OMSI 2 Add-on Strassenbahn NF6D Essen/Gelsenkirchen expands the core bus simulation with a dedicated tram route set in the Ruhr district of Germany. Players take control of the NF6D tram on a map drawn from the cities of Essen and Gelsenkirchen, operating along meter-gauge tracks that pass through narrow alleys and wider urban streets. The add-on introduces 15 tram stops, including two underground stations, a depot, and an underground turning point that completes the operational loop.
Gameplay
The central activity centers on piloting the NF6D tram, a 28.6-meter-long and 2.3-meter-wide vehicle equipped with three-phase drive technology. It reaches a top speed of 70 km/h and accommodates up to 171 passengers. Unlike standard railway trams, this model runs exclusively on the meter-gauge tracks typical of the region, requiring precise handling during acceleration, braking, and navigation through mixed traffic zones and traffic-free sections alike.
Route diversity comes from alternating segments shared with road vehicles and dedicated tram-only paths. Drivers must monitor surroundings closely to maintain schedule adherence while managing stops, passenger boarding, and the transition between surface streets and underground sections. Real timetable data from EVAG informs the service patterns, adding layers of operational realism to each run. The included depot serves as a base for vehicle positioning and preparation before entering service.
Over 100 custom objects, buildings, and rail elements populate the environment, supporting an authentic representation of the two cities. The underground portions add visual and navigational variety, with the point of return allowing full route cycles without external intervention.
Game Modes
Operation follows the established simulation framework of the base game, where scheduled line services form the primary structure. Players select the NF6D and follow EVAG-derived timetables across the full route or selected segments. Free exploration of the map remains available for testing vehicle behavior outside formal schedules.
Multiple liveries from BOGESTRA and other operators extend visual customization during these runs. The depot area supports pre-service checks and positioning, while the underground return point integrates directly into completed circuits. No separate competitive or multiplayer systems appear in this add-on; focus stays on single-player route mastery and timetable accuracy.
Route and Environment
The map stretches from the tighter urban fabric of Essen into the broader thoroughfares of Gelsenkirchen. Fifteen stops punctuate the line, with two located below ground to simulate real subway-style operations. New rails, overhead infrastructure, and more than one hundred individual scenery items create a cohesive setting that blends residential, commercial, and industrial zones.
Traffic interaction varies deliberately along the route. Some stretches require yielding to other vehicles, while dedicated sections allow uninterrupted progress. This mix encourages constant situational awareness, especially at junctions and during passenger stops. The depot and underground turning facility provide logical endpoints that mirror actual operational practices in the represented area.
Is It Worth Playing?
This add-on targets players who already own OMSI 2 and seek additional content centered on tram operation in a German urban setting. The NF6D model receives consistent praise for its detail and driving characteristics, while the route layout delivers noticeable variety through its traffic patterns and underground elements. Real timetable integration supports repeated play sessions with different service patterns.
Reception on Steam stands at mixed, with 42 percent positive from 150 reviews. Positive feedback highlights the tram's authenticity and the map's visual appeal. Those interested in precise vehicle handling and public transport simulation will find the core loop engaging. Players seeking broader multiplayer features or frequent post-release updates may find the experience more limited, as the add-on released in 2016 with no further documented expansions.
Overall, the package suits dedicated simulation enthusiasts who value route-specific depth over expansive new systems. The combination of the featured tram, accurate track gauge, and mixed-environment driving provides a focused extension to the base game's capabilities.
