# Idle Train Tycoon vs Train Simulator 2

The clearest difference is rating: Train Simulator 2 at 4.6 against Idle Train Tycoon's 4.0. Train Simulator 2 also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 6 months). Idle Train Tycoon's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 12) and review sentiment (60% vs 40%). On price, ratings volume, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Train Simulator 2 sells 12 one-off in-app purchases. Idle Train Tycoon asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Simulator 2 holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 4.0. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 28 and 83 respectively. Written reviews complicate that: 60% of Idle Train Tycoon's written reviews are positive against 40% of Train Simulator 2's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

Idle Train Tycoon ships an update every 6 months, Train Simulator 2 weekly. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 14, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Idle Train Tycoon | Train Simulator 2 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [4.0 (28 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-train-tycoon/id6444662891/reviews) | **[4.6 (83 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-2/id6758392459/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 28 | **83** |
| Positive reviews | **60.0% of reviews** | 40.0% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 6 months | **Weekly** |
| Monetization | **Ad-supported** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 148 MB | 768 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 12+ |
| Developer | [1788918 Alberta Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/597315953) | [Azur Interactive Games Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296347323) |

## What reviewers say

### Idle Train Tycoon

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/idle-train-tycoon/id6444662891)

Build and manage a railway empire by earning money, expanding your network, and upgrading your trains. Unlock new stations and rolling stock to increase your idle earnings and become a powerful train tycoon.

**Highlights:** Manage and upgrade trains, Build and improve train stations, Expand railway network, Increase idle earnings, Unlock new rolling stock, Tap boost for trains

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none


### Train Simulator 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-2/id6758392459)

Experience a realistic train simulation where you rebuild a region's transport network. Drive powerful locomotives, manage cargo, and upgrade your fleet to restore economic growth. Become the ultimate rail manager in this immersive 2D simulator.

**Highlights:** Realistic train driving simulation, Transport goods across regions, Manage routes, schedules, and cargo, Upgrade locomotives and wagons, Rebuild regional transport network, Deep management and upgrade system

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (12)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Small pile of Gold coins | $0.99 | one-time |
| Piggy Bank | $0.99 | one-time |
| No ADS for 4 days | $0.99 | one-time |
| No ADS forever | $1.99 | one-time |
| Big set of coins | $3.99 | one-time |
| Mechanic's set | $5.99 | one-time |
| Big supply set | $8.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 | $9.99 | one-time |
| Driver's set | $9.99 | one-time |
| Hits of the week! | $14.99 | one-time |
| FD20 | $14.99 | one-time |
| Heavy Trains | $14.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Idle Train Tycoon free?

Idle Train Tycoon is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Simulator 2 free?

Train Simulator 2 is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Idle Train Tycoon or Train Simulator 2?

Train Simulator 2 is rated higher. Idle Train Tycoon averages 4.0 out of 5 from 28 ratings, while Train Simulator 2 averages 4.6 from 83 ratings.

### Do Idle Train Tycoon or Train Simulator 2 have ads?

Both Idle Train Tycoon and Train Simulator 2 show ads.

### Which is updated more often, Idle Train Tycoon or Train Simulator 2?

Idle Train Tycoon ships an update every 6 months, and Train Simulator 2 weekly. Most recently, Idle Train Tycoon was updated on October 8, 2026 and Train Simulator 2 on October 14, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*