Rail
Route

Rail Route (2024) is a simulation game where you design a railway network and oversee the movement of trains between stations to minimise delays. You play from the rail operations centre and control the strategic placement of tracks and routing of trains within your budget to develop a vast automated network. It stands out for the intricate micromanagement of how each train moves from station to station and how this efficiency must fit into the wider system.

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You design your railway network based on real cities such as Tokyo, London and Glasgow and across real stations, of which only a few are unlocked at the start of the round. Each train has a specific schedule it must follow by adjusting railroad switches to set its route so it can reach the desired station and platform on time. The catch is that each section of tracks can only be occupied by one train at a time, which can lead to significant delays if you haven’t prepared by integrating sections for passing along your routes.

As you progress, you can buy platforms at new stations and increase your network’s capacity for traffic. You steadily automate processes such as departure signalling and route selection using technologies that can be unlocked with experience points. Upgraded tracks can be bought so your trains can go faster and tunnels enable more direct routes. With practice, you can develop the best methods for automation and efficiency, which accelerates your progression.

The result is a game that is remarkably complex for its simple concept. It offers a good challenge that encourages creativity and learning from your mistakes. Sitting back and watching your automated network run smoothly is a satisfying reward for well-planned development.

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Our examiner, Jake Kendall, first checked Rail Route 16 months ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 4 weeks ago.