Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022

Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022 (TRS22) was developed and published by N3V Games, an Australian video game company based in Helensvale, Queensland. The game was officially released on May 31, 2022, marking the latest installment in the long-running Trainz series. As with previous titles, TRS22 was made available on PC through platforms like Steam and the Trainz Portal, offering both standard and Platinum editions. Additionally, a Model Railroaders Edition was released in January 2025, catering to enthusiasts seeking specialized content.

TRS22 serves as a comprehensive train simulation game that allows players to build, operate, and explore railroads. It features a range of high-quality routes, sessions, and trains, providing a rich environment for both casual players and simulation enthusiasts. The game introduces several new features, including Multiplayer Surveyor, which enables real-time collaboration in route building, and Surveyor 2.0, an enhanced world-building tool. Players can also enjoy improved camera options, such as Walk, Car, Fly, and Drone modes, and benefit from an in-game content store for easy access to additional assets.

The Trainz series has a history of regular releases, with major versions typically launched every two to three years. Prior to TRS22, the most recent major release was Trainz Railroad Simulator 2019 (TRS19), which introduced features like Physically-Based Rendering and Parallax Occlusion Mapping. TRS22 builds upon this foundation with enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics, reflecting the series' commitment to evolving and improving over time.

Promotion for TRS22 involved a combination of pre-order campaigns and early access opportunities. N3V Games announced the game in November 2021, with pre-orders starting in December. An Early Access edition was released in February 2022, allowing players to experience and provide feedback on the game before its official launch. This approach helped build anticipation and gather community input to refine the final product.

Upon release, TRS22 received a mix of reviews from the community. Some players praised the game's stability and performance improvements over its predecessor, TRS19, noting that it ran better on older hardware and offered a solid base game with ample user-made content available through the Download Station and third-party websites. However, others expressed concerns about the game's graphics and realism, with some content dating back to 2001, leading to criticisms regarding outdated visuals and physics.

In summary, Trainz Railroad Simulator 2022 continues the legacy of the Trainz series by offering an expansive and customizable train simulation experience. While it has been met with a range of reactions, the game's dedication to providing detailed routes, diverse trains, and robust creation tools ensures its place as a notable entry in the simulation genre.