With Train Sim World VR: New York, Dovetail Games shifts into high gear. Known for their highly detailed rail simulations, the franchise makes its debut in virtual reality—right in the heart of Manhattan. This new title, developed in collaboration with Just Add Water, launched on March 31, 2025 exclusively for Meta Quest 2, 3, 3S, and Pro.
The action unfolds along the iconic MTA Harlem Line, a 24-mile route stretching from Grand Central Terminal to North White Plains. A dense, urban setting that fits perfectly with the goal: to offer full immersion in the shoes of a New York commuter train driver.
In the cab, you take control of the iconic M3A and M7A models, both officially licensed commuter trains. The attention to realism, combined with VR immersion, turns each journey into a nearly sensory experience. From engine vibrations to ambient station sounds and rearview checks, Train Sim World VR: New York quite literally puts you in the driver’s seat.
Gameplay Experience
Train Sim World VR: New York doesn’t just let you “see” trains in virtual reality—it drops you into them. Headset on, controller in hand, everything is designed to make you feel what it’s like to be a commuter train driver in New York: the tension of a precise brake, the pressure of the schedule, the quiet adrenaline of back-and-forth routes.
You play in first-person view, inside a near-accurately modeled train cab. The game covers the entire Harlem Line—24 miles of track from Grand Central Terminal in bustling Manhattan to North White Plains in the northern suburbs.
You’ll be operating two official trains:
- The M3A, an older, more rugged train with a punchy feel.
- The M7A, newer, smoother, and easier to handle thanks to a more modern dashboard.
Every journey feels like a mini-scenario: opening doors, audio announcements, managing speed, respecting signals. But it doesn’t stop there—you can step out of the cab, walk along platforms, explore passenger cars, or even ride as a regular commuter just to enjoy the cityscape.
Game Modes in Train Sim World VR: New York
Train Sim World VR: New York doesn’t lock you into one playstyle. It features three distinct modes, each tailored to a specific type of player or mood. Whether you’re a hardcore sim fan or just looking for a chill ride through NYC, there’s a mode for you.
Career Mode
This is the “serious” mode. Each mission places you in active service, where you’ll need to stick to schedules, follow speed limits, and respect procedures. Perform well to score points, climb the leaderboard, and replay scenarios to improve. Perfect for those who enjoy structure and precision challenges.
Journey Mode
More relaxed and free-form, this mode lets you experience the Harlem Line at your own pace. No timers, no pressure. Just driving, enjoying the view, and watching passengers come and go. Great for learning the ropes or unwinding without penalties.
Explore Mode
In this mode, forget the controls—you’re free to walk around stations, board trains as a passenger, hunt for collectibles, or simply admire New York’s rail architecture. It’s all about exploration and the joy of virtual trainspotting.
Your Virtual NYC Apartment Hub
Between missions, Train Sim World VR: New York gives you more than just a menu screen. You return to your own virtual New York apartment, somewhere in the city. This personal hub acts like a living space—a place to call home inside the game.
In your apartment, you can:
- Display your progress using unlockable items or stat boards.
- Decorate the space with collectibles found during exploration.
- Check your journey log, past performances, or upcoming missions.
It’s not just cosmetic — it’s a way to deepen immersion. You’re not just playing a train conductor; you’re living as a New Yorker coming home after work. The apartment adds a subtle narrative layer, almost roleplay-like, that ties your sessions together.
Accessibility in Train Sim World VR: New York
You don’t need to be a rail simulation expert to dive into Train Sim World VR: New York. The game is designed to be welcome and intuitive from the very first minutes, whether you’re a VR beginner or a sim veteran.
The interface is user-friendly, the controls are clearly explained, and all interactions are tailored to work naturally with Meta Quest controllers. Getting on board, opening doors, controlling speed — it’s all done with simple gestures, no complex combos to remember.
The game also includes various comfort settings for VR:
- Smooth movement or teleportation
- Anti-nausea options
- Height and perspective adjustments
When it comes to train driving, Train Sim World VR simplifies some complex mechanics without losing the core simulation feel. The goal is to deliver a faithful but frustration-free experience — great for learning, improving, and maybe even transitioning to more technical sims later on.
Critical Reception of Train Sim World VR: New York
Upon release on March 31, 2025, Train Sim World VR: New York received a mixed but promising reception. Critics praised the effort to bring railway simulation into an accessible VR format, though a few technical and depth-related limitations were noted.
What works
Positive feedback highlights the game’s successful immersion. The feeling of being in a cab, driving through the Harlem Line in full VR, with authentic NYC ambiance and realistic train movement, really clicks. The controls are smooth, even for newcomers, and the varied game modes help keep the experience fresh.
Reviewers also point out the game’s solid balance between accessibility and authenticity, along with the stable performance on Meta Quest headsets — a key strength for a VR title.
What could be better
On the downside, several testers note that the train cabs feel a bit too simplified. Hardcore sim fans used to ultra-detailed PC builds might find the experience a bit “light” in depth. The same goes for visual fidelity — while the environment is immersive, some textures lack polish or feel outdated.
