If you’ve ever looked at a crowded train timetable and thought, “I could run this whole railway network better myself,” now is your chance to prove it. Independent developer overloadGames has officially announced that its hit real-time railway dispatch strategy game, The next train is, is participating in Steam Train Fest 2026!

To celebrate the event—which runs from July 20 to July 27, 2026—players can pick up the game on Steam with a 20% discount. Even better, the studio has rolled out the game’s largest localisation update to date, opening up the rails to strategy enthusiasts around the globe.

What is The Next Train Is?

Released earlier this year on Steam for Windows and macOS, The next train is puts you in the hot seat of a high-stakes railway dispatch centre. Your goal? Manage increasingly congested rail networks, direct trains safely to their destination stations, and prevent total logistical chaos.

While the core controls are clean and straightforward—simply click a train and assign its next destination station—mastering the rails requires razor-sharp timing and deep strategic thinking.

• Efficiency vs. Safety: Rushing trains through junction points significantly increases the risk of catastrophic collisions. However, playing it too safe causes passenger frustration to spike, driving up overall network stress and making traffic much harder to manage.
• Freight vs. Passengers: Passenger commuters aren’t your only responsibility. Freight trains regularly request track capacity. Successfully routing these heavy cargo lines rewards you with equipment upgrades and operational boosts, forcing you to choose between short-term traffic relief and long-term infrastructure investment.
• Real-World Curveballs: Unexpected events—such as engine breakdowns or wildlife straying onto the tracks—will throw wrench after wrench into your carefully planned timetables. Building a resilient network that can recover quickly from disruptions is the key to high scores.

Major Localisation Update Released Alongside the Sale

Previously limited to Japanese, the game’s newest update introduces full support for English, German, Russian, and Simplified Chinese. The patch localises everything from user interfaces and tutorials to achievements and in-game text, ensuring a seamless experience for international dispatchers.

Whether you’re looking for a gruelling logistical test across 20 global maps (inspired by real-world rail systems in the UK, US, Japan, Germany, France, and beyond) or a stress-free session in the game’s Relaxed Mode, there’s never been a better time to jump aboard.

Key Features at a Glance:

• Real-Time Dispatching: Quick decision-making balances speed, passenger stress, and track safety.
• Global Rail Networks: 20 maps modelled after railway systems across Europe, Asia, the Americas, and beyond.
• Dynamic Challenges: Manage freight schedules alongside passenger lines and handle unexpected track disruptions.
• Accessible & Deep: Features a guided tutorial, steam achievements, online leaderboards, and a relaxed mode for casual players.
• Expanded Language Support: Full English, German, Russian, Simplified Chinese, and Japanese localisations.

How to Get It

The next train is! Is available now on Steam. You can grab the game at a 20% discount throughout Steam Train Fest 2026 until July 27.

Head over to the Steam Store Page to test your dispatching skills today!

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