Train Sim World 6
Review
Calling all engineers
by Howie Howard
reviewed on PC
The new shiny carriage
Train Sim World 6 is the next chapter in a very popular video game genre that actually spans eight iterations. The first edition appeared in 2017 as Train Sim World: CSX Heavy Haul for Xbox One. In 2018 Train Sim World: Founders Edition was released for PC, followed by Train Sim World the same year. The 8th game in the series was released as Train Sim World 6 in 2025. I have had the pleasure of experiencing train themed games numerous times over the years starting with the venerable old Railroad Tycoon titles. I haven't played any of the earlier versions so I really can't speak towards those games but I certainly did give this new train a pretty good ride.
The initial Train Sim World titles started out as being relatively simplistic in nature but over the years they gradually morphed in to being some of the most detailed and immersive train simulations available for PC and all of the major game consoles. Train Sim 6 is the most immersive of the eight games so far and it's detail is simply amazing. As you work your way through the game this will become apparent when you start experiencing features such as the very detailed train schedules, realistic voice acting present in train announcements along with a varied number of random train events and problems that need to be solved. This is what makes this newest version a keeper but is this train ride worth the effort and time required to learn all of the numerous ins and outs in order to be a competent train engineer?
Driving a train can be very complex.
I think the answer to that is yes. It is worth the time and effort, but you might need to be a serious train control freak like I am and be able to devote the time needed to learn some rather complex actions in order to keep your train on track. With that said, don't give the complexity a second thought because there is a very detailed and comprehensive tutorial available, so start there first! The tutorial consists of a first person view point and it steps you through learning how to walk around in the world and then how to drive and control one of a various number of different locomotives. You will learn how to drive electric, diesel and even old fashioned steam engines in this game and it is a load of fun.
There are four modes of gameplay available and the first is Free Form. The Free Form mode involves the exploration of various train routes while piloting your favorite locomotive. In this mode you will be the engineer / driver of a train on it's chosen route. You will be running between scheduled locations but there will be no requirements involved and you can do your own thing as far as the schedule goes. Meaning that missing a stop or being late will carry no penalties.
A train sim fans favorite mode of play?
A train fans favorite game mode could be the Conductor Mode, because it allows the game player to essentially just sit back and enjoy the ride and scenery. There is no dealing with train issues and problems in Conductor Mode, and so all that is needed is to collect passenger tickets, work the train doors and greet passengers as they arrive and then disembark upon reaching their stop. However, after awhile, being the conductor can become rather underwhelming so the next step would be to take control of the train yourself in one of the three new scenarios.
Next we have the addition of three new scenarios and these new scenarios consist of a route from Leipzig, Germany to Dresden which is a modern German railway that includes high speed locomotives and trains. The next new scenario is called the Morristown Line and it takes place on a classic commuter route in New Jersey. The Morristown Line really showcases the new and improved random events system that is integrated in to the game. Last but not least we have the Riviera Line which covers a very scenic route in the United Kingdom.
The forth and final mode is called Creators Club and that mode entails creating and customizing your train experience. All you have to do is call up the included Livery Designer to be able to create your own train experience or use the Formation Designer which will allow you to design and customize the trains appearance present in your collection. Then to top it all off, you can place your customized engine design in to the Free Roam mode section. Your creations can either be used in game or you can upload them for others to use. This will require a Dovetail Live account though.
There's no story like a good train story!
Train Sim World 6 really doesn't contain a scripted storyline like other simulations do. This new train simulation relies on things that might (and will) happen while travelling along the chosen route. Incidents such as schedule delays, over crowded train yards and stops along with outside environmental weather conditions are what causes the story on this train ride. In reality, Train Sim World 6 was made to be more like a pure simulation of train operations and that is what makes it be so much fun. If you make a mistake in your control of the locomotive then the result could be a mishap and that's why playing the very concise tutorial is important. The tutorial is very structured and it will allow rookie engineers the chance to be able to slowly learn all of the many requirements in order to be a good train pilot. Just like the old Flight Simulations of days past, this train sim prepares the player to be able to handle weather, to be able to use signal systems, train schedules and on and on...
The game's random event AI does have the ability to create random events that can serve to effect train speed and engine performance along with causing sudden delays which in effect will require the engineer / train driver to be able to solve train problems in real time. Another very nice feature is that data from earlier Train Sim World games can be imported and that information can be incorporated in to this new version of the game. This in effect will create a whole new and larger train transportation network! It's a very nice feature indeed which can increase the replayability value of the game thus keeping your train driving experience going well in to the future!
Having an experienced train engineer is always best, isn't it?
Well, not so much in Train Sim World. Train Sim World 6 keeps the series experience model in the name of experience points only and that means getting XP is basically unchanged from earlier versions of the game. These experience points accumulate when runs are completed and when train issues and problems are solved. The more problems solved, the more XP earned and this can serve as a way to keep the game chugging along because the XP points will in effect raise the mastery level for the various engines that you have under your control. Unfortunately, other than that, experience really only raises the players driver level of the various locomotives, it doesn't improve how they drive. However, level raises do provide nice perks or prizes such as additional train customization and station decals, etc. So in effect the XP system doesn't improve your driving proficiency or cause you to perform better it essentially only hands out game mastery perks after reaching certain XP levels.
We hope you enjoyed your journey on this new train.
I certainly enjoyed my train ride but I really can't speak to how much better the graphics in game are compared to previous game versions but I can say that the in game environment looked very good to my eyes. It is reported that an older Unreal Graphics Engine 4 was used instead of the much improved Unreal Engine 5; however, my old(er) eyes took great pleasure in what they were viewing as I drove my train along some visually pleasing locations. Over all I would have to say that the new Train Sim World 6 game is a worthwhile purchase for the new and experienced Train driving enthusiast!
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8.5
fun score
Pros
An extremely detailed technically focused train driving simulation, with a random incident dependent story line
Cons
A rather steep learning curve
