1
Squirrel's Pick Squirrel's PickThe best game on this page. If you only try one, try this. Closest Match Closest MatchThe most similar game to the anchor, by what players say.
TrainsVRTransportation
$39.99 ~81.5 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 96.7% of 9k
The Squirrel's verdictLike Train Life, this is freight-hauling built around building a company from contracts rather than replicating exact real-world operations. Derail Valley trades Train Life's route-and-timetable structure for open-ended job picking, manual coupling, and hands-on cab interaction, at $40 with no co-op, for players who want the ETS2-on-rails feel with more physical simulation depth.
Not for you if you want scripted signalling and fixed routes rather than open-ended contract picking, or need co-op play.
2
TrainsEconomyHistorical
$29.99 ~52.5 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 82.8% of 10k
The Squirrel's verdictRailway Empire's defining layer is economic: city demand curves, industry chains, and empire growth drive every decision, while track-laying and route management support that strategy rather than serve as the point. There is no cab view and no manual driving. At $29.99 with a Very Positive rating and a median playtime around 52 hours, it suits players drawn to the network-building and company side of Train Life over its locomotive operation.
Not for you if you want to drive the train yourself rather than direct AI trains through an overhead management view.
3
Hidden Gem Hidden GemLoved by the players who found it, but still under the radar. Budget Pick Budget PickThe best game here for the least money.
EconomyLogicPuzzle
$24.99 ~36.2 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 88.7% of 3k
The Squirrel's verdictBoth put you in charge of rail traffic, but Train Life has you driving cabs while signalling logic stays murky underneath. Rail Route drops the driving entirely and hands you the signal box: schematic dispatch, switch control, and scheduling across a growing network. Built for players who wanted Train Life's signalling to actually make sense, not for those who wanted to sit in the cab.
Not for you if you want to drive the train yourself rather than dispatch it from a schematic overhead view.
4
TrainsTransportationEconomy
$49.99 ~72.2 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 72.5% of 3k
The Squirrel's verdictRailway Empire 2 is a network-management tycoon: you lay track, run a company, and negotiate deals across large maps, with no first-person driving at any point. Reviewers single out its track-laying tools and automatic signal placement as genuine improvements over its predecessor. Co-op is supported, the median playtime runs around 72 hours, and it carries a Mostly Positive rating at $49.99.
Not for you if you want manual driving or hands-on signal control rather than directing AI trains through empire-level strategy.
5
TrainsHistoricalTransportation
Strong Mods Strong ModsA deep, active modding scene extends it past its base content.
$35.99 ~28.6 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 73.5% of 1k
The Squirrel's verdictRailroad Corporation layers bonds, labor contracts, and cargo economics over top-down network building, with AI-controlled trains you route but never directly drive. Reviewers specifically flag the complete absence of signals as a major limitation — trains distribute automatically with no player override. At $35.99 with co-op support, it targets players who want railway tycoon strategy rather than hands-on train operation.
Not for you if you want to control train movement directly or manage signalling yourself; the game offers no manual train or signal control.
6
Railroad Corporation 2
PC
TrainsEconomyHistorical
$39.99 ~32 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 71.6% of 384
The Squirrel's verdictRailroad Corporation 2 is a top-down railway tycoon with track construction, cargo contracts, bonds, and co-op play — no cab view exists. Reviewers note it closely resembles the first game but adds signals and improved track-building tools. Released in 2026 with a Mostly Positive rating, it suits players who want network and company management rather than locomotive operation.
Not for you if you want to ride along or operate a locomotive; reviewers confirm there is no in-cab or ride-along mode.
7
TrainsEconomyCity Builder
$19.99 ~33.6 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 64.5% of 4k
The Squirrel's verdictTrain Life put you behind the controls of a single locomotive with route driving and signalling. Train Fever drops the cab view entirely for top-down network building: laying track, managing cargo lines, and growing a transport company across an economy, closer to Transport Tycoon than to any driving sim.
Not for you if you want to sit in the driver's seat and operate a train rather than manage a transport network from above.
8
Train Station Simulator
PCMacLinux
TrainsEconomyBase-Building
$16.99 ~5 hr median no co-op complexity: light 57.1% of 254
The Squirrel's verdictTrain Station Simulator keeps the rail-industry framing but removes locomotive operation entirely: you plan tile layouts, set timetables, and manage a terminus station as a director. Reviewers rate it Mixed at 57% positive, flag limited depth and a self-playing quality, and the median session runs around 5 hours. It fits players who want the business and scheduling side of trains with no driving involved.
Not for you if you want any form of locomotive control; this game has only station planning and schedule management.