Railroader

About

"Railroader is a strategy game that offers both single-player and multiplayer modes, including co-op. Set in transition era Appalachia, the game allows you to manage and run your railroad using vintage steam and diesel locomotives. Your goal is to deliver freight cars and passengers safely to their destinations, while expanding and upgrading your railroad in a player-driven world."

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

98%

Audience ScoreBased on 3,972 reviews

gameplay114 positive mentions

grinding62 negative mentions

Great blend of railroad management and train operation, providing a unique gameplay experience.
Active development with regular updates and responsive developers who listen to community feedback.
Fun and engaging gameplay that allows for both single-player and multiplayer experiences.

Graphics and scenery are currently lacking, with many areas feeling empty and unfinished.
AI functionality needs improvement, as it can be cumbersome to manage multiple trains effectively.
Some controls and mechanics can be confusing for new players, requiring a steep learning curve.

gameplay
362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
31%
65%
4%
The gameplay of this early access train simulation game is generally praised for its solid mechanics and immersive experience, blending elements of management and driving. Players appreciate the attention to detail in train operations and the addictive gameplay loop, although some note that it can become repetitive over time. While the game is still in development and requires some polish, it offers a fulfilling experience with a variety of gameplay options, including cooperative multiplayer.
- “Even here in early access, it's like a full game with hours and hours of gameplay.”
- “The gameplay balanced just right between just driving the train and managing the railroad.”
- “The train mechanics are a perfect balance between realism and enjoyment - 'flying switch' maneuvers have never been more fun in any other game.”
- “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed (although you do have to build up to the full layout by completing some one-time missions) and the contracts by definition always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
- “The way you unlock the map is great but once you have unlocked the map there is no progression and the gameplay loop is incredibly repetitive.”
- “However, running the railroad as one person can be quickly overwhelming, so much so that the core gameplay borderline, if not outright, requires that you play with other people and the current AI system is not a solution especially if you are trying to run more than 3 trains at once as one person.”
graphics
270 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
55%
10%
The graphics of the game receive mixed feedback, with many praising the detailed train models and realistic physics, while others criticize the overall graphical optimization and environmental details, noting that it can be demanding on hardware. Some players appreciate the game's aesthetic and immersive gameplay despite its early access status, while others express a desire for improvements and updates to enhance the visual experience. Overall, the graphics are considered good but not exceptional, with potential for future enhancements.
- “The graphics are wonderful - the environment is absolutely beautiful.”
- “The graphics are great, the models look fantastic, and trains run extremely smooth.”
- “I was immediately drawn to the game's captivating graphics and immersive gameplay as it was built up over time and to watch it develop from how it started to where it is today is phenomenal.”
- “The graphical engine of the game lacks graphical optimization; it puts heavy load on the GPU despite having medium to low graphical settings.”
- “I have a pretty beefy PC setup and it struggles with these so-so graphics at any decent setting, so it's certainly not optimized.”
- “The graphics are very simple and the scenery needs a lot of work.”
optimization
84 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
43%
24%
Overall, the game's optimization has received mixed reviews, with many players experiencing significant performance issues such as stuttering and low frame rates, even on high-end systems. While some users report smooth gameplay and stable multiplayer experiences, the consensus is that substantial improvements are needed to enhance performance and stability, particularly for those with less powerful hardware. As the game is still in early access, there is hope for future updates to address these optimization concerns.
- “The optimization is good as well, most of my PC hardware is pushing eight years old with a six-year-old GTX 1080, and this runs between 50 and 60 FPS comfortably on max settings.”
- “Its highly playable with friends as the servers are stable and so well optimized that at times you forget that this only takes 6GB of space.”
- “I have been following Railroader for about 2 years now, and was very happy when it went into early access. I think this is a perfect case for early access as the core gameplay loop is there, the game is very well optimized and runs very well, and honestly is way more fun than I even thought it could be.”
- “This game is currently suffering with performance.”
- “Before I can honestly recommend this game, it'll need some significant improvements in performance and stability.”
- “The game severely needs to be optimized though, I have a pretty high-end machine and it really taxes it.”
story
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
86%
5%
The game's story is centered around a quest system that allows players to progress by completing missions, which adds a sense of purpose and direction to the gameplay. While some players appreciate the logistical focus and the narrative of rebuilding after a storm, others find the missions repetitive and lacking in depth, leading to a mixed reception regarding the overall storytelling experience. Overall, the game offers a structured progression that appeals to simulation enthusiasts, though it may not engage casual players seeking a more dynamic narrative.
- “Great storyline! The missions keep you moving forward and wanting to play.”
- “Not only this, the game has a nicely detailed industry system, involving contracts and waybills, driving mechanics involving stop and go through altering tonnage, and the storytelling of a small network that begins from a flood.”
- “There is a storyline behind the game and milestones you have to meet before progressing, which allows players to slow down and actually enjoy the gameplay.”
- “Sadly, there just isn't much in the way of gameplay intrigue or story that would interest a casual audience, so if this is your first introduction to railroading, I can't say I'd recommend.”
- “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed and the contracts by definition always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
- “Railroads Online is cool since you get to lay your own track, but without any missions or any progress forward, it feels pointless over time.”
grinding
72 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
13%
86%
The grinding aspect of the game is frequently described as tedious and time-consuming, particularly in the early stages where players must engage in repetitive tasks like shunting and managing logistics. While some players appreciate the depth and strategy involved, many express that the grind can feel overwhelming, suggesting that casual players may find it particularly challenging. Overall, the game offers flexibility to mitigate grinding, but significant time investment is often required to progress.
- “The principles are sound and so far not too grindy.”
- “It'll be half a lifetime before I've unlocked it all, and I've not got that sort of time to sink into grinding.”
- “Recommended specifically if you like what you've just read, but otherwise beware that it can become very tedious and repetitive in terms of actual gameplay: the track layout is fixed, and the contracts by definition always involve the same locations and the same types of jobs every time they come up.”
- “This game is very grindy; you run cargo with a system of contracts, and if you do not deliver the cargo on time, your reputation goes down.”
stability
40 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
35%
65%
The game is still in early access and exhibits a mix of stability, with some users reporting minor bugs and graphical glitches, but overall, it runs smoothly and is enjoyable to play. Many players have noted that it performs well even on lower-end systems, and the developers are actively addressing issues through regular updates. While some aspects are still lacking, the game provides a solid foundation for entertainment with few game-breaking problems.
- “Runs great, never had a game crash, but a few cars have been derailed, fairly regular updates, paintable cars and some locomotives.”
- “Obviously the game is still in early access, so there are a few things still missing, but overall it looks great and runs great (for a Unity game, this one runs exceptionally smooth).”
- “The scenery is beautiful, the game runs great, and overall, there aren't many better train sims out there, certainly not one I could list.”
- “Always buggy.”
- “Sure the game has its fair share of bugs and glitches, some worse than others.”
- “Slightly buggy at its current state but still very playable and fun!”
humor
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, with players enjoying hilarious moments, especially in multiplayer settings. The absurdity of scenarios, such as slow trains with multiple locomotives, adds to the comedic experience, making it a unique and entertaining choice among train games. Overall, players find the humor to be a significant draw, enhancing their enjoyment of the game.
- “My experiences in multiplayer servers have also been absolutely hilarious at times.”
- “It was funny and caught me off guard.”
- “Laughing about going 12 miles an hour uphill with 2 locomotives and 1 car is certainly something I can't find in another game.”
music
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
42%
25%
The game lacks background music, which some players initially found odd but later appreciated for its calming effect, allowing for a more relaxed pace. However, many users noted that the absence of music can make the gameplay feel empty, suggesting that having music or other audio accompaniment enhances the experience. Overall, while the game is enjoyable, the music aspect is seen as a missed opportunity for deeper engagement.
- “And because there's no rush to expand, you can take the game at your own pace and it's really relaxing, especially with good music.”
- “There's no music to get you into the groove while you manage your network, and a lot of the world is still empty or filled with placeholder objects.”
- “The game is very slow; definitely something you'll want to have music or a video going alongside.”
- “There's no background music, which seemed strange at first, but was kind of nice, actually.”
emotional
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a mix of frustration and admiration regarding the game's emotional impact, highlighting that while it is still in early access and requires improvements in landscape and controls, the overall experience is profoundly engaging and promising. The emotional response is particularly tied to the game's potential, despite current technical shortcomings.
- “Look controls make me want to cry.”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
67%
33%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its captivating quality, enhanced by a supportive community and dedicated developers. Reviewers note that it effectively combines elements of operations, problem-solving, and business-building with a strong sense of realism, creating an immersive experience.
- “This is my first Steam review ever, and it is because I am amazed at the community, the devs, and the entire atmosphere surrounding this game.”
- “This is a very good game; its atmosphere can captivate you.”
- “This game does a great job of blending operations, problem-solving, planning, business-building, and just atmospheric realism.”
replayability
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
50%
The game offers high replayability with stable base mechanics, numerous goals, and various missions that provide hours of progression. Players appreciate the potential for continued engagement as the developers work on improvements, indicating a promising future for the game's replay value.
- “At least for what it is now, it's incredibly stable, the base gameplay mechanics are there and there's unlimited replayability.”
- “This team has so much potential and yes, the replayability is high. There are goals to work towards, financials to be aware of, and rail missions to fulfill - like I said, there's more than enough to keep one occupied now while they sort things out and keep coming out with fixes and such, but man, the future looks bright in my book for these guys and gals!”
- “There are hours and hours worth of progression here, and lots of replay value as well.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization aspect of the game appears to focus on community engagement, with developers actively participating in server management and players encouraged to share experiences and promote their own multiplayer servers. This suggests a model that prioritizes player interaction and community-driven content over traditional monetization strategies.