Best train simulation game

If there's a genre that best combines realism and comfort, it's train simulators. No other type of video game has the immersion, incredible attention to detail, or expansive scope that gives you control over every button right in front of you. It's busy and comfortable at the same time.

The best train simulator games all have the same thing in common: It has beautiful visuals that will make you want to explore more, very deep yet intuitive controls, and a kind of customization that gives you the ability to create the perfect train, whether it's a freight train or an express train. If you've never played one before, one of these would be a fantastic introduction.

8 train frontier classic

For those new to the genre, Train Frontier is probably the best place to start your train simulation journey. It's very friendly to casual players, and the simple and attractive art style helps reinforce the relaxed atmosphere the game strives for.

You can build anything from the most useless steam locomotive to the most advanced bullet train. You can also design your railroad in a very whimsical and cartoonish way, reminiscent of the best rides in the Roller Coaster Tycoon games.

7 train fever

If you're looking for a train simulation game that mixes things up with management mechanics and strategy gameplay, Train Fever may scratch that itch. In this game, you will not only build trains and railways, but also the infrastructure of a large city whose economy and cultural life revolves around trains delivering on time.

Train Fever also incorporates procedural generation, making every new level feel fresh, vibrant, and alive. The train fleet, which has evolved over more than 100 years, has plenty of content to keep you immersed for dozens of hours.

6 train yard builder

For sandbox game design combined with immersive vehicle simulation, Train Yard Builder does a fantastic job. Although the focus is on model trains, the level of realism and attention to detail is on par with the best train simulations.

The train is modeled after several actual designs from different parts of the world, including Europe and Asia. You can customize not only the trains, but also the cities surrounded by them. Additionally, complete various missions to unlock more parts to customize.

5 train attendant

Subways are the most familiar train type to modern man, and none are more iconic than the technologically advanced bullet trains that Japan has made world famous. In Train Crew, you pilot your own subway and take passengers along a 16km long route.

As the conductor of this train, your job is to not only load and receive passengers at designated stops and stations, but also make timely announcements to notify passengers when it is time to stop. Mastering all the features is necessary to get the most satisfied customers.

4 train valley 2

Of all the train simulation games on the market, Train Valley 2 is definitely the one that tried the hardest to combine as many different genres and game styles as possible. There's the train simulation aspect, of course, but there's also level editing, infrastructure management, strategy, puzzle solving, and real-time tactics.

Although it's definitely a cute and relaxing game, more difficult challenges will challenge your brain. All the micro-management tools allow you to create custom levels to tackle Train Valley 2's challenges, make perfectly timed deliveries, and build the most elaborate railway systems.

3 Note 3

Anyone who wants realism above all else will love what Zusi 3 has to offer. This train simulator is so complex and realistic that it is actually used by real railway companies for driving training purposes. It may sound intimidating at first, but the game has a beginner-friendly tutorial and difficulty settings that are excellent for teaching tricks.

The routes in Zusi 3 are quite long, so expect the play session itself to take several hours, as will being a real train driver with over 500km of area to explore. Zusi 3 doesn't shy away from providing a highly detailed world to explore.

2 train simulator classic

With over 15 years of tradition and great reviews, Train Simulator Classic is, for many, the ultimate train simulation that has elevated an entire genre into something beyond basic video game conventions. The visuals may be dated, but the highly realistic and photorealistic designs of the licensed vehicle models make this game stand the test of time.

Explore the countries of France, the United States, Wales, Austria, and Germany through trains, landscapes, and railways modeled after their current counterparts. Featuring dozens of main missions with their own unique flair, this is a must-try train simulation experience for any die-hard fan of the genre.

1 Train Sim World 3

Even though a sequel has already come out, many people still consider Train Sim World 3 the standard not only for the series but for the entire genre. With stunning graphics, excellent controls, a wide selection of locomotives, and realistic weather that affects gameplay, TSW3 brings the next generation of game design to this beloved genre.

Many train simulation fans prefer realistic train cabs to outdoor scenes, and TSW3's cabs are still some of the most detailed and realistic cabs available. For those who only play in first-person mode and enjoy watching the controls for hours, this is the game for you.