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.

Train Sim World is again set to revisit the twilight days of the British steam era, depicting a line that is in parts now lifted and used for recreation as both a walking trail and cycle path.

Train Sim World 3: Peak Forest Railway: Ambergate – Chinley & Buxton will cover the line from Ambergate to Chinley, places both with current stations on the railway network, but with the line linking them now segmented into various uses – from an extant passenger branch line (to Matlock), a heritage railway, a footpath / cycle track and parts of a dedicated freight line

This route Add-on takes players back to when the entire line was in use, along with the small branch to Buxton. Set in 1963 (some 5 years after the setting of Spirit of Steam), it is the hard-working LMS Fowler Class 4F, new to the Train Sim World steam fleet, that represents the fading light of the steam era in Derbyshire. Banking operations appear in game, a unique feature for this route, helping the heavy limestone trains formed of ICI Hopper Wagons.

The LMS Jubilee, LMS Stanier 8F, Mk1 Coaches, freight wagons and 20t Brake Van from Spirit of Steam are all included when purchasing Peak Forest Railway, along with the new LMS Fowler 4F and ICI Hopper Wagons allowing for a busy timetable, representative of the time period.

Though significant portions of the route have since been taken up, Derbyshire locals and keen walkers may be familiar with several locations along the way. Between Ambergate and Matlock, the line is still in use as a branch line running through Whatstandwell, Cromford and Matlock Bath and from Matlock to Rowsley, is part of a heritage railway: Peak Rail.

Other stations had already closed by the 60s at Hassop, Great Longstone and Monsal Dale. Today, Hassop Station is a tearoom and café for walkers and cyclists along the Monsal Trail, which runs along an 8.5-mile stretch of this railway route.

The possibility of the line reopening to Buxton was even raised in a recent public meeting at Chapel-en-le-Frith town hall.

Train Sim World 3: Peak Forest Railway: Ambergate – Chinley & Buxton route Add-on will release on May 9th on all platforms for £29.99/$39.99/€35.99 and is available to pre-order on Steam from today with a 10% discount!

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. 

Train Sim World 3 is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam / Epic Games Store).