Choose Train Simulator Classic
Choose Train Simulator Classic if you want the Steam Leaderboards side of the pairing. On Steam, it's a focused single-player run rather than a multiplayer commitment. 10,602 Steam reviews back the pick.
Train Simulator Classic vs Trainz Plus
Train Simulator Classic and Trainz Plus both land in Simulation on Steam, which is why they keep getting compared. The comparison below is built from each game's Steam metadata — release year, genres, categories, Steam Deck status, price, and review score — refreshed daily by imho.run's scraper. Headline differences: Both are Simulation games on Steam. Train Simulator Classic (2015) is 7 years older than Trainz Plus (2022). Trainz Plus scores higher on Steam reviews (82.9% positive) than Train Simulator Classic (73.4% positive). No login or purchase needed — scroll for the full table, the verdict FAQ, and links to ranked similar games for both titles.
Which should you pick?
Choose Trainz Plus
Choose Trainz Plus if you want the Multi-player, Online Co-op, and Co-op side of the pairing. On Steam, it's currently about 73% cheaper on the Steam Store. Trainz Plus launched in 2022.
Both Train Simulator Classic and Trainz Plus sit in Simulation on Steam, so either pick lands in the same broad neighborhood. Use the side-by-side table for the feature view, or follow the "Games like" links below to see ranked alternatives for either title.
Side-by-side comparison
 Train Simulator Classic |  Trainz Plus | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2015 | 2022 |
| Genres | Simulation | Simulation |
| Platforms | Windows | Windows, macOS |
| Steam Deck | Deck Playable | Deck Unsupported |
| Price | 29.99 USD | 7.99 USD |
| Steam reviews | 73.4% positive (10,602 reviews) | 82.9% positive (82 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player only | Multi-player, Cross-Platform Multiplayer, Online Co-op |
| Developers | Dovetail Games | N3V Games |
Side by side
- Both are Simulation games on Steam.
- Train Simulator Classic (2015) is 7 years older than Trainz Plus (2022).
- Trainz Plus scores higher on Steam reviews (82.9% positive) than Train Simulator Classic (73.4% positive).
- Trainz Plus is currently ~73% cheaper on Steam than Train Simulator Classic (7.99 USD vs. 29.99 USD).
- Trainz Plus has co-op; Train Simulator Classic does not.
- Steam Deck: Train Simulator Classic is Deck Playable, Trainz Plus is Deck Unsupported.
Train Simulator Classic vs Trainz Plus — FAQ
- Should I play Train Simulator Classic or Trainz Plus first?
- If you want chronology, Train Simulator Classic (2015) came out before Trainz Plus (2022). If neither is a sequel to the other, order doesn't really matter — start with whichever fits your current mood, since both share enough on Steam to make either a reasonable opener.
- Are Train Simulator Classic and Trainz Plus similar?
- They overlap on Simulation on Steam, so the catalogue groups them together — but "similar" depends on the specific mechanics. Use the genre + category rows above to decide whether the overlap matches what drew you to the one you've already played.
- Does Train Simulator Classic have multiplayer like Trainz Plus?
- No. Trainz Plus supports multiplayer on Steam (Multi-player, Cross-Platform Multiplayer, Online Co-op), while Train Simulator Classic is listed as single-player only.