Summary
- Dovetail Games collaborates with Mattel to bring official Thomas the Tank Engine content to Train Sim World 5 in 2025.
- Train Sim World 5 is the eighth iteration of the game, offering players access to various trains and routes.
- The new expansion pack will provide a story-driven experience featuring Thomas, his friends, and foes, expanding the simulation game uniquely.
Dovetail Games have announced that Thomas the Tank Engine content is being officially added to Train Sim World 5 next year. Train Sim World 5 is a series of simulation games by Dovetail Games released for PC and consoles. Unlike most gag mods that involve Thomas the Tank Engine, this collaboration with Mattel's franchise will be an official add-on pack for Train Sim World 5 that expands on the simulation game in a unique way.
Train Sim World was first released in 2019, with each new entry being an annual release since Train Sim World 3 in 2022. Train Sim World 5 is the eighth iteration of the game, released on September 17, 2024. In this version, players get access to a variety of trains and their routes, including the West Coast Main Line between London Euston and Milton Keynes and the L.A. To San Bernardino Metrolink Line. As part of the game's new content for 2025, Dovetail Games is adding a new expansion pack based on the Thomas and Friends franchise, which, unlike other add-ons to the game, is entirely story-driven.
In Train Sim World 5's announcement trailer of the new content, Dovetail Games community director JD states that he and the developers are excited to be working with Mattel on this collaboration. While the expansion pack doesn't have an exact release date next year, JD teases that Thomas will be joined by his friends Annie and Clarabel, while they also have to deal with the mischief caused by Diesel and the Troublesome Trucks. Some gameplay screenshots were also shared by Dovetail Games, showing how Thomas the Tank Engine looks in the train simulation game, along with a recreation of the West Somerset Railway.
Thomas and Friends Coming to Train Sim World in 2025
In an interview video between Dovetail Games and Mattel producer Ian McCue and executive producer Matt Peddlesden, they share what to expect about the upcoming update, as well as how the collaboration came about. According to Peddlesden, the developers wanted to collaborate with the franchise for the longest time, though noted that there were several complicated hurdles in order to do so. The opportunity came at the right place and time in order to bring Thomas into Train Sim World 5, giving players a story-driven experience while they also do the expected tasks of a Train Sim World game.
While Thomas the Tank Engine has been added as a mod to various games before, like Fallout, Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and even Elden Ring, those were usually done for comedic contrast. This add-on for Train Simulator 5 comes from a place of love and adoration for the timeless franchise, evidenced by Dovetail Games' enthusiasm for the collaboration.
-
OpenCritic Reviews
- Critics Rec: 100%
- Released
- September 12, 2024
- ESRB
- Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Dovetail Games
- Publisher(s)
- Dovetail Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Take on new challenges and new roles as you master the tracks and trains of iconic cities across 3 new routes. Immerse yourself in the ultimate rail hobby and embark on your next journey. From sleek, tilting marvels to the grunt of mighty, modern diesels - The Rails are Yours in Train Sim World 5!
LONDON
Be swept off your feet with the commuter mayhem of the WEST COAST MAIN LINE. From the detailed cab of the Northwestern Class 350, operate semi-fast and commuter services between Euston and Milton Keynes.
DELUXE EDITION: Lean into even more action on the WCML with the sleek and famous Avanti West Coast Class 390 Pendolino, tilting around bends in speedy fashion!
FRANKFURT
Variety abounds on the twisting KINZIGTALBAHN. Bank around the scenic Kinzig Valley aboard the tilting DB BR 411 ICE-T, shuttle along the line in the regional BR 114 + Dostos, and haul freight with the mighty DB Vectron. It’s all systems go between Frankfurt and Fulda.
DELUXE EDITION: Experience additional passenger flavour on the Kinzigtalbahn with FlixTrain traction! Vectron and Talbot coaches wear bright green for iconic cross-country rail travel.
LOS ANGELES
The Sun-soaked tracks of the SAN BERNARDINO LINE play host to Metrolink movements. With both the powerful F125 and sleek MP36, hustle between highways and dash from town to town on the daily suburban commute. Connect the sprawling Greater LA metropolis and run to the foothills of the Cajon peaks.
DELUXE EDITION: Hop to the hills of BNSF territory with CAJON PASS. Master mountain pass railroading over the peak to Barstow and operate local freight on the San Bernardino Line.
CONDUCTOR MODE
A new way to play! CONDUCTOR MODE puts you into the role of a guard/conductor on any service – check tickets, operate the doors and ensure passenger safety. Take a break between driving and master a different discipline.
THE RAILS ARE YOURS
With customisation tools such as CREATORS CLUB, PHOTO MODE and more, embark on your own journey, in your own way.
LIVE MAP: Get a real-time, birds-eye view of any route. Become familiar with station locations and find out when the next train is heading your way with detailed information.
ROUTE HOPPING: fast-travel across routes to catch the action at any station or hop between geography-shared routes on-foot to access your collection (other route add-ons required).
YOUR COLLECTION, YOUR WAY
Enter the hobby, expand or kick-start your collection with different editions;
FREE STARTER PACK introduces you to Train Sim World 5 with the Training Center, STANDARD EDITION comes with the 3 new routes, DELUXE EDITION also comes with additional new trains, and SPECIAL EDITION comes with an additional set of TSW5 Compatible routes.
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 7.44 GB
