If I dont describe smthg and you dont know how to do it, it will be first result on the google (this is not in depth step by step guide - I mentioned just a few things I have to search a little harder)

Some "words" will not be completely accurate (for example config vs setup etc)

Workarounds was tested on Windows 10

Also note again this is for Trackmania Nations Forever and I am doing this bcs I think its the easiest Trackmania where to learn the basics. Than you can try to dive to whatever Trackmania you want.

First - Update

Its strange but this game isnt automaticly updated by steam, you have to do it manually (otherwise you will see white screen)

Two options
1) the game itself on first run promt you to download a file
2) if not, start the game and choose config - advanced - update - it will dowload a file

Than locate the instalation folder and run update and point it to that folder

Second - Create an account

start - type internet options - enable TLS 1.0 and TLS 1.1 - then create an account, after success, disable for you own safety both old TLS above again

In steam click on game properties - controller - disable steam input

In trackmania go to profile inputs and map the click of the Left Stick to Horn - maybe it will not happen to you but without remaping click of this stick which is also steering brings up the menu which definitely ruins your run (its happens me a lot)

A - throttle
B - break
X - respawn
Right bumper - restart

(I dont remeber exactly which tracks but first two are from white , second two from green)

1) build track
2) just click yes that you invite somebody
3) challange other player - just run any track - wait for replay - choose challenge player - and then choose save (you can save anywher and you dont have to really challenge real player)
4) invite a buddy or smthg like that - pick up a random name from online servers - invite him - you dont need confirmation - after invite the track unlock and you can delete your random buddy

I learn a lot from this pro - in video he runs every track - sometimes he comment it - sometimes there is bla bla about sponsor from other guy who is not on the camera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CahyZ-xo4yI

I dont know how to proper order the section so I try to describe in way I was learning it

1) especially in the beggining he comments - that was first step - he tell you where to do power slide or where to slow down or where to do speed slide
2) notice he does air vertical control a lot - means that after jump he end up on four wheels (its done by micropressing break before jump - it takes practice) - if you dont do anything, nose of your car will go down and you can only prey that it ends up good
3) some tracks he doesnt comment at all - now its time for you to watch everything - black marks behind wheel - usually means that he break - its good on asphalt - on dirt or grass you have to figure out by yourself or the other way - watch his speed - very important - especially for jumps - if you jump to far - check his speed before jump, if jump less , look what he does before jump to have better speed
4) every tiny move counts, for example in some turns you later notice that he make a tiny counter steer before the turn
5) controlling of the car can be described as "micropressing", there is very big difference if you push some button just a little big longer
6) he is a pro - you dont have to do everyhing exactly just like him to get gold, for example you see he is doing a slide, but if you are not so confortable about slides yet, you can try to release a throttle for a milisecond

From the easiest

1) this is just an info , but you maybe notice that he has gold medals with green circle around it - it is so called nadeo or platinum medals

Times of platinum [www.tm-forum.com]

2) this is very good guide (located here on stadium) with a lot info and links, but I recommend you for start just to check the basic technics about controlling the car

znik guide (focused on stadium)

3) other starter tips about control from forum

tm-forum TMN tutorial [www.tm-forum.com]

I rather see this guide on TNF but there is no community hub, If some of you owns TNU, please contact me so you post this guide at more meaningfull place. As I see it I will have to ask someone personally anyway, bcs there is a small chance that smbd see it here. But if you do, you dont have to contact me just create a guide on TNU and simple paste a link to this guide.