SimRail - The Railway Simulator: CD 163 Series

The CD 163 Series DLC for SimRail – The Railway Simulator was developed by SimRail S.A. and published by PlayWay S.A., with its release taking place in 2026. It was made available on 25 January 2026 as an official expansion for the core SimRail experience, adding another electric locomotive to the simulator’s growing Central European rolling stock lineup. The DLC is designed to integrate fully with the existing routes and systems already present in SimRail, maintaining consistency with the simulator’s realism-focused approach.

The DLC centres on the ČD Class 163 electric locomotive, commonly known by its nickname “Peršing,” which has been a mainstay of Czech rail operations for decades. In SimRail, the locomotive is presented with a detailed driver’s cab, authentic controls, realistic traction characteristics and distinctive sound design reflecting its thyristor-based propulsion system. It is suitable for a range of duties within the simulator, including passenger and freight services, and complements the existing Czech and neighbouring regional content already available in the game.

Promotion of the CD 163 Series DLC followed SimRail’s usual communication strategy, relying primarily on official developer announcements and updates within the game’s established community channels. In the period leading up to release, the developers highlighted the locomotive through preview posts and reminders, encouraging players to wishlist the DLC ahead of its unlock date. This measured promotional approach is typical for SimRail, where new content is aimed squarely at an existing audience of rail simulation enthusiasts rather than the wider gaming market.

As the DLC was released only recently, there are currently no Steam user reviews available to provide a clear numerical assessment of its reception. Early feedback has instead emerged through SimRail community forums and discussion spaces, where players have been commenting on the accuracy of the cab, driving feel and how well the locomotive fits into current routes and scenarios. Initial reactions have generally been positive, with many welcoming the addition of a well-known and historically significant electric locomotive to the simulator’s expanding roster.