Railroads Online

Railroads Online is a sandbox railway simulation game developed by Stefan Kelnberger and published by astragon Entertainment. Initially released in Early Access for PC via Steam on October 1, 2021, the game officially launched on December 5, 2024, expanding its availability to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S platforms. This full release marked a significant milestone, bringing the game to a broader audience and enhancing its accessibility across multiple gaming systems.

Set in a vast open-world environment reminiscent of the American Midwest during the golden age of steam trains, Railroads Online allows players to build and manage their own railroad networks. Players can lay tracks, construct stations, and operate detailed steam locomotives to transport goods and passengers across expansive landscapes. The game emphasizes realism, offering a physics-based simulation where players must manage various aspects of train operation, including fuel, water, and sand levels, to ensure safe and efficient journeys.

The gameplay features both single-player and cooperative multiplayer modes, supporting up to 16 players. In multiplayer sessions, players can collaborate to build and expand their railroads, sharing resources and tasks to achieve common goals. The game offers several large maps, such as Lake Valley, Aurora Falls, and Pine Valley, each presenting unique challenges and opportunities for railroad construction and management. This cooperative aspect fosters a sense of community and teamwork among players.

Upon its full release, Railroads Online received positive feedback from the gaming community. Players praised the game's depth, attention to detail, and the satisfaction derived from building and operating complex rail systems. However, some technical issues were noted, particularly concerning performance optimization and the learning curve associated with the game's mechanics. Despite these challenges, the game's dedication to realism and its engaging multiplayer experience contributed to its success and growing player base.