Construction Simulator

FAQ - Construction Simulator 2015

Construction Simulator 2015

General/installation

What kind of computer do I need to play Construction Simulator 2015?
Windows-PC Minimum:
  • 2.4 GHz dual-core processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • DX9 compatible graphics card with 1 GB VRAM (Geforce 400 series or better | ATI Radeon HD 57xx or better)

Windows PC recommended:
  • 3 GHz or better dual or quad-core processor
  • 4GB RAM
  • DX9 compatible graphics card with 2GB+ RAM (Geforce GTX 660 or better | ATI Radeon HD 68xx, 77xx or better)

Please note that the 4 GB RAM also applies if you have a 32-bit operating system! In order to allocate enough RAM to the game on 32-bit operating systems, you need a special tool that allows access to the complete RAM. This tool, called "3GB Switch", is automatically offered for installation when you install the game. We strongly recommend to allow the installation, otherwise the game will not get enough RAM!

Apple PC minimum:
  • iMac (2009) 6th Generation
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750M

Apple PC recommended:
  • iMac (2012) 7th Generation
  • Intel Core i5 or i7 Processor
  • 4 GB RAM
  • NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750M

How much does the game cost?

The prices can vary between the different traders.

I have a 32-Bit Windows operating system. Do I need to take any extra steps to run the game?

)Construction Simulator 2015 requires at least 4 GB RAM in order to run properly. For technical reasons, 32-bit operating systems can only make use of 3 GB RAM and can only allocate 2 GB to a single program. However, it is possible to use a special Windows tool called 3 GB Switch to bypass this problem. If the game detects that you are running a 32-bit system and not already using this tool (integrated into Windows), then it will automatically be activated during the main game installation. We strongly recommend that you activate this program; otherwise, the game will not be allocated enough RAM to run! Please notice, that you need administration rights for activation of “3GB Switch”! You need to restart the system after activating the tool.

I have installed the tool 3 GB Switch. Is there anything else I need to know?

This tool enables a 32-bit Windows system to use more than 3 GB RAM and thus allocate enough RAM to the game. You should make sure that the RAM is not used up by too many unnecessary tasks, as this can cause the game to run extremely slowly. We therefore recommend that you play Construction Simulator 2015 in full-screen mode only. Please note, that you need administration rights for activation of “3GB Switch”! You need to restart the system after activating the tool.

Are there additional requirements to access the game?

Construction Simulator 2015 requires an installed Steam client.

Windows-PCs:

If you do not already have Steam installed on your PC and have purchased the box version of the game, then the Steam installation will start automatically. Follow the instructions in the program, and be sure to set up a free Steam account. If you have already completed this step, then the main program installation will start automatically.

Apple-PCs:

If you do not yet have a Steam account, you can set one up for free. You will need to download a Steam client to set up an account. The Steam client is available free of charge at the following website:

Download Steam Client

Please follow the Steam setup prompts and be sure to set up a Steam account.

In order to activate your game in Steam, please do the following:

  1. Open Steam and log into your account.
  2. Click on the heading “Games” and then the subheading “Activate a Product in Steam…”
  3. Follow the steps to activate the product and enter your product key at the end.

Afterwards, Construction Simulator 2015 will automatically be downloaded and installed.

I have a technical issue. Is technical support available?

If our FAQs do not provide you with the answer you need, you can contact our team for support, preferably by email.

E-Mail: helpdesk@astragon.de

From Germany, you can reach our support team by telephone Mon-Fri from 2pm to 8pm at the following number: 0 180 - 70 04 70 9 (the first 30 seconds are free; afterwards you will be charged 0.14 EUR/Min. from a landline, and max. 0.42 EUR/Min. from a mobile phone).

How can I get my game manual?
  1. After the game has enabled you will find the manual via the menu item "Library" in the Steam client.
  2. Right-click on the game "Construction Simulator 2015".
  3. Select the point: "View player manual".

Now, the manual should be opened in the browser.

I use the G27-wheel from Logitech. What have I got to do that it works properly?

Before starting Construction-Simulator 2015,please open the Device Manager (Control Panel - Device Manager - Human Interface Devices) and disable „Virtual Joystick“ by clicking the right mouse button and choosing “disable”.

I´ve got an input device (wheel, mouse, etc.) that does not seem to work properly. What can I do?

Probably a virtual driver is installed. Before starting Construction-Simulator 2015,please open the Device Manager (Control Panel - Device Manager - Human Interface Devices) and disable „Virtual Joystick“ and / or “V Joy” by clicking the right mouse button and choosing “disable”.

Start of game/game modes

Can I set up multiple profiles?

Yes, up to three. Once you have set up a new profile, you will start a completely new career with an introduction and the beginning of the tutorial as soon as you click “start career.” If you have already played the game, clicking on “load career” will load your last saved game.

How can I take part in a multiplayer game?

You need to have a profile set up in order to play in a multiplayer game. Go to profile selection and click on the profile of your choice and then click on “multiplayer.” This will open an overview with a list of all currently active games. Private games will be marked with a lock icon and require a password.

How do I create my own new multiplayer game?

You will need to set up a profile and start a career, as well as successfully complete the tutorial at the beginning. Go into the game and select “Online.” Here you can create (host) your own game. Your current career progress will be used for all of the players in the game – everyone will be able to use the machines that you have already unlocked. You are the boss, and your companions are your employees. This way, you can much more quickly accumulate money and experience, and advance more quickly in the game. Your companions in the game will not go home empty handed – they will also have their share of money and experience credited to their profiles.

In order to open a game, you will have to determine whether you wish to open a public game (visible to all players) or a private game (players must enter a password). Set the number of additional players you wish to have. A maximum of four people can participate in a game, i.e. you (the host) and three other players. The final step will be to click “Start Online Game.”

In the “Players” list, you will see the other players in your active online game, as well as their respective experience levels and current experience points. Furthermore, you will also have the option of firing employees who misbehave at work in your “company” by kicking them from the game.

Does the multiplayer mode only work over the internet, or also on a LAN?

Because the multiplayer mode is controlled through global servers, it currently only works through an internet connection. Running a multiplayer game solely for the local network via LAN is currently not possible.

How many players can I invite as workers in my game?

When you start a multiplayer game, you can invite up to three additional players and then work cooperatively with them.

What vehicles are available to the players in a multiplayer game?

In a multiplayer game, the game host invites other players into his or her game world. The other players will have access to exactly the same vehicles that the host possesses.

What happens if the host of a multiplayer game has modded vehicles?

All players have to have the same vehicles. If the host has modded vehicles, then the clients also have to also have subscribed to the same mods in Steam.

Help during the Game

What do I have to do? How do I get to the missions?

There are various mission types that you can complete in the game in order to earn money, gather experience points, and move forward in the game. You can reach the missions by clicking on the menu item “Missions.” Here you will find various kinds of missions:

Contracts: A contract is a collection of several missions that you have to complete in order to finish the overall contract. Look at the available contracts and choose one (or later up to three parallel). You will thus have a wide variety of missions to carry out.

Special Missions: These are public contracts, site development missions, and special events. These are less common, sometimes unique, and mostly very lucrative.

Architect Missions: Here you will find buildings designed by architects all over the world. You have to subscribe to these mod missions in the Steam Workshop before they appear in the list of architect missions.

Active Missions: Here you will find a list of all of your current missions and tasks. You can see the remaining construction steps and so better plan your missions. Once you have taken on a mission, you can also cancel it here.

How can I save my progress?

The game will be saved at regular intervals, after successfully completed mission segments or activities (such as for example the purchase of a new vehicle); it will also be saved automatically when you end the game. For this reason, manually saving the game is not necessary.

Where can I find the Main Menu, and what all can I do there?

You can open the Main Menu by pressing the [ESC] key or by clicking on the symbol in the top left corner of the screen. Through the Main Menu, you can access all the most important options and information in the game. Here is a brief overview:

Map: The map shows your current position as well as an overview of the entire game world with all of the important places marked. You can use the mouse wheel to zoom in or out at any time. By clicking and holding the right mouse button, you can freely scroll the map selection. If you click on a point with the left mouse button, the navigation system will automatically display the shortest route to that point and mark it on the map. The route will also be shown on the small map selection in the main window, which should make navigation considerably simplify navigation.

Missions:Here you will find an overview of the contracts currently on offer, special missions, architect missions, and tutorials, as well as any active missions you have open. Whether you are looking for a new job, or would you like a detailed overview of your current missions, you will find everything you need here.

Company: In this section, you will find important information and data on the current state of your company. Under “Finances,” you will find an overview of your revenue and expenses, and under “Motor Pool,” you will find an overview of all of your vehicles and machines, as well as any trailers you might have at the moment. Under “Personnel,” you will find an overview of all of your current foremen and workers, as well as their current activities, wages, etc.

Profile: This section will provide you with a detailed overview of your progress in the game. Under “Statistics,” you can for example see exactly how much experience you have currently accumulated, and how much experience you have to gain before reaching the next level, how long you have currently been playing, how many missions you have successfully completed, etc. The section “Achievements” will provide you with an overview of all of the game achievements that you can unlock in the course of the game. Under “Achievement Levels,” you will see your current level, the remaining achievement levels, and the effects of achieving them in the game.

Options: In this area, you can access all of the game settings. Here you can adjust the gameplay settings, as well as configure the settings for graphics, sound, and the shortcuts for your keyboard or controller (gamepad, steering wheel, joystick, etc.).

What’s the deal with experience levels?

Every time you complete a mission, you accumulate experience points. When you have enough experience points, you move up to the next level, from trainee to journeyman, and on to master, tycoon, and perhaps even to property magnate. Each step will open up new possibilities for your business. You start at the beginning as a “beginner.” After you have risen to become an “Inexperienced Apprentice,” a new phase of construction will be unlocked in the village, and as an “Average Apprentice,” you will expand the number of available missions for the first time. As a “Good Apprentice,” you can hire your first worker, etc. As a Building Tycoon or Property Magnate, you can access all parts of the city, as well as the largest imaginable construction contracts.

Where can I find new missions for my construction company?

Currently available contracts can always be reached under “Missions” in the Main Menu. The type and number of available contracts depends on the motor pool and the player’s currently accumulated experience. The more different vehicles the player possesses, the more numerous and complex the missions will be.

What are contracts, and how do I accept one?

Contracts are missions that you carry out using your vehicles in order to earn money. Each mission can consist of several smaller tasks or mission segments. In order to accept a contract, go to the Main Menu, and then to the Missions section. Under Missions, you will see some currently available contracts that you can complete with your current motor pool. Each one is different, so some consist of one task, and others of many. The more vehicles you have, the more challenging and complex the contracts will be.

What are special missions?

These are public contracts, site development missions, and special events. These are less common, sometimes unique, and mostly very lucrative. They are especially worthwhile!

What are tutorials?

When you buy a new vehicle, you will have a chance to play a tutorial to teach you how to use it. These short tutorials always take place on the test construction site beside the vehicle dealer.

What are architect missions?

To put it simply: modded missions. You have to subscribe to these in the Steam Workshop first before they appear in the list of Architect Missions.

How do I know what to do next in my current mission?

When you click with the mouse on the mission symbol in the top right corner of your screen, you will see a small overview of all of your currently active missions. If you click on the speech bubble for your desired mission, your foreman will briefly explain what has to be done next.

Where can I find a detailed overview of my current missions?

Open the Main Menu and choose “Missions.” Under “Active Missions,” you will find a list of all of your active missions. In order to get additional details on a mission, simply click on one with the mouse. Then you will see an explicit list of all of the mission segments or tasks included in the mission, how much money each of these will bring, and how much time you needed for previously completed tasks.

Can I also restart mission segments that I have already begun?

Yes. If you would like to restart a mission segment, open the Main Menu, move into the “Missions” section, and choose the desired task under “Active Missions.” By clicking on the hammer symbol with the arrows around it, you can restart the mission segment and start from the beginning.

Can I also hire workers to take care of disagreeable tasks for me?

Yes – not from the beginning on, but after you have reached level 3. That doesn’t take long! When you have reached level 3, you can hire workers; at first just one, and later in the game up to 3 at a time. If you do not want to complete a mission segment yourself, go to the Main Menu>Missions>Active Missions and select the desired task and click on the worker symbol behind the currently active task. This way, you can hire a worker to take care of the job in a jiffy.

I chose the wrong mission. Can I also cancel entire missions?

Yes. If you open the detailed view of the current active mission by selecting Main Menu>Missions>Active Missions, you will find an option beneath the mission details called “Cancel Mission,” which you can use to cancel the mission at any time.

Can I always select any of the contracts, and can I decide which piece of property I want to build on?

Contracts are given by your customers, and it is a matter of chance what building you can build on which piece of property.

Controls

Driving from one end of the map to the other takes FOREVER. Can I get from A to B faster?

Generally, yes! We call it “having a vehicle delivered” and “calling a taxi,” depending on whether you are currently sitting in a vehicle or not. In any case, you can quickly move from one known location to another, provided that you have been in each of them at least once before. By visiting an area once, you “unlock” it. This way, you can move quickly with or without a vehicle from your current location to any of the other known locations on the map.

Which areas on the map do I have to unlock?/Which areas on the map can I be “beamed” back to?

By using the “call taxi” and “have vehicle delivered” options, you can reach specific points on the map with or without a vehicle without losing any time. These areas have to have been previously explored either on foot or in a vehicle and thus unlocked. These include:

  • the two train stations (in the village and in the city)
  • the two company premises (in the village and in the city))
  • the two building materials dealers (in the village and in the city)
  • the gravel plant
  • the wall factory
  • the two sawmills
  • the harbor
  • the steel mill
  • the vehicle dealer
  • the nursery

Additionally, you can always reach currently active construction sites this way.

Do the vehicles also support SAE/EURO controls?

Yes, the excavators are set to a simplified version of the widely known SAE/EURO control scheme in the default settings. If desired, you can freely change the controls in the settings for a specific vehicle, for example to ISO controls or to your own custom configuration.

What input devices are supported by Construction Simulator 2015?

In addition to keyboard and mouse inputs, Construction Simulator 2015 for PC and Mac supports most Windows compatible gamepads, steering wheels, and joysticks.

Can I control my excavator with two joysticks, just like in the real thing?

Yes, excavators can be controlled with two joysticks connected to the computer.

Where can I find an overview of the individual controls of the various vehicles?

If you click on the “?” menu or press the F1 key, you will receive a detailed overview of all of the controls and functions of the selected vehicle.

One of my vehicles is stuck. What can I do?

If you maneuver a vehicle into a position you cannot get out of or if you are simply stuck somewhere for some other reason, you can use the [BACKSPACE] key any time to return to the last known safe position. Alternatively, you can have the vehicle transported back to your company premises using the corresponding option at Main Menu>Company>Motor Pool>Available Vehicles.

Can I explore the game world on foot?

Yes, you can of course also explore the game world on foot. The main character can walk, run, and jump. By using the [F] key, it is possible to enter vehicles that are in view or to communicate with other persons, e.g. the foreman or one of the dealers.

Can I change the vehicles controls to suit my preferences?

Yes, you can freely configure the key shortcuts for the functions of all of the vehicles and machines in the game options.

Modding

What about modding?

We are working on a vehicle- and mission-editor. Full details to follow very soon!