Train Sim World 3 features a brand-new dynamic weather system delivering beautiful volumetric skies, all powered by a new lighting system enhancing realism and immersion. Trains can now be driven through the extremes of weather - snow, thunderstorms, and even the dreaded leaves on the line, each altering the driving experience and requiring players to pay close attention to track conditions. While tiny compared to the mighty machines, leaves on the line pose serious challenges for drivers as they can greatly reduce the friction between wheels and rail that trains need to pull their heavy loads of goods or passengers. 

In addition, the new Training Center feature offers a place to learn how to drive the locomotives featured in Train Sim World 3 on a brand-new route. With new gamers continually being introduced to the world of trains and new locomotives being added for experienced players, this feature is designed to ease everyone into the satisfying experience of operating large, powerful machines.  

Three routes demonstrate the variety of railway operations seen across the globe. California’s Cajon Pass, a location popular with railfans, provides the gradients to challenge BNSF’s ES44C4 and SD40-2 locomotives as they haul some of America’s longest trains from San Bernardino to Barstow. In Europe, the power is translated to pure speed as players concentrate on operating Germany’s high-speed ICE 3 and ICE 1 passenger trains across viaducts and through tunnels forming the longest route ever created in the Train Sim World franchise, the 116 mile/187 kilometer Kassel - Würzburg route.  

Speed is also pivotal in the extended and enhanced version of the fan favorite Southeastern Highspeed route, depicting the English county of Kent between London, Ashford and Dartford as well as the Chatham main line. Britain’s fastest domestic passenger train, the Class 395 ‘Javelin’, joins the slower, but no less engaging, Class 375 and 465 EMUs on busy commuter services southeast of the capital.

Weather alters the behavior of trains quite significantly in the real world, resulting in the skills of drivers and operators being tested to their maximum to keep passengers and freight moving on time. In Train Sim World 3, bringing this challenge to players has been a key area of development, resulting not only in better visual representation of rain, wind and snow but also a noticeable impact on how they affect the in-game vehicles.

The all-new Dynamic Weather feature adds excitement and variety to every journey as changing weather patterns merge seamlessly from one to another on a randomized cycle. The time and consistency of weather changes will vary, even if you repeat the same service with the same settings, so what seems like a repeated journey could bring with it entirely different gameplay. Inclement weather increases braking distance, slows acceleration and results in more sparking from electric trains – a new visual element to Train Sim World 3.

Perhaps the biggest visual difference however is the introduction of Volumetric Skies. Gone are the 2D textures that have been a staple of the Train Sim World skies for years, and in their place is a wonderfully detailed, ever-changing frame for every journey. Scrapping the flat textures and completely redesigning the skies from the ground up has resulted in a dramatic change to the overall feel of each route’s setting.

Lighting has also had an overhaul, not only seen in the day-night cycle and aforementioned electric train sparking, but also when entering and exiting tunnels. The implementation of ‘tunnel bloom’, where the eyes adjust to changing light levels, is particularly relevant for the new Kassel-Würzburg route which sees players operate the 280 km/h ICE 1 and ICE 3 trains in and out of tunnels, including the longest one in Germany.

Other additions and effects that really enhance the immersion come in the form of kick-up, where snow blows around the train as it blasts through wintry rails, and passengers react to conditions with umbrellas in a variety of colors. Whether a minor detail or a complete overhaul, the improvements made to weather are something that Train Sim World 3 players will really notice and enjoy.

Players of Train Sim World 2 and its add-ons will be able to continue enjoying its wealth of routes and locomotives, ensuring a smooth transition between titles. Future add-ons will also see locomotives ‘decoupled’ from their routes, allowing more freedom in being able to operate purchased locomotives beyond their intended setting.   

A selection of introductory packages will be available, from the “Starter Packs” containing the brand-new Training Center and 1 route expansion, to the Deluxe Edition which includes an upgraded version of the eagerly anticipated “Spirit Of Steam” add-on, that was released earlier this year for Train Sim World 2 and brought steam locomotives to the game for the first time. 

The title is available for pre-purchase digitally now on Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation Store, and Microsoft Store with a Deluxe Edition available for £49.99/€59.99/$59.99 and four ‘Starter Packs’ each available for £29.99/€35.99/$39.99. The ‘Deluxe Edition’ can be pre-ordered with a 10% discount and all pre-order purchases will grant a 4-day Early Access pass to the game, as well as a bonus decal pack to use within the livery editor to share on Creators Club, the home of player customization in Train Sim World.

Train Sim World 3 is coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam / Epic Games Store) on Sept. 6, 2022.