Link Steam
indiegame.fan
The next train is header art

The next train is

Railway dispatching is a puzzle that never stops moving. Direct trains and transport a growing number of passengers in this real-time railway strategy game. Select a train, choose its destination, secure equipment with freight trains, and prevent collisions and passenger stress.

Steam Page
Developer
overload Games
Publisher
overload Games
Release
April 9, 2026
115 days ago
Steam Reviews
5 user reviews5 reviews80.0%

Does this feel indie?

Vote based on whether this game feels indie to you. You can change your vote at any time. Results earn an IGF score after 10 accepted votes.
No votes yet
Vote on More Games
Game contextLatest: IGF Team
ContextThe evidence factors used to assess whether this game belongs on IndieGame.Fan.Status
Notes
Latest Contributor: IGF TeamEdit notes
Search Google: Who developed The next train is?Developer scaleThe operating scale of the game's developer.
Search Google: Who published The next train is?Publisher scaleThe operating scale of the game's publisher.
Search Google: Is The next train is self-published or published by overload Games?Publisher statusHow the game's publishing relationship is classified.
Search Google: How is The next train is and overload Games funded?FundingThe known source of funding behind the game.
Search Google: Who controls the creative direction and IP for The next train is and overload Games?Creative controlWho appears to retain creative control of the game.
Search Google: What is the release status of The next train is?Release statusWhether and how the game has been released.

Media

6 items

About the Game

Think three trains ahead.

Transport a constantly growing number of passengers to their destinations in this real-time railway strategy game.
Controls are simple: select a train and tell it which station to head for.

The challenge lies in your decisions.
Move too quickly and you risk collisions.
Wait too long and passenger stress begins to build.

Should you clear the congestion in front of you, or prepare for the next rush?
Should you let a freight train pass first to secure new equipment?

On some maps, unexpected stops can occur due to train breakdowns, wildlife, or disruptive passengers.
If your schedule runs with no margin, even a small disruption can throw the entire network into chaos.

Railway dispatching isn't about complex controls.
It's about judgment — when to move, when to wait, and whether to solve today's problem or protect tomorrow's rush.

How long can you keep the network running?

Key Features

  • Simple Controls: Select a train and choose the station you want it to head to

  • Real-Time Dispatching: Balance caution and speed to keep the network running

  • Passenger Stress System: Delays quickly turn into growing frustration

  • Collision Risk: Poor decisions can lead to serious accidents

  • Freight Train Strategy: Successfully route freight trains to unlock new equipment

  • Unexpected Events: Some maps include disruptions such as breakdowns and external incidents

  • 20 Cities Around the World: Manage networks across a variety of maps

  • Guided Tutorial & “Weekend” Mode: Learn the game or play without passenger stress

  • Online Leaderboards: Compete for the highest score

Indie Game Fan