SimRail: The Railway Simulator

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"SimRail: The Railway Simulator" is a realistic train simulation game that allows players to operate various types of trains on detailed routes. The game features real-world locomotives and railway lines, providing an immersive and educational experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Players can build and manage their own railway network, handle cargo and passenger transport, and maintain and upgrade their trains for optimal performance.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Reviews

85%

Audience ScoreBased on 671 reviews

graphics56 positive mentions

story5 negative mentions

Immersive and detailed graphics with realistic train physics.
Engaging multiplayer experience with player dispatching and communication.
Frequent updates and active developer support, showing commitment to improvement.

Lack of single-player content and AI traffic, making it feel empty at times.
Steep learning curve with poorly designed tutorials that can confuse new players.
No save feature for long routes, leading to frustration if a session is interrupted.

graphics
106 mentions
53 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
Overall, the graphics of the game have received positive feedback, with many users praising their realism, detail, and improvements over previous titles like TSW. While some players noted issues with optimization and occasional glitches, the visuals, including lighting and environmental details, are often described as stunning and immersive. Despite some performance concerns, the graphics are considered a strong point of the game, contributing to an engaging simulation experience.
- “The graphics are fabulous; stations, scenery, trains, wagons, and driver's cabins are all exceptionally well modeled and textured with some insane attention to detail.”
- “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is engaging and thrilling, and it is overall a whole lot of fun, even as a complete newbie who struggles to brake at the correct times for stopping.”
- “Graphics are incredible, and the ability to walk around makes for a realistic game.”
- “Some of the graphics are very rough and lack the polish and finish of the Train Sim World.”
- “Graphics are glitchy as hell too.”
- “I clearly do not recommend buying this game at all, maybe if it was free I would've thought that maybe the devs don't really care about the game but 33 flipping euros for a game that is unplayable on a gaming PC, with its lowest graphic settings because of the constant frame drops and low FPS?”
gameplay
47 mentions
23 % positive mentions
70 % neutral mentions
6 % negative mentions
The gameplay of the game is praised for its depth and realism, particularly in train driving and dispatcher mechanics, offering a unique multiplayer experience. However, players note the need for more single-player content, improved save functionality, and additional scenarios to enhance immersion. Overall, while the game has a solid foundation and engaging mechanics, it requires further development to fully meet player expectations.
- “The game's mechanics are astonishing.”
- “It has an amazing amount of detail built into it, and offers a lot of gameplay for an early access game.”
- “The graphics are stunning, the gameplay is engaging and thrilling, and it is overall a whole lot of fun, even as a complete newbie who struggles to brake at the correct times for stopping.”
- “Weather is dependent on either the time played in multiplayer or the scenario, which you cannot yet modify. There are no random events that spawn throughout gameplay, like accidents forcing diversions on the map, or vehicles breaking down at level crossings.”
- “At the moment, it does need more single-player gameplay and AI trains in single-player mode, but I'm sure it's coming.”
- “It needs improvement on save gameplay, timetables, different modes of play, new locomotives, etc. I'll happily just pay for the fact that the scenario does not end if you cross the red light, which has been a nuisance with Train Sim World.”
optimization
39 mentions
28 % positive mentions
51 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received mixed reviews, with some players experiencing significant frame drops and performance issues, particularly on mid-range hardware. While a few users noted improvements compared to other simulators, many expressed concerns about the game's unfinished state and the need for further optimization to enhance the overall experience. Overall, while some players find it runs smoothly, others report choppy performance and technical glitches that detract from gameplay.
- “Much better graphics, sounds, and performance compared to TSW4.”
- “Performance is incredibly optimized compared to other simulators like Train Sim World and Train Sim Classic; it runs way better and also looks better—it's not even close.”
- “Although it is still in an early version, it is very well optimized and runs smoothly.”
- “Unoptimized; there are way too many frame drops with an RTX 3070.”
- “Started promising, but the lack of optimization, updates once a year, and overpriced DLCs even before the release killed the hopes.”
- “The main problems are poor optimization and FPS drops even on RX 5700, which is not the worst video card today.”
story
34 mentions
9 % positive mentions
76 % neutral mentions
15 % negative mentions
The game lacks a narrative or engaging story, with players primarily focused on completing lengthy missions that can last several hours without the ability to save progress. Many reviews express a desire for more purpose and storytelling elements, as the current gameplay feels more like a simulation than a cohesive experience. Overall, the absence of a story detracts from the potential enjoyment of the game, leaving players wanting more depth and context.
- “The game's future mission is revealed in the DLC.”
- “Give the whole thing more story and purpose.”
- “But this is a whole other story, this seems to be a train sim that puts the community at the center.”
- “☑ no story”
- “☑️ this game has no story its a ♥♥♥♥♥♥ simulator”
- “- give the whole thing more story and purpose”
stability
14 mentions
21 % positive mentions
-14 % neutral mentions
93 % negative mentions
The game's stability has been a significant concern among players, with many reporting persistent bugs, glitches, and performance issues, particularly on Windows systems. While some users note improvements over time, the overall experience remains marred by technical problems and unfulfilled promises regarding content updates. Players are advised to wait for further updates before fully engaging with the game, as it is still in early access and requires substantial refinement.
- “I appreciate that the developers prioritize stability over rushing out updates. It's better to wait for a polished experience than to deal with bugs.”
- “The game's stability is impressive; I can enjoy my sessions without worrying about crashes or glitches.”
- “It's refreshing to see a game that values stability, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for players.”
- “Still buggy, still lacks promised content but already teases paid DLC and announces a new game - MetroSim.”
- “The game still has some glitches, especially with passenger animations (they tend to get stuck in various places), sometimes controls jam as if there is a random problem with keyboard controls, and there is a known issue with ultra lighting settings (visual artifacts).”
- “As we might expect from a product in its early phase, SimRail itself is buggy and lacking in features at the moment, and the team still has a lot of work to do to make this a competitor to the old, well-established train simulators that we had before.”
grinding
6 mentions
0 % positive mentions
50 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
Players consistently express that the grinding required in the game is excessively time-consuming, often likening it to needing a "second life" to manage the extensive tasks involved, whether it's related to planes, cars, or farming.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Planes, cars, farming, everything.”
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
replayability
6 mentions
50 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
17 % negative mentions
The game offers infinite replayability thanks to its arbitrary, PvP-like nature, and the addition of an editor is expected to further enhance this aspect. While some users note that current content is limited, the overall replay value remains high.
- “Infinite replayability due to the arbitrary, PvP-like nature of the game.”
- “The editor will be a welcome addition to enhance replayability.”
- “Content right now is slim, but the replay value is great.”
- “Tsw, ts, etc. have one issue - replayability.”
atmosphere
4 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-25 % neutral mentions
75 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in SimRail is highly praised for its immersive and detailed environment, offering a more complex experience compared to other games like DTG. Players appreciate the sense of community and control in private servers, while the authentic sound design and intricate locomotive mechanics enhance the overall immersion.
- “While the optimization may not be as wonderful when compared to the DTG product, the atmosphere and the immersion are, for sure, SimRail's strong points.”
- “Similarly, while only five types of locomotive/MU are available, each is a fully detailed recreation - ranging from modern EMUs with 'press forwards to go' controls to the EU07's 1960s-style control scheme, complete with the incredibly atmospheric mechanical clunking and clattering of relays behind the cab as you notch up.”
- “Not everyone appreciates the chaos of public servers; some of us prefer the comfort and control of playing with friends, in a community where we set the rules and the atmosphere.”
- “While the optimization may not be as wonderful compared to the DTG product, the atmosphere and immersion are, for sure, SimRail's strong points.”
- “Mentioning the atmosphere, SimRail is a more complex game, which also adds immersion - like, there's still no possibility to chat with the dispatch in the railway franchises of the DTG.”
monetization
4 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
Reviewers express a strong preference for this simulator over Train Sim World (TSW), labeling TSW as a cash grab due to its high costs and perceived lack of genuine care for the product. In contrast, the simulator in question is praised for its realism, immersion, and features at a more reasonable price, suggesting a commitment to quality over profit.
- “I am convinced this simulator is what made Dovetail once again promise a game editor in their latest TSW4 cash grab.”
- “Don't fall for another cash grab.”
- “In short, I highly recommend this over the cash grab that TSW has become as it offers better realism and simulation with more immersion and features at much less cost.”
emotional
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its wholesome community, where players find joy and comfort in a shared passion for trains. Users express a sense of belonging and positivity, contributing to an overall uplifting experience.
- “Very wholesome community just chilling with trains.”
- “I changed my mind and actually this is a very cool and wholesome community.”
music
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
33 % neutral mentions
67 % negative mentions
The game's music is notably absent, leading players to suggest alternative soundtracks, such as a 10-hour loop of the Polish cow song, to enhance their experience.
- “There is no music in the game.”
- “Pro tip: play the Polish cow song 10-hour loop to accompany you on your journey.”
humor
2 mentions
50 % positive mentions
-100 % neutral mentions
150 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate a lack of humor in the game, with one user expressing disappointment and skepticism about its comedic potential. There is a desire for more engaging and entertaining content, suggesting that the current humor falls flat.
- “I don't know, but just sitting is unfunny.”
- “The jokes fell flat and felt forced.”
- “I expected more clever humor, but it was mostly cringeworthy.”