Back on Track – When Trains Became War

If you're one of those who believe that cooperative games are the key to making or destroying friendships, get ready for another round of organized chaos! Unrailed 2: Back on Track has just received its release date and promises to arrive in November 7, 2024via Steam Early Accessready to destroy any sense of organization your team thinks they have. The continuation of the frantic multiplayer track-building game returns with an even bolder proposal, with new modes and enemies the size of trains. That's exactly what you read, this time, in addition to laying tracks in inhospitable terrain, you'll need to deal with gigantic creatures that want to destroy your precious locomotive.

The trailer that delivers (almost) everything

During the Convergence Games Showcasean event focused on indie games, the developer Indoor Astronaut presented a trailer which left the crowd with their hands sweating with anxiety. In it, we see the return of the gameplay we already know, with a lot of cooperation between teams of up to four players, but now with the addition of new elements. Among them, the long-awaited Endless Mode – where the train simply never stops… until it derails, of course. Here, the motto is simple: lay tracks, keep the train moving, solve problems on the fly and, if possible, do it all without losing your sanity. Oh, and before we forget, there's always that naughty side mission to add that extra spice to the chaos.

And what's new?

In addition to facing the responsibility of guiding the train, now you need to be careful with the points of interest that appear along the way. It's no use just laying tracks, the map will test your organization and strategy capacity with branching routes and procedurally generated worlds. This means that each time you play, the stages will be different, so you can say goodbye to the comfort of memorizing the paths. Oh, and if you're wondering what it will be like if the train explodes – because, let's face it, it will explode – we have good news: permanent upgrades for characters and engines. At least this will give you some chance of overcoming the increasingly insane difficulties.

Cooperation: the key to success… or failure

As in the first game, cooperation remains the central element of Unrailed 2. For those who played the first game, you know that things only work when everyone understands their role. Who will cut down trees, who will build the track and who, in desperation, will put out that fire that threatens to engulf the train. Here, synchrony between players is even more important, as the 4v4 mode introduces a breathtaking competition. Two teams race against time (and impending disaster) to see who can keep the train on the tracks the longest. And let's face it, if you no longer trust your friend to carry a pot of soup, imagine trusting him to keep a train on the tracks while enemies the size of a locomotive try to destroy you?

Level editor – because you can never have too much chaos

But what about the graph?

Speaking of the visual part, the style pixel art of Unrailed 2 continues to be a spectacle in itself. Don't think that just because it's a 2D game with simple graphics that this means a lack of care. Each biome and each enemy are designed to deliver a unique visual challenge. And what about the characters? Customization is back, so you can expect funny skins, crazy hats and, of course, that look that will make you feel part of the railway chaos. Nothing like dressing your character in an absurd way while the world around you is falling apart.

Cooperative? More or less.

Now, you may be asking yourself: “But does this cooperation thing really work?” Well, the truth is that Unrailed 2 It's not the kind of game you play to relax. Quite the contrary. Here, what counts is the confusion, the shouting and the friendships that hang by a thread. The developer Indoor Astronaut clearly understands that the game will generate more nervous laughter and desperate screams than anything. This is why co-op is so important. You'll want to have that friend who knows what they're doing… or else, prepare for a lot of derailment.

A bright future?

With the release date set for November, Unrailed 2 promises to deliver exactly what fans of the first game were asking for: more chaos, more strategy and a lot more fun. Pre-orders are now available on Steam, so if you can't wait any longer, this is your chance to secure your place on this railway rollercoaster. And if the first game was an indication of success, it is very likely that Unrailed 2 follow the same trail.

Franchise Summary

The series Unrailed began in 2020 with the simple premise of laying train tracks in real time as the train hurtles uncontrollably through dangerous terrain. The game was an immediate success, especially among those who love cooperative and chaotic games. With a gameplay formula that mixes quick thinking and teamwork, Unrailed has gained a loyal fan base eager for more challenges and game modes. And now, with Unrailed 2: Back on Trackthe franchise promises to continue at the top of multiplayer indie games.