Transport Fever 2 for Mac: A Detailed Operation Guide

I. Detailed Explanation of the Core Interface and Workspace

The main game interface adopts a clear functional partition design, ensuring that players can quickly access all necessary tools and information.

1. Main Workspace (Game View)

Occupying most of the central area of the screen, this is the 3D world where players build and observe transportation networks. The view can be freely controlled via mouse and keyboard.

• View Control: Right-click and drag to rotate the view, scroll the mouse wheel to zoom, and middle-click and drag to pan.
• Information Layers: In the lower right corner of the screen, you can switch between various information overlays such as terrain, routes, demand, and pollution, making planning and analysis easier.

2. Top Toolbar

Located at the top of the screen, it contains entry points to the game’s core functions.

• Build Menu (icon: rail/road): Used to construct basic infrastructure such as railways, highways, stations, airports, and ports.
• Line Management (icon: train and timetable): Create and manage vehicle lines, set stops, and configure operating parameters.
• Vehicle Menu (icon: locomotive): Purchase and deploy various transport vehicles such as trains, trucks, aircraft, and ships.
• Finance & Statistics (icon: chart and dollar sign): View company finances, revenue by line, and city and industry development data.
• Game Options & Speed Control: Save/load game, adjust game speed (pause, 1x, 2x, 4x), and access the settings menu.

3. Bottom Info Bar and Minimap

The bottom-left of the screen displays detailed information about the currently selected building, vehicle, or line. The right side features a minimap that lets you quickly locate and jump to any position on the map.

II. Complete Workflow: From Creation to Export

The following workflow will guide you through the core operations of a standard game cycle.

Step 1: Create/Load Game

Method: After launching the game, click “New Game” in the main menu. Select a map (randomly generated or preset), difficulty, starting era (1850 or later), and initial capital. Click “Start Game” to enter the world.

Shortcut: Press Command + L to load the most recent game.

Step 2: Initial Survey and Planning

After entering the game, first pause it (shortcut Space). Use the mouse scroll wheel to zoom in and observe the initial town and nearby resource points (such as oil fields, forests, and factories). Plan the first transport route connecting “resource site → processing plant → town.”

Step 3: Build Basic Infrastructure

1. Build roads/railways: Click the Build menu at the top → select the “Road” or “Railway” tool. Click on the map to set the starting point, drag and click to set subsequent nodes, and press Return to complete construction. During construction, you can use the terrain leveling tool (the icon is a shovel) to adjust slopes.
2. Build stations: In the build menu, select the appropriate type of station (such as a truck station or train station). Place it near a town or factory. For train stations, make sure the tracks are already connected to the platform.

Step 4: Create Transport Routes and Purchase Vehicles

1. Create a route: Click the Line Management button at the top (or press L), then click “New Line”. Select the transport type (such as freight or passenger).
2. Set stops: Click the stations along the route in order (for example: Oil Well Station → Oil Refinery Station → Town Station). The system will automatically plan the path.
3. Configure Vehicles: After creating a route, a vehicle purchase window will pop up. Alternatively, click the “Add Vehicle” button in the route window. Select a suitable vehicle from the list (pay attention to era and power), and click “Purchase”. The vehicle will be automatically deployed to the route.

Step 5: Route Optimization and Operations Monitoring

Select a route (click on a vehicle on the route or select from the route management list) to open the route details window. Here you can:

• Adjust departure intervals and waiting times.
• View the loading/unloading status at each station.
• Add or remove vehicles to match transportation demand.

Step 6: Network Expansion and Era Progression

Use your profits to expand your network to new cities and industrial chains. As in-game time reaches specific years (e.g., 1900, 1950), more advanced vehicles will automatically unlock.

Step 7: Save Game

Click the menu button on the far right of the top toolbar → select “Save Game”. Enter a save name and click Save. The game also supports autosave.

Shortcut: Quick save Command + S.

III. Advanced Tips for Common Features

1. Efficient Railway Construction

• Double-Track Construction: After building the first railway track, hold the Option key and drag in parallel to build a second track, automatically creating a parallel track with no gaps, greatly improving route capacity.
• Accurate Signal Placement: In railway construction mode, use the signal tool (icon is a signal light). Click on the track to place it, and the system will usually divide the blocks automatically. For complex hubs, place them manually to ensure each block has a reasonable length.

2. Route Management Optimization

• Copy Vehicle Configurations: In the route vehicle list, select a vehicle that has already been configured, press Command + C to copy, then press Command + V to paste. This allows you to quickly add the same type of vehicle without having to select it repeatedly.
• Use Route Types for Categorization: In the route management interface, you can name routes and assign colors, categorizing them into freight, passenger, intercity, urban, and other route types for easier management later.

3. Terrain Modification and Cost Control

• When building roads/railways, using “Terrain Follow” mode (default) can save initial costs, but may result in steep slopes and slow speeds. For main lines, it is recommended to use terrain tools to level the ground in advance. Although the initial investment is higher, it improves long-term operational efficiency.
• Use Shift + mouse drag with the terrain tool to raise or lower terrain over a large area.

IV. Common Problems and Solutions

V. Mac Shortcut Key Summary Table

Function Category	Shortcut Keys	Description
Game Controls	Space	Pause/Resume game
	1, 2, 3	Switch to 1x, 2x, 4x game speed
	Command + S	Quick save game
	Command + L	Load game
Camera Controls	W A S D	Move camera forward/backward/left/right
	Q E	Lower/Raise camera
	R	Reset camera rotation to default direction
	Right-click drag	Rotate camera
	Mouse scroll wheel	Zoom camera
Construction & Editing	Return	Confirm completion of current road/rail construction
	Esc	Cancel current construction operation or close open panel
	Delete	Delete selected objects (vehicles, buildings, track segments)
	Shift + drag terrain tool	Large-scale terrain adjustment
	Option + build railway	Build parallel double-track railway
Management & Navigation	L	Open line management window
	F	Center view and follow selected vehicle
	Command + C / Command + V	Copy/Paste vehicle configuration in line management
	M	Show/Hide minimap
Info Layer Switching	F1 – F6	Quickly switch between different info overlays (such as terrain, lines, demand, etc.)