Choose The next train is
Choose The next train is if you want a Simulation game with Steam Leaderboards and Adjustable Difficulty. The next train is launched in 2026.
The next train is vs Astrohaulers
The next train is and Astrohaulers both land in Strategy, Indie, Casual 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 share Strategy, Indie, Casual on Steam. Astrohaulers (2025) is 1 year older than The next train is (2026). Astrohaulers is free; The next train is is paid (12.99 USD). 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 Astrohaulers
Choose Astrohaulers if you want a Free To Play game with Playable without Timed Input. On Steam, it's free to play, so the barrier to trying it is zero. Astrohaulers launched in 2025.
Both The next train is and Astrohaulers sit in Strategy, Indie, and Casual on Steam and both list Custom Volume Controls and Mouse Only Option, 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
 The next train is |  Astrohaulers | |
|---|---|---|
| Released | 2026 | 2025 |
| Genres | Strategy, Indie, Simulation, Casual | Strategy, Indie, Free To Play, Casual |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Steam Deck | Unrated | Unrated |
| Price | 12.99 USD | Free to play |
| Steam reviews | — | 93.3% positive (15 reviews) |
| Multiplayer | Single-player only | Single-player only |
| Developers | overload Games | Fern Sprout Studios |
Side by side
- Both share Strategy, Indie, Casual on Steam.
- Astrohaulers (2025) is 1 year older than The next train is (2026).
- Astrohaulers is free; The next train is is paid (12.99 USD).
The next train is vs Astrohaulers — FAQ
- Should I play The next train is or Astrohaulers first?
- If you want chronology, Astrohaulers (2025) came out before The next train is (2026). 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 The next train is and Astrohaulers similar?
- They overlap on Strategy, Indie, Casual 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.
- Is Astrohaulers free?
- Yes — Astrohaulers is a free-to-play Steam title. The next train is is paid (12.99 USD).