Train Sim World 5: Best GameUserSettings.ini for Engine Realism

The objective is to eliminate “LOD Popping” on tracks and overhead wires while maximizing the Frame Pacing ($F_{pace}$) to maintain a smooth sense of speed.

File Path & Access

File Path: %LOCALAPPDATA%\TSW5\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor\

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Press Win + R on your keyboard, paste the path above, and press Enter.
2. Locate the file named GameUserSettings.ini. (Crucial: Create a backup named GameUserSettings_Backup.ini before editing).
3. Right-click the file and open it with Notepad or Notepad++.
4. Look for the [/Script/TSW5.TSWGameUserSettings] section.
5. Modify or add the variables as shown in the configuration block below.
6. Save the file and set it to Read-only to prevent the game’s auto-optimization from reverting your custom values.

Optimized “High-Inertia” Configuration Block

[/Script/TSW5.TSWGameUserSettings]
r.TextureStreaming=1
r.Streaming.PoolSize=4096
r.MaxAnisotropy=16
r.Nanite=1
r.RayTracing.Enable=1
sys.CPUThreadPriority=1
tsw.PhysicsTickRate=120
tsw.AudioBufferLength=512

Parameter Details & Technical Purpose

Parameter	Recommended Value	Technical Purpose
tsw.PhysicsTickRate	120	Increases the frequency of the SimuGraph physics solver, making traction and braking feel more “weighted.”
r.Nanite	1	Enables UE5’s micropolygon geometry for rails and ballast, removing distracting LOD transitions.
sys.CPUThreadPriority	1	Forces the Windows kernel to prioritize the TSW5 engine thread, reducing stutters during high-speed travel.
r.Streaming.PoolSize	4096	Allocates more VRAM for high-resolution engine and cab textures.
tsw.AudioBufferLength	512	Reduces the delay between a mechanical action (like a horn or brake release) and the sound output.

Best Practices for 2026 Rail Simulation Stability

To maintain the highest level of realism in TSW5, follow these additional GameEngineer.net technical steps:

• DirectStorage Utilization: TSW5 streams huge amounts of world data as you travel at 300km/h. For “Engine Realism,” an NVMe Gen4 SSD is mandatory. If you use a SATA drive, you will experience “track stutter” where the physics pauses while waiting for the next segment of the world to load.
• Motion Blur Calibration: Under the [PostProcess] settings, set r.MotionBlurQuality=0. For realistic train simulation, the natural peripheral blur provided by high frame rates is superior to artificial camera blur, which can obscure track signals.
• Shadow Distance Fix: In the same INI file, ensure r.Shadow.DistanceScale is set to at least 2.0. This prevents shadows from “crawling” or appearing just a few meters ahead of the locomotive, which is a major immersion breaker in daylight runs.
• Controller Deadzones: If you use a dedicated RailDriver or throttle quadrant, ensure your Windows calibration matches the tsw.PhysicsTickRate. A higher physics tick rate allows for finer control of the Combined Power Handle.