ZUSI 3 - Aerosoft Edition

ZUSI 3 – Aerosoft Edition is a highly detailed train simulator developed by Carsten Hölscher and released in 2019. This edition was published by Aerosoft, a company well known for distributing realistic simulation software. While the core simulator had already been available in a professional capacity and as a standalone consumer product, the Aerosoft Edition packaged the software in a more accessible format, aiming to appeal to both dedicated railway enthusiasts and serious simulation fans. It serves as an evolution of ZUSI 2, which laid the groundwork for its accurate physics, signalling, and timetable systems. The Aerosoft Edition is available exclusively on PC, allowing it to take advantage of the platform’s processing power to run its complex simulations.

At its heart, ZUSI 3 – Aerosoft Edition offers a faithful recreation of German railway operations, featuring meticulously crafted routes, authentic rolling stock, and operational rules that mirror real-world procedures. Players can drive everything from regional commuter trains to high-speed ICE services, with each locomotive behaving according to real-world technical specifications. The game is aimed at users who value operational accuracy over arcade-style ease of play, resulting in a product that can be used both for home entertainment and, in other editions, for professional driver training. Timetables, signalling, and operational priorities are all implemented to German railway standards, giving players a genuine sense of working on an actual rail network.

The inspiration for ZUSI 3 lies firmly in professional rail operation, with the developer’s focus on building a simulator that functions as a true-to-life training environment. Unlike many consumer-focused train sims, ZUSI 3 emphasises precision and adherence to railway regulations, rewarding players for accuracy and situational awareness rather than speed or spectacle. The routes included in the Aerosoft Edition are based on real locations and timetables, encouraging players to think like professional train drivers. This authenticity extends to the simulator’s operational challenges, such as managing braking distances, adjusting to changing signal states, and staying on schedule in busy traffic conditions.

In terms of gameplay features, the Aerosoft Edition includes a variety of German routes and locomotives, along with the ability to import additional community-made content. It supports realistic cab controls, complete with functional switches, gauges, and safety systems such as PZB and LZB. The simulator also incorporates AI-driven rail traffic that interacts dynamically with the player’s actions, creating a believable and busy rail environment. There is a powerful timetable editor included, allowing players to create and customise scenarios for their own operational challenges. Multiplayer functionality is not a core focus, but the game does allow for the sharing of custom scenarios and routes.

The soundtrack in ZUSI 3 – Aerosoft Edition is minimal by design, opting for environmental realism rather than background music. Players hear the hum of electric motors, the rattle of wheels on tracks, and the chime of signalling systems, all captured with a high degree of fidelity. This choice reinforces the simulator’s professional tone and makes it easier for players to respond to auditory cues that would be important in a real-world driving scenario. Every sound is chosen for accuracy, from braking squeals to station announcements, further immersing players in the operational experience.

ZUSI 3 – Aerosoft Edition was promoted primarily through simulation-focused channels, trade shows, and Aerosoft’s established community of flight and train sim enthusiasts. It was received positively among serious railway simulation fans, who praised its depth, accuracy, and professional-grade features, though it was acknowledged that the steep learning curve and functional graphics might deter more casual players. While there is no direct sequel announced, ZUSI 3 continues to be expanded with additional routes and rolling stock, ensuring its position as one of the most realistic railway simulators available to consumers. The Aerosoft Edition in particular has been credited with making this level of authenticity more accessible to a wider audience without sacrificing the simulator’s core realism.