Steam has kicked off its latest themed sale, Train Fest, offering a broad collection of discounted train-centric titles for one week. The promotion spans a wide spectrum of genres, from driving and management simulations to shooters—some of which take considerable creative liberties with the definition of rail travel.
Unconventional Takes on the Rails
A notable example is Denshattack. While “densha” translates to “train” in Japanese, the game abandons traditional operation in favor of performing stunts with an entire train. Equally peculiar is Choo-Choo Charles, a shooter in which players must battle a spider-like locomotive. The catalogue also includes several shooters that appear to have qualified simply because they contain the word “rail,” hinting at some overly generous curation decisions. At the same time, plenty of straightforward train simulators remain available for purists.
Realistic Simulations and Subway Alternatives
For those seeking operational authenticity, Running Train is among the discounted titles. Developed by a single creator, the game is notable for its detailed Japanese-style approach, reminiscent of the Densha de Go series, though it uses a fictional route. Similarly, JR East Train Simulator places a strong emphasis on precision stops and strict timetable adherence.
Subway Sim 2, while a more mediocre offering, is currently the only option for enthusiasts of the Berlin or Hamburg underground networks. Players who enjoy the mechanical drama of derailments may be drawn to Derail Valley. The objective is technically to keep trains on the track, but challenging conditions can make this unexpectedly difficult; few simulators allow derailments to unfold with this degree of freedom.
Planning, Building, and Dispatching
The festival also highlights construction and management experiences. Transport Fever 2, though several years old, continues to receive updates from developer Urban Games. A discount now offers a practical alternative for anyone who would rather not wait for a potential Transport Fever 3.
The recently launched Subway Builder is also heavily reduced. Players familiar with Transport Fever should temper their expectations regarding route-planning complexity; the toolset is more limited and some bugs can frustrate. Even so, the game remains highly intricate, and its integration of census information enables passenger flow simulations grounded in real-world survey data.
At the more approachable end sits Mini Metro, where the gentle learning curve gradually gives way to escalating difficulty on every map. For a narrower, more technical challenge, Rail Route is aimed squarely at those who enjoy studying track diagrams. It can just as accurately be called a railway dispatching simulator.
Festival Demos and Event Details
Steam Train Fest also features demos for upcoming projects. Among them is Cat Isle, a title that used the event to share an initial preview; the full version is not yet finished and is unavailable even in Early Access.
The sale runs through July 27, 2026, and can be accessed directly through the Steam application.