Train Sim World

Starting at $15.04Buy now

Train Sim World is a realistic train simulation game that offers players the opportunity to operate a variety of locomotives and trains on detailed routes around the world. The game features realistic physics, functioning train systems, and accurate depictions of various locomotives and railcars. Players can challenge themselves with various scenarios and timetables, or simply enjoy exploring the intricate routes and operating the trains.

Genres & Tags

Simulation

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

72%

Audience ScoreBased on 2,705 reviews

graphics395 positive mentions

optimization84 negative mentions

Stunning graphics and immersive environments that enhance the train driving experience.
Highly detailed locomotives with interactive controls, providing a realistic simulation.
Variety of routes and scenarios available, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.

Numerous bugs and glitches that can disrupt gameplay and make scenarios unplayable.
Expensive DLCs that can quickly add up, making the overall cost of the game prohibitive.
Lack of a scenario editor and mod support, limiting customization and community content.

graphics
750 mentions
53 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
3 % negative mentions
The graphics in the game have received widespread praise for their realism and detail, particularly when compared to previous train simulators. Many users highlight the stunning visuals powered by Unreal Engine 4, which significantly enhance the immersive experience. However, some players report performance issues, including frame rate drops and graphical glitches, especially on lower-end PCs, indicating that while the graphics are impressive, optimization remains a concern.
- “The graphics, simulation, and feel of the game are as you would expect in real life.”
- “The graphics are ultra realistic.”
- “Incredible graphics, lots to do, and really realistic.”
- “Although the graphics engine, textures, etc. are much better than standard train simulator 202x, the scenery is mind-numbingly boring compared to ts.”
- “The graphics are pretty unrealistic, but that doesn't mean it looks ugly.”
- “The graphics, idk if other people have run into this problem but no matter how low I put the graphics it still will run slow.”
optimization
288 mentions
13 % positive mentions
58 % neutral mentions
29 % negative mentions
The optimization of the game has received widespread criticism, with many users reporting persistent stuttering, low frame rates, and performance issues even on high-end systems. While some players have noted improvements over time, the overall consensus is that the game remains poorly optimized, requiring significant hardware to run smoothly and still suffering from various bugs and glitches. Many reviewers recommend waiting for further updates and optimizations before purchasing.
- “The graphics are smooth and performance is great.”
- “Optimization has been improved 100% and runs smooth as butter and looks fantastic!”
- “Train Sim World is a very realistic train simulator, with good graphics, reasonable optimization and great interior design.”
- “The stuttering problem has been present for many months, even years, and although my 600 euro medium performance PC meets the recommended requirements, especially on the Long Island Rail Road: New York - Hicksville route add-on, the stuttering is unbearable.”
- “The fact that there are bugs in the game (red lights that never turn green in a few missions, often reported, never fixed) that have never been fixed and some optimizations that never happened is an absolute no-go and it made me stop buying the DLCs eventually.”
- “This game has way too many bugs and is the worst optimized game I have seen in a long time.”
stability
161 mentions
6 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
94 % negative mentions
The game's stability is widely criticized, with numerous reports of persistent bugs, glitches, and performance issues that detract from the overall experience. Many players express frustration over the lack of updates and fixes, suggesting that the game feels unfinished and abandoned by the developers. While some users find enjoyment in the gameplay despite these issues, the consensus is that the game remains a "buggy mess" that fails to meet expectations for stability.
- “My machine does not have the best specs and still runs great.”
- “Runs great on older hardware too.”
- “It runs great on my medium level rig (GTX 970, 16 GB RAM) and the settings are easily tweakable; I get 60 FPS and 35-45 FPS in congested areas.”
- “This game is a buggy mess even after all these years, don't buy.”
- “Not worth the money, devs abandoned the base game after a few months, full of glitches and bugs, motion blur sucks.”
- “The game is very buggy and it has now been confirmed that none of its issues will be fixed after the release of TSW2.”
gameplay
156 mentions
29 % positive mentions
66 % neutral mentions
4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Train Sim World has received mixed reviews, with many praising its realistic mechanics, immersive graphics, and structured scenarios that provide depth and objectives. However, players have criticized the linearity, lack of a scenario editor, and high costs for DLCs, which limit replayability and overall content. While some find the gameplay relaxing and enjoyable, others point to bugs, performance issues, and a perceived lack of innovation as significant drawbacks.
- “The inclusion of scenarios and timetables helps add structure to the gameplay, offering specific objectives and goals that add depth to the experience.”
- “Realistic and exciting gameplay.”
- “The gameplay feels so much more organic and fluid.”
- “What you get is linear gameplay, which I think is a thing of the past.”
- “The first issue is the lack of a scenario editor; with no way to edit scenarios to simulate different workings and to utilize trains from different routes, this means you're effectively stuck with the scenarios Dovetail provided with the game, making the overall gameplay experience stale with relatively low replay value compared to the game's predecessor.”
- “Gameplay is extremely frustrating.”
story
108 mentions
9 % positive mentions
86 % neutral mentions
5 % negative mentions
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth, with many users noting that it features minimal narrative and primarily consists of repetitive missions and scenarios. Players express frustration over bugs and mission failures due to unclear instructions or technical issues, which detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the simulation of train operations, the absence of a compelling story or mission variety leaves many feeling disappointed.
- “The story or main point of this game is you do scenarios ranging from shunting freight around Cumberland train yard to driving long consists from point A to point B while responding to events that happen along the way from signals, weather, speed changes, gradients positive and negative.”
- “I like it how you can do missions to simulate actual train engineer duties.”
- “The story mode (scenarios) are worth the money alone.”
- “This game has no story.”
- “The addition of side missions like a few collect-a-thon missions for each line fails to add to the experience in any way aside from giving you an incentive to leave the engineer's seat every once in a while and race back in time.”
- “There is virtually no mission editing capability outside of basic weather selection.”
replayability
22 mentions
18 % positive mentions
68 % neutral mentions
14 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players find it infinitely replayable due to various routes and modes, others criticize the lack of a scenario editor, which limits the variety and ultimately makes the experience feel stale. Despite having a decent amount of content and a free mode that enhances replay value, many feel that the absence of customizable scenarios significantly hinders long-term engagement. Overall, the game offers a good amount of gameplay, but its replayability is hampered by certain design choices.
- “There's lots of replay value here, and while the rest of the addons are quite expensive, I personally don't think you need them to have fun.”
- “Regardless, I find it to be an extremely entertaining game to play and the variety of routes leads to the game having lots of replay value.”
- “It's probably the most solid and value-rich feature the software package offers with its near infinite replay value.”
- “The first issue is the lack of a scenario editor; with no way to edit scenarios to simulate different workings and to utilize trains from different routes, this means you're effectively stuck with the scenarios Dovetail provided with the game, making the overall gameplay experience stale with relatively low replay value compared to the game's predecessor.”
- “Very poor replay value and variety, but that was okay because we had been promised a scenario editor from before it was released.”
- “Lacking an editor is a major flaw and it's quickly lost its replayability.”
monetization
21 mentions
0 % positive mentions
5 % neutral mentions
95 % negative mentions
The monetization strategy of this game has been widely criticized as a blatant cash grab, with players feeling pressured to purchase numerous DLCs and microtransactions that detract from the overall experience. Many reviewers express frustration over broken promises regarding game features and support, suggesting that the developer prioritizes profit over player satisfaction. Overall, the sentiment is that the game feels incomplete and exploitative, leading to disappointment among its community.
- “This game is just a huge cash grab.”
- “Dovetail designed this game and all of their train games to be a cash grab for more DLCs and constantly push you towards it in their game, and requires you to set up an account with them for whatever reason.”
- “Dovetail is a developer that is not concerned about the product or its users; it's all about the cash grab!”
grinding
20 mentions
0 % positive mentions
15 % neutral mentions
85 % negative mentions
Reviews highlight that the grinding aspect of the game is often seen as tedious and repetitive, with players expressing frustration over the lack of engaging content and the need for extensive interactive tasks. Many feel that the gameplay lacks variety, leading to boredom, especially when compared to other simulation games like Farming Simulator, which offer more dynamic experiences and modding support. Overall, the grinding experience is described as a chore rather than an enjoyable part of the game.
- “You'll need a second life for grinding.”
- “Once you've done the scenarios, all you have to do is run up and down the lines, which is extremely tedious, especially on such a short route like Great Western.”
- “What really turned me off was how boring and tedious it was to drive a train.”
humor
14 mentions
93 % positive mentions
-14 % neutral mentions
21 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is described as a mix of unintentional comedy and amusing situations, particularly stemming from its poor physics and buggy AI behavior. While some players find it hilariously bad and entertaining, others note that the humor is enhanced by DLC content. Overall, the game offers a lighthearted experience that can lead to genuine laughter, despite its flaws.
- “It would be sad if it was not so funny.”
- “If you want a good laugh, go ahead, because this is one of the most hilariously bad games I've ever played.”
- “This has made my day, I'm sat here laughing my head off at them.”
- “This game is not funny without DLC.”
- “The humor feels forced and falls flat.”
- “I expected more laughs, but the jokes are stale.”
atmosphere
11 mentions
45 % positive mentions
27 % neutral mentions
27 % negative mentions
The atmosphere in the game is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the immersive first-person perspective and detailed environments that enhance the experience, others criticize glitches, frame rate issues, and a lack of liveliness in certain areas, such as Paddington Station. Additionally, while the Unreal Engine contributes positively to weather effects, some feel that overall atmospheric elements, including sound and mission design, could be improved for a more engaging experience.
- “I love the first-person atmosphere, as well as the ability to ride passenger trains.”
- “I just find it incredibly atmospheric and immersive.”
- “The detail is great; you've never seen trains look so good, and even the surrounding houses and factories add a lot of atmosphere to the game.”
- “The stale atmosphere of the missions also put me off eventually.”
- “Lack of atmosphere in Paddington Station, also station announcements.”
- “When it comes to cons: I would say there are a number of glitches, script errors, sound inconsistencies, and the atmosphere needs to be more lively.”
music
9 mentions
22 % positive mentions
44 % neutral mentions
33 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding the main menu music acceptable while others find it annoying and repetitive. There is a lack of a radio feature, which limits players' options for background music during longer sessions. Additionally, the music changes when selecting scenarios or tutorials, which some users find bothersome.
- “I go to any station in France, and that great SNCF music and announcements take place regularly.”
- “Sound/music: the game main menu music is fine; I personally am not bothered by it.”
- “The music when you open the game is very annoying.”
- “Coming from ATS/ETS2, I listen to the music radio, but it seems TSW does not have a radio feature just yet (when some sessions do take hours).”
- “Another thing is the music; it changes when you go to select a scenario or tutorial.”
emotional
3 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users express a strong emotional connection to the experience of driving the train, highlighting an immersive feeling that enhances gameplay. However, frustration arises from the perception that the developers prioritize new DLCs over addressing longstanding issues, leading to disappointment among players.
- “It really made me feel like I'm driving the train, not just sitting at the computer!”