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ZUSI 3 Game Cover

About ZUSI 3

ZUSI 3 is a single player open world strategy game. It was developed by Carsten Hölscher and was released on June 18, 2019. It received very positive reviews from players.

Zusi 3 Aerosoft Edition is a train simulation for PCs, the professional version of which is also being used in railway companies for engine driver training purposes.

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Looking for games like ZUSI 3? Here are top open world strategy recommendations, selected from player-similarity data — start with Train Simulator Classic, Train Simulator or JR EAST Train Simulator.

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Reviews

93%Audience ScoreBased on 87 reviews
graphics9 positive mentions
stability3 negative mentions

  • Extremely realistic and in-depth simulation of German railways including accurate physics, braking, signaling, and safety systems (PZB, LZB, ETCS), used by real train drivers for training.
  • Large amount of included content: numerous routes, trains, timetables, and free updates with no additional DLC costs.
  • Highly rewarding and challenging experience for enthusiasts who want true-to-life train operation, with strong community support and useful tools like ZusiDisplay for multi-monitor setups.
  • Graphics are outdated and basic, with some 2D and low-resolution cockpit views, lacking modern visual fidelity or eye candy.
  • Steep learning curve, not beginner-friendly, with limited or no in-game tutorials and partially poor English translations; knowledge of German is highly recommended.
  • User interface and menus feel old-fashioned and clunky, with some bugs and stability issues, such as problems restarting scenarios and occasional crashes.
  • graphics

    52 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    17% positive mentions, 70% neutral mentions, 13% negative mentions

    The graphics of this train simulator are generally considered outdated, simplistic, and lacking in detail, with a focus more on sharpness and performance than visual flair. While not on par with modern or eye-candy train sims, the visuals are adequate for a deeply realistic simulation experience, especially appreciated by enthusiasts prioritizing system accuracy over aesthetics. Users note that the cab views and scenery can feel old and basic, but this trade-off allows for smoother performance and complex operational depth.

    • “Don't be fooled by the primitive graphics, the simulation of the safety systems, signalling, and trains themselves will absolutely blow you away.”
    • “The driving feel of the trains, the depth of systems and the excellent sounds means the graphics are more than adequate, in fact they complement the rest of the simulator perfectly.”
    • “Personally, I prefer the Zusi 3 graphics since they look sharper and the performance is great even if you have an old system.”
    • “The cab view is very, very ugly; even if you don't care about graphics, you probably won't want to use it.”
    • “Graphical quality: Zusi is absolutely not pretty, and the graphics haven't improved since this program first came out about two decades ago.”
    • “Graphics aren't great and also have fairly low FPS.”
  • optimization

    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    75% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 25% negative mentions

    The program has limited multi-threading, primarily utilizing only 2-3 cores, making single-core performance crucial. Despite this, it runs smoothly even on older PCs, with Zusi 3 graphics offering sharper visuals without compromising performance.

    • “Performance is great even if you use an older PC.”
    • “Personally, I prefer the Zusi 3 graphics since they look sharper and the performance is great even if you have an old system.”
    • “Due to the nature of this program, it doesn't make great use of multiple threads. In fact, it will only use 2 (or maybe 3) max. This means that single-core performance is very important with Zusi.”
    • “Performance is limited because the program does not effectively utilize multiple threads; it uses only 2 or 3 threads at most, making single-core performance critical.”
  • stability

    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 100% negative mentions

    The game suffers from instability with frequent bugs and glitches, including issues with the built-in cheat monitoring system, which is both inaccurate and punishes players unfairly. Additionally, related train simulation titles are noted for being buggy and costly due to expensive DLCs.

    • “The game is buggy and unstable.”
    • “The in-game monitoring system, the 'cheat screen' designed for this purpose, is also buggy and inaccurate; using it can cause you to lose credit and jeopardize your career.”
    • “"Train Simulator" and "TSW" by DTG are nice but often buggy and expensive (DLCs).”
  • gameplay

    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The gameplay is praised for its realism and smooth performance with a high frame rate, making it enjoyable both for playing and for streaming or recording videos.

    • “Most realistic train simulator ever, with mostly smooth gameplay and a high FPS rate.”
    • “It is also a nice addition if you plan to stream or upload videos of the gameplay.”
  • story

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The story focuses on the successful development and connection of the Harburg-Lehrte route to the Göttingen-Kassel high-speed railway, highlighting a significant achievement in transportation infrastructure.

  • emotional

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The emotional experience is described as wildly intense and unconventional, evoking a mix of high-energy excitement and eccentricity. Players feel a unique, heightened adrenaline rush throughout gameplay.

  • replayability

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    0% positive mentions, 100% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The game's replayability is enhanced by offering multiple routes playable in different eras, each featuring distinct signaling and safety systems, providing varied experiences with each playthrough.

  • humor

    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
    100% positive mentions, 0% neutral mentions, 0% negative mentions

    The humor in the game is limited, with users noting the absence of instructor modules that could have added a funny element. Overall, the game lacks comedic content.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ZUSI 3 is a open world strategy game. Common tags for ZUSI 3 include first-person, driving, realistic, exploration, trackir and others.

ZUSI 3 is available on PC and Windows.

ZUSI 3 was released on June 18, 2019.

ZUSI 3 was developed by Carsten Hölscher.

ZUSI 3 has received very positive reviews from players. Most players liked ZUSI 3 for its graphics but disliked it for its stability.

ZUSI 3 is a single player game.

Similar games include Train Simulator Classic, Train Simulator, JR EAST Train Simulator, Tram Sim, OMSI 2 and others.