Train Sim World 6 Review

Without blowing my own trumpet, I am probably one of the most suited individuals to review Train Sim World 6. Not only do I drive passenger trains for Great Western Railway for a living, but I also drive one of the most picturesque routes that Dovetail Games has ever created this time around. Train enthusiasts have been particularly excited to see the offerings this year, and, of course, we have a variety of different editions that include various routes. The development team have been hard at work creating some intriguing additions and strides forward on the virtual iron road.

Which Edition Does What?

It wouldn’t be a Train Sim experience without several different editions of the game. I’ll detail below which version does what, and then you’ll know what to expect from each.

Free Starter Pack – This is the entry point for newcomers to try before making a purchase. This portion of the game acts as a demo, and you’ll be able to dip into the training centre and try out some different driving styles and traction scenarios.

Thomas & Friends Edition (£34.99) – In this bundle, you’ll have access to the free starter pack, West Somerset Railway add-on, alongside the Thomas & Friends West Somerset and 80th Anniversary packs.

Standard Edition (£44.99) – Here, you’ll have access to the free starter pack, the Bahnstrecke Leipzig to Dresden route, the Morristown Line that serves New York & Hoboken, drive in Germany through Nahverkehrsnetz Dresden – Riesa, and finally, the Riviera Line that covers Exeter to Plymouth & Paignton.

Deluxe Edition (£64.99) – Includes everything that the Standard Edition offers, with the Crosscountry Voyager unit add-on, the DB BR 294 Diesel Shunter and the NJ TRANSIT® ALP-45DP Electro-Diesel

Special Edition (£104.99) – Comes bundled with everything mentioned in the Standard and Deluxe versions, but with Cardiff City Network: Radur & Coryton to Penarth & Bae Caerdydd, MBTA Commuter: Boston – Worcester, Pfälzische Ludwigsbahn: Mannheim – Kaiserslautern, Semmeringbahn: Wiener Neustadt – Mürzzuschlag and Spoorlijn Zwolle – Groningen as extras.

A Feast Of New Features

One of the most notable additions this time around is random events and even faults with your train. As a train driver, I have a very extensive rulebook that has to be followed to the letter. This is a tiny taster of the hiccups that you can face in the driving cab. Signal delays can hold you which in turn makes you late for your waiting commuters. This can cause congestion as signalers look to route trains in and out of busy terminal stations. Temporary speed restrictions can crop up, meaning you will need to adapt your driving.

One of the biggest bugbears of being a train driver is developing a train fault, and believe me, when I say it can be difficult to diagnose immediately. In Train Sim World 6, you can experience anything from door malfunctions and brake faults to pantograph issues and loss of power. You can, of course, switch these off in the settings if you’d like a clear run of driving, but where is the fun in that?

Announcements have had a lot more attention to detail, along with station atmosphere. Playing as a conductor and dispatcher are both here, with keeping the station tidy, making for immersion at a new angle. You can also explore any route with any type of train you want in the free roam mode and create your own journeys, allowing for so many options for replayability and longevity.

Germany’s Oldest Line, Reborn for the Modern Driver

Probably the most ambitious German route so far from the team at Dovetail Games, bringing a 160km line, complete with 43 different stations. It is a very lengthy run with lots of rolling stock included to play around with. If you have ever fancied a short or long run along Germany’s oldest long-distance railway, then now is your opportunity.

American Traction Action

With the Morristown Line, you’ll be driving through the busy commuter artery between New York City and the suburbs of Hoboken/Newark through to the Morris and Essex County area, finishing in Dover, New Jersey. With both electric and diesel traction offerings, you’ll feel the intensity of rush hour through urban backdrops and industrial areas. It’s a perfect play if you want to feel how the railway operates on the opposite side of the globe.

The Riviera Line Is Remarkably Accurate

The standout route of all in Train Sim World 6 has to be the Riviera Line, and for many, this one has been a long time coming. As someone who drives this route several times a week between Plymouth and Exeter, I can hand on heart say it is stunningly accurate in every single detail. Capturing the sweeping beauty of the Devon coast alongside the instantly recognisable Dawlish Sea Wall and the rolling countryside, it is magnificently done.

Here you’ll be able to drive Great Western Railways Class 802 bi-mode units that rely on diesel power down in the depths of Devon. You can also get hands-on with the Class 150/2 DMU, which is the reliable workhorse that serves local commuters and stops at all the smaller stations. It wouldn’t be Devon without the CrossCountry Voyager, though. Also featured along this route with the correct edition. You’ll be able to pass through and stop at 14 stations, and also take the branch line off down to Paignton.

Visually Stunning

Train Sim World 6 on Xbox Series X truly feels like a big step forward in comparison to the previous few years. Visually, everything appears sharper and more immersive. Instantly, I noticed more detail in the foliage and wooded areas, and the buildings are identical. For example, there’s a lovely single house between two viaducts near Ivybridge. I always admire it when I drive past it in real life, and I was pleasantly surprised to see it standing there in-game.

Seeing reflections of LED lighting from the cab and the intense shine of LED signalling in the dark is super realistic. Having the heavy showers lashing against your cab window and your wipers working hard to clear the beads of water all blends with the real deal. They have nailed the weather changes and day and night driving styles, and it is stunning seeing sunrise, sunset and then sitting in darkness has you on edge as you pick out parts of the route. Scenery pop-in has drastically improved from TSW5. Xbox Series X runs at 4k and 60fps for the most part and is buttery smooth across all the new routes I played.

Final Thoughts

Dovetail Games has made significant strides forward in Train Sim World 6. It is refreshing to see them experimenting with how trains run along routes. Having random events added this year made me feel like I was in the cab, having signal delays, temporary speed restrictions, and even rescuing trains from the Dawlish Sea Wall are part and parcel of what we may have to do on a tough day.

Whether you’re a driver, conductor or even a dispatcher in TSW6, the game feels more true to life than it ever has. It’s not just about driving trains anymore; it’s about living the railway. The changes the development team has made have introduced more immersion, unpredictability and the familiar polished product we are used to.