Railborn is a first-person survival game built around constructing and managing a mobile train base. Players must scavenge resources from a dangerous alien planet, build and expand their train, and manage the systems that keep themselves and their train functional. The game blends survival mechanics, base building, resource management, and exploration.
Starting Out
Players begin with a small handcar assembled from a few squares of wood. This initial vehicle is barely large enough to stand on while traveling down the tracks. From this starting point, players scavenge the world for resources, gather food and water to stay alive, craft a working engine, and gradually expand the handcar into a proper train.
Train Construction
The train is built incrementally, piece by piece, floor by floor, and railcar by railcar. Players add new compartments and systems over time, customizing the layout to suit their needs and playstyle. The driving control panel can also be configured. Construction requires materials gathered from the world around the tracks.
Survival Systems
Beyond the train, the planet presents constant threats. Players must manage the following to stay alive:
System | Description |
|---|---|
Food | Players must gather and grow food to avoid starvation. Vegetable plots and farming cars can be constructed on the train. |
Water | Water must be captured from the environment and distributed through the train's plumbing systems. |
Air | The outside air is toxic. Players must manage breathable air supply when venturing off the train. |
Power | The train runs on a power system that must be managed and expanded as new railcars and equipment are added. |
Resource Management
Players direct the flow of resources through the train, managing power distribution, water supply, and material storage. Upgrading the train requires copper and other scavenged materials. A technology upgrade tree governs which new systems and railcars can be unlocked as the game progresses.
Biome Cultivation
Rare plants found across the dying alien world can be rescued and cultivated on the train. Players recreate small biomes in dedicated farming and greenhouse railcars, providing a sustainable food source and preserving plant life from an environment in collapse.
Exploration
The world consists of a branching network of railroad tracks. Players choose routes at junctions, navigating paths that lead through mountains, into the sea, and across ruins. Exploration happens both on foot and by train. Abandoned colonist outposts and alien monoliths can be discovered and investigated, revealing the history of the planet.
Navigation and Piloting
Players pilot their train directly along the track network. The customizable driving control panel allows each player to configure their driving setup to their preference. The track system is fixed; players choose paths at branching junctions rather than laying new track.
Cooperative Play
In co-op, up to four players share a single train. Each player can take on different roles: one may pilot while others gather resources, maintain systems, or expand the train. Construction, resource gathering, and system management are all shared across the group.