About
Trainz Simulator is one of the most feature-rich and long-standing train simulation platforms available, developed by N3V Games (Auran) over more than two decades. It caters to both casual train enthusiasts and hardcore model railroad hobbyists who want an authentic, deeply customizable experience. At its core, Trainz lets users build elaborate railroad routes using Surveyor 2.0, an advanced world-building tool that requires no programming knowledge. Players can drive thousands of locomotives spanning different eras and regions, operate complex rail networks, and participate in multiplayer sessions with other community members globally. The platform's flagship desktop product, Trainz 22 Platinum, ships with 6 built-in routes, 5 extra routes, 21 bonus locomotives, and over 400 pieces of rolling stock. For users who want continuous access to the latest features and content as they are developed, Trainz Plus memberships (Standard and Gold tiers) provide early access and regular content drops without waiting for major releases. Trainz Simulator 3 brings the experience to iOS and Android devices, making it accessible on the go. A robust community ecosystem — including the Trainz Download Station, community forums, Discord, and a rich content gallery — ensures a steady stream of user-generated content and shared creations. With support for downloadable content (DLC) and a passionate modding community, Trainz Simulator offers virtually unlimited replayability for railroad fans of all ages.
Key Features
- Surveyor 2.0 Route Builder: An advanced no-code world-building tool that lets users design and build detailed, custom railroad routes and environments from scratch.
- Thousands of Trains & Rolling Stock: Access a massive library of locomotives, passenger cars, wagons, and freight stock spanning multiple eras, regions, and rail gauges.
- Multiplayer & Community Sharing: Play collaboratively online with other users via the Multiplayer Session (MPS) system, and share routes and creations through the Trainz Download Station.
- Cross-Platform Availability: Available on PC (Steam), Mac, iOS, Android, and Xbox console, ensuring players can experience Trainz on their preferred device.
- Trainz Plus Membership: A subscription tier that grants early access to features and content currently in development, with regular new routes, locos, and tools as they are released.
Use Cases
- Model railroad enthusiasts recreating real-world rail lines and train routes in a digital environment.
- Casual gamers who enjoy train driving and railroad management gameplay on PC, Mac, or mobile devices.
- Community creators building and sharing custom railroad routes, locomotives, and scenarios with other Trainz users.
- Educational use for learning about railroad operations, train types, and historical rail networks in an interactive simulator.
- Multiplayer sessions where groups of players cooperatively operate a shared railroad network in real time.
Pros
- 20+ Years of Development & Content: Decades of refinement and an enormous library of official and community-made content makes Trainz one of the most content-rich train sims available.
- Powerful No-Code Route Building: Surveyor 2.0 enables anyone to build detailed, realistic railroad worlds without requiring any programming or technical skills.
- Active Community Ecosystem: A thriving community with forums, Discord, a download station, and regular live-streaming events keeps the experience fresh and collaborative.
- Cross-Platform Play: Available across PC, Mac, mobile, and console, giving users flexibility to play wherever they prefer.
Cons
- High Entry Cost: The full Trainz 22 Platinum Edition and Trainz Plus memberships represent a significant financial investment, which may deter casual users.
- Steep Learning Curve: The depth of route-building tools and simulation options can be overwhelming for new players without prior experience in train simulation.
- Not an AI Tool: Trainz Simulator is a game/simulation platform and does not incorporate AI-driven features or automation beyond its simulation engine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What platforms is Trainz Simulator available on?
Trainz Simulator is available on PC (via Steam), Mac, iOS, Android, and Xbox. Different products are tailored to each platform — Trainz 22 Platinum for desktop, Trainz Simulator 3 for mobile, and a dedicated Xbox version.
What is the difference between Trainz 22 Platinum and Trainz Plus?
Trainz 22 Platinum is a one-time purchase with a large fixed set of content (routes, locos, rolling stock). Trainz Plus is a subscription membership that gives ongoing early access to new features and content as they are developed, before full release.
Can I build my own railroad routes?
Yes. Trainz includes Surveyor 2.0, a no-code world-builder that lets you design custom railroad routes, lay tracks, place scenery, and build entire rail networks from scratch.
Is there multiplayer support?
Yes, Trainz supports online multiplayer sessions (MPS), including a free tier that allows collaborative online play with other users.
Is there community-created content available?
Yes. The Trainz Download Station hosts a vast library of user-generated routes, locomotives, and rolling stock that players can download and use to expand their experience.
