Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Rails VS Microsoft Train Simulator

Compare Open Rails VS Microsoft Train Simulator and see what are their differences

Open Rails logo Open Rails

Open Rails is an open source simulator that is designed to run Microsoft Train Simulator content.

Microsoft Train Simulator logo Microsoft Train Simulator

Microsoft Train Simulator was a commercial train simulator for Microsoft Windows.
  • Open Rails Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22
  • Microsoft Train Simulator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-01-08

Open Rails features and specs

  • Cost
    Open Rails is completely free to use, which makes it accessible to anyone interested in train simulation without the need for a financial investment.
  • Compatibility
    It supports content from Microsoft Train Simulator, allowing users to leverage existing assets and expand their experience with a wide range of routes and rolling stock.
  • Modding and Customization
    The platform is open-source, which encourages community contributions and allows users to create and share modifications, leading to a diverse range of custom content.
  • Performance
    Open Rails is optimized for modern hardware, offering improved graphics, larger worlds, and better performance compared to older train simulators.
  • Realism
    The simulator provides high levels of detail in physics and operations, which caters to enthusiasts looking for a realistic train simulation experience.

Possible disadvantages of Open Rails

  • Learning Curve
    The complexity of the simulator can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring time and effort to learn and master its features effectively.
  • Limited Documentation
    While there is community support, official documentation can be sparse, making it challenging for users to find guidance on specific features or troubleshooting.
  • Graphical Limitations
    Despite performance improvements, the graphics of Open Rails may not be as advanced as newer commercial train simulators, which could be a drawback for users seeking cutting-edge visuals.
  • Dependence on Community Content
    The quality and availability of content can vary greatly as it primarily relies on community contributions, which may affect the user experience if certain content is unavailable or not up to standard.
  • System Requirements
    Although optimized, users may still need a relatively modern computer to run Open Rails smoothly, potentially excluding those with older systems.

Microsoft Train Simulator features and specs

  • Realism
    Microsoft Train Simulator offers a highly realistic train operating experience with accurately modeled train physics and environments.
  • Variety of Routes
    The simulator includes a diverse range of routes from around the world, allowing users to experience different landscapes and rail challenges.
  • Educational Value
    It serves as a learning tool for understanding train operations, signaling systems, and railway management.
  • Customization and Community
    The simulator supports customization and has an active community that creates additional content and mods, enhancing replayability.

Possible disadvantages of Microsoft Train Simulator

  • Outdated Graphics
    The graphics of Microsoft Train Simulator may seem outdated by modern standards, which can affect immersion for some users.
  • Steep Learning Curve
    The simulator can be complex to learn for beginners due to its detailed and realistic systems.
  • Limited Official Updates
    With a lack of frequent updates from the official developers, the simulator may not keep up with newer technology or trends.
  • System Compatibility Issues
    Some users may experience compatibility issues on modern operating systems, requiring patches or workarounds.

Open Rails videos

At The Railyard: Open Rails Review (Full Bucket Line)

More videos:

  • Review - Open Rails - Free Train Simulator Game - First Looks!
  • Review - Southern Pacific GS-6 Daylight scheme review. [Open Rails]

Microsoft Train Simulator videos

Microsoft Train Simulator W/Raildriver

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Rails and Microsoft Train Simulator)
CMS
49 49%
51% 51
Website Builder
50 50%
50% 50
Simulation
54 54%
46% 46
Driving
56 56%
44% 44

User comments

Share your experience with using Open Rails and Microsoft Train Simulator. For example, how are they different and which one is better?
Log in or Post with

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Open Rails seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 3 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Open Rails mentions (3)

  • New made consists in TSRE or ConBuilder doesn't show in MSTS, any solution for that?
    I recommend getting http://openrails.org/ . It is a free and legal version and with some searching you can find great freeware addons online. Source: almost 3 years ago
  • What train sim should I get?
    How about free. http://openrails.org/. Source: over 3 years ago
  • Best Train Simulators for Budget Laptop
    Give Open Rails a shot! It's continuously being updated, but is also backwards-compatible with original MSTS content which was designed for much older computers. It's quite lightweight as a result, while still allowing for modern content to be developed. http://openrails.org/. Source: almost 4 years ago

Microsoft Train Simulator mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of Microsoft Train Simulator yet. Tracking of Microsoft Train Simulator recommendations started around Mar 2021.

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Open Rails and Microsoft Train Simulator, you can also consider the following products

Train Sim World - Master iconic locomotives on high-speed services, long freight hauls or precise commuter traffic, and get creative with customisation tools in this advanced sequel. Climb into the cab in Train Sim World 2.

Trainz Simulator - Trainz Simulator is a commercial train simulator from Australia.

Euro Train Simulator 2 - Euro Train Sim 2 is the first mobile train simulator to feature officially-licensed real trains from Germantrain operator Deutsche Bahn. Signal System and AI trains

Loksim3D - Loksim3D is a leisure project of railway enthusiasts and software developers, who developed a program to simulate driving traction vehicles. Loksim3D simulates the tasks of a train driver.

openBVE - openBVE is an open source train simulator

BVE trainsim - BVE trainsim is a train simulator based on the point of view of the train operator.