Train Life: A Railway Simulator

About

Train Life: A Railway Simulator is a single player strategy game. It was developed by Simteract and was released on August 25, 2022. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and neutral reviews from players.

For the first time in railroad simulation, play as both the driver and company director! Train Life involves demanding gameplay based on real-world behavior. You have to respect the rail signals and driving instructions, adapt for rail switches, and manage speed. Make sure you keep an eye on braking distance when you pull into the station and open and close the doors for your passengers. There are…

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Play Modes

Single-Player

Train Life: A Railway Simulator screenshot

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54%

Audience ScoreBased on 512 reviews

graphics35 positive mentions

stability17 negative mentions

The game offers a unique blend of train driving and company management, similar to Euro Truck Simulator.
The graphics are decent, and the game runs smoothly, providing an enjoyable visual experience.
The tutorial is well-designed, making it easy for newcomers to learn the mechanics of the game.

The signaling system is poorly implemented, often leading to confusion and unexpected fines.
There are numerous bugs and glitches that disrupt gameplay, including issues with AI trains and track switching.
The game lacks depth in train physics and realism, making it feel more like an arcade game than a true simulator.

graphics
74 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
47%
49%
4%
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with many players appreciating the clean and atmospheric visuals, while others criticize graphical bugs, low draw distances, and a lack of detail. Some users note that the graphics are decent and run well on various systems, but feel they fall short compared to other simulation games like Euro Truck Simulator and Train Sim World. Overall, while the graphics are generally considered good, there are calls for further optimization and improvement.
- “The graphics are surprisingly good.”
- “Clean and pretty graphics.”
- “Scenery, graphics are outstanding, smooth gameplay, huge map, real relaxing to play.”
- “Graphically, the game presents a mixed bag.”
- “Despite the clean and pretty graphics, the game is greatly lacking in detail, which undermines its simulation side.”
- “The game was made in Unreal Engine, yet the graphics are worse than TSW2 and the performance is terrible.”
gameplay
59 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
27%
66%
7%
The gameplay of the game is described as straightforward and casual, appealing to fans of simulation titles like Euro Truck Simulator, but it lacks depth and realism, with many mechanics feeling surface-level. While the core mechanics of operating trains and managing contracts provide an engaging loop, players note issues such as bugs, repetitive gameplay, and a lack of content that detracts from the overall experience. Despite these shortcomings, the game shows potential for improvement and offers a visually appealing environment with a relaxing atmosphere.
- “To enjoy this game you need patience, and once you are well-versed with the mechanics of the game, you will truly appreciate it.”
- “The core mechanics of operating a train—starting, braking, coupling, changing tracks, respecting signals and speed limits—are all here, presented in a way that feels grounded but not overwhelming.”
- “The variety of contracts, from hauling heavy freight to transporting passengers on tight schedules, keeps the gameplay loop engaging, especially when combined with different weather conditions or time-of-day scenarios.”
- “Many of the mechanics—such as hiring and assigning staff or investing in upgrades—feel somewhat surface-level.”
- “The gameplay is nowhere near being realistic; it looks like the developers have no relationship with railways and didn't bother making any research at all.”
- “The overall gameplay is fine, but it feels very barebones; there are barely any trees or grass outside the track, and the track itself is poorly designed.”
optimization
29 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
The optimization of the game has received mixed feedback from users. While some praise its smooth performance and improvements over time, particularly on modern hardware, others report issues such as stuttering, FPS drops, and a lack of depth in train mechanics. Overall, the game shows potential but requires further optimization and quality of life improvements to enhance the user experience.
- “The optimization, by the way, is actually quite good, unlike the Train Sim World series.”
- “The performance is smooth, and the overall experience is very polished.”
- “On the positive side, it runs smoothly even in 4K, the graphics are very nice, and there are loads of things to do and accomplish.”
- “I don't understand why the game was released in a 1.0 state, with clear performance and game-mechanic problems lingering on.”
- “This game needs so much optimization and for sure needs a rework of the graphics settings; this is not healthy in any way or form.”
- “Change to negative, stuttering in this game is getting ridiculous and has made it unplayable for me, even on Nvidia GeForce Now it stutters.”
story
22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
72%
14%
The game's story aspect is largely absent, with players noting a lack of narrative depth and character development. While missions are described as lengthy and engaging, they often suffer from bugs and repetitive gameplay, detracting from the overall experience. The tutorial is praised for its length, but the game ultimately feels unfinished, with many players expressing frustration over mission completion issues and a desire for more variety and polish in the content.
- “I will leave my old review of this game here for all to see because it tells a story - game has fantastic potential - a great basis to work out from.”
- “The missions are very good (some routes are really too long), but being in early access it still has problems with graphics and lag (especially in curves)... I'll wait for further updates until the final version to give a more accurate assessment.”
- “There are missions/contracts though that ask to deliver to a specific far location within a time frame.”
- “The game has fantastic potential - a great basis to work from - however, the game developers have closed the door on this game, so do not expect anything more to be added, nor any of the bugs that are still in-game to be fixed.”
- “After a brilliant tutorial that keeps you busy for 2 hours so that you can't ask for a refund, you are free to grind through extremely repetitive missions in bland environments.”
- “Basic game functionality is broken (cameras, GPS, signals), and there is no variety in trains and missions.”
stability
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
17%
94%
The game's stability is widely criticized, with users reporting numerous bugs and glitches that hinder gameplay, suggesting it feels unfinished and abandoned since the last update in December 2022. While some players note improvements over time, many still experience significant issues, leading to frustration and calls for refunds. Overall, the game is perceived as needing substantial fixes to reach a functional state.
- “I have not experienced any of the crashes that others are reporting, although I wouldn't say the game is completely bug-free either.”
- “The game runs smoothly for me, with no major issues or crashes.”
- “I've played for hours without any stability problems, which is a huge plus.”
- “The game feels unfinished and buggy, and given there's been no updates since December 2022, it looks like it's also been abandoned.”
- “I cannot tell why it ended up this way, but it was seemingly abandoned in a very buggy state, which is a shame as if those bugs were ironed out, the product, albeit flawed in many ways, would still be a functional and decent pastime.”
- “Too many glitches and bugs... the program was released before it was ready and is pretty useless... make sure you request your refund immediately or within 2 weeks, or you will get ripped off by Steam, yet again.”
music
8 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
25%
37%
38%
The music in the game is described as a smooth and relaxing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, with some players appreciating the radio option that mimics a real radio experience rather than a repetitive playlist. While some noted a lack of variety, others found the electronic music and Christmas tunes enjoyable and fitting for the gameplay, contributing to a chill atmosphere. Overall, the music complements the game's graphics and gameplay, making it a favorite for casual players.
- “Cool graphics, good gameplay, and a very smooth and relaxed soundtrack. My son is addicted to the game too, and she's not even a railway enthusiast.”
- “The best thing is the music/radio option.”
- “But the lack of a soundtrack reminds me of that French movie I saw, which had the same song throughout the entire film.”
- “Thing is, it feels like you are experiencing the actual radio, not like a whole playlist of music that constantly goes on and on without any 5-minute talk show.”
- “Buttery smooth performance helps immersion, and the rather crazy electronic music radio makes this my go-to chill game at the moment.”
grinding
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious and poorly implemented, particularly criticizing the user interface for resetting settings and the cumbersome processes involved in tasks like uncoupling wagons and negotiating with stations. While some see potential for improvement, the repetitive nature of these tasks detracts from the overall enjoyment, leading to a sense of frustration rather than engagement.
- “After having done almost all of the Steam achievements (only the grinding ones remain), here is my final verdict:”
- “Any additions I'd make would simply be grinding that now decimated a dead horse into the dirt.”
- “That is just tedious!”
atmosphere
6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
83%
17%
The game's atmosphere is characterized by pleasant graphics that effectively create a relaxing setting for railway adventures, enhanced by weather effects like rain, fog, and snow. While not cutting-edge, the visuals contribute to an addictive gameplay loop, making it a charming experience for fans of slower-paced train games. Overall, the atmosphere is well-received, though some players feel that options to adjust it should not compromise the experience.
- “The graphics, while not cutting-edge, do a decent job of creating a pleasant and atmospheric setting for your railway adventures.”
- “For someone who enjoys the slower pace and relaxing atmosphere of train games, this one is definitely a great way to flex your inner armchair engineer.”
- “Driving through the countryside can be pretty eye-candy, and the rain, fog, or snow weather effects are really atmospheric.”
- “There's always the option to turn it down, but then you'd get no atmosphere at all. For a game that is out of early access now, I don't really think people should have to do this.”
monetization
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Reviews indicate a strong sentiment that the game's monetization strategy feels exploitative, with many users labeling it a "cash grab" due to a lack of meaningful updates and features like multiplayer. Players express concern over the game's abandonment and insufficient development, leading to skepticism about its long-term viability and value.
- “Cash grab scam - abandoned after 6 months....”
- “Nothing short of a cash grab.”
- “I'm honestly a little concerned that this might just be a cash grab, because I don't see all the issues being fixed and the game being polished enough to be seen as complete in 6-10 months, as stated by the developers.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by lighthearted and absurd moments, such as the amusing effects of driving mechanics, like the wheel slip light activating unexpectedly. Players find these comedic elements entertaining, adding a layer of fun to the driving experience.
- “It is a joke and has no effect on the driving itself; it's funny when you drive 100 km/h, put the throttle from 0% to 20%, and the wheel slip light comes on.”
- “Sorta funny!”
- “I find them hilarious.”
replayability
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players appreciate the diverse routes and environments, along with the option to create custom scenarios or engage in free mode, which significantly enhances the game's replayability.
- “The routes and environments are diverse, and the ability to create custom scenarios or just enjoy free mode adds a level of replayability to the experience.”
emotional
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a deep emotional connection to the game, particularly when controlling a train and departing from familiar locations like Amsterdam, which evokes personal memories and nostalgia.
- “The joy of controlling a train, pulling out of Amsterdam was amazing and even emotional; it was once my home.”

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73%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews

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Frequently Asked Questions

Train Life: A Railway Simulator is a strategy game.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5 and others.

On average players spend around 5 hours playing Train Life: A Railway Simulator.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator was released on August 25, 2022.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator was developed by Simteract.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its graphics but disliked it for its optimization.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator is a single player game.

Similar games include Truck & Logistics Simulator, Train Sim World, Derail Valley, SimRail: The Railway Simulator, Train Sim World 2 and others.

Train Life: A Railway Simulator

Platforms

While pure simulation fans who are into trains should be happy, the play is definitely limited in excitement and real variety