Because RailGods of Hysterra is missing one major fix, I haven’t enjoyed this cooperative survival game. That’s mostly because of the tiny text used throughout the game to identify objects, tell gamers what’s happening, etc. While I appreciate all the world-building that exists, not even after more than a month’s worth of casual play got me far. My original review can be read here. When this game is about making sure you catch the Katy, er, that sentient train and leave a mule to ride.
The latest updates (as of May 18, 2025, which appears to be the most recent significant patch noted):
- Difficulty Options: Four new game modes for difficulty have been added: Easy, Medium (current default), Hard, and Custom, accessible via Server Options. This allows players to tailor the challenge.
- Player Death and Loot: If you die, you can now return to the RailGod, and your previous body/loot will no longer vanish immediately. There’s an expiration timer, and a server option to adjust how long loot remains.
- Ultrawide Support: Ultrawide display support has been restored.
- New GodKeeper Skill: “Pact of the Unfamishem” has been added, preventing hunger when on board the RailGod.
- Quality of Life Improvements, which include: – Space bar hints for item transfer have been restored. – More visual and audio feedback for combat hits. – Fixed Train Portal behaviour when interacted by guests. – Crafting has been improved to prevent multiple items from being crafted simultaneously.
These improvements are a step in the right direction for this cosmic horror survival game. However, even with these changes, the game still feels like it’s in early access, a status Troglobytes Games confirms, with a full release targeted in six to twelve months.
The game is described as a “living, monstrous train” and a “horrific fusion of beast and machine.” It’s a RailGod whose function is that of a mobile fortress and weapon against all the horrors that lurk around every corner.
Survival gameplay involves essential elements such as gathering resources, crafting weapons, building and upgrading the mobile base, wielding Dark Magic, and navigating through unpredictable weather and facing unique enemies. A unique core loop involves Ritual Sacrifices of captured creatures to fuel the RailGod’s journey, which unlocks powerful Dark Gifts and new GodKeeper skills. This could potentially involve entities akin to those from the Cthulhu Mythos, such as Shub-Niggurath, though not explicitly named in the game.
Although all this micromanagement feels daunting, hopefully the next update can offer more variety. Even I got bored with another game after a while. While the narrative structure kept me interested in the chapters that were released, the nature of the beast is sad with having enough resources to last for a few more days. These items can barely last for weeks, but even though I tried, food rots and that can attract giant bugs!
For now, this game will sit in the yard. Some sections need overhauling, and we should add more narrative elements. As a huge fan of H.P. Lovecraft’s works and his concept of the Dreamlands, the concept behind this game is great, but it just needs better direction. I’m better off waiting for a proper release than trying the early access version.
Railgods of Hysterra Trailer
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