1
Squirrel's Pick Squirrel's PickThe best game on this page. If you only try one, try this.
TrainsEconomyHistorical
$29.99 ~52.5 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 82.8% of 10k
The Squirrel's verdictRailway Empire organizes its transport-building around scenario and campaign structure, with boardgame-style per-city resource demands that grow as populations expand. The multi-modal sandbox of Transport Fever 2 is absent here — this is trains only, with track-laying and supply chains driving progression. Reviewers flag that cities never redistribute surplus goods between each other, and track placement feels fiddly. A fit for players who prefer structured scenarios over open-ended building.
Not for you if you want multi-modal transport, automatic goods balancing between cities, or freeform sandbox play.
2
TrainsEconomyTransportation
Jank Tolerant Jank TolerantRough edges and bugs — rewarding if you don't mind them. Strong Mods Strong ModsA deep, active modding scene extends it past its base content.
$24.99 ~58.4 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 84.9% of 3k
The Squirrel's verdictA token-and-resource progression system sets Mashinky apart: almost everything beyond basic trains requires global resource tokens rather than just money, adding complexity per line that pure financial management games lack. Scope is trains only — no planes, ships, or road vehicles. Built by a single developer, with sandbox-style play and no campaign or scenarios. Players average 58.4 hours.
Not for you if you want planes, ships, road vehicles, or any structured scenario or campaign mode.
3
Closest Match Closest MatchThe most similar game to the anchor, by what players say.
TransportationTrainsEconomy
Strong Mods Strong ModsA deep, active modding scene extends it past its base content.
$24.99 ~32 hr median no co-op complexity: moderate 78.5% of 2k
The Squirrel's verdictVoxel Tycoon starts from a procedurally generated world and lets players expand its boundaries indefinitely, connecting factories with trains and trucks through production chains. The voxel presentation and open-ended expansion replace fixed realistic maps entirely. Median playtime sits at 32 hours. Reviewers note slow development progress and missing promised features including an overview map and rail crossings.
Not for you if you want a finished feature set, an overview map, rail crossings, or a large realistic map instead of an open voxel world.
4
TransportationEconomyCapitalism
$19.99 ~20.6 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 79.3% of 545
The Squirrel's verdictWorldwide Rush covers trains, planes, and ships in a multi-modal transport-network game with co-op included and a lower price point than most genre entries. Released in 2025, it offers a contained experience with a median playtime of 20.6 hours. Reviewers describe it as needing more polish, particularly around feedback for route optimization.
Not for you if you need reliable passenger routing logic, since reviewers report that demand and routing behavior produce nonsensical results over longer sessions.
5
Budget Pick Budget PickThe best game here for the least money.
TrainsEconomyCity Builder
Monetized MonetizedHeads up: leans on microtransactions or free-to-play hooks.
Free ~8.2 hr median no co-op complexity: heavy 75.9% of 665
The Squirrel's verdictSimutrans is free, community-driven, and built around deep logistics control — connecting factories, stops, and towns across large maps with more precision over freight routing than most commercial alternatives. Graphics date to the game's 1997 origins and the UI is genuinely obtuse; reviewers recommend looking up guides before starting. No publisher is involved.
Not for you if you want approachable systems and modern visuals rather than a steep learning curve and dated presentation.
6
Railroad Corporation 2
PC
TrainsEconomyHistorical
$39.99 ~32 hr median co-op complexity: moderate 71.6% of 384
The Squirrel's verdictRailroad Corporation 2 centers on a corporate and political layer — issuing bonds, lobbying politicians, managing signal priority — wrapped around standard rail-network building and cargo routing. Co-op is included. Scope is trains only. Players average 32 hours, and reviewers note the game remains in early access with some systems feeling underdeveloped.
Not for you if you want multi-modal transport beyond rail, an in-cab view, or a fully released game rather than one still in active development.