SimRail: The Railway Simulator is a railway simulation game with a strong focus on multiplayer gameplay. The game was developed using the Unity game engine, resulting in high-quality 3D graphics with realistic physics. Core gameplay involves driving trains along real-life rail routes.

Realism is at the heart of the SimRail experience, and the game has been developed to compete with some of the established sims, including Train Simulator and Train Simulator World.

Control trains and signal boxes

SimRail is divided into a single- and multiplayer experience. The single-player game is somewhat limited, although updates will continue to expand the content. However, there are in excess of 500km worth of real railway routes available, with routes generated using geodetic data.

Multiplayer game modes allow users to cooperate, with players serving as train drivers or dispatchers. SimRail provides real-time communication options, and dispatchers must control the signal box while factoring in the schedule and rules. For drivers, there are steam, diesel, and electric trains available to drive.

Impressive physics and realism

Naturally, SimRail will draw comparisons with Train Simulator World, which has dominated the railway simulation genre in recent years. So, how does it stack up to its main rival, and what is the best train driving simulator?

Train Simulator World is a more polished experience and provides a wider range of trains and routes. However, SimRail excels with its multiplayer focus. It also offers superior realism in a number of key areas, including the impressive physics engine, which provides trains with a great sense of weight.

What’s new in the latest update and the Cargo Pack DLC

SimRail’s highly anticipated update, along with the Cargo Pack DLC, has finally dropped, bringing a host of new features and improvements to the virtual railroad world. The highlight is undoubtedly the Cargo Pack DLC, which is a collaboration with an external developer. It introduces players to the challenge of managing heavy coal trains designed for the ET22 locomotive as well as InterRegio passenger trains.

With new missions offering over four hours of gameplay, along with a fully functional engine room, the DLC adds another layer of fun and realism to the SimRail experience. Meanwhile, the game update allows players to immerse themselves in the intricacies of train signaling, thanks to the newly added ETCS Level 1 and 2 system. Such an advanced signaling technology provides a bit of a challenge while navigating the rails.

There are also new missions featuring AI movement and shunting operations. Other notable changes include improvements to the multiplayer functionality, such as banning players because of driving or dispatching individually. On the other hand, players will appreciate additions like displaying train length and weight on the GUI timetable, improved handling on icy overhead lines, and the inclusion of cruise control settings on the HUD.

Stock updates address various issues, such as fixing pantograph failures and minor bugs. Dispatcher mode sees new dispatcher posts and improvements to signal visibility. Concurrently, single-player mode receives enhancements like a new scenario system and the ability to lock and unlock vehicle couplings. Finally, several miscellaneous fixes and improvements, such as snow removal from track heads and eco-driving stats, round out the comprehensive update.

Real trains and routes

SimRail: The Railway Simulator is a community-focused train simulator with options to serve as a train driver or dispatcher. It provides real trains, real rail routes, and a realistic physics engine. However, the amount of single-player content may not satisfy those looking solely to enjoy offline experiences.