# Build A Train 2 vs Train Simulator

The clearest difference is price: Train Simulator at Free against Build A Train 2's $2.99. Train Simulator also leads on rating (4.7 vs 3.8) and update cadence (every 2 months vs every 46 months). Build A Train 2's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 14) and ads (none vs shown). On review sentiment and device support there is nothing between them.

Train Simulator is free to download; Build A Train 2 costs $2.99 up front. Train Simulator sells 14 one-off in-app purchases. Build A Train 2 asks for nothing beyond the download.

Train Simulator holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 3.8. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Train Simulator has 5.2K 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 64% of Train Simulator'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 Simulator every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 23, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Build A Train 2 | Train Simulator |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | $2.99 | **Free** |
| Rating | [3.8 (24 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/build-a-train-2/id680084979/reviews) | **[4.7 (5.2K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 24 | **5.2K** |
| Positive reviews | **66.7% of reviews** | 64.2% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 46 months | **Every 2 months** |
| Monetization | Paid | **Free with in-app purchases** |
| Size | 100 MB | 820 MB |
| Requires iOS | **8.0** | 15.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Playtend Apps LLP](https://appshunter.io/developer/320166203) | [Azur Interactive Games Limited](https://appshunter.io/developer/1296347323) |

## 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 Simulator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/train-simulator-railroad-game/id1587704770)

Become a train driver in this 2D simulator, delivering cargo and revitalizing regional economies. Upgrade your locomotives, manage infrastructure, and explore diverse landscapes. Experience realistic train gameplay with dynamic weather.

**Highlights:** Cargo delivery and economic management, Train upgrades and modifications, Diverse game world exploration, Realistic train simulation gameplay, Dynamic weather conditions, Challenging tasks and contracts

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

**In-app purchases (14)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Engine Boost | $0.99 | one-time |
| Crew 4 | $1.99 | one-time |
| Starter pack sale | $2.99 | one-time |
| Starter Pack | $3.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Sale | $3.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Sale | $5.99 | one-time |
| ChME3 Locomotive | $5.99 | one-time |
| More gold boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| WDM2 Locomotive | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| More silver boxes | $7.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Sale | $7.99 | one-time |
| EMD SD70 Locomotive | $9.99 | one-time |
| FD20 Locomotive | $10.99 | one-time |

**What reviewers like**

- ⭐️ Enjoyable and fun game
- 🚂 Realistic train simulation
- 👍 Good graphics and gameplay
- 💯 Great for train enthusiasts

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🙄 Annoying ads
- 🚧 Difficult hills and terrain
- 🔧 Frequent need for repairs
- 🤔 Limited train selection

**Reported bugs**

- Game crashes on startup for some users
- Inability to save progress or sync across devices
- Glitches with train performance and handling

**Requested features**

- Add more train types (steam, electric, etc.)
- Implement passenger service
- Improve hill climbing and traction
- Reduce reliance on ads or provide ad-free option


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Build A Train 2 free?

Build A Train 2 costs $2.99, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Train Simulator free?

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

### Which has better reviews, Build A Train 2 or Train Simulator?

Train Simulator is rated higher. Build A Train 2 averages 3.8 out of 5 from 24 ratings, while Train Simulator averages 4.7 from 5.2K ratings.

### Do Build A Train 2 or Train Simulator have ads?

Train Simulator shows ads; Build A Train 2 does not.

### Which is updated more often, Build A Train 2 or Train Simulator?

Build A Train 2 ships an update every 46 months, and Train Simulator every 2 months. Most recently, Build A Train 2 was updated on October 23, 2026 and Train Simulator on October 25, 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.*