It’s that time again, time to hop on a train and make sure everyone gets to their destination. Okay, not a good start, I swear this is a lot more interesting than just that, so hear me out. Train Sim World 5 is the newest iteration of the train simulation games, obviously, letting you take charge as the driver or the conductor this time around and ensure that trips go as flawlessly as possible. Are you someone that’s always mad that trains are late or cancelled? Let’s see if you can do better in a simulated world. This might even help some people understand everything else happening in the background to make your trip even possible.

There are so many options to go through from the get go, so let’s cover what’s happening when you turn the game on. There will be options like the training centre to help you learn each of the different trains. This is a highly suggested place to start because all the trains are quite different, it can actually make it very confusing what you’re meant to be doing if you just jump into a train and try to go.

That said, one of the other options will be to play scenarios in different trains. For instance, one of the scenarios is to have to set up a new train service because a football match just finished at Wembley Stadium and the other trains are full already. The scenarios will also give you an idea of how to drive the train it gives you for the event, which can be a better way to learn for some people since its a more hands on and practical way of learning the trains. Before getting too far into driving trains through, there are also customisation options available. You’ll be able to custom make your own trains and cars for the train, and even your own scenarios to drive. So there are tons of additional options and things to play on top of what is already included from the developer.

Alright, back to driving trains. As mentioned already, there are scenarios that you’ll be able to tackle. These will give you other things to do than just drive a train, like connect more carriages, deal with signal failures, change tracks, and more. The other option is timetable mode, where you’ll be driving from the start of a route to the end and trying to make sure you hit the stops on time. You’ll also need to remember to let people off the train, can’t forget them. This is more for people that just want to play a bit more casually, only really watching for their stops and watching their speed, which is a nice way to relax.

One of the other modes is conductor mode, which is brand new to Train Sim World 5. In this mode, you won’t actually be driving the trains, instead you’ll be doing the job that the average person sees. This includes unlocking the doors for passengers, checking tickets, and actually making sure that they’re correct. Outside of that, there’s a lot of waiting around from station to station, so if you’re going to try it out, pick a route with quite a few stops, don’t make the same mistake as me accidentally picking a route with one stop 40 minutes apart.

One of the best things about Train Sim World 5 is the fact that each of the trains actually sound noticeably different. The sound design is great in that regard where if you’re on a train in a tunnel in London, or driving a big cargo train through the desert, it’s a clearly different sound, feel, and experience overall. I will say though, there are a lot of pop in textures throughout the world. While you can see Wembley Stadium in the distance driving through London, you’ll have trees pop up randomly driving through the countryside. It’s not massively often, it’s only noticeable when there really is nothing else going on and no speed limit changes to be paying attention to, but something I felt was important to note.

It’s a lot of fun to drive trains, and this is a great game for anyone with any slight interest in trains or looking for something relaxing to play and might be done with something like Powerwash Simulator. There are enough updates in Train Sim World 5 to get excited about moving to the new game, and all previous DLC is compatible as well from my understanding, which is a massive plus side. Now to just wait for the Choo-Choo Charles crossover…

Graphics: 8.0 There are some texture pop in issues, but outside of that everything is very detailed. Trains that I’ve been on before, look like the actual trains and places like London Euston are exactly as they are save for the shops for obvious reasons.	Gameplay: 9.0 While there’s a lot of downtime (I’m writing this as a travel across the Cajon Pass) that’s just what it would be like as a train driver. I’m glad they don’t decide to shorten distances too much if at all. This is one of the more truly realistic simulators I’ve played.
Sound: 10 It’s hard to argue against just how spot on the trains sound. The sound of other passing trains. As well as the narrator that provides a reason for why you’re doing specific tasks in the scenarios.	Fun Factor: 9.0 I’m a big fan of driving trains, and even playing as a conductor. It’s a good way to unwind and relax, unless you’re trying to relax from being a train driver or conductor probably. It’s an enjoyable experience and one I have been coming back to for years now.
Final Verdict: 9.0

Train Sim World 5 is available now on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X and PC.

Reviewed on Xbox Series X.

A copy of Train Sim World 5 was provided by the publisher.