Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Open Rails VS Trainz Simulator

Compare Open Rails VS Trainz 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.

Trainz Simulator logo Trainz Simulator

Trainz Simulator is a commercial train simulator from Australia.
  • Open Rails Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-10-22
  • Trainz Simulator Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-10-03

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.

Trainz Simulator features and specs

  • Realistic Simulation
    Trainz Simulator offers a highly detailed and realistic train simulation experience, with accurate locomotive controls and environment modeling.
  • Extensive Content
    The game includes a wide variety of trains, routes, and environments, offering players diverse experiences and continuous exploration.
  • User-Created Content
    Trainz Simulator supports a robust community of users who can create and share their custom models and routes, enhancing the game's replayability.
  • Multiplayer Mode
    The game allows players to join online sessions with others, enabling collaborative route building and train operations.
  • Learning Tools
    Trainers and tutorials are provided to help users learn how to handle different locomotives and operations within the game.

Possible disadvantages of Trainz Simulator

  • Steep Learning Curve
    New players may find the game's controls and simulation mechanics challenging and complex without prior experience.
  • Performance Issues
    The game requires a powerful PC setup to run smoothly at high settings, and some users report performance issues on lower-end systems.
  • Outdated Graphics
    Some aspects of the visual fidelity, such as textures and models, may appear outdated compared to other recent simulation games.
  • Limited Console Availability
    Trainz Simulator is primarily available on PC, limiting access for users who prefer or only own gaming consoles.
  • In-Game Purchases
    While the base game offers plenty of content, additional premium routes and trains are often only available through in-game purchases.

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]

Trainz Simulator videos

Trainz Simulator 2012 Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Open Rails and Trainz Simulator)
CMS
49 49%
51% 51
Simulation
49 49%
51% 51
Website Builder
47 47%
53% 53
Games
53 53%
47% 47

User comments

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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: over 2 years ago
  • What train sim should I get?
    How about free. http://openrails.org/. Source: almost 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: over 3 years ago

Trainz Simulator mentions (0)

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

What are some alternatives?

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

openBVE - openBVE is an open source train simulator

Microsoft Train Simulator - Microsoft Train Simulator was a commercial train simulator for Microsoft Windows.

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

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.

Dovetail Games Train Simulator - Dovetail Games Train Simulator is a commercial train simulator.

The Count of Monster Disco - The Count of Monster Disco is a Single-player Simulation developed by Skyhook Games and published by Dovetail Games.