What are the best train games on PC?

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Jan 14, 2024

Last
Updated

OpenTTD vs Microsoft Train Simulator vs Mashinky

vs Train Fever vs Mini Metro vs Trainz Simulator 12 vs Railroad Tycoon vs Train Valley vs Railway Empire vs Chris Sawyer's Locomotion vs Dakar 18

Specs

Platforms

Windows, Mac, UNIX-like, Android, iOS

License

Open source

Genre

Tycoon

Co-Op

Game engine

openttd

Multiplayer

Yes

PvP

Yes

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Yes (bots)

Steam Rating

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Mostly Positive

InDev

Alpha version

Platforms

Windows, Mac, Steam

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Mixed

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Very Positive

InDev

Platforms

Windows

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Very Positive

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Mostly Positive

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Very Positive

InDev

Platforms

License

Genre

Co-Op

Game engine

Multiplayer

PvP

Graphic design

Singleplayer

Steam Rating

Mostly Positive

InDev

Pros + Cons

Pro
Very addictive - hard to walk away from when your little world is running

Especially if you're playing with some friends, this game is very enthralling (Heroes of Might and Magic 2 was similar, even though a very different game).

Comment

Pro
Free and open-source

You can't go wrong with a game that has no purchase cost. Even better the user can contribute to the project or even use the code for their own, as the game is open-source.

Comment

Pro
Allows for a lot of railway design creativity

You can build massive and complicated rail networks in the game, giving the player the freedom to come up with their own solutions and crazy designs.

Comment

Pro
Tons of mods to download

There are many existing mods for the game, which can greatly extend the gameplay beyond that of the stock game.

Comment

Pro
Convenient built in mod download interface

This allows the user to easily browse and download new mods for the game from within the game itself.

Comment

Pro
Easily accessible multiplayer

It has built in multiplayer for LAN or online play, which makes it easy for the player to find and create online matches.

Comment

Con
Time consuming gameplay

The normal win condition is met by completing 10 at once. This can take days to achieve.

Comment

Pro
Works in many Operating System and old Operating System

The OpenTTD is work in many operating systems because it uses Simple DirectMedia Layer. You can compile the source code manually, to Android, iOS, OS/2, FreeBSD, Windows, Mac, Linux, OpenBSD, and more. This includes old operating systems, like Windows 95, and Windows 98.

Comment

Con
Online does not work cross versions

Old versions can't play online or LAN with newer versions of the game. So for those that prefer using an older version, or just have not updated, they will have to make sure those they want to play with online have the exact same version (or one that is compatible).

Comment

Pro
Significant enhancements from the original game

Stable multiplayer mode for up to 255 players in 15 companies, or as spectators. Dedicated server mode and an in-game console for administration. In game downloading of new content and game mechanics.

Comment

Pro
Still actively being developed

There are regular updates still being released for the game, meaning regular bug fixes as well as added features on a consistent basis.

Comment

Con
Can be complicated to play for a beginner

For those unfamiliar with this style of game, there is a lot to learn in order to be competent at the gameplay. Some tutorials online should help, but it is a time investment some may not want to spend on the game.

Comment

Con
Micromanagement is a bit too much

You have to either use glitches or really make all your decisions right.

Comment

Pro
Many kinds of vehicles

There are several categories of vehicles, and individual vehicles to choose within each category, though using them is optional.

Comment

Con
Inconvenient AI installation

In order to get an AI up and running, you have to download a mod to then install it to the game. This may be too much trouble for some people who are not familiar with installing mods, or just more time than they would like to spend on seeing an AI present in the game.

Comment

Con
The sounds drive you insane

You sit down to play the game for a slight bit of time, you get your headphones on and get blasted with BEEEEP and GJHHHH including VSHHH and DING DING DING DING WOOOSHHH too.

Comment

Pro
Infinite possibilities

You seem to never run out of things to do in this game!

Comment

Con
Can be boring when playing alone

Due to the length of the win conditions and how long it takes to achieve things in the game, it can get a bit boring after much time spent. This is also true of the stock gameplay element, while mods can definitely help, what comes with the game out of the box can get old after a while.

Comment

Pro
All around great game, even better with mods

The amount of mods for this game is amazing, to graphics and maps and anything else, the mods really amplify the game even more.

Comment

Pro
All around great game, even better with mods

the amount of mods for this game is amazing, to graphics and maps and anything else, the mods really amplify the game even more

Comment

Pro
All around great game, even better with mods

the amount of mods for this game is amazing, to graphics and maps and anything else, the mods really amplify the game even more

Comment

Pro
All around great game, even better with mods

the amount of mods for this game is amazing, to graphics and maps and anything else, the mods really amplify the game even more

Comment

Con
Not support Multi-core CPU

Because OpenTTD does Not support Multi-core CPU, its become lagging in slow CPU clocking speed, if many vehicles in the map

Comment

Con
Graphics are small on high res displays

When playing this game on a high resolution screen the game will look small and dense, which may be irritating that it does not scale to ones resolution as it can be difficult to read the text or see what is going on.

Comment

Con
Quite dated

Microsoft Train Simulator was released in 2001, so it may not be compatible with newer versions of Windows or Higher-Resolution displays.

Comment

Pro
Jgth

Hy ok

Comment

Con
PRO

PRO RO

Comment

Pro
yes

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Comment

Pro
Best combination of OpenTTD classic game with new token system

Which makes this game so unique and entertaining.

Comment

Con
Not yet completed

[add description]

Comment

Pro
Utilize multiple modes of transit

Unlike many transport management games that focus on one type of transport such as trains or boats, Train Fever features trains, buses and trucks. This makes for varied gameplay as different tactics and skills will need to be used in order to utilize each mode of transport.

Comment

Pro
Randomly generated levels

Each level i s randomly generated which means that each game will play out differently due to how each level is never the same. This makes for good longevity of gameplay.

Comment

Con
Difficult to surmise why certain routes do not succeed

The game does not surface the needed info one would want to know in order to make sure their routes in the game succeed. This means players will be left guessing as to why some succeed and some fail, which detracts from the gameplay and makes one question the AI.

Comment

Pro
Soothing gameplay

Minimalist design and relaxing music makes this a very different experience from the bustle of some others. A minimal zen like game that allows one to relax while playing. While gameplay may get hectic there are modes of play that do not allow for losing meaning that you can relax and just play without worry.

Comment

Pro
Deep open ended puzzle mechanic

With each station that appears and line you get, the amount of combinations increase exponentially. With so many combinations it's impossible, even for a computer to guarantee an optimal solution. This creates very deep puzzle gameplay with many ways to solve and improve the metro system.

Comment

Pro
Very minimal puzzle sim aspects

Very basic and abstract in design and gameplay the user uses limited resources in order to create the most effective routes for a transportation system.

Comment

Con
Casual gameplay

There is less depth than in many of the games listed which may not be quite what is required here.

Comment

Con
Takes a while to get the hang of

Learning the game may take some time, though the mechanics are not too difficult to grasp, the gameplay itself can be frustrating.

Comment

Con
Windows 10 problems

Some users report problems running this game on Windows 10 with modern PC's.

Comment

Pro
Deep building tools

You can design your own railroads with many different assets including community made ones found online in the game.

Comment

Pro
The original

The original DOS game by Sid Meier.

Comment

Con
Bit old

It dates from 1990.

Comment

Pro
Straightforward and easy to understand

You are given stations. You must connect the stations. You must ensure switches point the right direction to get trains to their target station. And you must keep trains from crashing. The interface is rather simple and intuitive, particularly if you've ever played another "tycoon" style of game.

Comment

Pro
Updated version of the classic Transport Tycoon Deluxe

Chris Sawyer, the developer behind Transport Tycoon/Transport Tycoon Deluxe and the first two RollerCoaster Tycoon games, released this updated version of the classic tycoon game, retaining most of the original gameplay while eliminating some of the quirks, such as replacing the angle "turns" with proper curved tracks.

Comment

Pro
Great control of construction

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Comment