# Build A Train 2 vs train games

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.

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.

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.

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 29, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train 2 | train games |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-2/id680084979/reviews) | **[4.5 (207 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-games-chicago-train/id1515318781/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **207** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 65.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 46 months | **Every 3 weeks** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 100 MB | 107 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 13.3 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [Cezary Tomczak](https://appshunter.io/developer/1076101131) |

## What reviewers say

### Build A Train 2

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-2/id680084979)

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:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases:** none


### train games

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-games-chicago-train/id1515318781)

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:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (21)**

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

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great game for railfans
- 👍 Grind-free tycoon experience
- 👍 Realistic trains
- 👍 Uses Google Maps
- 👍 Amazing trains

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Game is broken
- 🐛 Can't unlock rewards
- 🐛 Can't get new buildings
- 🐛 Counters show 0
- 🐛 Worried game may crash

**Reported bugs**

- Reward timers show 0
- Cannot unlock rewards
- Cannot acquire new buildings
- Resource counters show 0
- Game may crash

**Requested features**

- Fix reward timers
- Fix building acquisition
- Fix resource counters
- Fix train accommodation
- Explain electric train dispatch


## Frequently asked 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 29, 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.*