Old vs New: Who really has more players? Train Simulator or Train Sim World 6?

Two major titles. Two different generations. One publisher. Dovetail Games operates both the long-running Train Simulator and the modern Train Sim World 6. But which one is actually played more today? Does the veteran still dominate? Or has the modern platform taken over? And where do you stand?

Train Simulator has been on the market for many years. It offers a massive DLC library and a deeply established community. Technically older, but stable and familiar.

Train Sim World 6 represents the newer generation. Built on Unreal Engine, featuring walkable trains and modern visuals, it targets the future of rail simulation.

Now to the numbers.

Train Simulator is played by roughly 550 to 700 concurrent players in the morning. In the evening peak, it reaches about 1,200 to 1,300 concurrent players.

Train Sim World 6 sits slightly above that. Morning numbers range from 600 to 800 concurrent players. Evening peaks reach around 1,250 to 1,450 players.

The difference is surprisingly small.

The newer title leads slightly, but the classic Train Simulator remains highly relevant. Both platforms operate at nearly the same level in terms of active players.

This suggests two stable communities. One values the enormous DLC ecosystem and familiarity of Train Simulator. The other prefers modern graphics and immersive technology in Train Sim World 6.

This is not a clear victory for the new generation. It is coexistence. Two parallel ecosystems serving different preferences within the same niche.

The more interesting question might be: why are both so stable? And what does this mean for the long-term future of rail simulations?

Which game do you play more often? Are you surprised how close the numbers are? Do you think Train Simulator will survive long term? Do you own both titles? Where do you see the future of train simulation?