Bus Simulator 21 – Official FAQ (with Tips)

Frequently Asked Questions

Technical Questions

My game stutters. What can I do?

Lower hardware configurations can lead to sporadic stuttering in the game. If your game often stutters or experiences breaks in the frame rate, then you should set the graphics settings to lower values. You can choose between the settings “Low”, “Medium”, “High”, “Very High” and “Ultra” in the settings under the main category “Audio Visuals” and the subcategory “Graphics Settings” for various points. Please note that a very powerful computer is required for the “Ultra” setting. If your game stutters, try – as said before – to select a lower quality setting. Some options reduce the burden on specific hardware elements more than on others.

Which resolution settings are supported?

The game can support following resolutions – but please mind that not all resolutions may lead to the same gaming experience :

• 1920 x 1080
• 1680 x 1050
• 1600 x 900
• 1440 x 900
• 1400 x 1050
• 1366 x 768
• 1360 x 768
• 1280 x 1024
• 1280 x 960
• 1280 x 800
• 1280 x 768
• 1280 x 720
• 1280 x 600
• 1152 x 864
• 1024 x 768
• 800 x 600
• 640 x 480
• 640 x 400
• 512 x 384
• 400 x 300
• 320 x 240
• 320 x 200

You can find the resolutions your monitor is able to show in your system information.

Can I change the Display Mode?

Yes. You can change the Display Mode in the Graphics Settings section. You can choose between Fullscreen, Bordered Fullscreen and Windowed.

Can I also play the game on a Mac?

Unfortunately not.

In which languages can I play the game?

Upon release, the game supports the following languages: 

English, German, Spanish, French, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Turkish, Korean, Italian and  Polish. 

The following audio scoring is selectable: English and German.

Where can I change the language?

You can change your language ingame in the settings menu in the upper category “Gameplay Buses UI” and then choose the subcategory “General Settings”.

Just click on the language and a new window will open. Just choose the language you want to and click afterwards on “Apply”.

I have a 32-bit system. Can I play the game?

Unfortunately not. Bus Simulator 21 is optimized for 64-bit systems.

You can find out whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit system in the system settings of your computer.

Are there any other requirements needed to play the game?

The game installation process requires that you access Steam once in order to activate your key. After that, you can start Steam in offline-mode and play Bus Simulator 21 without an internet connection. However, you will need an internet connection to have your achievements logged in. If you want to play a multiplayer game, you need to be online.

How do I install the game from my DVD?

This product requires your acceptance of the Steam Subscriber Agreement (SSA). You have to activate the product online by registering for a Steam account and agreeing to the SSA. Installation requires an internet connection for authentication, as well as the Steam client (included with the game DVD).

Installation on your PC

Please make sure your computer is connected to the internet before you begin installing Bus Simulator 21. Place the DVDin the DVD drive of your computer. During the installation process, your disk will be verified one time online, and an activation file that asks for a product code will be downloaded. You can find this code on the reverse side of your handbook or in the sale confirmation email from your online sales portal. Please note that this code is not a STEAM-Code.

To recieve your STEAM-Code, place your Game-Disc in your Disc-Drive. After you place the DVD in the drive, a window will appear on the screen. Follow the instructions to install the game and choose the location where you would like the game to be installed. If the program does not start automatically, double click on the My Computer icon on your Windows Desktop. Then double click on the symbol for the disk drive to open the disk drive window, and then click on the installation file “redeem.exe.” Follow the instructions to recieve your STEAM-Code. When you recieved your Code, simply copy it to your clipboard and click on “Install game”. Follow the instructions for the installation of Bus Simulator 21. The installation and activation of the game, also downloading and updating the game maybe requieres the game disc placed in your Disc-Drive. If you run into any issues recieving the activation code, visit the following Website: http://copyprotection.astragon.com.

Then Bus Simulator 21 will automatically be downloaded and installed.

I bought a product key online – what now?

Now you will need a Steam client, which is available for download directly from the Steam website: http://store.steampowered.com/about/. Double click on the downloaded file to install the client and set up a Steam account. You will have to accept the terms of the Steam Subscriber Agreement (SSA).

Now log into the Steam client with your account with your password. In order to activate your game in Steam, please do the following:

• Open Steam and log into your account.
• Click on the heading “Games” and then the subheading “Activate a Product in Steam…”
• Follow the steps to activate the product and enter your product key at the end.
• Afterwards, Bus Simulator 21 will automatically be downloaded and installed.

How do I uninstall the game?

Open your Steam client and select the library. Right clicking on the entry forBus Simulator 21 in your Steam library will open a menu. Now click on “Delete Local Data” and confirm the action to delete the game from your hard drive.

My computer fulfills all of the minimum system requirements, and I was able to install the game, but it does not start. What can I do?

You need help or you are looking for new updates and news for Bus Simulator 21? Check out the STEAM®-Forum: https://steamcommunity.com/app/976590/discussions/. Before contacting our Support, please update all of your drivers and install any available Windows updates. Most of the graphics- and sound issues will be solved after updating your drivers. If you still have any questions about this product which are not discussed here, you can contact the astragon Entertainment Support-Team.

Does Bus Simulator 21 support gamepads and steering wheels, and if so, which ones?

Yes. The following steering wheels are already preconfigured in the Bus Simulator 21

• Logitech G29
• Logitech G920
• Logitech G923
• Thrustmaster TMX
• Thrustmaster TX
• Thrustmaster T150
• Thrustmaster T300
• Fanatec Clubsport Wheel Base 2.5
• FANATEC CSL Elite Wheel Base
• HAMA Thunder V5*
• HAMA V18 Vibration
• Hori Overdrive
• Logitech Driving Force GT
• Logitech G Saitek Farm Sim Lenkrad
• Logitech G27
• Logitech G29
• Logitech G920
• Speedlink Black Bolt
• Speedlink Dark Fire*
• Speedlink Drift OZ PC
• Speedlink Drift OZ PS3
• Speedlink Trailblazer
• Thrustmaster T150 RS
• Thrustmaster T300RS
• Thrustmaster T80
• Thrustmaster TX Racing Wheel

Does Bus Simulator 21 support TrackIR?

Yes. Bus Simulator 21 supports TrackIR for PC.

Does Bus Simulator 21 support Eyetracking?

Yes. Bus Simulator 21 supports Eyetracking for PC.

Do I have to be online all the time in order to play?

No, you only have to be online once during installation in order to activate your key. Afterwards, you can also start Steam at any time in offline-mode and play Bus Simulator 21. If you want to play a multiplayer game, you need to be online.

For which platforms is Bus Simulator 21 available?

Bus Simulator 21 is available for PC, PlayStation4, Xbox Series X and Xbox One. Even if there is no dedicated PlayStation5 or Xbox Series X | S version yet, Bus Simulator 21 will still run on these consoles.

Help During the Game

What exactly do I have to do in the game?

The core game is driving buses and servicing bus stops, transporting passengers from A to B. Around that you can customize your gaming experience to your preferences. You can choose between story-mode or a sandbox-mode where all buses and bus stops are unlocked. You decide how difficult/realistic the behavior of the bus is, if you want to sell tickets or not and at which pace you want to proceed through the game.After all it’s your Bus, your Route, your Schedule. 

Can I set up multiple profiles?

You can create multiple companies. Simply click on “New Game” in the main menu. Under “Pick company” you can choose between your companies.

Which difficulty levels are there?

There are 4 standard difficulty levels to choose from. However, you can decide at any point in the game to change certain settings like driving behavior, fast travel rules, simplified controls etc..

The 4 starting difficulty levels are:

• Day Tripper – The most casual setting we can provide. All convenience features are activated and the buses are nice and easy to handle.
• Drive Purist – More realistic driving experience with some convenience features (speed limiter, simplified ramp, fast travel etc.)
• Comissioner – The driving is a bit more simplified, but “unrealistic” features like fast travelling with buses are deactivated.
• Hardcore – No simplification, no convenience features. All controls are manual.

Is there a tutorial?

Yes, there is a tutorial. This will explain the basic features of the game to you. When you start Bus Simulator 21 for the first time, we recommend that you play the tutorial. Here you will be introduced to the control of the game and the usual tasks of a bus driver. In addition, you will learn valuable tips & tricks and get to know your new place of work – the beautiful Angel Shores – a bit better.

How do I save my game progress?

The score will be automatically saved at certain points in the game. When you start the game, you will first land in the “Create Game” screen. There you will be able to create scores, if necessary you can switch between several scores and delete scores. Click on “New company” if you want to create a new game. There you will be asked in a new window to enter a name for your new company.

Which maps are available?

There are two maps available:

• Angel Shores – Large map inspired by the US West Coast.
• Seaside Valley – Alpine setting based in Europe, known from Bus Simulator 18.

When is Seaside Valley unlocked?

Seaside Valley is unlocked after the Mission “High Life”. When you have completed the mission you can start a new company in Seaside Valley.

Where can I change the appearance of my character?

In the Main Menu: Click Edit Character

In Game: Press Tab and go to Company Settings > Gameplay Settings > Personal Settings > Change Appearance

How can I open the map?

Press Tab. Make sure your bus is stationary when you do so, because the game will keep running in the background.

How do I create routes?

You can create a route by going to the map menu (pressing tab) and clicking “Create Route”.

A properly functioning route has a minimum of 4 stops and at least one supply and demand bus stop. Also have an eye on the peak time to make your service as efficient as possible.

How do I change routes?

To change an existing route select it in the map menu and click the pencil icon under the drive now button. Now you can add or remove bus stops, change their order and edit the route type, name and ID.

There are so many buttons in the cockpit. Is there an overview?

Yes. When you are in first person view in the cockpit activate cockpit zoom (right mouse button). Now an overlay will appear and show you the function of each button or lever.

Which locations are available on the map?

• Paint Shop – Here you can customize the exterior and interior of your buses. Enter the gate and engage the Parking Brake to enter the customization menu.

• Dealership – Here you can buy, try out and sell buses. Leave the dealership with a new bus, to buy it.

• Depot – Here you can see all buses your company owns. You can start routes or join the buses on their current routes. Buses will return to the depot at night, and leave from it in the morning.

How do I buy and sell buses?

There are different ways to buy/sell buses depending on your settings.

• Dealership: You can only buy buses from the dealerships. You can sell buses from the menu.
• Mixed: New bus models need to be bought from the dealerships, but you can buy additional buses of models you already own from the menus. You can sell your buses from the menu as well.
• Anywhere: New buses can be bought from dealerships as well as menus – not possible atm.

How can I tweak the appearance of my buses?

There are 2 options to customize your bus.

• Paint shop: Drive your bus into a paint shop and engage the parking brake. 
• Garage: Go to the menu (press tab) and navigate to the garage tab. Under “Change Bus” you can select the bus you would like to customize. Click the “Customize” button and you can tweak colors, wraps, decals, ads and interiors.

In both cases, don’t forget to click “Apply Changes” before leaving.

What are missions?

In story mode, main missions and their objectives lead you through the campaign. Finishing missions will also unlock new districts, buses and appearances. To complete missions you have to cross off all objectives of your current mission.

Clicking on question marks in the map screen give you the opportunity to accept ambient missions. Those are linked to a specific reward (e.g. a color for your bus). 

You can work on ambient missions and your main mission at the same time.

Where can I find my mission goals?

Your current (main) mission goals are displayed on the right side of your screen. Under the  “Quest Log” tab in the menu you get an overview of your current main mission as well as active ambient missions.

What types of progression are there in the game?

• Player Level – This is linked to your profile and will rise with each payday you earn. No matter in which company or if in Single Player or Multiplayer.
• Missions – Missions are not available in sandbox mode. There are 38 missions for you to explore that lead you through the campaign and all the districts of Angel Shores. You can also play through all 21 missions of BS18 on the Seaside Valley map.
• Money – With each payday the capital of your company increases giving you the opportunity to buy new buses to expand your route network or meet the demand of your existing routes.

How do I unlock additional districts and buses?

Districts and buses are unlocked through main missions.

In sandbox mode all buses and districts are unlocked and all bus stops are on level 99.

How is my weekly result calculated?

You generate income through all assigned buses on your routes. The satisfaction rating you have reached while driving the route yourself determines how well NPC drivers drive the route. The satisfaction rating as well as the number of assigned buses add up to the money you earn from each route per payday.

The second source of income comes through your ticket sales as well as dodger fines you collect when controlling passengers in your buses for tickets.

Finally you can also generate income through advertisements on your buses.The income an advertisement generates is shown in the customization menu where you attach the ad.

On the counterpart stand your expenses:

• Wages for each assigned bus.
• Bus maintenance that varies from model to model.
• Bus stop maintenance that adds up over all bus stops that you have unlocked and rises with each level you upgrade your bus stop..

How do I earn money in the game?

You generate income through all assigned buses on your routes. The satisfaction rating you have reached while driving the route yourself determines how well NPC drivers drive the route. The satisfaction rating as well as the number of assigned buses add up to the money you earn from each route per payday.

The second source of income comes through your ticket sales as well as dodger fines you collect when controlling passengers in your buses for tickets.

Finally you can also generate income through advertisements on your buses. The income an advertisement generates is shown in the customization menu where you attach the ad.

How do I trigger a Payday? 

Paydays are triggered by driving routes and servicing bus stops. 

Positive driving performance triggers let you reach a payday faster.

• Being on time
• Kneeling
• Good Stopping Position
• Using the indicator when approaching or leaving a bus stop
• Using the indicator correctly at intersections
• Reacting to driving events (loud music, blocking door, forgot to leave, fell asleep)

Negative driving performance triggers slow the process down.

• Driving into obstacles
• Driving into NPC pedestrians and cars
• Hitting potholes
• Touching the curb
• Driving over a red light
• Driving the wrong way

How do Timetables work?

You can assign buses to routes with the help of the timetable feature. Even if you don’t drive the buses yourself, they will leave and return to the depot independently and generate income for your company. NPC drivers will drive full time buses from 4:00am to midnight. Peak Time buses will be driven automatically only during peak times.

What are Peaktimes?

During certain times of the day, the demand of bus stops and therefore routes is higher. To meet that demand and generate more income, you can assign buses to help out during those peak times. The buses will start and end their route independently as well.

There are 3 different peak times:

• Dusk/Dawn: 04:00am to 08:59am and 14:00 (02:00pm) to 18:59 (06:59pm)
• Noon: 09:00am to 13:59 (01:50pm)
• Night: 19:00 (07:00pm) to 03:59am (buses will go back to the depot at midnight)

How can I Fast Travel?

Left-Click the bus stop, depot, dealership or paint shop you would like to travel to and choose “Fast Travel” in the top left corner. Depending on your settings Fast Travelling with buses might not be allowed. You can change those settings under Company Settings>Quick Travel with buses.

How does a Takeover work?

You can enter any bus and interact with the NPC driver to take over the bus.

When you are at a bus stop interact with the timetable to time warp until the next bus arrives.

You can also click on any bus on the map and click takeover.

What should I consider when approaching a bus stop?

Approaching a bus stop you should take the following in consideration:

• Use the turn signal on time to inform passengers and other drivers on the street that you are going to be stopping at the next bus stop.
• Always drive carefully and enter the bus stop slowly to avoid harsh braking and to reach a perfect stopping position.
• Open the doors of your bus via the buttons in the cockpit or with the keys 1, 2 and 3 on your keyboard.
• Kneeling of the bus happens automatically.
• Some passengers will need tickets. Change to the ticketing machine view with CTRL on your keyboard to print out the needed tickets. Remember to give out the correct amount of change.
• When all passengers are seated, close the doors, wait for the bus to regain driving position from kneeling, use the left turn signal and drive. Don’t forget to check your mirrors before you leave the bus stop.

Multiplayer

How does multiplayer mode work?

In Bus Simulator 21 multiplayer mode, you can immerse yourself in the world of Angel Shores and Seaside Valley together with up to three friends.

How do I open a multiplayer game?

You can join open Multiplayer lobbies via the Server Browser. Go to the Main Menu and click on Multiplayer.

If you would like to host a Multiplayer Session go to your Company Settings and change your server settings to your preference.

• Public: Everybody will be able to see the company in the server browser and join your game. They will need to input the password if it is set.
• Hidden: The company is not visible in the server browser. Friends will be able to join via the friendslist.
• Private: Only pinned players will be able to join the session. The company is not visible in the server browser and friends can not join via the friendslist.

Where can I find the Session Explorer?

You can join open Multiplayer lobbies via the Server Browser. Go to the Main Menu and click on Multiplayer.

I see no open games in the Session Explorer, what can I do?

Try refreshing the server browser and double-check your internet connection.

Maybe currently there are no public multiplayer sessions.

Where can I see how many people and who are joining my session?

You can manage your lobby under Company Settings > Lobby Management

There you can also set the rights for the joined Players.

Can I set that only friends can join my session?

If you would like to host a Multiplayer Session go to your Company Settings and change your server settings to your preference.

• Public: Everybody will be able to see the company in the server browser and join your game. They will need to input the password if it is set.
• Hidden: The company is not visible in the server browser. Friends will be able to join via the friendslist.
• Private: Only pinned players will be able to join the session. The company is not visible in the server browser and friends can not join via the friendslist

Can the score of the multiplayer game be saved?

The multiplayer progress will be saved in the host’s company that the session took place in.

What additional functions can be found in multiplayer mode, and where can I find them?

In multiplayer mode you can drive in a convoy. Simply click on the bus your friend is driving and click join in convoy. Alternatively you can click on the route your friend is on and click “join in convoy”.

You can also join your friend in his/her bus as a ticket inspector.

How can I invite friends into a multiplayer game?

Go to Company Settings. Under Lobby Management you can click the invite button.

How can I participate in a multiplayer game?

You can find multiplayer games in the server browser. Go to the main menu and click multiplayer.

You can also set your company settings to public which let’s your company appear on the server browser.

Of course you can also invite friends or join their session.

I would like to remove a player from my game. Can I kick players out of my game?

As host, go to Company Settings > Lobby Management click on the player you would like to kick and choose “Kick Player”.

Which multiplayer missions are there?

There are no dedicated multiplayer missions. In a multiplayer game you progress the company that the host chose.

However, in multiplayer mode you can drive in a convoy. Simply click on the bus your friend is driving and click join in convoy. Alternatively you can click on the route your friend is on and click “join in convoy”. Furthermore, you can join a friend as a Ticket Inspector and check passengers’ tickets while your friend is driving.

How many people can play a Multiplayer session together?

You can play up to 4 players in a Multiplayer session.

Does multiplayer also work via LAN?

Yes. Playing multiplayer via LAN cable even offers a more stable and fast connection to your friends.

Controls

How do I change the controls?

To change controls / key bindings go to Settings (either in the main menu or if you are in the game by pressing ESC)

Click Controls>General Controls and then the control you would like to change. Click “add binding” then press the key you would like to use for that specific control. In this menu you can also remove other key bindings.

Please note that not all controls can be rebound.

How do I use the cockpit elements with the mouse?

Various functions are available to you in your cockpit. To access these functions in cockpit view press the right mousebutton first. You can now interact with the cockpit by left-clicking on the relevant button. All interactive buttons are highlighted with a blue silhouette. Alternatively, a hotkey is also assigned to each function.

How do I get into my bus?

Approach the bus up to the front door. A tooltip will show you where you can open the door. Click left to do so. Now walk into the bus. To enter the cockpit you first have to open the cockpit door, too. The tooltip again shows you where you have to open the door with a left mouseclick. Now click left onto the seat to actually sit down. The cockpit door closes automatically.

How do I leave the driver’s seat?

You exit the cockpit either by pressing the C key on your keyboard.

How can I increase the size of my rear-view mirror view?

If you look in the rear view mirror with your cursor you can zoom in onto the mirror with the right mouseclick. Enter the rear view mirror view by clicking left on your mouse onto the mirror so change your view to the mirror perspective.

How do I enter the ticketing machine mode?

Either click with the right mouse button once you point your cursor on the ticketing machine. Or you just press the CTRL key on your keyboard to enter or exit the ticketing machine mode. Once you entered the ticketing machine you can print out the correct tickets for the passenger and give out the correct amount of change.

How do I use the ramp?

Press the corresponding ramp button in the cockpit of the bus or press the button G on your keyboard.