SimRail is new, advanced railway simulator. Master high-speed long-distance EMU, heavy freight hauls and suburban trains. Travel 500 km of geodetic-data based real routes. Become train dispatcher and control the traffic according to the schedule or cooperate with other players on multiplayer mode.
Players praise the game's accurate modeling of locomotive weight, momentum, and handling characteristics. Controlling the powerful machines feels visceral, with trains realistically accelerating, braking, and navigating the geography. Reviewers highlight the attention to detail, with functional systems like brakes, lights, and radios that players must actively manage. This depth of simulation contributes greatly to the sense of realism and challenges players to master the intricacies of operating each locomotive.
The game features over 500 km of track based on real-world geography, including a diverse range of environments. For example, the flat, high-speed line between Katowice and Warsaw provides a very different experience from the more technical, hilly route to Jedrzejów. Reviewers note that the change in terrain, infrastructure, and train characteristics between routes creates a distinct feel and operational challenges, keeping the gameplay fresh and encouraging players to explore the network.
The game's robust multiplayer mode allows players to collaborate as both train drivers and dispatchers, communicating in real-time through in-game radios or voice chat to coordinate train movements and resolve operational issues. Reviewers praise the unpredictable, social element introduced by the ability to see other trains and operators on the shared network, creating a unique cooperative experience.
In addition to locomotive controls, the game allows players to take on the role of train dispatcher, managing the flow of traffic on the network. Reviewers describe this as a complex and rewarding aspect of the gameplay, as dispatchers must carefully coordinate with drivers to ensure smooth operations, considering factors like schedule adherence, train priorities, and infrastructure constraints.
While the game's controls, signaling systems, and operational procedures can be complex and require a substantial investment of time and effort to master, many players see this as a strength. The "hardcore" nature, which prioritizes simulation authenticity over accessibility, is seen by many as a refreshing alternative to more casual train simulators.