Uncovering the Best openBVE Alternative for Train Simulation Enthusiasts
openBVE is a renowned license-free and open-source train driving simulator, celebrated for its unparalleled focus on realism. It meticulously simulates brake systems, friction, air resistance, and even incorporates forces for an immersive 3D cab experience. While its dedication to accurate physics and operational detail is a major draw for purists, its steep learning curve and emphasis on studying operational manuals might lead some users to seek a more accessible or feature-rich alternative. This article explores several excellent openBVE alternative options that cater to various preferences within the train simulation genre.
Top openBVE Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a more casual experience, enhanced graphics, or a different style of transport management, there's an openBVE alternative out there that's perfect for your virtual railway adventures. Let's delve into some of the top contenders.
Simutrans
Simutrans is an open-source transport simulator available for Free on Mac, Windows, Linux, Haiku, and Steam. While not a direct train driving simulator like openBVE, Simutrans offers a broader transport management experience, allowing you to build and operate a successful company transporting passengers, mail, and goods by various means, including trains. Its open-source nature makes it a great choice for those who appreciate community-driven development, providing a different, yet engaging, railway-focused experience.
Cities In Motion (series)
Cities in Motion (CIM) is a commercial city-based mass transportation simulator available on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Steam. Unlike openBVE's focus on individual train operation, CIM puts you in charge of building and managing an entire public transportation network within a city. While it features trains, it offers a more strategic, city-building gameplay loop, making it a good openBVE alternative for those interested in urban planning and logistics alongside their rail interests, specifically offering a 'Cities' feature.
Rigs of Rods
Rigs of Rods is a free and open-source vehicle simulator licensed under the GNU General Public License version 3, available on Mac, Windows, and Linux. What sets Rigs of Rods apart is its unique soft-body physics engine, offering a different kind of realism compared to openBVE's detailed system simulations. While not solely a train simulator, its comprehensive vehicle physics and 'Multiplayer' feature make it an interesting openBVE alternative for users who appreciate intricate vehicle dynamics and community interaction, and even includes 'Support for Android Things'.
BVE trainsim
BVE trainsim is a free train simulator for Windows that shares a strong lineage with openBVE, focusing on the point of view of the train operator. As a direct conceptual sibling, BVE trainsim offers a similar realistic experience without the deep system simulation of openBVE, making it a potentially more streamlined option for those who enjoy the core driving aspect. Its 'Portable' feature also adds convenience for users.
Open Rails
Open Rails is a free and open-source simulator specifically designed to run Microsoft Train Simulator content on Windows. This makes it an excellent openBVE alternative for those who appreciate the vast amount of existing content from MSTS but desire an updated, open-source platform. It provides a robust and community-supported environment for enjoying a wide range of routes and trains, offering a similar driving focus to openBVE but with a different content ecosystem.
Trainz Simulator
Trainz Simulator is a commercial train simulator available for Windows. It offers a unique sandbox environment where users can build, play, and operate railway routes. While openBVE focuses on highly realistic driving, Trainz Simulator provides a more creative and expansive experience with its 'Gaming' features, allowing users to design their own rail worlds. This makes it a compelling openBVE alternative for those who enjoy creation and broader railway management alongside driving.
TrainStation
TrainStation is a freemium game available on Web and Android, where players become railroad magnates, collecting trains and managing their rail empire. While significantly different from openBVE's hardcore simulation, TrainStation offers a more casual and accessible way to engage with trains, focusing on collection and strategic management rather than realistic driving. It's an interesting openBVE alternative for those looking for a lighter, mobile-friendly train experience.
Microsoft Train Simulator
Microsoft Train Simulator (MSTS) was a commercial train simulator for Microsoft Windows. Despite being an older title, it laid much of the groundwork for modern train simulation and boasts a massive amount of community-created content. While not actively developed, its legacy and the existence of projects like Open Rails (designed to run MSTS content) make it a notable historical openBVE alternative for those interested in classic train simulation, offering a broad 'Simulation' feature set.
Dovetail Games Train Simulator
Dovetail Games Train Simulator is a commercial simulator available for Windows that focuses on delivering engaging train challenges on real-world routes. It prioritizes the immersive experience of stepping into the cab and operating iconic locomotives, making it a direct competitor and a strong openBVE alternative for users seeking high-fidelity graphics and varied scenarios, often with a more polished user interface than openBVE's minimalist approach.
Ultimately, the best openBVE alternative depends on your individual preferences. If you crave extreme realism and open-source flexibility but want a different feel, BVE Trainsim or Open Rails might be ideal. For those seeking broader transport management or creative control, Simutrans or Trainz Simulator offer compelling options. Explore these alternatives to find the perfect fit for your virtual railway journey!