Let’s walk through a practical example using a generic OMSI 2 Hof Creator interface (the steps remain similar across tools).
The difference between an abandoned map project and a beloved Steam Workshop release is often the quality of the HOF file. Trying to code these files manually is like trying to build a car engine with a spoon. By using a dedicated OMSI 2 Hof Creator, you free up your creative energy to focus on landscape design, bus repaints, and realistic timetables.
Your next step:
OMSI 2 is complex, but with the right tools, it is the most rewarding simulation on PC. Master the HOF creator, and you master the road.
Do you have a specific error code popping up in your OMSI logfile.txt? Drop a comment in the community forums, and ensure your Hof Creator syntax matches the map's build version.
Creating and editing (depot) files is essential for setting up custom destinations and IBIS codes in . While you can use standard text editors like specialized tools like HOF Creator are highly recommended to avoid syntax errors Recommended Tools Hof Suite (by Lukas):
The current standard for OMSI 2. It supports modern file formats and simplifies complex editing for large maps. HOF Creator (by Jan Kiesewalter):
An older tool primarily for OMSI 1 formats, though it can still be used with templates for some vehicles. Notepad++: omsi 2 hof creator
Best for manual adjustments or quick fixes if you are comfortable with the text structure. How to Create a .hof File using Hof Suite Preparation : Download and install . It is often easiest to start by copying an existing file from a map folder as a template. Basic Setup Open the tool and select Display Name
for your depot (e.g., "Main City Depot") and fill in the corresponding fields. Configuring Destinations Destinations
: Enter the numeric code the driver will type into the cab's IBIS unit to change the display.
: Enter the text that appears on the bus's internal IBIS display.
: Enter the text for the external destination board. Use multiple lines for "via" information (e.g., Line 1: "Metro Center", Line 2: "Coach Park"). Managing Routes
tab to link specific line numbers with sequences of bus stops.
Import map data directly if the tool supports it to save time on stop names. Saving and Installation Save the finished file directly into the specific Vehicle folder of the bus you wish to use (e.g., OMSI 2/Vehicles/MAN_NL202/ Let’s walk through a practical example using a
: For a destination to appear on multiple buses, you must manually copy and paste the file into each relevant vehicle's folder. Key Tips for Success Blank Entries
: Always create a "Not in Service" entry with its own IBIS code (usually 000) for when the bus is off-duty. Character Limits
: Ensure your destination text fits within the physical constraints of the bus's display dots to avoid cutting off text. Compatibility
: Some high-end add-on buses (like those from Masterswitch Studios) use custom bitmap displays that may require additional formatting beyond standard text-based Are you looking to create a brand new map from scratch, or just add custom destinations to an existing one? Omsi 2: Using Hof Suite to make custom destinations
While there are several utilities floating around the OMSI web forums (like Marcels OMSI-Web), three tools dominate the community.
Even with a tool, things go wrong. Here is the troubleshooting decoder ring.
Error: "No AI buses found"
Error: "Matrix shows 'Error'"
Error: "Passengers don't board"
When players think of OMSI 2: The Omnibus Simulator, their minds usually drift to the heavy diesel roar of the MAN SD200 or the treacherous, cobblestone streets of Berlin-Spandau. They think of the physics, the rain on the windshield, and the precise moment to release the clutch.
But there is a quieter, more intellectual side to the simulation that often goes unappreciated until the magic breaks: the Hof Creator.
While map builders sculpt the mountains and road layers, and vehicle modellers weld the chassis, the Hof Creator is the invisible architect of the schedule. It is the tool that transforms a static, drivable map into a living, breathing transit network.
The community standard is "HOF Creator v1.1" by Julian (often found on OMSI WebDisk or Marcels OMSI Forum).
What it does:
Where to get it:
Search: "OMSI 2 HOF Creator download" → Look for HOF_Creator_v1.1.zip on omsi-webdisk.de or marсels‑omsi‑forum.de.
(I cannot link directly, but it’s the first result on Google/YouTube tutorials.)