced
  
• Keybind icons now optionally show the keyboard binding as when gamepad is active instead of always
  
• Localizations (nl: research, tutorials, ui; no: all; zh-Hans: tutorials, research, ui; en: ui)
  
• More visible tracks in Contract Configuration
  
• Moved system upgrade menu context area to left of screen
  
• Non-acting auto signal can be cleared with secondary action
  
• One-off FR contracts are generated at Dispatcher Office
  
• Part of Reg trains reward (compensation for intermission) is fixed, not depending on travel time & speed
  
• Possible contract reward improvement displayed as number in Active Contracts
  
• Prototype trains are showing real timetable in its bottom bar
  
• Re-balancing contract types - reward for Com increased by and reward for IC decreased by so now IC is approx. more rewarding than Com with the same speed and 2 times more rewarding when both going their max speed (was: 4 & 7 times more rewarding respectively)
  
• Red traffic entry - reaching 8 green points per cycle gives 3 red xp points to unlock either Freight or Regional trains
  
• Regional trains can be stabled in the Coach Yard, only when Upgrade is installed
  
• Replaced system upgrade hold to install with seperate click button
  
• Reversing speed (when control post not in the front) matched to lowest track speed (40 km/h) to delay the turn-around problem solving in the gameplay (was: 30 km/h)
  
• Secondary action now also closes system upgrades menu
  
• Show station signs of concerned stations in Contract Configuration
  
• System Upgrades descriptions revised
  
• System upgrade context panel is hidden when clicking away from upgrade
  
• System upgrade menu binding now also closes the system upgrade menu
  
• System upgrade menu button shown on top of menu
  
• System upgrade tier seperation lines made brighter
  
• Train alerts do not sound & animate once train with alert clicked / hovered
  
• Unavailable cycle report data is hidden
  
• UnlockAutoblocksChapter will zoom out the camera back to where it was automatically after it zoomed in
  
• Urban trains unlock Coach Yard
  
• Waiting train icon remains selected when mouse moves out when clicked
  
• Trains on time per cycle progress bar hidden when recorded maximum was 0
  

• 'Advanced Tracks' speed upgrade could not be installed
  
• Auto accept and Auto reverse toggles in the station configuration view were not interactable even though there effect was applied on the trains
  
• Available stations indicator on system upgrades menu did not update properly
  
• Building bottom bar was not shown after closing upgrades or active contracts panel when build mode was active
  
• Escape closed build mode before closing system upgrades menu
  
• Main menu opened when closing system upgrades menu
  
• Missing scroll bar in the add map page
  
• More stations upgrade preselected already installed upgrade instead of next one when attempting to buy platform
  
• Navigation highlighter had incorrect size on interface configuration panel
  
• Navigation in options menu was unable to select some settings
  
• Performance issue in the buy autoblock chapter in the tutorial
  
• Platform icon was too small in train label
  
• Red system upgrade point costs had incorrect color
  
• Reject penalty appeared for a moment after rejecting an fulfilled contract in Active Contracts panel
  
• Second leg trial was eventually shifter to earlier time than pre-set when accepting the contract
  
• Sensors were buildable at the autoblocks' end points
  
• Small icons of the unlocked items in rush hour on wave finished
  
• Story subtask highlighter was shown under system upgrades menu
  
• System upgrade locked reason was not always shown
  
• System upgrade menu did not automaticly scroll to selected upgrade when necessary
  
• T1 of oneway (red) traffic was not unlocked when reaching T2 of through (green) traffic
  
• Throughput reward was shown with incorrect amount and position in system upgrade menu
  
• Time resumed when installing upgrade but upgrades menu was still shown
  
• Time speed multiplier allowed negative & fractional values in Options
  
• Title and description where cut off in system upgrade context panel
  
• Trains per cycle threshold rewards was overlapping tier indicator on system upgrade tier progression bar
  
• Unwanted scheduling of instances of rejected contract caused errors that prevented all other instances from being scheduled. Instances were scheduled because Rejected contract was changed to Fulfilled state if it was rejected just after last mandatory instance stopped in last scheduled station but before it departed from it.
  
• Vertical platforms had random order in Station Timeline
  
• Walls were not created correctly when old map (level.txt) was loaded to Editor
  

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Do you want something more fresh? Have a look at our unstable version!

1.15.11 brings:UPDATE: Localizations (de: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui)
UPDATE: Non-acting auto signal can be cleared with secondary action

FIX: Accept train task description has no localization
FIX: Autoblock & Platform sensors considered also signals acting from opposite direction valid
FIX: FPS drop in the unlock automatic routing chapter in the tutorial
FIX: Penalization for entering occupied segment was charged when reusing a train that would enter occupied segment if it were reversed
FIX: Rush Hour Challenge initiated from Story of Jozic did not conclude if reloaded from save
FIX: Sensors on Autoblocks & Platforms did not recognise signals built later
FIX: Signal built in Autoblock endpoint in Play mode (i.e. outside Editor) was locked (not removable) once built

Hey, Rail Route fans!

Angel here. Exciting newsUpdate 16 is now live on the Unstable branch. For a sneak peek:

check how to switch to the Unstable version.


Update 16 On Unstable
Get a first look at our new System Upgrades UI and structure, and find out how it all works.

New System Upgrades Structure
Say goodbye to the old, confusing tree. The new system is here. You'll earn green points from Commuter and InterCities, and red points from Regional, Urban, and One-off freights. These points give you more control and new ways to earn.


Unlocking Tiers
Introducing tiers! To move up, you must dispatch a certain number of trains successfully within a cycle. For example, to reach Tier 2 in green, you need to dispatch 15 green trains on time in a cycle. Remember, you need to handle traffic "on time" for points to be awarded.


Reaching the Goal
Our main aim is to make the game more accessible and structured. Now, you can also earn stars, just like in other modes such as Timetable and Rush Hour.


Delay Allowance
New feature alert! Each contract now has a delay allowance. Commuters allow a 2-min delay without losing a point, while InterCities stick to the old 1-min limit.


Time Multipliers Changed
Big news for time management! Previously, we had speed options of 1x, 5x, 15x, and 25x. Our math experts have found that 1x, 3x, 10x, and 25x are better choices. But don't worry, if you're a math whiz too, you can adjust these settings in the Options.


Missing Upgrades (Future Roadmap)
We're still working on several key features. Coming soon are automation for regional trains and new shunting capabilities which will bring set of new Upgrades in the red category. We're also introducing simplified sensor that sits between the current routing sensors and the manual world. I'll write more about that in the coming weeks.


Ongoing UI Updates
We get it, you have strong feelings about the recent UI changes. We're bummed to hear some of you aren't fans. Changing the UI is a massive job, and we don't want to stop everything else just to focus on that. So, we're making improvements bit by bit. We're in early access, after all! If you like where we're headed with new features, show us some love with a positive review, please. It keeps our spirits high and the updates coming.

Feedback fuels us. Got thoughts? Leave them below or join our Discord for a chat.

Till next week, keep those trains running!
-Angel

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https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124180/Rail_Route

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1896900/Rail_Route_The_Story_of_Jozic/

UPDATE: CheckTimetableSubtask description has been adjusted for a better understanding
UPDATE: Default keybind for the alternative configure is V, instead of E
UPDATE: Gain green point narration in the more offered contracts chapter will no longer mention converting red points
UPDATE: Localizations (ru: research, tutorials, ui; nl: tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Task info panel moved to the right edge of the screen when contract focus view is shown

FIX: Actual train visits of trial train were displayed with seconds truncated instead of rounded up to the next minute causing inconsistency as 2-minutes stops were displayed for prototype train but only 1-minute stops for contract schedule
FIX: OfferedContract upgrade was locked in the free version of Rail Route Story of Jozic even though Jozic asks you to unlock it
FIX: Penalties for delays in intermediary stops (that are not deducted) were accounted to Cycle Balance
FIX: Penalties for delays were not accounted to Penalties in Cycle Balance but lowered the Rewards
FIX: Some path-related interactions did not work on Coach Yard (candidate path highlight & allocated path deallocation)
FIX: Station info panel would quickly appear and disappear when hovering mouse above station sign
FIX: System upgrade menu and build mode button obstructed info panels in contract focus view
FIX: Trial train schedule was shifted by 2 minutes instead of one when modifying contract schedule after contract was accepted but before trial train's waiting icon was displayed

NEW: 'Precision tool' context action hint displayed when a Point (Signal, Switch, ...) is hovered
NEW: Active Contracts indicate if schedule should be optimized - either for higher rewards or to prevent delays
NEW: Added a keybind for System Upgrades for the controller
NEW: Dispatcher office warning displayed if station never provides regional train (due to weights)
NEW: When accepting a new contract, pre-select platforms from the previous contract with the same type & stations

UPDATE: Better tooltip to stop the train button
UPDATE: Configure action muted in Building & Buying mode to resolve conflict with Q / E moving the toolbar; config panels did not work well anyway
UPDATE: Default keybind for the alternative configure is E, instead of V
UPDATE: Do not deallocate path from the signal after incorrectly set switch
UPDATE: Localizations (fr: achievements, tutorials; no: research, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Manual signals do not update the allocation when part of the path is changed
UPDATE: Max speed of Freight and Urban Transit trains reverted to original values (80 and 100 km/h respectively)
UPDATE: Right click on any node in allocated path clears whole path when no train on it
UPDATE: Start the regional train when switching legs, if stopped by user
UPDATE: Train is highlighted also when other leg of the same multi-leg contract is highlighted to improve orientation in stabled trains
PERF: Upcoming trains reappearing took long when there were many upcoming trains (e. g. many trains waiting to enter)

FIX: Bottom bar highlighted first leg even if second leg train was selected to edit schedule. Q button was disabled and E was enabled.
FIX: Different icon was used for [PrimaryPointIcon] and [SecondaryPointIcon] tags that are used in texts
FIX: Last run travel time was not displayed when editing schedule of pre-built contract
FIX: Map mode string was not updated to selected language
FIX: Open station detail subtask was not being fulfilled after load even though the station info panel was opened
FIX: Some tasks were not skip-able in the tutorial
FIX: Train context actions were shown for train with reward icon not only when train on board was hovered, but also when it was hovered in Station Timeline or Overview panels
FIX: Train was broken (unable to move) when heading to track end while signal built there
FIX: Trial train time was displayed for next leg first stop in Reg train timeline (above train)

NEW: Context actions keybinds hint are being shown above bottom bar instead on it
NEW: Other trains can be selected in focus view

UPDATE: Localizations (en: ui; nl: ui; ru: ui)
UPDATE: Middle-click & mouse wheel now have different binding icons
UPDATE: Mouse middle click icon was update to be more clear
UPDATE: Mouse scroll icon was updated
UPDATE: The design of the settings section of the station info panel has been updated

FIX: Connector for contract leg was not found if platform indicator was placed on grid cell edge
FIX: Connector for track & contract leg was not found along a prebuilt track crossing a wall
FIX: Loaded game stopped when first train departed from its last destination if 'Run trial' action was executed from Editor before
FIX: Recurrent IC contracts were generated even if only one-off IC contracts unlocked in map (via Editor)
FIX: Reward icon color was not getting changed when the reward is lost
FIX: Saving default time offset of station info panel affected other currently opened panels of the same station
FIX: Second leg prototype was auto-dispatched from Coach Yard even before first leg prototype finished
FIX: Signal built on originally empty platform end could not be deleted after save&load
FIX: The 'Stopped at signal' did not disappear once first leg was reused for the next leg and this train was actually stopped at station
FIX: Timetable map gave 10 more points per correct stop each replay
FIX: Timetable was not re-sorted when train schedule was changed (but only after some other train was added). Could cause late dispatching.
FIX: Toggles in Station configuration view had wrong tooltips
FIX: Tutorial instructions (subtasks) hints close to right border were not displayed completely

UPDATE: Localizations (it: all; zh-Hans: all; cs: research; ru: research, ui; nl: research, tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Now you can reuse the regional train instance by clicking the waiting train itself if the reuse icon is shown on it
UPDATE: Select upgrade subtask in tutorial will give you a hint for in which page is the upgrade can be found
UPDATE: Unlock new station task in the tutorial will have a contract generated right away to decrease the wait time

FIX: Autoblock had insufficient identification in save&load process leading to clashes and errors
FIX: Building inside one occupied track was possible, resulting in train unable to move
FIX: It was possible to build a track over an existing unconnected coach yard, but the result was buggy. Building prevented, coach yard can be only at beginning or end of an connector.
FIX: OccupiedSegmentEntered event was wrongly triggered & penalty was charged when train was reused
FIX: Regional train prototype stuck on map after cancelling contract after completing first leg but before reusing the train
FIX: Some items from the contract view were not destroyed when fast switching the platforms
FIX: Station topology was wrongly computed if platform was directly connected to an Auto Block
FIX: The button X on gamepad was conflicting between accepting the contract in focus view and opening the build mode
FIX: Train alerts not being shown directly after game load
FIX: Train waiting note narration in the wakefield chapter in the tutorial is being played directly after loading the map
FIX: Waiting train icons and offered contract icons were hidden in construction mode and not in buy mode

Read more about some of the features in recent article.


NEW: Added generation of regional contracts with transition between legs
NEW: Edit contract's schedule button in the active contracts panel
NEW: Regional train mini tutorial in the regional contracts system upgrade
NEW: Station info panels contains timetable modification controls in Contract Focus View
NEW: Time offset in Station Timeline can be set as default for next panels that will be opened

UPDATE: Adjust contract visit subTask will highlight the station visit view instead of the platforms toggle once collapsed
UPDATE: Average speed in focus view is being animated upon change
UPDATE: Better position average speed indicator in focus view
UPDATE: Better zoom for focus view to not have the route below left panels
UPDATE: Bigger System Upgrades panel
UPDATE: Bigger track lines in focus view
UPDATE: Display last run's time & average speed in Contract Focus View instead of trial run's
UPDATE: General bottom bar will be shown instead of the train bottom bar if was active in the check incoming trains task in the tutorial to prevent confusion
UPDATE: Highlight & animate edited train stop indicator in focus view
UPDATE: Improved spacing on station stops in focus view
UPDATE: Made border of "ticket" panels lighter and added gradient shadow
UPDATE: Made checkbox border color lighter
UPDATE: Make average speed draggable
UPDATE: Multi leg trains are now routed according to first station of next leg when applicable
UPDATE: Narrations repeat time changed from 5 seconds to 30 seconds (!804)
UPDATE: Offered contract icon sorting order has been changed so the icon is above station sign if overlapped with
UPDATE: Order of displaying previous and pre-previous cycles in the cycle report panel has been swapped
UPDATE: Scale slider of Station info panel is interactable only on board now
UPDATE: Scaling specification in the station info panel will be shown only on board
UPDATE: Show connectors to tracks for average speed indicators
UPDATE: Subtask hint will be shown for only the first station info panel in the prepare for new contract task in tutorial to prevent confusion
UPDATE: Train popup on info panel is shown only for very hovered train in the panel
UPDATE: When editing schedule, edited station visit (yellow strip) in timeline stays centered (timeline moves instead of visit)

REFACTORING: Arrival sensor tutorial was updated to use the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Automatic routing tutorial now is using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Departure sensor tutorial is now using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Routing sensor tutorial now uses the new tasks system

PERF: Station Timeline optimized
PERF: Very low FPS when many waiting train icons for trains with ANY platform

FIX: 'Stopped by user' train alert was not cleared when train was restarted
FIX: Accept contract chapter in the tutorial was breaking the contract focus view
FIX: Active contracts button in general button bar not being shown on first time the game opened
FIX: After station sign click, size of station timetable were not preserved
FIX: Attempting to drop a station sign when grabbed would do nothing
FIX: Automation button being activated after going back from wakefield to prague in the tutorial
FIX: Black box left over for a second after bulldozing or moving station sign
FIX: Buy button on offered contract view opened build instead of buy
FIX: Coach yard icon shown in the contract bottom bar
FIX: Configure action did not open Tunnel detail to change its length in Editor
FIX: Created station info panel after clicking station sign was overlapping station sign
FIX: Departure sensor triggered multiple rule matches when a in-transit regional train passed
FIX: Displayed platforms settings in Station Timeline were not saved&loaded
FIX: Edit contract button has the wrong tooltip and is active in the panel header
FIX: In Editor, building an tunnel under a wall (straight connector) failed when the tunnel was almost vertical
FIX: Incorrect train name spacing and reward icons went off screen on train bottom bar
FIX: Info panels scrollbar was hidden in narrow windowed mode
FIX: It was not possible to reach max reward even with fastest tracks & no obstacles en route.
FIX: It was possible to bulldoze section of a platform
FIX: Manually stopped train resumed moving after save & load
FIX: Next leg train was not being selected after reusing the train which led to show the old train timeline instead of the new one
FIX: North/south sink labels next to sink toggles were greyed out in Editor's Stations panel
FIX: One-Time ICs claimed to provide red experience points, but they do not anymore
FIX: Opening Contract Focus View from Active Contracts panel in Contract Focus View was causing errors
FIX: Platforms buttons in the train overview panel were not blinking and all buttons were activated
FIX: Regional train being stabled to a Coach Yard was routed back to the next leg origin even if its transfer there was already finished
FIX: Regional train was not generated until Coach Yard upgrade unlocked
FIX: Rewards icon position on platform was not being changed when the train platform was changed in schedule
FIX: Right click in AutoBlock only set train to reverse once stopped; second click did not reset that flag
FIX: Score from previously played timetable map was pre-set into subsequently created timetable map
FIX: Selected train did not remain selected when focus view is closed
FIX: Signal light was visible for a second after moving or bulldozing signal
FIX: Station sign could be duplicated when quickly grabbing the station sign after placing it
FIX: Station timetables were loaded on wrong position
FIX: Switch connection changed after joining one of the connected tracks with other track (e. g. after other switch removal)
FIX: Train in AutoBlock was not set to reverse once stopped by right click if AutoBlock segment was hovered before train entered it
FIX: Train state 'Contract Rejected' wrongly shown in timetable
FIX: When editing active contract schedule for multi-leg trains, edited train was not selected correctly after switching to other leg.
FIX: When editing active contract schedule, stop period (yellow strips) were not shown
FIX: Wrong Tooltip was at "Stopped by operator"
FIX: Wrong hint to accept more contracts was shown in timetable


Hey Rail Route fans! We've got some updates we think you're going to like, now live on our Unstable version. If you're keen to try them out and chat about them, our Discord community is the place to be. But first, let's see what's new.

Join here: Rail Route Discord
How to join: Unstable version



More Diverse Regional Contracts

Our updated regional contracts have a different take now. Instead of always picking up where they left off, they'll sometimes need to transfer to another station before the next leg starts. A little change to keep things fresh.



NEW: Added generation of regional contracts with transition between legs

[h2]Train Transfers Get Smarter[/h2]

Finished with one leg of your regional train route? The sensors will now take over, guiding your train to the next station where it's supposed to start. After the transfer, the "Finished to" rules will set your train on its way. It's just the first part of the upcoming regional train automation via shunting! We just rolling things gradually.

UPDATE: Multi leg trains are now routed according to first station of next leg when applicable

Improved Schedule Modification

We've seen some mixed feelings in the recent reviews about the UI in Focus View, and we want you to know that we're genuinely taking it to heart. We've made several updates, like arranging stops in sequence and introducing a clearer station timetable. Now, on board, you'll primarily see the ordinal numbers of stops, which reduces clutter. We understand that perfecting the UI is a journey, and it's one we're committed to. If any aspects of the UI still feel off to you or cause hassles, please drop your suggestions in the comments, or even better, join our Discord and talk to us. We're creating Rail Route for you, and we genuinely want to make it the best it can be. Your feedback helps us get there!



NEW: Station info panels contains timetable modification controls in Contract Focus View
UPDATE: Better position average speed indicator in focus view
UPDATE: Better zoom for focus view to not have the route below left panels
UPDATE: Bigger track lines in focus view
UPDATE: Make average speed draggable
UPDATE: Show connectors to tracks for average speed indicators


We will keep improving the usability of this view even more in the coming patches, stay tunned.

Tutorial on Regional Contracts

Feeling a bit lost with the new contract system? We've got a new tutorial ready that'll guide you through the multi-leg contracts, transfers, and all the essentials.



You can access the tutorial in the Upgrades Panel, under the Regional Trains unlock.

NEW: Regional train mini tutorial in the regional contracts system upgrade

Updated Mini-Tutorials

We've reworked some of our mini-tutorials, especially for the Auto Signal, Departure Sensor, Arrival Sensor, and Routing Sensor, to match the style and structure of the "Story of Jozic".

REFACTORING: Arrival sensor tutorial was updated to use the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Automatic routing tutorial now is using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Departure sensor tutorial is now using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Routing sensor tutorial now uses the new tasks system


More Balanced Rewards

We've adjusted how we calculate rewards, so now with optimal routes and no delays, you can reach that 100% reward without having to push too hard.

Update 15

All these changes will be part of Update 15 which will hit the live branch at the end of week.

[h2]Changelog[/h2]
Here's full changelog for your consideration:

NEW: Added generation of regional contracts with transition between legs
NEW: Edit contract's schedule button in the active contracts panel
NEW: Regional train mini tutorial in the regional contracts system upgrade
NEW: Station info panels contains timetable modification controls in Contract Focus View

UPDATE: Adjust contract visit subTask will highlight the station visit view instead of the platforms toggle once collapsed
UPDATE: Better position average speed indicator in focus view
UPDATE: Better zoom for focus view to not have the route below left panels
UPDATE: Bigger track lines in focus view
UPDATE: Display last run's time & average speed in Contract Focus View instead of trial run's
UPDATE: General bottom bar will be shown instead of the train bottom bar if was active in the check incoming trains task in the tutorial to prevent confusion
UPDATE: Improved spacing on station stops in focus view
UPDATE: Made border of "ticket" panels lighter and added gradient shadow
UPDATE: Made checkbox border color lighter
UPDATE: Make average speed draggable
UPDATE: Multi leg trains are now routed according to first station of next leg when applicable
UPDATE: Narrations repeat time changed from 5 seconds to 30 seconds (!804)
UPDATE: Offered contract icon sorting order has been changed so the icon is above station sign if overlapped with
UPDATE: Order of displaying previous and pre-previous cycles in the cycle report panel has been swapped
UPDATE: Scale slider of Station info panel is interactable only on board now
UPDATE: Show connectors to tracks for average speed indicators
UPDATE: Subtask hint will be shown for only the first station info panel in the prepare for new contract task in tutorial to prevent confusion
UPDATE: Train popup on info panel is shown only for very hovered train in the panel

REFACTORING: Arrival sensor tutorial was updated to use the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Automatic routing tutorial now is using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Departure sensor tutorial is now using the new tasks system
REFACTORING: Routing sensor tutorial now uses the new tasks system

PERF: Station Timeline optimized
PERF: Very low FPS when many waiting train icons for trains with ANY platform

FIX: 'Stopped by user' train alert was not cleared when train was restarted
FIX: After station sign click, size of station timetable were not preserved
FIX: Attempting to drop a station sign when grabbed would do nothing
FIX: Automation button being activated after going back from wakefield to prague in the tutorial
FIX: Black box left over for a second after bulldozing or moving station sign
FIX: Buy button on offered contract view opened build instead of buy
FIX: Coach yard icon shown in the contract bottom bar
FIX: Configure action did not open Tunnel detail to change its length in Editor
FIX: Created station info panel after clicking station sign was overlapping station sign
FIX: Departure sensor triggered multiple rule matches when a in-transit regional train passed
FIX: In Editor, building an tunnel under a wall (straight connector) failed when the tunnel was almost vertical
FIX: Incorrect train name spacing and reward icons went off screen on train bottom bar
FIX: It was not possible to reach max reward even with fastest tracks & no obstacles en route.
FIX: It was possible to bulldoze section of a platform
FIX: Manually stopped train resumed moving after save & load
FIX: Next leg train was not being selected after reusing the train which led to show the old train timeline instead of the new one
FIX: North/south sink labels next to sink toggles were greyed out in Editor's Stations panel
FIX: One-Time ICs claimed to provide red experience points, but they do not anymore
FIX: Platforms buttons in the train overview panel were not blinking and all buttons were activated
FIX: Regional train being stabled to a Coach Yard was routed back to the next leg origin even if its transfer there was already finished
FIX: Regional train was not generated until Coach Yard upgrade unlocked
FIX: Rewards icon position on platform was not being changed when the train platform was changed in schedule
FIX: Right click in AutoBlock only set train to reverse once stopped; second click did not reset that flag
FIX: Signal light was visible for a second after moving or bulldozing signal
FIX: Station sign could be duplicated when quickly grabbing the station sign after placing it
FIX: Switch connection changed after joining one of the connected tracks with other track (e. g. after other switch removal)
FIX: Train in AutoBlock was not set to reverse once stopped by right click if AutoBlock segment was hovered before train entered it
FIX: When editing active contract schedule for multi-leg trains, edited train was not selected correctly after switching to other leg.
FIX: When editing active contract schedule, stop period (yellow strips) were not shown
FIX: Wrong Tooltip was at "Stopped by operator"


We hope you find these updates enriching your Rail Route experience. Your feedback drives us forward, and if you truly appreciate the effort we're pouring into these changes, consider showing your support with a positive review on Steam. It means the world to us and helps us grow. Feel free to join our community on Discord and share your gaming experiences, thoughts, or any ideas for improvement. We're all ears! Stay tuned for more news next week. Until then, happy routing and thank you for being an amazing part of our journey!

-Angel

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Hello, all you rail barons and track tycoons out there! Welcome back to the depot, where we trade wrenches for keyboards and gears for code, diving deep into the engine room of our beloved Rail Route. We're all aboard the Update Express, fueled up and ready to chug along with a whole set of promising new features that we've been tinkering away at in our virtual workshop. Ready to dig into some juicy behind-the-scenes progress? Let's go!

Regional Train Automation and Shunting

No more idle hands on deck, folks! We are up to our elbows in the thick of things, working hard on regional train automation. This will make managing those pesky regional trains a breeze, bringing a whole new level of slickness to your operations.



To achieve this, we are laying the foundation for another massive game changer: shunting! Say goodbye to blocked platforms during regional trains' intermission. Though you can manage it manually, shunting will lift that burden off your shoulders, letting you focus on the big picture.



INTRODUCING: The Shunting Circuit

Enter the Shunting Circuit, a new game element to enable shunting. This little piece of railroad magic can be built on auto signals, adding shunting command processing logic to the signal where it's built. The logic is executed once the train stops at the signal, keeping your network fluid and dynamic. Be ready to allocate a small upkeep of 100/cycle for each of these helpers, though!



QUEUE THE MAGIC: Shunting Queue Editing

With shunting, we are also introducing the ability to edit the shunting queue of a train. You can add Go To Signal commands to route the train to the next signal, or Reverse commands to send the train back. Need to reuse the train for the next leg of service? Just use the Reuse command!



IN ACTION: Shunting Queue Execution

Once the commands are set, the Shunting Circuits swing into action when the train stops at the signal, executing your shunting commands to keep things running smoothly. Just watch your trains navigate through your network like clockwork - it's a thing of beauty!



That's it for this week's sneak peek into the Rail Route's engine room. We're thrilled about these developments and can't wait to see how they will enhance your gaming experience. Remember, these updates are the result of our constant endeavor to give you the best railway management game out there.



All this groundwork on shunting sets the stage for upcoming features. Soon, you'll see the stabling sensor (for hands-free shunting queue adjustments), dedicated shunting tracks (for a more organized train storage), and the eagerly anticipated turn-around sensor. This will make automating the locomotive switch on ICs trains a breeze!

We always love hearing from you, so do drop your thoughts, suggestions, and feedback in our Discord. And, of course, stay tuned for more exciting updates in our next blog post. Until then, keep your signals green and your passengers happy. Catch you on the flip side!

-Angel

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NEW: Added option to station info panels to toggle showing train name popups

UPDATE: Better visual representation of platform number in station visits
UPDATE: Finished schedule icons in the train bottom bar will be shown always and highlighted once a train has to leave
UPDATE: Localizations (it: research, tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Next/previous train instance in the train bottom bar will be shown only for multi leg trains


FIX: Bottom bar showed first leg even if schedule editing was initiated from subsequent leg of a multi-leg train => previous leg (Q) was not working
FIX: Contract schedule in bottom bar was not updated when active contract was edited.
FIX: Game with FirstTimePlayer flag reset but without any saves failed to load
FIX: Next leg first station visit in the train timeline was not being shown the same for both current and next train instances
FIX: Offered contract bottom bar with contract times was displayed for active contract editing
FIX: Reuse icon displayed over former (already bulldozed) Coach Yard position where previous leg train was stabled before.
FIX: Train alerts where shown under bottom bar
FIX: Unable to deselect train in station info when selected in offered contract focus view
FIX: Upcoming train in general bottom bar not being shown properly

NEW: Added particle effect from waiting train icon to train reuse icon when clicked

UPDATE: Auto-assign Dispatcher Office to non-board stations only to reduce confusion. Manual assignment still possible.
UPDATE: Buy mode can be toggled off by secondary action (RMB)
UPDATE: Localizations (nl: research, tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Train number no longer shown in station info panel timeline on selected trains


FIX: Departure sensor tutorial was blocked because signal upgrade action changed to building auto signal over manual signal
FIX: Multi-leg contract trial did not fail when trial train exited the map prematurely
FIX: Some regional train contracts originated in non-border stations if a Dispatcher Office was assigned to a border station
FIX: Urban Transit contracts were not generated

Hello, train enthusiasts and track tycoons! It's that time of the week when we swap our hard hats for conductor caps and share the latest and greatest from our bustling workshop. I'm excited to announce that Update 14 has safely pulled into the station! Now, let's not wait any longer - let's dive straight into what's new in Rail Route!

NEW: Buildable Dispatcher Office



Our first new feature is the buildable Dispatcher Office, and it's all about giving you more control over your bustling stations. Want to dictate where the contract intermissions will be? Simply place the Dispatcher Office in that particular station, and voil! And if you think one office isn't enough, just add more to the same station to not only increase the number of contract slots but also boost the contract generation speed. It's a handy new tool that makes managing your regional and urban train contracts both flexible and efficient!



NEW: Regional Trains' Quick Turnaround

With Update 14, we're excited to introduce the first part of our grand plan for red contracts progression and automation. Regional trains can now be reused for the next leg without being sent to the Coach Yard. Yes, you read that right - it's all about making your operations sleeker and more efficient. Stashing and converting trains during its legs now becomes a walk in the park!



NEW: Icons that Tell a Story

Update 14 introduces new sink and Coach Yard icons in the train's bottom bar. These intuitive visuals give you a quick overview of the train's next destination once the schedule is finished - be it leaving the board through the sink or waiting for its next leg.



NEW: Easier Upgrading Tracks

We know that upgrading track speeds can be a bit of a pain, but not anymore. Now, you can simply build higher speed track over the already built one to upgrade. And voil, you have an upgraded track ready to take on faster trains!



NEW: Customizable Bulldozing Action

Ever wished you could choose what a primary action in bulldozing does? Your wish has been granted! Now you can choose your preferred bulldozing action for connections - whether to remove whole tracks or just sections. Customization is king!




Other Updates

We've made a few more tweaks and updates, including adding a dispatcher office upgrade video, enabling building on allocated tracks with Signaling Safety off, renaming Manual signal security upgrade to Signaling Safety, enlarging the max distance of the Coach Yard from the station, and updating the Select Object to match the new UI style. All these smaller changes come together to make a big difference!

Full Patch notes

[h2]New[/h2]

• Buildable Dispatcher Office item added
  
• Existing tracks are upgraded to built track speed when part of the connector
  
• Preferred bulldozing action for connections (bulldoze whole / bulldoze section) can be configured
  
• Regional trains can be reused for next leg without being sent to Coach Yard
  
• Sink and Coach yard icons in the train bottom bar to indicate the leave place once the train schedule is finished
  

• Added dispatcher office upgrade video
  
• Added invalid configuration icon to dispatcher office when no station is assigned
  
• Building on allocated tracks possible (with Signaling Safety off)
  
• Changed dispatcher office color to white
  
• Localizations (nl: all)
  
• Localizations (pt: ui; ru: ui)
  
• Manual signal security upgrade renamed to Signaling safety
  
• Max distance of coach yard from station enlarged to be always buildable where it was even after proximity algorithm change
  
• Replaced node / station selector right click to clear with dedicated ui button
  
• Select object updated to match new UI style
  
• Station selector selected station shows as station sign visual
  

• FPS drop occured when modifying contracts with many stops
  
• 'Select platform' was displayed over selected platform in Station Visit View
  
• Assigned station text in dispatcher office configuration panel would show as black
  
• Color picker would not stop following mouse upon releasing button
  
• Dispatcher office built in custom map editor was not saved
  
• Each trial leg accumulated to fulfilled count
  
• Changed station colors where not applied on game load and changing track speed colors didnt update colors on loaded level immidiatly
  
• Intermission highlight didnt look the same as train stop highlight
  
• It was not possible to bulldoze a short track between two signals.
  
• Next stop highlights on train bottom bar where not working on trial trains
  
• Offered contract icons showed under board elements interfering in their functionality
  
• Offered contracts at dispatcher office where misaligned
  
• Offered contracts where slightly offset next to dispatcher office
  
• Rejecting train that is on board would leave behind train bottom bar
  
• Station info panel scale settings where not saved
  
• Station info panels on sides did not update colors when station color was changed
  
• Station signs where not highlighted while assigning station to dispatcher office
  
• Steam playtime tracking was not resumed after main menu shown
  
• Tunnel was grabbable and its grabbing caused errors
  
• Waiting train icon timeout circle not being shown after opening and closing the build mode
  

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NEW: A button in the train bottom bar that disables the train automation for sensors and coach yard once clicked

UPDATE: General bottom bar will automatically be shown instead of the train bottom bar once the selected train is disposed.
UPDATE: Train reward icons are no longer shown in Rush hour mode
UPDATE: Waiting train icon tooltip will show only when it's hovered

FIX: Train instance number and previous/next instance buttons were visible in the train bottom bar in rush hour and timetable modes
FIX: Train rewards in the bottom bar were visible in Rush hour and Timetable modes

Update 13: The Highlights



We've made some significant changes to the Construction UX. Right-clicking now acts as an "undo" button, taking you back a step. If you're holding an item, you either build it or drop it. If you're not holding an item, you can modify everything. We've also added visual guidance, with different grid colors to indicate your current state. You can configure this behaviour in the options:



We've introduced a new focus view for station configuration. This will allow you to manage your stations with greater precision.



We've also added a variety of new keybinds. The best part is that you can now rebind more freely, and we've made it so that duplicates are allowed.

But that's not all. Here's the full list of what's new, updated, and fixed in Update 13:

Changelog
[h2]New[/h2]

• Added a display of the train's experience points in the train bottom bar
  
• Added individual rebindable keybinds for various ingame actions
  
• Added keybind for selecting first upcomming train
  
• Added keybind for system upgrades button
  
• Added reset binding override button to currently overridden actions in options menu
  
• Configure Station is now a focus view
  
• New configuration option for Default secondary action (Do nothing, Bulldoze, Toggle action wheel)
  
• New configuration option for Empty space secondary action (Do nothing, Activate Bulldozing tool, Close Construction)
  
• Primary action rotates signal of the same type as currently selected
  
• Recurrent InterCities are an Upgrade for 5 green points
  

• 'Empty hand' state in Construction for existing elements modification
  
• Added "N" as default keybind for toggle buy tool on keyboard
  
• Allow duplicate bindings to be set
  
• Changed highlighted single stop in train bottom bar to match other highlighted stop visuals
  
• Connections' speed can be updated even when there is a track item in your hand
  
• Do not display grid in editor when not building
  
• Game mode description text added to map selection pages
  
• Ghost color for unable to build state changed to brighter one (was too dim)
  
• Grid changes color to red when in Bulldoze mode
  
• Grid not displayed in 'empty hand' state
  
• Last selected building item has special highlight when empty hand is selected
  
• More visible track network in focus view
  
• Prevented station configuration focus view from opening for stations without any platforms (sign only)
  
• Secondary action (RMB) closes bulldozing
  
• Secondary action over a train can cancel the train reverse command
  
• Signal's 'change type' actions removed from 'empty hand' state, now signals are upgraded/downgraded by building one over another.
  
• Station visit panels will expand/collapse on mouse enter/exit
  
• Track Lines thicker in focus view
  
• Unbound gamepad pause binding and added cycle time speeds backwards
  

• Active build button was not centered on bottom bar
  
• Bindings for time controls conflicted with build button bindings when in buy mode
  
• Grid were visible at the start of game after being in editor previously
  
• Incorrect tooltip on train bottom bar start train buttton
  
• Irrelevant buttons were shown on bottom bar for a split second when selecting a train
  
• Last selected building item button visuals not always in the correct state
  
• Previously selected train was not always deselected when a new train was selected
  
• Selected building item name had incorrect background size for displayed text
  
• Station info panels were not being loaded with the same order they were saved in.
  
• Station signs didnt animate on when buying a station
  
• Train leg highlight was not working for regional trial train contract focus view
  
• Upcoming train items had incorrect size until they where hovered over
  

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Calling all Rail Route players! Participate in the exhilarating Rush Hour Contest happening now until Friday. Immerse yourself in the challenging map "Creato" created by the talented TyperiMILOS. Test your skills in managing complex station layouts and intense traffic scenarios. Show off your strategic prowess and compete for exciting prizes! Don't miss out on this opportunity. Join the contest today!

UPDATE: Localizations (zh-Hans: ui)
UPDATE: Regional trains added to Structural Contract Manager + Directional settings removed (not relevant now)

FIX: It was not possible to edit schedule of contract over hour - already due run was selected for editing
FIX: Misleading instruction corrected in sensor tutorials (click instead of middle click)
FIX: Reg contract without mandatory stop in middle leg were generated
FIX: Unable to load saves containing saved NotificationInfoPanel
FIX: Urban trains were not disabled in Automated Contract Manager before unlocked

Hello, fellow rail enthusiasts! Your friendly neighborhood game developer here, bringing you another edition of Rail Log. Can you believe it's already been a week since Update 12 rolled out of the station? Time flies when you're having fun, or in our case, when you're busy laying down tracks for Update 13. We've got a staging version ready to roll, so let's take a sneak peek at what's coming down the track!

Construction UX: Right Click Changes

First up, we've made some tweaks to the Construction UX. Now, right-clicking acts as your personal "undo" button - it'll always take you back a step. If you're holding an item, you either build it or drop it. If you're not holding an item, you're free to modify everything. Rotate those signals! Change that track speed! Move that sensor! We've even added visual guidance, with different grid colors to indicate your current state. It's like mood lighting for your construction work.




And that's not all - more configuration options are in the works, including an instant bulldoze feature.

Station Configuration: New Focus View

Next on the list, we're introducing a new focus view for station configuration. It's like getting a brand new pair of glasses, but for your stations. Now you can manage your stations with the precision of a Swiss watchmaker. We can't wait for you to try it out!



We're planning to revamp all configurations in this manner.

Keybinds: More Freedom, More Control

We've also added a bunch of new keybinds. But the real news here is the freedom we're giving you. You can now rebind more freely, and we won't even bat an eye at duplicates.



We're as excited about these changes and can't wait for you to try them out. As always, we're all ears for your feedback. So, get ready to update, explore, and let us know what you think. Until next week, keep those trains running on time!

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UPDATE: Improved hold button visuals to better differentiate it from normal buttons
UPDATE: Localizations (sv: ui)

FIX: Buy button could cause a game crash
FIX: Parts of station info panels would show trough configuration panel backgrounds

UPDATE: Localizations (nl: ui; no: ui)

FIX: Could not extend track from dead-end track with sensor attached
FIX: Locked station info panels had wrong collider
FIX: Station sign were performing click action even when active selection for station
FIX: Time panel were underneath the Overview after contract acceptance


Summer is here, and so are fantastic discounts!

We're thrilled to participate in the Steam Summer Sale, where we're offering a 20% discount on Rail Route. This is the perfect time to dive into the world of train dispatching and build your own railway network. Don't miss out on this limited-time offer to start your Rail Route journey at a discounted price.

See you on the tracks!

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NEW: Station Info Panel is closed if not moved from initial position upon 2nd station sign click

UPDATE: Station Info Panel is being created at initial hover scale
UPDATE: Station Info Panel is scaled to zoom on hover


FIX: Contract accept was not available in Focus View
FIX: Regional train was missing in Advanced Routing Sensor & Advanced Departure Sensor config
FIX: Selected contract leg in offered contract focus view was not scrolled to when changing select leg
FIX: Station Info Panel disappeared after Focus Views
FIX: Station info panel with adjusted scale shown on station sign hover would not show in correct position
FIX: Station were not selected for the configuration properly

Hey there, rail enthusiasts and system-builders! Today, we're chugging along with some new updates and tweaks, based on the incredible feedback you've been providing. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the upcoming changes. Prepare for departure!

Hotfix for Update 12

We've just released a quick hotfix for Update 12, smoothing out some of the rickety joints and polishing the shiny new station info panels. They now appear on mouse hover and stays at their position once sign is clicked. You can then decide where to put them, either left edge, right edge or just leave them on board.

• NEW: Added reject contract and contract info buttons to contract modification info panel
  
• NEW: Keep station info panel in position close to sign after station sign clicked
  
  
• UPDATE: Change close icon on station info panel - x sign instead of bin, no red color
  
• UPDATE: Info panels on board expand to bottom instead of top when settings are clicked
  
• UPDATE: Locked station info panels on board dont show time offset slider on hover
  
• UPDATE: Modification of platform possible also for trains waiting or already running if station visit not happened yet
  
• UPDATE: Platform button icon & tooltip in editor updated to be more understandable.
  
• UPDATE: Removed pin info panel functionality as panels are now always pinned
  
  
• FIX: Construction mouse lightning were broken
  
• FIX: Contract modification button tooltip had extra new line
  
• FIX: Error thrown when clicking adjust contract button on one-time freight train
  
• FIX: Money was overflown when amount reached 2,147,483,647
  
• FIX: Non functional build button for platforms was shown in editor
  
• FIX: Offered contract icon and station info panel timeline visit train name popup had incorrect sorting orders
  
• FIX: Overview panel was visible in focus view
  
• FIX: Station info panels could be shown in Rush Hour maps
  

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Greetings, Rail Route community!

We're thrilled to announce that Update 12 has officially left the station and is now live! After an exciting journey through the development tracks, we're ready to unveil the new features and improvements that we've been working on. Here's a quick rundown of the key highlights:

Notable New Features:

• Revamped UI: The in-game user interface has been upgraded with new elements like info panels, context panels, and bottom bars, enhancing your gameplay experience.
  
  
• Expanded Gameplay: With the addition of multi-legged trains, the possibilities for your railway empire have expanded.
  
  
• Contract Management: The active contract schedule editing in the Contract Focus View has been improved for better contract management.
  
  
• Enhanced Train Controls: We've added 'Stop' and 'Run' commands to the train controls, giving you more control over your railway operations.
  
  
• Improved Train Management: A new button allows you to set up a train to be dispatched from the coach yard in reverse when relevant.
  

• Visual Upgrades: We've updated the visuals of the buttons for a more modern and intuitive look.
  
  
• Regional Train Contracts: The bottom bar schedule for offered regional train contracts has been improved for better planning.
  
  
• Localizations: We've updated the localizations for a more inclusive gaming experience.
  
• Customizable Interface: The overview panel is now toggleable and disabled by default for a more customizable interface.
  
  

• Accept more contracts hint shown when no upcomming trains are shown in general bottom bar
  
• Added 'Stop' and 'Run' commands to the train controls
  
• Added hold button and replaced train stop start and tutorial skip buttons with it
  
• Added ingame UI elements like info panels, context panels, bottom bars and other new UI
  
• Added support for multi legged trains in train bottom bar
  
• Added support for urban trains in train stop visuals
  
• Button to set up train to be dispatched from coach yard reversed (loco pushing the train) added to Train Bottom Bar, displayed only when relevant.
  
• Display precise transfer time of trial train between stations for easier schedule modifications
  
• Focus view for Offered Contract
  
• Individual contract legs can be selected by clicking them in the offered contract bottom bar
  
• Multi-leg contracts displayed in Active Contracts view
  
• Multi-leg contracts generated for stations with Coach Yard
  
• One-off contracts can be configured to arrive later when accepted but further modifications to their schedule are forbidden
  
• Show keybind hint for configure acton on bottom bar
  
• Time shifting for offered contract
  
• Train alert for trains stopped by user
  
• Train finished & reverse sounds
  
• When Trial train is finished, info panel is shown to accept / decline contract
  

• Active contract schedule edited in the Contract Focus View
  
• Added current time above indicator line in station info panel timeline
  
• Added new button style and improved existing buttons visuals
  
• Added scroll area to interface configuration panel for lower resolution displays
  
• All Upgrades for Overview panel removed and unlocked by default
  
• Animated score icon instead of entire panel when Rush Hour wave completes
  
• Assigned the same state colors from new UI buttons to old UI buttons
  
• Changed all old UI to use new colors
  
• Clicking upcomming train item now shows train bottom bar for that train
  
• Construction mode switched off when main menu opened
  
• Contract.OwningStation introduced, contracts generated for stations where free slot still available. Contract limit adjusted to 2 per station & More Contract... upgrades unlock 3/4/6 contracts per station
  
• Default Configure Keybind - middle mouse with alternative 'V'
  
• From, mandatory and to stations no longer clickable in active contracts panel
  
• Hidden left and right buttons on train bottom bar for single leg trains as they are unused
  
• Improved bottom bar schedule for offered regional train contracts
  
• Info panels are added to the other side when the prefered spawn location is full
  
• Localizations (nl: achievements, tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: tutorials, ui; de: ui; no: ui; ru: ui)
  
• Localizations (nl: research, tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; no: ui)
  
• Made overview panel toggleable and disabled by default
  
• Moved configuration panel close button to top right of panel
  
• Moved existing detail panels to configuration panels
  
• Multi legged contracts can now show contract legs in active contracts panel
  
• New sprites for joystick button press L and R
  
• One-way contracts (to and from coach yard) generation turned off - were replaced by multi-leg contracts
  
• Overview panel properly display highlighted and selected trains
  
• Platforms selection for offered contract
  
• Randomization of expected average speed removed for freight, recurrent IC, commuter & regional contracts. Max train speed used instead to simplify contract selection. Reward adjusted to compensate.
  
• Reg trains accepted to, displayed in & auto-dispatched from Coach Yard
  
• Replaced old automated contracts manager panel with new configuration panel
  
• Research points on the top can be clicked to open the system upgrades menu
  
• Reward for one-off single-leg contracts no more comprises red point; contracs offer twice as money instead
  
• Reward for single-leg IC contracts no more comprises red point if expected speed is above 100 km/h
  
• Reward for urban transit contracts no more comprises green point
  
• Reward for urban transit contracts no more dependent on average speed, only on number of unique stations. Max speed reduced to compensate & freigh train max speed reduced as well to balance.
  
• Station Colors are unlocked by default and are not an Upgrade anymore
  
• Station configuration panel elements replaced with new UI variants
  
• Story Of Jozic's chapters that are related to getting red experience point have been removed as the basic track upgrade is no longer requires red points to be unlocked.
  
• Train bottom bar shows selected train in map editor
  
• Train that is being modified is highlighted in station info panel timeline
  
• Train timeline is showing times
  
• Upcomming trains on bottom bar show station of arrival and are clickable
  
• Urban trains rewards per station increased significantly
  

• Actions with keybinds would still fire while typing in some input fields
  
• Adjust active contract button was shown on train bottom bar in timetable and rush hour mode
  
• Auto scroll to current destination in timetable adjustments panel could cause interactions to be misaligned from destinations
  
• Build button was not shown in system upgrade tutorials
  
• Buttons with hover scale effect got stuck mid animation when clicked
  
• Camera movement with keys stopped working after closing configuration panel with button
  
• Construction cursor were scaling with zoom from wrong pivot
  
• Error when trying to get previous or next instance of train in timetable map for train bottom bar
  
• Game over modal was not navigatable with controller
  
• Handling of possible NRE when unbinding virtual cursor
  
• Keybind hints where shown as text for other input device then current if no binding existed for current input device
  
• Missing text highlights in cycle report
  
• Mouse pointer was not reenabled after modal was shown during story when using a gamepad
  
• Navigation highlighter was destroyed when loading a map
  
• Previous and next legs on train bottom bar where not available for trial train
  
• Reverse and Adjust timetable buttons on train bottom bar did not listen to shown keybind
  
• Scrollbar had incorrect colors setup
  
• Selecting different train in editor station info panel timeline would not deselect previous train
  
• Slider handle still animated when slider was non interactable
  
• Some menu pages did not reenable navigation on correct elements when switching pages or opening menu
  
• Station info panel timeline train highlight out of panel when train with 2 stops on the same station was selected
  
• Station info panel timeline visit highlights could show outside of panel
  
• Station info panel train labels overlapped research panel
  
• Station info panels had disabled station color when switching contract legs in offered contract focus view
  
• Time control bindings stopped working when closing system upgrades with toggle button
  
• Time could overlap buttons above bottom bar on large UI scales
  
• Timetable and Rush Hour trains did not work in train bottom bar
  
• Train schedule did not fit properly in train bottom bar
  
• Train stop in train bottom bar schedule had black time text when station has yellow sign
  
• Trains already in selected state were not highlighted in station info panel when panel is created
  
• Trains scheduled in the future could not be selected in the station info panel timeline
  
• Upcomming train remained highlighted after upcomming train bottom bar was closed
  
• Various UI Elements where visibile on the map when a Rush Hour wave completion screen was shown
  
• Zoom in Camera MoveToBounds were wrongly calculated
  

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Greetings, Rail Route enthusiasts!



We're excited to share that the first look at Update 12 is now available through our Unstable version. This is your opportunity to be the first to explore the fresh additions and enhancements we've been laboring over.

Join here: Rail Route Discord
How to join: Unstable version

In this update, we've been fueling the firebox and oiling the wheels to deliver an experience that's as exhilarating as a ride on the Orient Express! From innovative challenges to novel optimizations, we believe this update will ignite your passion for train dispatching and keep it burning brightly.

Please note, this is an Unstable version. There might be a few unexpected stops along the way, but our committed team is ready to address any issues quicker than a bullet train!

We're still working on the changelog, but we promise to deliver it to you as soon as it's ready. If you come across any issues, we encourage you to share them with us. Your feedback is the coal that fuels our engine and helps us steer Rail Route in the right direction.

We're keen to hear your insights, suggestions, and experiences with the new update. You are the drivers of this community, and your input is instrumental in shaping Rail Route's journey.

So, are you ready for an adventure? Grab your conductor's hat and join us in exploring Update 12!

Full steam ahead, folks!

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Hello, dispatchers! Angel here, back on the tracks with another weekly Rail Log. We're chugging along at full speed on the development express, and we've got some exciting updates to share. So, grab your favorite cup of station coffee, and let's dive into the world of Rail Route!

Staging Success: All Aboard the Progress Train

Our staging version is shaping up like a well-tuned locomotive. We've been busy resolving all feedback and fine-tuning the last bits of new features - regional trains and focus view mainly. The unstable version will be available on Tuesday evening for all our Discord members. It's like a surprise party, but with more trains and fewer balloons.

The Journey Ahead: Future Adjustments

The scope of Rail Route is as vast as the Union Pacific Railroad, and we can't bundle everything together. So, expect final touches in everything we're delivering. The first thing to expect are additional buildings and sensors that enable the regional trains automation and will replace the current Coach Yards, moving them as an Upgrades towards later in the game. It's like giving our game a whole new set of tracks to explore.

The Future of Rail Route: Post Update 12

As we look beyond the upcoming Update 12, we're excited to share some of the new features and improvements we're planning, mainly targeted at automating regional trains. These changes are designed to enhance the gameplay experience and introduce new challenges for our players. Here's a sneak peek at what's coming:

[h2]Shunting Track: Laying the Foundation [/h2]

We're adding a new element that can be built on plain track, without any switches - the shunting track. This will have routing functionality and can execute the next command in a train's shunting queue. It's like giving our tracks a mind of their own!

[h2]Shunting Path: The Road Less Traveled [/h2]

We're introducing the concept of a shunting path, a defined route leading to a set of shunting tracks. It's like a secret passage for our trains, making their journeys more efficient.

[h2]Train Shunting: Trains with a Brain [/h2]

Our trains are getting an upgrade! They'll soon be able to enter "shunting" mode between schedule legs or while waiting for the next leg. This will allow them to have a wait time, a defined next station, and a shunting queue for storing shunting commands. It's like giving our trains a degree in logistics!

[h2]Stabling Sensor: The Watchful Eye on the Tracks [/h2]

The stabling sensor will be a new addition that can be built on a platform or track. It will monitor trains that are "in shunting" mode and execute commands based on the train's next station and wait time. The commands include routing the train through the shunting path, setting the wait time until the next leg, sending the train back to the platform, and switching the train to the next schedule. It's like having a personal assistant for each train, ensuring everything runs on time - or at least as close to on time as we can get in the world of train dispatching.

[h2]Routing Sensor and Auto/Shunting Signal: Simplified and Efficient [/h2]

We're simplifying the routing sensor and enhancing the auto/shunting signal to execute commands from the shunting queue if a train is "in shunting". It's like giving our signals a promotion from traffic cop to traffic controller!

[h2]Looking Ahead: Continuous Development [/h2]

These additions and changes will enable full regional train automation and preparethe game for future possible shunting traffic of the freights. We aim for smaller and more frequent releases during the summer. We'll see how gradually we'll bring these elements to the game, but we're optimistic!

Now, you might have noticed a distinct lack of images in this post. I'd love to say it's because I wanted to let the words paint a picture, but the truth is, I've been a bit lazy. So, apologies for the lack of visual aids - I promise to make it up to you in the next post!

As we pull into the station for this week's Rail Log, we want to hear from you! Got thoughts on the new features? Feedback on the shunting mode? Or just want to share your experience with the staging version? We're all ears!

Hop aboard the discussion train on our community Discord. Your input is invaluable to us, and we're excited to hear what you have to say. Until next week, keep those signals green, and remember - a delayed train is just an opportunity for a longer coffee break. Angel signing off.

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Hello, dispatchers! Angel here, back on the tracks with another weekly Rail Log. This week, we're serving up a bite-sized update, packed with all the juicy details you need. So, buckle up, and let's get this express train rolling!



[h3]Last Week's Progress: Staging Success [/h3]

• Staging version: It's shaping up nicely, like a well-oiled locomotive.
  
• Regional Trains: We're all aboard the feedback train, refining and polishing as we go.
  

• Interface upgrades: We've removed a bunch, unlocking them by default. We realized they were like the caboose - nice to have, but not essential.
  
• Colored station signs: Now a standard feature. You can still turn them off if you prefer your stations in monochrome.
  

• 'Reverse once Stopped' and 'Stop & Reverse' upgrades: Removed. The Reverse button now marks the train for reversal. We've added a new sound and animation for this, because who doesn't love a bit of drama?
  
• The Golden STOP BUTTON: It's new, it's shiny, and it lets you stop and start your trains. It's like a pause button, but for trains!
  

• Post Update 12: We're switching to smaller, more frequent updates. It's like snacking, but for game development.
  
• Upcoming features: Automation of regional trains and further UI improvements. We're not just removing upgrades, we promise!
  

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All aboard, dispatchers! Angel here, riding the high-speed development train back to you with another weekly Rail Log. We've been shoveling coal into the Rail Route engine non-stop, and boy, do we have a freight load of updates to share! So, grab your conductor's hat and let's take a sneak peek at the bustling activity around our upcoming Update 12.



A Whistle-Stop Tour of Last Week

Our core mission last week was to roll out the first staging version and voila, it arrived on Friday! It might be a little rough around the edges, but rest assured, we'll have a medium-rare version by this Wednesday - just in time for your midweek gaming session.

Update 12: Taking Shape and Color

This locomotive of an update is hauling a vibrant new UI color scheme, enhanced Bottom Panels, and nifty Info Panels. We're also giving a facelift to Focus Views and introducing Regional Trains to replace the current Coach Yard (CY) contracts. Don't miss the train; Update 12 promises a truly captivating journey!



[h2]Last Week's Focus: Colors, Panels, and More[/h2]

We poured our hearts into finalizing the color scheme last week, and it's done! The new Info Panels also received some final touches and are now 95% complete. We spent some time shining up the Bottom Panels too, with these being just a hair's breadth away from completion.



[h2]Not All Smooth Rails: Challenges & Difficulties[/h2]

We won't sugarcoat it; revamping the entire UI at once is like shunting a mammoth locomotive - it's hard. Keeping two separate UI versions active isn't an option, so we'll roll out the changes more gradually. So, while we polish the edges, bear with us if you spot any inconsistencies. Your patience is appreciated, and we promise to iron out these creases in the upcoming updates.

[h2]Navigating the Transition: Old Meets New[/h2]

Change can be exciting, but we understand if some of you might feel a pang of nostalgia for the old overview. Fear not, dispatchers, for we've got you covered! You can still turn on the old overview whenever you like. The best part? Now you can have your detailed view and overview simultaneously! Keep a close eye on the upcoming trains while soaking in the new improvements. It's the best of both worlds, all in one!



[h2]Stop & Go: A Fun New Mechanic![/h2]
By the way, did you know there's a brand-new way to stop and start your trains?




[h2]Ahead Full Steam: This Week's Focus[/h2]

Our sights this week are set on refining contracts. Expect tweaks to enable prior acceptance, fine-tuning, and a possible retrial feature - if your feedback nudges us in that direction. We're also chugging full steam ahead with the Regional Trains!



Introducing Regional Trains: A Fresh Approach to Contracts

Wave goodbye to the old Coach Yard contracts as we are ushering in a new era with the introduction of Regional Trains. These are not your usual one-leggers, but instead, are composed of multiple legs, bringing a fresh challenge and a new layer of complexity to your dispatching adventure. These multi-legged beasts are all set to replace one-legged contracts, providing a new source of red points. So, you might want to reject your old contracts and hitch a ride with the new ones.



[h2]Regional Trains: A Deep Dive[/h2]

Each Regional Train contract comprises of 2 to 3 legs, bringing a fresh dimension to gameplay as you handle the transfer in between these legs. You'll need to carefully plan for waiting times and consider how to best utilise your space. This introduces a dynamic new element into gameplay that will keep even the most experienced dispatchers on their toes.

[h2]Coach Yards and Regional Trains: An Exciting Partnership[/h2]

With Regional Trains entering the scene, Coach Yards are due for a makeover. In anticipation of the changes, Coach Yards are set to become a Tier 3 upgrade. This means they'll serve as a valuable asset later in the game when space becomes a luxury. You can utilise Coach Yards to temporarily store a train from a Regional Train contract.



Release Date: 26th Jun
There can be delays on the track.

As we approach the final station for this Rail Log, we want to hear from you! Have a stellar idea for the contract adjustments? Or a creative suggestion for the Info Panels? Or just want to share your experience with the new Regional Trains? We're all ears!

Feel free to comment below, or join the conversation on our community Discord. Your input is invaluable to us, and we are excited to hear what you have to say. So hop aboard the discussion train!

Until next week, keep those signals green, and happy dispatching! Angel signing off.

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Greetings Railroaders! Angel on the line, thrilled to come back with another weekly Rail Log. As we approach the end of the early access phase (this year?), we've been working tirelessly to polish Rail Route, and today we have some exciting updates on the UI changes. Buckle up and let's embark on this UI journey!



Spoiler Alert: All the fantastic updates you're about to discover will be arriving in Update 12!

Info Panels

Our primary focus has been the introduction of Info Panels, an idea nurtured by the feedback we've received from you all. Info Panels are customizable panels that can be placed either on the left or right side of the screen or directly on the game board, providing key information right where you need it.



[h2]Station Timetable[/h2]

One of the key Info Panels we've introduced is the Station Timetable. We've heard your requests for a detailed view into the station's timetable, and we've made it happen! Now, you can pin any station to have an easy glance at all the trains passing through at a given time.


Note: The longer variant will show longer period then on the picture

[h2]Configuration[/h2]

The best part? Each Info Panel can be configured to your liking. For instance, the Station Timetable panel allows you to choose which platforms should be visible and whether there should be an offset applied. You also have the flexibility to choose between a smaller panel showing 30 minutes in advance or a larger one revealing 80 minutes ahead.




[h2]Onboard Info Panels[/h2]

When an Info Panel is placed on the game board, it stays put, enabling you to "decorate" your game area with context-sensitive information. And yes, we're considering options for size adjustments and zoom sensitivity to ensure maximum flexibility.



[h2]Other Info Panels[/h2]

While the Station Timetables will be the main Info Panel in Update 12, we're already mulling over introducing more of them, like a Train List Overview. But let's keep that for the future. For now, we're excited to see your response to the current updates.

Bottom/Other Panels

Next, let's delve into the revamped bottom bar. We're relocating node details to a configuration panel on the right, which now houses the sensor configurations. But remember, this is just a pit stop. We plan to bring these panels onboard via Focus Views soon!



[h2]Train Detail[/h2]

Don't worry, we haven't forgotten about the Train Detail panel. It still finds its place at the bottom of the screen, albeit in a much more compact form. The space now has multiple uses, depending on the game context.



[h2]Build Bar[/h2]

The Build Bar takes centre stage during construction, replacing the previous left panel and giving you more horizontal space. You can quickly navigate through buildables using the keybinds Q, E, mouse wheel, or assign hotkeys 1-9. And yes, we plan to reintroduce category delimiters for better visual guidance.



During an Offered Contract Focus View, this bottom bar will provide insights into the planned timetable of the contract, keeping everything at your fingertips. As well as as customer set of info panels to give you the context for the contract!



And much more coming!



It's been a delight working on these updates, and we can't wait for you to experience them. Your feedback has been instrumental in shaping these changes, and we hope they'll bring a whole new level of convenience and fun to your Rail Route journey. Btw. if you would really like to see

We're just about to wrap up, but we want to leave you with an invitation to get involved. We've designed these new UI changes with our players in mind, but the real joy comes in hearing directly from you.

If you have ideas for a standout feature for station info panels, something that would make the game experience even better, we want to hear it. We're a few weeks out from the Update, which means there's still time to make tweaks and add features based on your suggestions.

So don't be shy, join the conversation! Drop us a comment below, join our Discord community, or reach out on social media. Your suggestions have the potential to shape the future of Rail Route and make the gameplay even more exciting. We look forward to hearing from you!

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UPDATE: Expected speed of contracts adjusted to be reachable on short distances (e. g. can not reach avg greater than 60 km/h on 1 km distance because of timetable rounding)
UPDATE: Localizations (de: achievements, ui; en: ui; nl: ui; no: ui; ru: research, ui)
UPDATE: Timetable times rounding & average speed computation explained in Offered Contract dialog. (I.e. why contract average speed is lower than trial train average speed). Hint how to improve avg speed added.
UPDATE: Train label positioning & sizing improved
UPDATE: Tunnel speed can be upgraded with track items selected (rather than with signal & sensor items)

FIX: Arrival sensor prevents routing sensor from being triggered when on the same grid point
FIX: Offered urban contracts was incorrectly displayed in Offered Contracts panel, could not be rejected & caused all other contracts not to be displayed
FIX: Routing sensor detail panel does not show the same content all the time.
FIX: Routing tutorial failed to finish when train was reversed before being instructed to do so
FIX: Scaling with zoom did not produce equal results for various screen resolutions / window sizes
FIX: Track was not highlighted for modification so bulldozing was not possible if one of its endpoints was missing due to some previous error
FIX: Typo in 'through'


Hey there, fellow railroaders! Angel here, back with another edition of our Rail Log. Today, I have some exciting news to share with you about the upcoming changes to contracts generation in Rail Route. We're also introducing three new buildings that will revolutionize the way you manage your rail network. So, grab your conductor's hat and let's dive right in!



Contracts Generation: The Old Way

Let's start by looking at how contracts were generated in Rail Route previously. Contracts used to be global, meaning they were not specific to any particular station. Every game tick, there was a chance for a new contract to be generated, and its maximum possible distance was determined randomly. The game would then decide the type of contract and the routing it would have based on predefined probabilities.

The game would search for stations that could be a good fit for the contract, considering weights assigned by the map author. Some stations were more likely to appear in intercity (IC) contracts, while others were favored for commuter (Com) contracts. However, there were instances where the game couldn't find a suitable station or the contract didn't make sense, leading to its removal and a subsequent attempt to generate a new one.

Introducing a Station-Centric Approach

In our continuous efforts to improve the gameplay experience, we're introducing a new approach to contracts generation. Contracts will now be station-centric, meaning each station will generate its own contracts based on its specific characteristics. Every game tick, stations with available contract slots will have a chance to generate a new contract.



This change ensures that every station has a fair chance of having contracts generated specifically for it. Previously, some stations may have had sparse or no contracts generated at all. With the station-centric approach, the generation process starts with each station in mind, guaranteeing a more balanced distribution of contracts across your network.



New Buildings: Salesman Post, Dispatcher Office, and Loading Dock

To facilitate this station-centric contracts generation, we're introducing three new buildings that will take over the contract generation process: the Salesman Post, Dispatcher Office, and Loading Dock. These buildings will add a new level of control and customization to your rail network management.



Let's start with the Salesman Post. Initially, each station sign will have one slot for a green contract, and offered contract icons will appear next to the station sign. However, with the Salesman Post, you can unlock additional slots and move the offered contract icons to this building. By configuring the Salesman Post, you'll have more control over where the icons appear for each station. You can even fine-tune the contract generation by specifying your preferences. For example, you can focus on generating intercity (IC) contracts for a particular station, ensuring that the generated contracts align with your strategic goals.



Moving on, the Dispatcher Office and the Loading Dock will handle the generation of red (Regional and Urban trains) and blue (freight) contracts, respectively. Once connected to a station, these buildings will enable the generation of their respective contracts, and the contract icons will appear next to the building. By strategically placing and configuring these buildings, you can shape the contract generation for each station, tailoring it to your network's needs. For example, only stations with a Dispatcher Office will appear as ending stations in Regional train contracts. This means that the more Dispatcher Offices you build, the more diverse (and complex) regional trains will become.



But remember, with great power comes great responsibility! Each building you construct for a station will incur upkeep costs. These costs will increase significantly for subsequent buildings of the same type for one station. By connecting multiple Salesman Posts to one station, you can increase your slots and contract generation speed, but it will also put a strain on your finances. So, plan your expansions wisely and keep a close eye on your budget to ensure the financial sustainability of your rail empire.

Focus Views: Bringing Contracts to Life

Another significant change to the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) is the introduction of Focus Views. We've heard your feedback and wanted to find a better way to display important information without cluttering the traditional UI. With Focus Views, we're bringing the data where it belongsright onto your scheme, on the board of your rail network.



When you click on an offered contract icon, a Focus View for that contract will appear. The game will pause, and everything else on the screen will darken out, drawing your attention to the contract details. The camera will smoothly move to display all the relevant data on the board. First, we'll compute the possible paths the train needs to take through the contract, drawing them over your network. Then, we'll show station timetables next to the stations in the contract at their predicted arrival times. This way, you can easily evaluate whether it's the right time to accept that contract.



You can accept or decline the contract by clicking the corresponding buttons within the Focus View. Alternatively, if you've made up your mind you can use the secondary action (right mouse button) or hit the ESC key to leave the view while keeping the contract intact.



But wait, there's more! You could "pre-configure" the trial train by selecting the desired platforms before accepting the contract. This means that when you start the trial, the train will already have a pre-set route, allowing your existing automation to seamlessly take over. Scheduled contract acceptance is also on the list, but that's for another time and another Upgrade.

The introduction of Focus Views not only enhances the visual appeal of the game but also improves the decision-making process when selecting contracts. You can now assess the impact on your network, consider timetables, and make more informed choicesall without leaving the immersive environment of your rail network.

Exciting Times Ahead

With the upcoming changes to contracts generation, the introduction of the Salesman Post, Dispatcher Office, and Loading Dock, and the immersive experience of Focus Views, Rail Route is taking another leap forward in providing you with a dynamic and engaging gameplay environment. We can't wait to see how you'll utilize these new tools and buildings to create intricate rail networks and conquer the challenges that lie ahead.



That's all for this edition of Rail Log. As always, we value your feedback and suggestions. Feel free to leave your comments below or reach out to us on our social media channels and Discord. Your input plays a vital role in shaping Rail Route into the best railway management game it can be.

Next time, I'll be writing about upcoming UI changes, especially of the Info Panels. Stay connected with us on:

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NEW: Signal deallocate action in the building mode
NEW: Train reward visibility checkbox in the gameplay options page

UPDATE: Localizations (no: ui; zh-Hans: ui)
UPDATE: Log station when topology search from it takes more than 10 seconds (for troubleshooting purpose)

FIX: All tunnels built at once shared the recent displayed connector. Caused loading error if building ended with impossible connector.
FIX: Generic modal sizing did not match its displayed text
FIX: Save game modal didnt always show existing save if only 1 existed
FIX: Tunnel stays highlighted after closing the construction wheel
FIX: Urban contracts were not generated

Hello fellow rail enthusiasts! Angel here, and I'm thrilled to share with you another edition of our Rail Log, where we explore the latest happenings and developments in the world of Rail Route. Since Update 11 rolled out, our dev team has been diligently addressing issues and gathering invaluable feedback from our fantastic community. In this week's Rail Log, we'll talk about post-Update 11 changes, hotfixes, and offer a sneak peek into what's coming in the next update. So, buckle up and let's get this train rolling!



Post-Update 11: Hotfixes

After Update 11 went live, our dev team has been hard at work fixing major issues and fine-tuning the game based on your input. One improvement we've made is in track speeds. Now, track speeds are more visible when zoomed out, and they'll appear over the track for 5 seconds after every speed change. You can even enable track speeds to be visible all the time through the options menu.



We've also made it more intuitive to change signal types using the primary action (left-click), just as you were used to, rather than grabbing them.



Your feedback has been essential in refining Rail Route, and we're incredibly grateful for your constructive comments! It's important to remember that it's difficult to please everyone, and while we strive to bring numerous improvements, there's always a chance of introducing new issues. The key here is iterating and moving forward. That's what we trying to do.

Upcoming Update 12
[h2]Revamping the Contracts System[/h2]

Note the presented images are concept previews we are currently implementing to the game.

In the next update, we're overhauling the contracts workflow to enhance your gameplay experience. Instead of a UI list, offered contracts will now appear as icons on the game board, above station signs (the position of contract icons for a station will be configurable by additional Upgrade we'll bring to the game later).



The contracts limit and generation will now be station-specific instead of global. No more waiting for a new contract to station of your desiree, each station will have its own generation interval based on the free slots in it. Contract details will be displayed directly around that icon, replacing the small UI window. Additionally, when a contract icon is clicked, its details will show on the board as well. Timelines with predicted arrival times for every station will be visible, making it easier to plan your train traffic more efficiently.



Our main goal with this contracts system revamp is to make your gameplay more fluent and enjoyable. By moving contracts to the game board, you'll be able to play the game where the action is, instead of focusing on the UI. This change lets you quickly find contracts for a specific station just by checking around that station, eliminating the need to decline unrelated contracts.



You might recall from another Rail Log that we want to use this approach for sensor configuration as well. We see a great fit from internal prototypes and it brings another level of immersion to the game.

[h2]New Contracts - Regional Trains[/h2]

In the upcoming update, we're introducing a new type of contract: Regional Trains. These contracts require more attention and careful handling from players, as they come with multi-stage schedules.



Each stage of a Regional Train contract is treated as a separate train, with its own destination and timetable within your stations. After completing a stage, there will be a waiting period before the train can proceed to the next stage and continue on its journey under a new train number.

The next stage may begin at the same station where the previous train ended, or it may require a transfer between stations. This adds an extra layer of complexity, as you will need to manage "idling" or "traversing" trains and ensure they are not forgotten when needed. Players will have to make sure these trains are stored appropriately and are ready to proceed when the time comes for their next scheduled stage.

These regional trains will become the first source of red points once we introduce the Revamped System Upgrades structure. However, that won't be included in the next update, as it would be too big of a task.

Beyond the Update 12
[h2]Automating Regional Trains[/h2]



As our goal is to have fully automated traffic, the new Regional Trains will bring two fresh challenges: first, how to stable the trains (either on dedicated tracks or, later on, in the coach yard when it becomes a higher-tier unlock with the revamped System Upgrades). Second, how to "call" the train back to a platform after the waiting period has passed.

To tackle these challenges, we're introducing two new sensors:

• the Stabling Sensor and
  
• the Dispatcher Sensor.
  

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UPDATE: Do not display reward icons for prototype trains
UPDATE: Localizations (cs: ui; nl: ui; ru: ui)
UPDATE: Sensors can be built on occupied & allocated tracks
UPDATE: Track and track sprites improved, should be more clear when zoomed out
UPDATE: When building signal over different signal, primary action is 'Change type' (was: 'Grab')

FIX: "Always show track speeds colors" were turning off
FIX: Building item change caused animation glitch - previous action list jumped down to the bottom of the screen and the new one jumped up
FIX: Hidden UI was still interactable
FIX: Save containing prototype train with 2 subsequent stops at the same station (e. g. an urban contract train) was not loadable
FIX: Time was running in Editor, causing timetable times not aligned to whole minutes
FIX: Track preview became invisible when connector destination was occupied track

We hope you've enjoyed Update 11, and we appreciate your valuable feedback. One common concern was the visibility of track speeds colors in construction mode, particularly when zoomed out. Rest assured, we've been working on a hotfix to address this issue.

The improvements include better visibility of track speeds when zoomed out, track speeds visible for 5 seconds after every speed change, and an option to enable speeds display over tracks. We're confident these changes will enhance your gameplay experience, and we welcome your continued feedback!

Full 1.11.16 patchnotes:
NEW: Toggle 'Always show track speeds in construction' in the Options
NEW: Tracks speeds are better visible after connection speed is changed in construction

UPDATE: Level of detail zoom treshold can be set in options (when track lines become thicker)
UPDATE: Localizations (zh-Hans: achievements, tutorials, ui; nl: ui)
UPDATE: Onboard UI scale matched to panel scale
UPDATE: Rebuild grabbed item where was before when other item grabbed / building item changed / construction closed.
UPDATE: Switch circle shown for trivial and incomplete switches
UPDATE: Track speeds better visible when zoomed out in construction

FIX: Autosave's screenshot was empty when game autosaved during exit
FIX: Autosave sometimes created just as new game started
FIX: Close menu button stayed in disabled state after level failed to load and another level was loaded after
FIX: Sandbox was not working for newer maps (stored as savedMap.bytes)


The highly anticipated Update 11 for Rail Route has finally arrived, packed with exciting new features and improvements that will take your rail network-building experience to the next level. The development team has been hard at work, listening to player feedback and making significant changes to the game's construction user interface, among other things. So, let's take a closer look at what's new in Update 11.

[previewyoutube=vfWUSxgdtC4;full][/previewyoutube]

Rail Route's Update 11: More Control and Flexibility in your Rail-building Experience

One of the key improvements is the addition of the Build Actions feature, which makes it easier for players to understand what construction actions are available at each step of the process. The feature comes with keybinds that allow you to perform actions quickly and easily, whether you're using a keyboard or a controller. In addition, a new action wheel has been introduced, making it easier to select actions without needing a keyboard.

Another exciting addition is Sandbox Mode, which allows players to experiment and create their rail network without any restrictions. The mode allows you to start an endless game with unlimited money and all system upgrades unlocked, providing a playground for players to explore different strategies and test their creativity. These two features alone add an extra layer of depth and immersion to the game, giving players more control and flexibility over their rail-building experience.

But that's not all! Update 11 also includes several other exciting new features, such as mod.io support for broader accessibility and community content sharing, the ability to bulldoze whole tracks, the option to rotate signals before building, and the addition of construction actions for changing speed. The list goes on, with numerous updates and improvements to the game's building user interface, construction messages and sounds, and more.



Changelog:

For a detailed list of changes and fixes, see the following changelog:

[h2]New Features[/h2]

• Action wheel in Construction
  
• Added sandbox mode and page for new game settings
  
• Bulldozing whole tracks
  
• Construction action added to rotate signal before building
  
• Construction actions for changing speed
  
• Construction actions in construction mode, building ux reworked
  
• Construction actions introduced for guided building / bulldozing
  
• Context Action 1-4 input actions added to be used e. g. in building for context-relevant input
  
• Cycle through time keybind
  
• Mod.io support
  
• Mouse position has slight light around on the grid
  
• New binding: Build (B), opens/closes Construction
  
• Sinks for vertical / bending platforms (named North/South if having same latitude)
  
• Train timeline and label are scaled with zoom
  
• Trivial Switches introduced to allow loops, continuing a track with different speed, continuing a track not build from inventory and other
  
• Updated keybind icon and added new keybind hint icon to buttons
  
• Walls built with help of using auto-routing from start to end point
  

• All Board Sprites resolution increased
  
• All stations & autoblocks can be bought from beginning of the endless game
  
• Autoblock built by converting tracks; bended autoblock supported, signals not enforced
  
• Autoblock sensors placed in the middle of the autoblok
  
• Bigger sprite for selected item in menu
  
• Bounding wall is created surrounding the whole map when map is saved, old map started or old save loaded. Prevents unwanted shortcuts & speeds up topology search if map not enclosed by author.
  
• Building indicator (cursor) reworked: dashed border not displayed, text & price display unified and colored by possibility to build
  
• Coach yard can be grabbed and replaced even if it contains trains
  
• Construction action list & wheel displays balance change if applicable
  
• Construction messages refined
  
• Construction sounds improved
  
• Custom game cursor
  
• Distance between stations computed by drawing virtual track between them. Need for reversing computation and reversing bounty removed.
  
• Hyphen replaced with en dash wherever remained
  
• Localizations (nl: tutorials, ui; zh-Hans: tutorials, ui; de: ui; fr: ui; no: ui; ru: ui)
  
• Localizations (ru: research, ui; no: ui; zh-Hans: ui)
  
• Localizations (zh-Hans: tutorials; ru: ui)
  
• Milos renamed to Milo everywhere
  
• Navigation is active on game start when a controller is detected
  
• New Sink sprite
  
• Platform and autoblock sensors are being placed in the middle
  
• Platforms are built by conversion of existing tracks rather than from scratch. Many limitations removed (vertical or even bent platforms allowed, no signals needed...)
  
• Preserve identity when grabbing signals & coach yards
  
• Sensors do not split tracks when placed
  
• Signal rotated, upgraded and downgraded using context actions
  
• Signal, tunnel portal and coach yard colliders reduced to of grid cell size to allow access to track between them
  
• Station sign and platform can be centered on grid cell edges rather than only centers
  
• Station signs no more block building. In Update 11 and newer maps it is up to the map creator if he creates walls manually under them manually. In older maps & saves walls are created automatically once loaded.
  
• Switches shown in Construction
  
• Train timelines are affected by UI Scale
  
• Tunnel can be built from / to empty space
  
• Tunnel count limit removed
  
• Visuals on zoomed out map improved
  
• Walls textures improved, different one used in building
  
• When building coach yard, nearest station is found if a connection can be built to it, even beyond a tunnel.
  

• Accessibility settings color overrides set before game restart could not be reset
  
• Autoblock price tag does not make hover sound
  
• Autoblock Track speed line not visible when the autoblock is built until the construction menu is opened again
  
• Automation was not triggered in old saves with autoblocks that has only routing sensor
  
• Build mode was toggled when pressing the keybind while the menu was open or an input field was selected
  
• Button hover state remained active when navigation was disabled
  
• Buy platform and autoblock or upgrade track was not possible when infinite money was enabled and not enough money
  
• Clicking Stop and Reverse almost before the train reaches the platform led to train departure from that platform even before its departure time passed
  
• Color picker ignoring the hex color provided by input field
  
• Completed trial train modal had highlighted last stop and did not indicate if trial run matches original contract
  
• Delete button was shown on map detail page when new map was not saved yet
  
• Delete map confirmation panel did not prevent you from closing the main menu leaving the panel active
  
• Detail panel content shown at incorrect position when coming from editor and ui was in expanded state
  
• Disabled sink toggles in the editor where invisible and toggle labels had the incorrect color
  
• First map item was not always selected when navigation was active and maps menu page was shown
  
• FPS drop occureed in the unlock basic tracks upgrade task
  
• Game controls where disabled after changing a save name
  
• Loading screen background animation was not smooth
  
• Missing "can not build' message when building a signal on a switch
  
• Missing localization on Wave Finished screen
  
• Mouse only interacted with buttons after clicking and moving it when keyboard key had been pressed before
  
• Nothing clicked sound had no 3d setting
  
• Reset all sensor settings did not reset UI completely (warning and default platform not reset)
  
• Reward icon of prototype train is not placed on the last visited platform
  
• Selecting the Coach Yard to be one of the sensor routes ends up opening the Coach Yard instead
  
• Sensors tutorials were not working properly
  
• Switching pages back and forth from binding options tab would lose navigation
  
• Train overshot 2nd of 2 consecutive platforms of one station
  
• Updating track speed not possible after panning the screen
  
• Waiting train icon of a trial train being placed on a not active platform
  

Hello Dispatchers,

We're excited to announce that Update 11 for Rail Route has officially been released on the Unstable Branch!

As mentioned in our previous post, we take feedback from our community seriously. After thoroughly testing the Staging Branch, we're confident this update will enhance your gameplay experience. While we've already shared some significant features in our previous posts, we also wanted to highlight some minor yet essential additions in this update. Keep reading to learn more about what's new in Rail Route!

Simple Switch

Have you ever tried joining two tracks with different speeds and realized it's impossible? We have, and that's why we've added a Simple Switch to the game! This feature lets you connect tracks of different speeds, giving you more freedom and creativity in your rail network design.



The Simple Switch is placed automatically in between tracks with different speeds, enabling you to connect them seamlessly. It can also be used in between platforms and autoblocks, when they're joined, and the signal is removed. And, as requested by many of you, it's now possible to place platforms without a signal! Check out this example of a rail network with two autoblocks next to each other:



New Keybinds

We've added two new keybindings. The first is quickly opening and closing the build menu using the "B" key on the keyboard or "X" on the controller.



The second keybinding added is for cycling through time, which can be found by pressing the "`" key on the keyboard or pressing the right stick on the controller. With this keybinding, you can quickly cycle through how fast the time flows.



In addition to these new keybindings, the build menu itself will be improved in following UI update (not part of 11), which will include additional features such as cycling through build items with navigation keys (Q/E or shoulders on the controller), fast cycling through the mouse wheel, and the ability to assign shortcuts (1-9) to specific build items. With these additions, your construction process will be more efficient and streamlined.

Changes to Map Editing

When you save a map in the editor, we now compute the routing table and save it to the map data. This means that we no longer need to compute the routing table every time you load the map, resulting in faster load times and smoother gameplay. With this change, you can jump into your maps and start dispatching trains faster.

Previously, you could purchase stations and autoblocks next to any already bought station, but now you have the freedom to choose where to buy them without any restrictions.

Sometimes, when our path algorithm is leaking during the map saving, it may put a wall around your map to "close it" and prevent any issues from arising during gameplay. You can easily remove the wall and redo your map if necessary.

Update 11: April 24th

We're thrilled to release Update 11 for Rail Route on April 24th and can't wait for you to experience all the new features and improvements we've made. From the simple switch that enables more creativity in your builds to the faster load times and improved construction as a whole, we've worked hard to ensure that this update provides you with a better gameplay experience. We'd like to extend our sincere thanks to our dedicated community for their continued support and feedback. Your input helps us create the best train dispatcher game possible. We hope you enjoy playing Rail Route as much as we enjoy developing it.

Happy Dispatching!
Angel

Don't hesitate to reach out to us on Discord, Twitter, Facebook, or our Homepage. If you have any questions, or comments, I'm always eager to hear from you under the article!


https://store.steampowered.com/app/1124180/Rail_Route

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1896900/Rail_Route_The_Story_of_Jozic/

Hello Dispatchers!

It's been an exciting week for the Rail Route development team as we've been putting the finishing touches on the upcoming Update 11 for our train dispatcher simulator game. This Update is packed with new features and improvements that we can't wait for you to experience. We spent a considerable amount of time last week perfecting the new features and tirelessly bug-fixing, and we're eager to share more insights with you about how we structure our work on the game that we all love. The series will be a little different this week, as I'll give you a deeper look into our development process.



Staging Branch

One critical part of our development process is the Staging Branch, where we release a version of the game to a small, closed group of active members in our Discord community. This version includes all of the significant features planned for the upcoming Update. We only release it once we're confident no critical issues will hinder your gameplay experience. From here, we start gathering early feedback from our community and actively work on fixing every reported problem.




This feedback process takes about a week or two to ensure we address every reported issue before we proceed to the next stage. Once we're confident that there are no critical or regression issues, we begin preparing the Update for release onto the Unstable Branch, bringing it one step closer to its official launch.

Automated Tests

Before I dive into our next stage of an Update lifecycle, the Unstable Branch, let's jump onto a different topic. Although we have a small development team, we are committed to ensuring that our developers don't have to rely on external QA teams to catch issues with the game. So, how do we test the game? We write our automated tests as a part of the development process!



Our tests include both unit and integration tests. Unit tests allow us to test small, internal code fragments to ensure their correctness. They are primarily used on the core game logic - train movement, sensor activations, modification to the rail network, etc. Here's an example of a test that tests whether an arrival sensor is correctly activated for a simple scenario. The most significant benefit of these tests is they run blazingly fast in a split of seconds for more than two hundred of these tests.




Integration tests, on the other hand, cover real player scenarios and the issues we've encountered in the past. They try to simulate actual player behavior and run in full graphical mode. That means they are slower but cover many more possible issues. We aim to cover most problems reported with automated tests so the issue doesn't resurface. We understand that it's not always possible to catch every single bug, but we make every effort to minimize the possibility of issues occurring.

[previewyoutube=m_1foqvNBWo;full][/previewyoutube]

Developing a comprehensive automated testing framework requires time, effort, and resources. However, it's worth it, as it ensures that our game is of the highest quality possible and minimizes the possibility of issues slipping through the cracks. By investing in our automated testing, we're confident that we're providing our players with the best experience possible.

Unstable Branch

Our Unstable Branch is available for all members of our Discord community. After the Staging Branch has been thoroughly tested and all critical and regression issues have been addressed, we release the latest version to the Unstable Branch. This allows us to gather even more feedback and insights from our dedicated player base before we prepare the release for the Main Branch. Typically, the version sits on the Unstable Branch for a week or two while we monitor any reported issues and make necessary adjustments. We highly encourage players to join our beta test by becoming a part of our Discord community. Your feedback is extremely valuable in helping us ensure that Rail Route is the best train dispatcher game it can be.

Joining our Discord community is critical for players who wish to report any issues they encounter while playtesting Rail Route. This is because we need direct chat contact with players who report issues. It lets us obtain all the necessary details to diagnose and resolve the problem effectively. By having a direct line of communication with our players, we can work together to ensure that the game runs as smoothly as possible and that any issues are addressed quickly and efficiently. Unfortunately, our small dev team doesn't have the resources to monitor more locations where bugs could be reported. So if you want to help us improve Rail Route and be a part of the development process, joining our Discord is the best way!

Issue Management

We internally use YouTrack as a ticketing tool. It helps us keep track of reported issues and work on them organizationally and efficiently. With a ticketing tool, we can easily assign issues to specific team members, prioritize them, and track their progress. This allows us to ensure that every issue is addressed and resolved and that nothing is left behind.




Additionally, it provides transparency and accountability, as we can easily see who is working on what and when. Overall, using a ticketing tool is a key component of our development process and helps us ensure that Rail Route is the best it can be.

Update 11 release date

We are confident that Update 11 will be ready on April 24th.

I hope you've enjoyed a little different blog post this time. I am still unsure whether I should keep weekly or bi-weekly blog posts, so let me know :). Give me your comment or thumbs up; thanks! See you then.

Happy Dispatching!
-Angel

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Hello fellow Dispatchers!

I'm excited to be back with another Rail Log, where I'll share the latest Rail Route development team insights. It's been a busy couple of weeks for us, and we've made great progress on new features that we can't wait to share with you. In this blog post, I'll be going into detail about these features, so sit tight and get ready to learn more about what we've been up to! And what you'll see in the upcoming Update 11, which will be live this month during April!

By the way, if you want a sneak peek of the update before it hits live, join our community Discord and apply for a closed alpha or open beta test of Update 11. We already got some lovely feedback. It helps us finish this last mile in this significant milestone of construction UX overhaul. Under the hood, the game engine has changed significantly.

Build Actions

One of the key improvements we've made in Rail Route is the Build Actions feature. We understand that it's essential for players to have a clear understanding of what they can do at every step of construction, so we've made it easier than ever before.

[previewyoutube=cXwXoXa4MNg;full][/previewyoutube]

With Build Actions, players can now see a list of available actions for construction at every step of the way. These actions come with keybinds, making it easy to perform them quickly with a keyboard or controller.

[previewyoutube=3xzT8Oj3cSQ;full][/previewyoutube]

Additionally, we've included a selection wheel that can be accessed with the right mouse button. It allows players to select an action without pressing the key and staying exclusively on the mouse. It was part of your feedback on an article in this series that you want to be able to perform these actions without a keyboard!

Walls Construction

We've also significantly improved the Wall Construction feature. With the new improvements, walls can now be built seamlessly and effortlessly by just clicking at the origin and destination points.

[previewyoutube=gjt0nzFejX4;full][/previewyoutube]

The wall line is computed automatically, making the process much smoother than before. In addition, we've also improved the deterministic behavior of the walls, which means that they behave consistently and predictably.

Scale to Zoom

We're excited to introduce the Scale to Zoom feature. We understand that some game elements require clarity, even when you're zoomed out, and that's why we've made it easier than ever to see these elements. With Scale to Zoom, elements such as train timelines, labels, construction actions, and the selection wheel will now be scaled automatically to remain easily readable when you zoom out.

[previewyoutube=fAd_dwpdNks;full][/previewyoutube]

We're excited to hear from you about other possible uses for this feature. Do you have any ideas for other game elements that could benefit from being scaled to zoom? Let us know in the comments!

Sandbox Mode

A new feature that offers players the opportunity to let their creativity run wild. With Sandbox Mode, players can start an endless game with unlimited money and/or all system upgrades unlocked. This means that players are free to experiment with different strategies and build their rail network without any restrictions.



Whether you're a seasoned player looking for a new challenge or a newcomer to Rail Route, Sandbox Mode is the perfect way to explore the game in a way that suits your style of play. So why not dive in and see what kind of rail network you can create? The only one YOU WANT!



See you next week. Happy Dispatching!
-Angel

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Another week, another post packed complete with what happened in the Rail Route development team last week. So let's board the train, get your tickets ready (and buy the game, of course). We still got a few copies left! :)



Mod.io Support

In the next release, we'll bring mod.io support to the current Steam Workshop. It's optional, but we'll let map authors decide where they want to share their content, and it will be as simple as checking corresponding checkboxes.



This change will bring excellent community content to our planned DRM-free game version, which we plan to release with 1.0 for those that don't want a Steam version for some of their reasons. For us, it's just about broader accessibility.



You can enable mod.io as quickly as clicking on the button in Add Map section in the menu, and your subscribed maps will download automatically. Only Steam Authentication will be used in the current version, but we will bring more options later.



Train Reward Icons

Wow, this feature was on shelve from December, and we nearly forgot it's lying there. Fortunately, Zaher removed some dust last week, and it's ready to be shipped.



We show a train reward icon two minutes before the scheduled arrival at a final destination. It should guide you on where the train is expected to be and helps you operate the trains more fluently.



Once the train reaches the point, a reward is given to you.



And this reward is nicely visible if you are zoomed out. So you can sit and relax seeing your automation doing work for you.

Platforms

As I've outlined with the changes to how you could be building the autoblocks, this change also applies to the platforms. And the work has already started and is being finished this week. You build your tracks first, then change any of them either to a platform by placing a platform marker onto it.



The first notable change is noticeable - the platforms no longer need to be just horizontal straight tracks. Because of that change, you can decide where the platform number will go, giving you even more visual freedom. It's still under the old UI, but that's another stream we are working on. We plan to remove the station's panel in the editor and move it to other stuff to build onto a building bar.

Sensors Placement

Because of this change, the placement of the sensors on the platforms and autoblocks has been changed. Instead of on a leftmost grid, they are being placed in the middle (or next to a platform number). It's a small visual change, nothing big.



I already mentioned that placement on the tracks has also been improved. The sensors won't cut the track in the piece, which made possible other sensors' configurations invalid.



As you can see, new small arrows indicate where the autoblock begins and ends. We needed that for more complex bent ones.

Update 11
All these features and all the BIG changes to construction are finding their way to Update 11, which we want to go live during April. After that milestone, we will start iterating over the game content for the Endless mode I mentioned previously.

Thanks for reading! Looking forward to what the next week will bring us. Unfortunately, there won't be a blog post next week, as I'll be out of the office on Monday and Tuesday. So don't worry, I'll be back in two weeks!

Happy Dispatching until then!
-Angel

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For today's hotfix we have opened up translation and localization of the station names. This started with feedback from the Chinese community that it's tricky to play the game even with the language set to Chinese, because of confusion about the station names. We definitively understand that Rail Route becomes a lot trickier when you have to check twice where you're supposed to be sending your trains!

However, now this is a problem of the past, because we've made station names localizable. We have also, together with our lovely community, taken a stab at localizations of the names into the Chinese version of the game. Check it out if you prefer playing the game in Chinese!



Changelog

NEW: Station names can be localized (translated or transliterated)

UPDATE: Ingame UI is hidden when Rush Hour or Timetable map endscreen is shown
UPDATE: Localizations (cs: achievements; fr: achievements, ui; nl: research, ui; zh-Hans: research, tutorials, ui; de: tutorials, ui)
UPDATE: Localizations (zh-Hans: station names in stock maps)

FIX: Menu could be closed when no level was loaded due to an error
FIX: Rebinding actions would still execute binded events while binding
FIX: Starting new Rush Hour game would have time control keybinds non functional until clicked


Hello Dispatchers!

Let me share what we've achieved this week while preparing the next update of Rail Route, our train dispatcher simulator game.



Sprites Revision



We have multiple sprites for every element on the board. The first column is for a zoomed-out camera to show a simplified version. To achieve a nice neon feel, we compose the sprites from two layers in the standard view. A solid layer and an emission layer (on which we can control the intensity of the glow in our shaders) above give the glowing feel.



So we revisited all sprites; some were missing this emission layer (tunnels, coach yard, sensors), and some were missing the zoomed-out variant. They are all clean and beautiful now. We could also call them high-res now, as the resolution has been increased twice. And while we aligned them correctly to a power of two sizes, they can now be compressed, so the size remains the same. That's a double win.



Building Sprites

Construction UX refactoring is still outgoing (a big task!), and we revisited the sprites we'll be using in a construction.



There's a new indicator for a cursor where you will build a track and which track will be modified. That also applies to any point, like signals or sensors.



New Borders
Maybe you see a different sprite for "borders" than what you are used to. We made them stand out in building mode to help new players understand their purpose. It needed to be clarified, and we also received some feedback to make them more visible, as the contrast could have been better. While they are unimportant during "operational" gameplay, you must see them clearly while construction progresses.



Zoomed-out Map
All sprites also received their zoomed-out variant, while others have been polished. Mainly the sensors were missing, but tunnels and coach yards should now be clearly visible.



Sorry, the fluent gif had over 50MB, and there's no possibility to use a format other than gifs.

While all the sprites are now in place, this zoom level still would need more love and adjustments. But this change should already be a significant improvement. Next thing to go on this topic would be better train labels and alerts, scaling with the zoom level. This is how the zoomed-out level looks now.



Construction UX

Nothing significant (to be visually shared) happened last week, but the work continues intensively, providing a solid foundation for future content in new buildings and sensors. We need the flow to be robust, simple, and easily understandable by newcomers.

We want to release these significant changes in construction somewhere at the end of April, including new possibilities for platforms, autoblocks, and stuff I mentioned last week.

UI

A new graphic has joined our team to fully work on the new fluent UI experience we are preparing. It's a relatively long-term task, and while some groundwork has already been done, there's nothing unique or visually attractive (in a polished state) I could share with you. I hope there will be more next week while we progress forward. These changes are planned after the Construction UX update, as they're even more enormous.

Midweek Update
Our Chinese community will have a minor update this week, which brings them localized stations in stock maps, so stay tuned.

Until then, happy dispatching!
- Angel

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Hello Dispatchers!

This week, it'll be shorter than long as last week flew faster than light, which seems impossible. But yeah, that's how it is, so let's dive into what has happened in the previous week of Rail Route development.



Building, construction

One part of the dev team is still working on the reworked building; don't get me wrong, it's a lot of work. It's not about bringing new UX to that process but also refactoring whole underlying structures so we can bring more new content, which we plan for 1.0, much easier and faster. On top of polishing, we've handled tracks bulldozing and started to see how autoblocks are being placed.

Autoblocks

These you usually don't build in the normal gameplay but the editor. Our new system could have difficulties building two signals and a track simultaneously, nothing hard to overcome, but maybe that approach was not as good. What about you would change whatever track to the autoblock? That way, we've allowed more possibilities, not just one straight (horizontal) autoblock with two signals at each side, but bent, vertical, and other options. And there doesn't need to be a signal at the edge of it, or it can have a different orientation. We feel this will bring more creativity and freedom into the map creation process.



With this in mind, we would likely approach building platforms similarly. There have been several suggestions on the platform placement, and maybe this would solve them all. The platform can be any track; you'll place a platform number on it and assign it to the station, and that's that. Also, vertical, bent, or platforms without a signal at its end would be possible. The only downside of this approach would be that it makes more effort to build the same platform as you are used to now; you need to place a track and two signals and then upgrade the track in between them to a platform.



What would you say? Bent, vertical platforms, without a need for a signal on its ends but more clicks?

Bulldozing / Removal tool



Bulldozing of tracks was another task keeping us busy last week. With an updated control scheme, we've assigned the bulldozing onto an action key 'X' / 'D-pad down.' If you press this key without any element highlighted, you'll turn the "Bulldoze tool" on (or off). From that point, you can bulldoze either whole tracks and points via primary action (left mouse / A on the controller).



Or start partial track removal via secondary action (right mouse / B on the controller) if you want to remove just part of the track.

UI Update

The rest of the team is working on an updated UI. This week, we've finalized some core design components and laid a new foundation for "Onboard UI." We had difficulties developing a proper design for more complex node configurations like routing sensors. I've mentioned it previously, but we realized it's not a way to go, at least not a good enough way to go.




If you see this panel for the first time, you will not understand what's happening there. It's also why it is a common question in Rail Route's Discord server. So we tried to prototype other approaches and realized that we do not need to create a new abstract structure for something already in the game and should focus on that rather than a new UI panel. So we'll take a different approach with all Node Configuration or where it'll make sense. Here comes the new "Onboard UI."




We hope this approach will give you a more streamlined experience while configuring your rail network and a much easier understanding of what's happening. It's still in an early prototype, but this is the way we'll go. You won't do something in a tiny panel disconnected from the rails and elements when you can do that directly on them. I hope to share more about this with you soon, so take this as a teaser. There's still a lot of work to be done.

That's all for now; thanks for coming, and happy dispatching!
- Angel

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Hey, here we are with our next Rail Log, and we'll have a look at our keybinds this time. While a dev team is iterating over a new UI/UX, this is also vital to have thought through beforehand.



Without knowing we'll bring a new UI, we likely target keybinds earlier in our Early Access stage. But waiting had its benefits as we see what's missing, what has flaws, and what kind of features we want to be in the game in much deeper detail than at the beginning of Early Access.

So I apologize that we still don't have a keybinding to open a construction mode, for example. A bright future is in front of us; trust me!

Control Schemes



As you may know, we already support a controller. The current state could be better, but as we see it as an excellent fit for the game, we are improving it along the way. It's not just about the proper control schemes but about UX flows and how a virtual cursor behaves.



For example, we've prototyped the "stickiness" of the nodes (signals, switches, ...) that attract the cursor sucking it closer to them, and I must say, it's improving the user experience to the next level. It just requires more work and must be accompanied by the new UI. We'll put this into the game once this new UI is nice & ready.

Keyboard & Mouse



The keyboard and mouse will still be the primary way to play Rail Route on PC. As you can see, there are few structure changes, more just additions. We must drop all modifiers like CTRL or SHIFT, which is excellent, as I personally hate we've put them into the game. They were hard to communicate and explain. They also share too many different use cases, their biggest problem. So no more holding two keys at once. But we don't need them at all.

A new 'Configure' action opens a node's (sensors, signal, station, ...) configuration UI previously assigned to CTRL + click. I've mentioned that part of UI (node's detail panel) of the routing sensor in my last article, and I'll bring more exciting details soon in one of the following Rail Logs. We've finally found a way to do it properly, and it'll be great.

One may ask what these context actions are. I'll return to them shortly; let's check the controller scheme first.

The Controller



While designing our UI workflow, having the controller in mind helps us define the game controls much better. Not just for a controller but the keyboard as well. The outcome is much cleaner. The mouse buttons are replaced with A and B buttons, which is kind of a standard. We could use triggers for these, but putting a zooming control on them suits the game much better.

While the left stick controls the virtual mouse (with some additional help in the form of magnetism of the nodes I've already mentioned), the right maintains the map. And you can press them for time control.

The shoulder buttons are used in any navigation context, which we'll often use in upcoming UI. And on a d-pad lay the context actions. I already mentioned these, so let's dive into them!

Context Actions



Depending on what you are doing in the game at any moment, there can be actions you can make. And they depend on the current context. For example, check out the current state of the building's UX improvements as part of the dev team working on it.



Additional actions can be available throughout the construction mode whenever you move your cursor over an active element, and you cannot build there. And that's when these Context Actions come in handy. Over a signal, you can rotate, upgrade or delete it.



Note the grabbing action. It is available for all elements, and moving stuff around when slight adjustments to your rail network are needed is brand new and easy. You move desired sensors leaving their configuration intact. And sensors no longer split the track, so whenever the destination track is being targeted in any of the sensors, their configuration remains valid.

Building Menu



Let's have a look at the new building menu. We want the panel to be as simplified as possible. You can select the build item by using navigational keys (Q, E for a keyboard, LH and RH for a controller) and with context actions, additional tools are available (buy, bulldoze, and selection). On top of that, when hovering with a mouse, you can assign a 1-10 key to a single item for an instant shortcut. That's something not available on the controller side.

Unfortunately, as of now, we won't plan any copy & paste or move tool to be included in a 1.0 release, but that's something we would like to improve later as we'll arrange to bring more updates after the game is fully released, 1.0 will mark other beginnings, not any end :).

Bulldozing



For a bulldoze tool, the default is removing whole tracks with a single click, while partial removal is a secondary action. We are also considering an area removal tool that would clear everything within a defined rectangle. But we'll see how much time we'll have before all significant changes for 1.0 are ready.

That would be all for this week. Maybe you'll ask when all this will be available? In a few months, hopefully.

Happy Dispatching!
- Angel

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Hello Dispatchers,

Welcome to another developer blog series, RailLog! Hopefully, you've enjoyed our small Valentines Update and we are back focusing on the bigger tasks in front of us in our path to 1.0.



This time, I will be focusing on the upcoming changes to the game's user interface. As many of you know, the user interface is a crucial aspect of any game, and we have received a lot of feedback from our players on how we can improve it. Our team has taken this feedback into consideration and has been working on implementing changes that we believe will make the game more intuitive, user-friendly, and aesthetically pleasing.

I'd also gather more feedback, so please, put your comment under the post if you have any concerns or ideas! Better now than later.

UI panels composition



Let's have a look at the current state. There are two big "bottom" panels. While the left one shows either list of trains (overview panel) or the train detail, the right one is either the station timeline or the node detail (for example, the sensor configuration). What's wrong? Both are doing a different kind of business while taking so much space but also providing little space. It feels like an oxymoron, but let me explain that. Let's have a look at our mockup of a new interface first.



The most significant notable change (next to the different color pallette) is getting rid of these bottom panels. We've realized we can't share a space for the station timelines with node details (bottom right panel). When you need a node (signal, sensor, etc.) detail, you want to configure it - for example, the sensor configuration. But you don't need that panel to be visible while you are actually "playing" the game. On the other hand, the station timeline is something crucial to be visible all the time. And not just once, right? Clearly, it's the most wanted feature as of now.




Info Panels

That's why we want to introduce Info Panels in our upcoming UI. These panels are stacked at the edges of your UI. You can move or order them at your wish, but they show you crucial information about your gameplay.



Do you want to see a timeline for multiple stations? Not a problem at all; add the corresponding station timeline panel. Visible all the time at your disposal. Left or right edge of the screen.



This is also where the updated overview panel (more of a train list panel) will go. We could redo it a bit to be like an alert list window, but we are not yet done with its design. And we are kind of unsure, what functionality you would like to see in it. The current overview panel is too big with too much of a text (so small on Steam Deck for example) so it requires some updates. Share with me how you using it and what information is crucial for you, please.



The other important feature of these info panels is that you can also put them on the board, as you can see in this example. Important info belongs where needed, so we'll allow you to "glue" the panels directly to your Dispatcher Board. The good thing is that the map author can do that and save that configuration of these glued panels with the map.

We maybe introduce more of these panels after 1.0, but for now, we plan just the station timeline and the train list to replace the current UI functionality.

Detail Panels



As mentioned, the bottom right panel must be bigger for our big game. We'll introduce the Detail Panel, taking 1/3 of the screen. The purpose of this panel is to do business there and then be closed no need to have it open during your usual gameplay. Provided with this vast space, we will have more freedom to design these details panels or others in that spot (map configuration in the editor and others). We are also considering using this panel for any schedule modification, including per station or train. Hopefully, I'll have more designs to share soon because it seems that's also very important aspect of the game where the UX needs to be improved.



At this point, we still need to come up with a reasonable composition for our most advanced configuration of routing sensors. That's the most complex detail panel so far, and we also want to introduce even more functionality (for example, one station to multiple connections routing); it's getting even more complicated.

Maybe a different approach to that bloody complex sensor needs to be done. One way would be to decompose it into multiple buildable, interconnected elements but that seems like a lot of work we probably can't manage to do in a reasonable time frame, but who knows? Let me know if you have any great ideas :).

Other than that, see you next week.
Happy Dispatching!
-Angel

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UPDATE: Back button on error screen now shows keybind and text "Back to menu"
UPDATE: Only panels blocking the seed field will now close when hovering over the play button in editor

FIX: Advanced arrival sensor would not queue route when all platforms where occupied
FIX: Current game page was not always refreshed when a save failed to load
FIX: Map detail icons showed when map item on saves page was selected
FIX: Map voting buttons ingame where always shown even when already voted
FIX: Offscreen train alerts did not point towards train in tunnel
FIX: Save modal closable with escape
FIX: Stations panel close button did not work in editor
FIX: Toggle UI keybind only showed UI

Were filled with love and in a celebratory mood as were headed into the weekend. The game is still available at a discount so tell all your loved ones to join the warm embrace of the dispatcher community.

We also have a community contest going on, featuring a special Valentrains map! Join us on our Discord server and check it out: https://discord.gg/railroute

See you out there train lovers!

https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1124180/view/3671032690264134186

NEW: Auto-save the current game (if possible & needed) when new game is started, not to lose any unsaved progress in case of accidental clicking

UPDATE: Loading screen between levels updated to match the screen on initial game load
UPDATE: Localizations (de: ui; fr: ui)


FIX: Navigation could get lost in some cases and navigation highlighter did not fit properly on some elements
FIX: Rush Hour maps saved after Update 8 (savedMap.bytes format) did have all stations visually unlocked from beginning (but the traffic spread to them wave-by-wave as usual)
FIX: Rush hour mode configuration screen is missing entries
FIX: Starting the story would show the map before showing the illustration
FIX: Station listings in stations panel in editor flashed white when opening
FIX: Steam Deck controllers were not working

This week we want to celebrate all you dispatchers out there by sharing some Valentines love. To start with were releasing another update with tender loving bug fixes, and Rail Route is also on sale at a discount for all the aspiring dispatchers out there that havent jumped on the train yet.

Menu and game scene combination
As a fairly large change internally, we have combined the menu and game scenes resulting in improved loading times and an overall improved user experience. Upon loading the game for the first time, your last played game or edited map will be loaded in the background. Allowing you to quickly resume where you left off.This change is also part of our transition to the new user interface style and better controller support as we are slowly updating all UI elements.In addition this changes makes it easier for us to improve loading times ever further in the future when switching between editing a map and playing the map as we would not have to load the level twice, once for each mode.



Naming new saves
As a quality of life improvement we added the ability to give your save a name before you make a save. Previously you had to save the game, open the load game menu and then edit the name of your new save. And all this is now also done in our new UI style.



Featured maps
As talked about in last week's News post, we added a featured maps section to the main menu.You can find this next to the News section. Here we will feature a map from the workshop that we or the community loves and want to highlight. You can play the map the same way the contest currently works.



New loading screen
Upon opening the game you will notice that we have a new loading screen! This loading screen looks a lot better than the simple black background with a simple loading icon that was there before.The new look fits a lot better with the game, look at that train go!



Open in workshop button
It may not be a big addition but it's nice. On maps that you downloaded from the Steam Workshop, you will now see a Workshop button. This will open the map on the Steam Workshop.



Bug fixes
As always we created, found and fixed a lot of bugs with this update. Everything from completely broken saves to buttons not showing when they should.

RELEASE

NEW: Featured map shown on current game page
NEW: Open in Workshop buttons displayed on Current Game and map detail pages when relevant
NEW: Previous save loads immediately after game starts, menu is displayed as overlay over it. Works as pause menu as well.
NEW: Skipping cutscenes action added
NEW: Conguent map added for Valentine's day celebration

UPDATE: Localizations (cs: achievements, research, tutorials; de: ui; hu: achievements; fr: ui; nl: all; no: ui; pl: all)
UPDATE: New loading screen upon game start
UPDATE: nl is now considered translated while jp and de in progress (fell below 90 % threshold)
UPDATE: Removed Reset All button from Options
UPDATE: Updated graph to new UI style and added Rush Hour progress graph to current game page

PERF: Start-up speedup - do not populate Upgrades UI in non-endless levels

FIX: Active contest could hide map item
FIX: Closing panel button for some panels in editor did not work
FIX: Closing modal when another is open unpaused time when it should not
FIX: Controller support could break after moving analog sticks
FIX: Detail pages for contest and featured map did not show correct screenshot
FIX: Flying score elements where invisible on Rush Hour wave completion
FIX: Keybind to reset ui scale did not apply to the scale of the main menu
FIX: Keybound buttons were triggered even when button was hidden
FIX: Loading failed when a referenced station no more existed
FIX: Losing wave 3 in prague rush map took player back to prague and finished the story
FIX: Map string field was not interactable
FIX: Menu scale was too small
FIX: Navigation did not work on some modals in the menu
FIX: Penalization log was not cleared when a map was edited so it was stored in savedMap.bytes and doubled on each editing
FIX: Perpetual route toggle could be set even when that upgrade was not unlocked
FIX: Removing all saves from active level while game over screen was shown still showed restart from last save button
FIX: Rush Hour tutorial being played on each map even if skipped
FIX: Save loading failed for saves containing overriden routes from some signals.
FIX: Second of music was played when starting game
FIX: Story didnt continue when save modal was opened and time keybinds didnt work after load
FIX: Story save before Prague Rush story could not be found when another level was loaded before
FIX: The background blur was removed when the delete map dialogue was hidden while the menu was still shown
FIX: Time keybinds did not work upon continuing save after first game load
FIX: Timetable panel was empty when returning to editor after a trial train
FIX: Various UI elements had incorrect sorting orders resulting in incorrectly hidden or shown elements
FIX: Walls buttons were missing in the editor

Hello Dispatchers!

We're back with our fifth RailLog - this time, focussing on some more quality of life changes for Rail Route. Hope you enjoy!

[h2]Menu and game scene combination
[/h2]
As a fairly large change internally, we have combined the menu and game scenes resulting in improved loading times and an overall improved user experience. Upon loading the game for the first time, your last played game or edited map will be loaded in the background. Allowing you to quickly resume where you left off.

This change is also part of our transition to the new user interface style and better controller support as we are slowly updating all UI elements.

In addition this changes makes it easier for us to improve loading times ever further in the future when switching between editing a map and playing the map as we would not have to load the level twice, once for each mode.



[h2]Naming new saves
[/h2]
As a quality of life improvement we added the ability to give your save a name before you make a save. Previously you had to save the game, open the load game menu and then edit the name of your new save. And all this is now also in done in our new UI style.



[h2]Featured maps
[/h2]
While this new addition is not done yet, it should be soon. We will be adding a featured map item next to the news item on the current game menu. Here we will pick a community created map from the Steam Workshop and feature it in the game. We love all the beautiful, and sometimes crazy hard, maps our community creates and wanted to share these with all of you. Simply click on the map and play it like you would any other!



[h2]Bug fixes
[/h2]
We might not even have to mention this but as with any update we fixed a lot of bugs that were found internally or with the help of our awesome community!

Happy dispatching!
-Angel

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Hello Dispatcher!

Excitement continues to build as we progress on our train dispatching PC game. In this blog post, we'll give you a sneak peek into some of the new features and updates we've been working on, so sit back and get ready to hop on board for an unforgettable ride.

Building Better Train Tracks in Our Game



We're making significant changes to make track building in our game more fun and easier to do! No more laying out each piece of track by hand. With our new automatic track layout, players can simply select their start and end points and let the game do the rest. The game will even consider things like terrain and other tracks to give you the most realistic and efficient track possible.

[h2]Reusing Old Tracks is a Breeze[/h2]



We're also making it simple to reuse parts of other tracks when connecting two points. No more laying down new track every time - just pick and place the pieces you need.

[h2]Easy Rotation of Beginning and End of Track[/h2]



If you need to rotate either the beginning or end of a track? No problem! We've made that easy too. By using our new actions keys - Q, E, Z, C (or d-pad) and mouse wheel (RT or LT on the controller) you can access additional actions. In this case, you can select track beginning with Q or the track end with E and then rotate it with mouse wheel.

[h2]Visual Help When You Need it[/h2]



We've also added some visual aids to make track building even more effortless. You'll see helpful cues as you lay out each piece of track, so you'll always know where to place the next one. And your tracks will always be perfectly aligned!

[h2]Next? Context Actions and Sensors[/h2]

This week, we're finishing up the improved track building. Next up, we're working on "context actions" for other elements in the game. For example, when you're building a signal, you'll be able to rotate it (action key Q or E), change its type (action key Z or C), or even pick it (if you hovering already built one) up with your primary action (left mouse button or X key on the controller) and move it to a different spot. This will allow you to move your sensors, signals (or all other elements) to make more minor adjustments to your network without breaking any of your sensors' configurations. Or without the need to reconfigure the sensors again. I'll show you bits of the progress on this next week.



And speaking of sensors, we're fixing them so their placement won't split the tracks anymore. So go ahead and place those sensors without worrying about invalidating your configurations and not speaking of the small pieces of tracks if built close to a signal. These are a pain to click in automatic routing. Sensors will lay on the tracks instead of splitting them.

Menu, Game and Editor - all integrated

We are preparing a minor update to be on Unstable version this week which features a different loading mechanism of the game. The new menu has been integrated into the game, speeding your transitions between maps, editor, saves, and everything you can find in the menu. Be sure to join the beta testing.

We could improve that even further, especially the Editor part so the game don't need to load the map if you want to test it or run a trial. But we're leaving that for now and maybe will iterate over this in the future.

New Buildings, New Sensors

We're wrapping up some major improvements to our game's behind-the-scenes systems. This work will make it easier for us to add new content in the future. We're fixing technical issues and improving our designs from when the game was first started.



Stay tuned for next week when we'll share more about new buildings and updated system upgrades. it will be about Block Signal, Accept, Reverse and Replay Sensors and Salesman's Post.

Happy dispatching!
-Angel

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