Train Sim World 4 vs. Train Sim World 5

Dovetail Games, the developer behind Train Sim World (TSW), just added a new installment to the series. Train Sim World 5 comes a year after TSW 4. While it maintains the game’s core concept, it also delivers a few notable upgrades and new features to make the experience more realistic and enjoyable. Besides new routes and train models, the new installation also features a new Conductor Mode, new Fast Travel and Route Hopping features, and an upgraded Photo Mode. Here is a comprehensive comparison of Train Sim World 4 vs. Train Sim World 5.

What is Train Sim World 4?

Train Sim World 4 is an immersive train simulation game, the seventh installment in the TSW series. The game lets you operate iconic, realistic trains on famous routes across the world. Based on realistic train mechanics, the game tests your train operating skills based on diverse scenarios and timetables. Its Standard edition features three routes and dozens of trains to operate. Moreover, it features Deluxe and Special editions with more routes and trains.

What is Train Sim World 5?

Train Sim World 5 is the eighth installment in the TSW series, recently launched on September 17, 2024. It essentially is a better, expanded version of Train Sim World 4 and all other TSW games before it, featuring new routes, train models, and new and upgraded gameplay features. Interestingly, the game launches only one year after the last installment, breaking the two-year launch cycle applied to earlier installments. Moreover, it features more notable upgrades and new features than previous installments.

Story

Train Sim World games are simulation games that don’t require a background story. The basic premise behind the series is that you are a train captain operating diverse, iconic train models across some of the world’s most famous routes.

Routes & Train Models

Train Sim World 4 and 5 feature diverse routes and train models. Notably, each game features three editions, and each higher edition features more routes and train models. 

The Standard edition of Train Sim World 4 features three routes. The East Coast Main Line takes you from Peterborough to Doncaster aboard the LNER BR Class 801. Additionally, the Antelope Valley Line takes you from Los Angeles to Lancaster aboard the Metrolink F125, while the S-Bahn Vorarlberg line takes you from Lindau to Bludenz aboard the ÖBB 4024. Moreover, the Deluxe and Special editions feature more routes and trains.

In Train Sim World 5, the Standard edition takes you through three popular routes across London, Frankfurt, and Los Angeles. Additionally, you can explore more routes and operate more train models in the Deluxe and Special editions.

The West Coast Main Line takes you from London Euston to Milton Keynes, a distance measuring about 50 miles or 80 kilometers. You ply this route aboard the Northwestern Class 350 as you operate commuter services. The Frankfurt to Fulda route is longer and covers 24 stations and eight train models, including the DB BR 411 ICE-T and DB Vectron, among others. Finally, the San Bernadino Line runs from Los Angeles to San Bernadino, covering 16 train stations and four iconic train models, including the Metrolink F125 and Metrolink MP36PH-3C.

Gameplay

Working as a train driver is the main gameplay aspect in Train Sim World 4 and 5. You drive diverse, iconic train models in both games, including passenger and freight trains. Notably, both games’ Deluxe and Special editions feature more popular train models than the Standard editions. Mastering how different trains operate can take some time, but you can hone your skills via each game’s Training Center.

In addition to iconic train models, the games also feature some of the most popular train routes across the U.S. and Europe. Different routes present varying situations, such as different weather conditions, terrains, and schedules, all designed to put your train-driving skills to the test.

Besides driving trains, you can also work as a guard or conductor via the Conductor Mode in Train Sim World 5. Your responsibilities as a conductor include operating the doors and checking passengers’ tickets. You are also responsible for ensuring everyone’s safety. For example, you can move luggage blocking paths to prevent passengers from tripping and falling. It is a pleasant way to take a break from driving trains to explore and experience more of how they operate.

Both games also share a few extra gameplay features, including the Photo Mode, Livery Designer, Scenario Planner, and Creators Club. Each feature has an exciting use. For example, Photo Mode enables you to pause the action and take pictures from diverse angles, which you can save in the in-game Gallery to make memories. Additionally, you can change the weather with the Scenario Planner. Notably, the features are better and more advanced in Train Sim World 5, featuring easier User Interfaces and more abilities.

Besides the Conductor Mode, Train Sim World 5 also features two new, exciting features: Fast Travel and Route Hopping. The Fast Travel feature enables you to get anywhere you want to go faster. It comes in handy in different situations, such as if you want to catch action at an upcoming station or when you want to finish a route faster. Additionally, Route Hopping enables you to move seamlessly through different routes in the same geographical setting. The Live Map in TSW 5 also gives you a birds-eye, real-time view of all routes, enabling you to plan your rides better.  

Verdict

Train Sim World 5 comes with notable upgrades to TSW 4’s features, as well as a few new features. Most notably, the Conductor Mode enables players to explore a different and crucial component of operating trains. It is an overall pleasant improvement from the previous games, which rarely feature notable changes. Ultimately, both games are worth trying for train simulation fans, as each features diverse routes and train models.

So, what’s your take on our comparison of Train Sim World 4 vs. Train Sim World 5? Let us know on our socials here or in the comments below.