Iron Roads

Your goal is to set up an efficient rail network that keeps your passengers happy and on-time

Iron Roads is a top-down 2D train management game in which you lay tracks, buy trains, and set their routes until you have an efficient network carrying passengers and cargo between your towns and factories.

With board game-inspired mechanics such as resource tokens, geographically-induced space constraints, and innovative track order systems, Iron Roads will appeal to players who relish the more cerebral, optimisation elements of train simulation games, as opposed to more realistic business sim/tycoon-type games.

Choose between 3 modes of play

• Scenarios: Hand-crafted experiences with distinct narratives and gameplay features

• Challenges: Play time-bound challenges to compete for a spot on the high-score board

• Sandbox mode: A low-pressure game where you set parameters and play the way you want

Features

• Minimalistic interface Well-suited for setting up sprawling and complex networks, while being approachable for new players

• Manage your resources Earn resource tokens by growing towns or completing contracts. Use your tokens strategically to expand your network and keep your erudite animal passengers happy

• Carry cargo Transport goods efficiently in interconnected production chains

• Research Unlock new trains, technologies, and things to transport

• Listen to the sound of your network Music in Iron Roads is a combination of notes generated from your trains and passengers, and authored melodies. The music you hear will be as unique as the layouts you build

• Performance graphs The main goal of Iron Roads is to optimise your network, so you may wish to use the charts to analyse data relating to your finances and passengers

• Build large, complex networks Or small-to-medium sized networks, if that's what floats your boat

Early Access: This is our roadmap for the first 6 months after Early Access launch

We anticipate that we’ll be in Early Access for a couple of years, but are committed to providing regular monthly updates based on feedback. These are the bigger updates we have planned right now (not in any particular order):

• Sandbox mode: We are building a map generator so you can set the parameters and play the way you want

• We will add more hand-crafted scenarios and timed challenges

• Controller support for the optimal Steam Deck experience

• Multiplayer mode

• Mod support, ongoing bugfixes, UI and QoL updates 

This is not a complete list, and we are not promising the order in which we'll add features. Our plan for each update is based on feedback from the community and the state of the game at that moment. So if there is something you'd especially like to see in Iron Roads, get in touch!

Iron Roads will not have

• Buses, boats, planes or any other form of transport

• 3D graphics: our focus is on allowing you to build large networks easily, and we find 2D better for that

• NFTs, lootboxes or microtransactions

Games we were inspired by

• OpenTTD

• Mini Metro

• Two Point Hospital

• Lets Build a Zoo

• Opus Magnum

Iron Roads is being developed by a BAFTA-nominated husband-and-wife team, Marina and Duncan. You can find out more about us and our work on our website.