Train Sim World 6 (TSW6) is a simulation game so that means that it doesn’t have a story. What it does have is random events and train faults. These elements give the game a narrative element in the sense that it provides scenarios that the player must adapt to.
For instance, you could be headed to a station and be told that there is a switch malfunction and you have to flip the track switch or risk a collision with another train. You could have a fuel line malfunction or a brake line malfunction as you’re going at high rates of speed. With a train full of passengers or cargo, this is going to force you to think on your feet and adapt quickly. While TSW6 doesn’t have a story line, what it gives you is a real world simulator that seems to be true to life.
TSW6 gives you a very authentic experience as a train operator. There are lots of different trains that you can operate spanning generations. In addition to the number of trains you can operate, you can also drive these trains through a variety of locations around the world. You could run a train in Germany or even a subway train under the streets of New York. The game presents every train to be as authentic as possible.
There are a ton of buttons and switches that all must be memorized in order to maintain smooth operation of the train you’re in control of. Not only are there a lot of controls to memorize, but each train operates differently. So there is a lot to take in and it can seem rather intimidating at times. The good news here though is that you can visit the training center which will teach you how to operate all of these trains.
The game will also teach you about the random train faults that can occur along with random events. Though the interesting thing is that the game doesn’t teach you everything that can occur. It does a great job at keeping the player on their toes in this respect. You could have been taught about one thing that could happen only to find that something slightly different happened and have you adapting the best you can to navigate the situation.
The amount of depth and simulation that TSW6 provides is nothing short of impressive. This game has a lot of challenge in its mechanics and is the most realistic entry in the series yet. Not only that, but with this being the Deluxe Edition, it gives you the most content in the form of additional trains and locations that you can operate and explore than any other entry.
TSW6 uses the latest iteration of the Unreal Engine which is Unreal Engine 5. This allows the game to deliver stunning fidelity and visuals that are truly remarkable. Every location from the United States, Germany, and the UK that the Deluxe Edition gives you has a lot of attention to geographic detail and atmosphere given the power of Unreal Engine 5. The mountains and hills you travel through, the city streets, and the dramatic coastlines all look hyper realistic. The water effects look fluid and have an uncanny look to it.
TSW6 gives you the opportunity to travel the world without leaving the comfort of home. It really does a great job at looking photo realistic. Locomotive models are, as always, meticulously detailed, down to the wear and tear inside the cab. The only thing that doesn’t have a sense of photo realism or realism in general are the NPCs. Yes, the character models on them look really good, but they really seem like filler when compared to the rest of the game. Almost like this beautiful world was built and they needed something to fill it which is where the NPCs come into play.
When it comes to performance, TSW6 is one that surprised me given the amount of detail the game has to offer. The high speeds of the trains and the fast moving scenery all look really smooth. There can be a bit of pop ins when it comes to buildings and things, but it’s understandable given the amount of realism the game provides. Load times are alright. I mean the load times are a bit long. But again, given the amount of realism that TSW6 has going on it is totally understandable.
When it comes to sound, TSW6 really provides something special. TSW6 elevates the importance of sound by injecting critical audio cues into the environment. The game features full implementation of platform and onboard announcements. Hearing authentic, contextual passenger information like station stops and delay advisories really just enhances the realism of the simulation game. This is perfectly complemented by the increased Passenger Ambience within the cab, adding a subtle layer of reality to the driver’s environment. Beyond the cab, the audio quality of the locomotives themselves is pristine, with the distinct chug of diesel engines, the whine of electric traction, and the sharp hiss of air brakes captured with enthusiast level accuracy.
Train Sim World 6 is not merely an incremental update; it represents a fundamental shift in the series’ philosophy by placing dynamic challenges at the forefront. While the route quality and visual fidelity remain stellar, especially on the new Morristown, Leipzig, and Riviera routes, it is the introduction of the random events and train faults that truly justifies purchasing this latest entry in the series. These mechanics finally bridge the gap between simulation and true operational realism, demanding that players develop not just technical proficiency, but also the crisis management skills of a real driver.
Coupled with the powerful immersive boost provided by the new announcement systems, TSW6 is the most engaging and demanding train simulator on the market. For newcomers, the guided training provides an accessible entry point, but for veterans, the ability to “Expect the Unexpected” offers thousands of hours of revitalized, high-stakes gameplay that turns every timetable run into a unique, unpredictable story. This is a must-buy package that sets a high new standard for the genre!
Disclaimer: A review key was provided
In addition to writing articles, Ryan Byers also creates content for his YouTube channel called "Obscure Games and Consoles", collects video games, and dabbles in video game development.