Comparison

Build A Train 2 vs train games

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both games, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Build A Train 2

Design custom trains and build your own maps to drive them on. This sequel allows kids to create unique engines and cars, then explore their creations. Future content updates are included free.

Highlights
  • Customize train engines and cars
  • 64 color options for trains
  • Map builder with terrain and track layout
  • Configure trains with up to 8 cars
  • Drive trains on custom maps
  • Unlockable content through gameplay
Features
Read full description

Build A Train 2 is the sequel to the top train app Build A Train! MILLIONS of little train-lovers have enjoyed the original Build A Train, and many have asked us to be able to create their own maps. Well now you can! Build A Train 2 lets kids design their own custom train engines and cars, build their own maps, and then drive their trains on their maps. It is the the perfect one-stop train adventure for your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. It's also a universal app – buy once, play on any of your devices. Even better, all future content updates are included FREE in the full version of Build A Train 2. 

 PLEASE NOTE: Designed for kids aged 1-6.
 
Build A Train 2 includes the following features:
 • Customize your train engines and cars Choose from dozens of train templates to mix and match train bodies, windows, wheels, and more! • 64 fun colors available Color the perfect train. Literally thousands of possible trains will be at your child’s fingertips! • Map builder Design truly custom maps by selecting a terrain, a track layout, choosing the stations and even adding extras for flourish! • Configure your train Add up to 8 train engines and cars to your train configuration. Swipe through your train galleries, tap your favorites and drag them into place. Simply double tap to delete or drag a new one on top to replace. • Drive your train on a map Control the switches on the track to determine where your train goes. Control the speed of your train. Pick-up cargo and collect points. NEW! Drag your control panel to the left, right or bottom of the screen! 
• Unlockable content Start with a few map elements and unlock items through gameplay, by driving on the maps and picking up cargo. Watch your child’s face light up as he or she earns new items! Available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish! If you enjoy Build A Train 2, please let us know by giving us a rating or review on the App Store! We also appreciate direct feedback and bug reports, which we will address within 1-2 business days. Email us at support@playtend.com Enjoy!

About

train games

Manage a thriving rail empire in a bustling city. Operate iconic trains, build your network, and optimize cargo routes to become a true tycoon. Experience strategic gameplay with realistic simulation and stunning visuals.

Highlights
  • Freight transport optimization
  • Operate iconic steam and modern trains
  • Authentic train station management
  • Dynamic rail network expansion
  • Strategic gameplay and realistic simulation
  • Stunning steam era graphics
Features
Read full description

Dive into the bustling world of trains in the heart of Illinois with Chicago Train Tycoon, the ultimate train simulator experience for mobile devices! Perfect for fans of train games, this engaging train simulator puts you in control of powerful steam locomotives and cutting-edge freight trains as you manage a thriving rail empire. Build your own rail network, expand cargo routes, and take on the role of a true tycoon in the world of rail transportation. In Chicago Train Tycoon, the railways come to life as you operate historic steam engines and modern trains alike. Whether you’re guiding a classic steam train across the rail yards or optimizing routes for efficient cargo transport, every decision shapes your journey towards becoming a train tycoon. This game combines the strategic challenges of a tycoon simulation with the immersive feel of a true train game, making it an essential experience for train enthusiasts everywhere. Features: - Master the Art of Freight Transport: Manage and optimize your train routes, ensuring timely delivery of various cargo types across the city’s iconic train stations and beyond. With each successful delivery, you earn rewards to expand and upgrade your fleet. - Iconic Trains and Steam Engines: Operate a collection of classic steam trains alongside modern diesel and electric locomotives. From historical steam mobile engines to powerful freight trains, experience the evolution of rail transport as you build your empire. - Authentic Train Station Management: Experience life as a train station manager in 20th-century Chicago. With detailed train station environments and bustling rail yards, you’ll feel the pulse of the city’s thriving freight industry as you manage arrivals, departures, and scheduling. - Dynamic Rail Network Expansion: Lay down rails, construct new train stations, and expand your network across the Chicago area. Every decision affects your growth as a tycoon and your ability to meet the increasing demands of cargo transportation. - Strategic Gameplay Meets Realistic Simulation: Combining the best of train games and tycoon simulators, Chicago Train Tycoon challenges you to balance operational efficiency with growth strategies. Optimize train schedules, manage resources, and invest in the future of your rail empire. - Stunning Steam Era Graphics: Immerse yourself in detailed, steam-powered environments that recreate the golden age of trains. Each locomotive is designed with precision, and every rail, track, and train station captures the spirit of historical Chicago. - Achievements & Challenges: Complete tasks and overcome challenges as you progress. From transporting fragile cargo to mastering tricky rail routes, each challenge tests your skills as a train game enthusiast. Chicago Train Tycoon combines the nostalgic charm of steam locomotives with the excitement of a modern train simulator, offering fans of train games and tycoon simulators the perfect mobile experience. Take control of powerful freight trains, develop your rail empire, and become the ultimate train tycoon in one of America’s most iconic cities. Whether you're a seasoned train enthusiast or new to the world of trains, this game provides hours of captivating gameplay as you explore the legacy and future of rail in the bustling heart of Chicago. Download Chicago Train Tycoon today and start your journey as a rail tycoon! PLEASE NOTE! Chicago Train Railroad Tycoon is an online free strategy tycoon simulator game to download and play that requires a network connection to play. Some in-game items can also be purchased for real money. if you don't want to use this feature please disable in-app purchases in your device's settings. Do you have any suggestions or problems in your TrainStation? Our caring community train managers would love to hear from you, visit https://discord.gg/MPHxcMsP

Screenshots

Build A Train 24 screens
train games4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: train games at Free against Build A Train 2's $2.99. train games also leads on rating (4.5 vs 3.8) and update cadence (every 3 weeks vs every 46 months). Build A Train 2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 21) and ads (none vs shown). On review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

train games is free to download; Build A Train 2 costs $2.99 up front. train games sells 21 one-off in-app purchases. Build A Train 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

train games holds the better App Store score, 4.5 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: train games has 207 ratings behind it against 24, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 67% of Build A Train 2's written reviews are positive against 65% of train games's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Build A Train 2 ships an update every 46 months, train games every 3 weeks. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard8 real differences · 2 level
Build A Train 2 versus train games: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterBuild A Train 2train games
Price$2.99Free — better
Rating3.8 (24 ratings)4.5 (207 ratings) — better
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews — better65.4% of reviews
Number of ratings24207 — better
Update frequencyEvery 46 monthsEvery 3 weeks — better
AdsNo — betterYes
In-app purchasesNo — betterYes
MonetizationPaidFree with in-app purchases — better
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS8.0 — better13.3
Further details — not scored
Size100 MB107 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPlaytend Apps LLPCezary Tomczak

Customer experience

Build A Train 2

All ratings24 ratings
Positive75.0%
Neutral0.0%
Negative25.0%
Written reviews6 reviews
Positive66.7%
Neutral0.0%
Negative33.3%

train games

All ratings206 ratings
Positive86.9%
Neutral3.4%
Negative9.7%
Written reviews52 reviews
Positive65.4%
Neutral3.8%
Negative30.8%

Bugs and requests

Build A Train 2

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

train games

Reported bugs

30 issues
  • Reward timers show 0
  • Cannot unlock rewards
  • Cannot acquire new buildings
  • Resource counters show 0
  • Game may crash
Show 25 more
  • Cannot accommodate trains
  • Cannot dispatch electric trains
  • Game closes immediately after opening
  • Upgrading planes not working
  • Lost all game data after deleting and redownloading
  • Game won't let user in
  • Too many ads
  • Purchase failed, coin deducted
  • Nothing shows up on the map
  • Reward videos lock up
  • Route data takes a very long time to load
  • Stuck on tutorial, cannot unload train
  • Maps are not popping up
  • Route selection screen is broken
  • Cannot change routes on trains
  • Game closes by itself
  • Game is not working
  • Error when trying to select passenger train route
  • Map makes no sense, no coal marker
  • Game has locked up
  • Metra does not work
  • Game is pumped full of ads
  • Incorrect number of conductors used
  • Glitchy movements of the screen
  • Paid for gems and money, received nothing

Requested features

27 requests
  • Fix reward timers
  • Fix building acquisition
  • Fix resource counters
  • Fix train accommodation
  • Explain electric train dispatch
Show 22 more
  • Add Amtrak trains
  • Add My Little Pony collaboration
  • Make Chicago train idle tycoon 2 sequel
  • Make American steam trains game
  • Fix route data loading
  • Fix map issues
  • Fix passenger train routes
  • Add coal marker to map
  • Fix Metra functionality
  • Add more trains
  • Improve train variety
  • Add custom train asset sharing
  • Fix upgrade issues
  • Fix game loading issues
  • Fix tutorial issues
  • Fix route selection screen
  • Fix game crashing
  • Fix reward video issues
  • Fix data loss issues
  • Fix ads
  • Fix purchase issues
  • Fix map display issues

In-app purchases

None

Build A Train 2

No in-app purchases

21 purchases

train games

One-time21
  • Item no 6$1.99
  • Item no 3$1.99
  • Item no 7$1.99
Show 18 more
  • Item no 5$1.99
  • Item no 1$1.99
  • Item no 2$1.99
  • Item no 4$1.99
  • Golden coins$2.99
  • Energy$3.99
  • NO ADS$3.99
  • Blue Hat Bundle$4.99
  • Starter pack$5.99
  • Mega pack -30% SALE$6.99
  • Lumber pack$7.99
  • All items$8.99
  • Blue Hats Mega Bundle$9.99
  • Nuclear energy$9.99
  • Mega golden coins$9.99
  • Mega pack$11.99
  • Release 2.0 Package$19.99
  • Ultra Pack$41.99

Questions

Is Build A Train 2 free?
Build A Train 2 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.
Is train games free?
train games is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Which has better reviews, Build A Train 2 or train games?
train games is rated higher. Build A Train 2 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while train games averages 4.5 from 207 ratings.
Do Build A Train 2 or train games have ads?
train games shows ads; Build A Train 2 does not.
Which is updated more often, Build A Train 2 or train games?
Build A Train 2 ships an update every 46 months, and train games every 3 weeks. Most recently, Build A Train 2 was updated on October 23, 2026 and train games on October 25, 2026.

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