Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022 is a railroad simulation game developed for PC that centers on building, driving, and operating detailed train networks. Players engage with realistic train controls, extensive route creation tools, and a large library of locomotives and rolling stock to create custom rail experiences or explore pre-made content.
Gameplay
The core loop involves switching between route construction and train operation. In driving sessions, users control locomotives using either simplified controls or detailed cab views that replicate real instrument panels and procedures. Terrain shaping, track laying, and scenery placement form the foundation of route building, supported by tools for painting ground textures, managing layers, and positioning objects with precision gizmos. The unified driver and surveyor system lets players toggle instantly between editing the world and operating trains without reloading maps. New scenery assets expand visual variety, while effect layers add dynamic elements like vegetation or weather influences. Controller support enables alternative input methods for driving and camera movement during sessions.
Game Modes
Singleplayer sessions focus on driving trains across included routes or user-created ones in either basic or realistic cab modes. Route building occurs through the surveyor editor, where players design tracks, place assets, and set up operations. Multiplayer Surveyor allows real-time collaboration with others to edit and drive in shared worlds, supporting joint construction and operation limited only by selected maps. Additional sessions provide structured scenarios on the five included routes, each featuring specific locomotives and interactive elements tailored to regional rail operations.
Content and Customization
The game launches with over 400 train vehicles across locomotives, freight, and passenger cars. Users access thousands more through the integrated download station for free or purchase options in the content store. Five brand new routes cover diverse locations including mountainous terrain in the United States, main lines and yards in Germany, branch lines in the United Kingdom, outback railways in Australia, and mountain ranges in Eastern Europe. Each route includes multiple sessions and highly detailed rolling stock with interactive cabs. Backwards compatibility imports most existing content from prior versions, while bulk editing tools streamline large-scale modifications like applying textures under tracks or adding effect layers across areas.
Is It Worth Playing?
Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022 receives mostly positive feedback from players who value deep route creation alongside train operation. The combination of instant editor switching, multiplayer collaboration options, and extensive free content library appeals to those seeking long-term engagement in railroad simulation. Performance varies by hardware and settings, with some users noting frame rate limitations on higher graphics configurations. It suits enthusiasts focused on building custom networks or exploring community routes rather than those seeking purely scripted driving challenges. The game maintains ongoing support through updates that refine tools and add assets, making it a solid choice for PC users interested in this specific style of simulation.