Train Sim World 5: Everything We Know

As we wait for the launch of Train Sim World 5, let’s take a trip down the memory lane. Train Sim World 4 launched in September 2023, Train Sim World 3 in September 2022, and, well, you get the picture. Dovetail Games has been churning out new annual iterations of the series. However, before the third iteration, the studio launched Train Sim World 2 in August 2020 and Train Sim World in July 2018, making it a two-year schedule.

It’s unclear why Dovetail Games shifted from a two-year to a one-year launch schedule. If anything, the last two iterations have added minor tweaks to the gameplay, making fans wonder whether the series has become yet another cash grab. In any case, if you’re curious about what Dovetail Games plans to bring to the table in the new iteration, check out everything we know about Train Sim World 5 below.

What is Train Sim World 5?

Train Sim World 5 is an upcoming train simulation game. It’s the seventh iteration in the Train Sim World video game series. Players venture onto the rail networks as they steer various passenger trains to their destinations. The upcoming game will craft new challenges and roles to take on. All along, you’ll master steering trains as you explore tracks across three new routes and iconic cities. Few games focus on trains, yet Train Sim World 5 offers fans a chance to develop a rail hobby and enjoy wild adventures.

Story

In Train Sim World 5, players control different trains across exciting tracks that run through iconic cities. Your job is to master the tracks as you explore new routes and conquer new challenges. You’ll roll by sleek tracks, controlling different trains, from shiny marvels to heavy diesel machines. 

In the upcoming game, you’ll explore London. Get ready to explore routes amid peak commute times. You’ll take on challenges crafted in the West Coast Main Line (WCML), operating the Northwestern Class 350 train between rapid Euston and Milton Keynes commuter routes.

The Deluxe edition will incorporate more rail action as you navigate the WCML at the wheel of the Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino. From fast-approaching corners to interconnected railways, you’ll navigate exciting tracks at fast speeds.

Besides London, you’ll explore Frankfurt and Los Angeles, too. Frankfurt will feature the Kinzigtalbahn route as you take in the Kinzig Valley, controlling the DB BR 411 ICE-T train, the BR 114 + Dostos train, and the DB Vectron freight train. Your destination will be in Fulda. Meanwhile, Deluxe Edition will add extra spice with FlixTrain traction! Vectron and Talbot coaches.

In Los Angeles, you’ll roll by the San Bernardino track, controlling the F125 and MP36 trains. It’ll also be a commuter spree as you transport passengers from bustling cities, between spiralling highways, and to the Cajon peaks. In Deluxe Edition, you’ll further expand into the Cajon Pass, going deeper into BNSF territory, all the way to the peak of Barstow. You’ll still control local freight trains in San Bernardino.

Gameplay

You’ll play a new Conductor Mode, which puts you in the shoes of the conductor on the trains. You’ll check tickets and open doors for the passengers. Your job will be to ensure passengers are safe. 

Meanwhile, you’ll access customization tools using photo mode, creators club, and more. You can access a live map to keep track of routes and incoming trains. Moreover, you can hop between routes with fast travel. The starter pack in Standard Edition will give you access to a training center to kickstart your rail hobby. 

Lastly, Train Sim World 5 will be multi-lingual, catering to English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Simplified Chinese, and Russian languages. However, keep in mind that localized add-on content will vary.

Development

Dovetail Games has been spearheading the development and publishing of the Train Sim World series, and the upcoming game will be no different. The studio will be using Unreal Engine 4 to develop the game, as with previous iterations. So, the visuals and performance of the new game will likely remain the same. In addition to Train Sim World 5, the studio has a couple of upcoming projects on the way, including a VR Debut and a Roblox project. 

Trailer

Check out the announcement trailer for Train Sim World 5 on YouTube. It doesn’t showcase much, except for some of the passenger trains you’ll control and the visuals you can expect.

Release Date, Platforms, & Editions

Train Sim World 5 will launch on September 17, 2024, as the previous two iterations in the series have done. The upcoming game will launch on several platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC platforms. You can choose between multiple editions, including:

Standard Edition

• Base Game
• West Coast Main Line & Class 350 EMU
• San Bernardino Line & MP36PH-3C
• Frankfurt – Fulda & ICE-T
• Updated Training Center
• Live Map & Free Roam
• Creators Club
• Previous Content Compatibility
• Price: $49.99

Deluxe Edition

• Standard Edition Content
• + Avanti West Coast Pendolino
• + Modern FlixTrain Vectron loco
• + Cajon Pass route with Route Hopping
• 4 routes + 20 locomotives & units
• Price: $74.99

Special Edition

• Standard Edition Content
• Deluxe Edition Content
• + London Underground route
• + London Overground route
• + 2 more German routes
• + New York – Trenton route
• 9 routes + 31 locomotives & units
• Price: $119.99

When you preorder the Deluxe or Special Edition, you can access the game five days ahead of the full launch. Meanwhile, you can check out the upcoming game’s DLC content, which features a pretty extensive list of items you can buy, totaling a whopping $2,634.96. 

The developing team seems keen on adopting an annual release schedule. Still, they have to meet the demand for new releases. New games simply must add new features and content that justify buying them. If not, Dovetail Games risks falling into a cash-grab reputation. To keep track of development, feel free to follow the official social handle here.

So, what’s your take? Will you be grabbing a copy of Train Sim World 5 when it drops? Let us know over on our socials here.