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Voidtrain News

You've got just 24 hours to grab an atmospheric open-world survival crafter for more than a third off as it hits 1.0

Many of the best survival games lean towards realism, but I've always appreciated those that are prepared to get a little more out there, whether it's the Victorian 'gaslamp fantasy' aesthetic of Nightingale or the gravity-warping sci-fi of Once Human. So Hypetrain Digital's Voidtrain has long been on my watchlist. Set in a surreal, floating space called The Void, it sees you building a full-scale engine and wagons to traverse the world around you. A unique spin on the format with vibes that remind me a little of the mighty Outer Wilds, it's just hit 1.0, and you can grab it at a big discount if you're quick.


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Voidtrain Has Arrived at the Full Release Station

[p]Dear Engineers,[/p][p][/p][p]Together with you, we’ve finally reached the end of this long journey. Update 1.0 is now live (and if not yet, try restarting Steam). [/p][p]We truly mean together with you, because your interest in the game, your feedback, criticism, and support made it all possible.[/p][p][/p][p]Enjoy the game — we hope you’ll like what we’ve prepared for you![/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]If you’ve played Voidtrain before, your old saves are fully supported. You can simply continue right from where you left off. However, if it’s been a while since you last played, starting a new game might be a great idea to experience all the changes from the ground up.[/p][p]The game also supports crossplay with EGS and Xbox (across all platforms).[/p][p][/p][p]If you’re just about to join the journey, now’s the perfect time: hop aboard with a 35% launch discount and embark on your interdimensional adventure —solo or with your friends![/p][p]Don’t miss the Deluxe Edition. It includes Voidtrain, the Supporter Upgrade with exclusive cosmetics, and the full Voidtrain Soundtrack with 64 tracks (over 2.5 hours of music).[/p][p][/p][p]If you enjoy games like VT, there’s also an excellent Forever Skies x Voidtrain bundle. It’s a fantastic game made by our industry colleagues — we’ve spent countless hours playing it ourselves![/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]It’s been a long road, and we won’t repeat everything here, but if you missed our Early Access recap post, feel free to check it out:[/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]We also have a Discord Community, where you can ask questions, report issues, or find teammates to travel with.[/p][p][/p][p]Many of you have been asking about post-release plans. Right now, we’re focusing on the launch itself and post-release support (fixes, improvements where needed). But yes, we do have plans for additional content and a content update, and we’ll share more about those later.[/p][p][/p][p]Once again, thank you all, Engineers — see you on the rails![/p][p][/p][p][/p]

Journey to 1.0 - Early Access Recap

[p][/p][p]Hello, Engineers![/p][p]It’s been over two years since Voidtrain launched on Steam. Not long ago, we announced the full release — if you missed it, version 1.0 arrives on November 7 this year. It’s been a long journey, and much like in the game itself, it was filled with both breathtaking moments and challenges we’ve faced together with you. We can’t say it enough: none of this would have happened without your support, feedback, and most importantly, your attention to the game. Thank you![/p][p]Now it’s time to look back at our road through Early Access and highlight some (though far from all) of the major additions, changes, and improvements that shaped the game.[/p][h3]Storyline[/h3][p][/p][p]The story that began almost by accident will finally bring you the long-awaited answers. With the 1.0 release comes the third and final chapter.[/p][p]You’ll finally meet the Scientist, whose journals have revealed much about himself and this mysterious world... and confront the truth behind everything that has happened and your purpose in it.[/p][p]Prepare for an emotional finale to a three-chapter story — blends curiosity and humor with events rich in meaning and emotion.[/p][p][/p][h3]Overall Balance and Resources[/h3][p]The number of changes and improvements aimed at refining the game’s overall balance and resource economy easily goes into the dozens. It’s safe to say that if you played Voidtrain a long time ago, even your first few hours will feel significantly different now.[/p][p]Cycle length has been adjusted to better match player progression through the story and how actively the train is being developed. In most cases (about 90% of the game), the story and train progression are not directly tied to each other, giving you the freedom to choose your own playstyle. You don’t have to rush resource gathering or train upgrades if you prefer a more relaxed experience focused on the narrative. But if you’d rather sweep every location clean and push your technological progress as fast as possible — you’re welcome to do so.[/p][p][/p][p]Previously, the early game featured a number of “empty” cycles that unnecessarily stretched out the start — those are now gone. Story events are now distributed throughout progression in a way that maintains a steady balance between gameplay flow and narrative development.[/p][p]Various activities and events — abandoned trains, depots, outposts, and more — now provide not only larger quantities of loot but also higher-quality rewards appropriate to your current stage in the game.[/p][p]As you progress, you’ll also encounter alternative ways to gather resources, such as resource clusters in the Void or specific destructible locations that yield a significant amount of materials at once. [/p][p][/p][p]A great example is acid, something many players might remember from the early release. Back then, it was available only in arenas. Now it can be found in multiple places: outposts, arena rewards, corruption zones from Chapter II, and vending machines.[/p][p]Speaking of resources, let’s talk about how they’re collected. Automation deserves its own section later, but for now — the grappling hook has received major upgrades. Its behavior has been reworked to make collecting items smoother both when stationary and while moving at high speed through the Void. You’ll still need to aim carefully at full throttle, but it’s much more forgiving now.[/p][p][/p][p]The hook also has a full upgrade tree, making it highly efficient even before full automation becomes available:[/p]
  • [p]Magnetic pull with multiple upgrade tiers that attract nearby items.[/p]
  • [p]Ability to pull heavy objects (like coal chunks).[/p]
  • [p]Ability to destroy resource clusters directly.[/p]
[p][/p][h3]Automation[/h3][p]Without diving too deep into spoilers (and to keep some surprises for those who haven’t seen all the updates) let’s briefly go over the main systems that can now be gradually automated throughout the game. From your first minutes on the trolley to the late-game Tesla Era, automation becomes an integral part of your journey.[/p][p][/p]
  • [p]Loot collection automation: Lootcatchers, whose number expands depending on technologies and engine type; Collector’s Stations.[/p]
  • [p]Water collection automation via Condensers.[/p]
  • [p]Train defense automation through turrets operated by Rofleemo.[/p]
  • [p]Automatic access to train resources from any workbench type (by assigning a happy enough Rofleemo to it).[/p]
  • [p]Automatic train cleaning.[/p]
  • [p]Farming automation.[/p]
  • [p]Rofleemo care automation.[/p]
  • [p]Feeding automation: The Canteen needs occasional restocking, but even if you forget, Rofleemo will help themselves to food and water from storage boxes.[/p]
  • [p]Power automation: The final step of resource and fuel management — conversion to Tesla-powered energy systems.[/p]
[p][/p][p]Honestly, we might even be forgetting something, but one thing is certain: life on board has become much more comfortable. We’ve addressed nearly every piece of feedback related to automation, and the results speak for themselves.[/p][p][/p][h3]Inventory and Container Management[/h3][p]Capacity, capacity, and more capacity. Throughout Early Access, we received a lot of feedback criticizing this aspect of the game, and we believe we’ve addressed it in nearly every possible way.[/p][p]From the very start of a new game, when loading an existing save, or even mid-session, you can open World Settings (more on that later) and adjust the Stack Size from 10 up to 50.[/p][p]Base container capacity has been increased, and you can expand it further by researching technologies. Version 1.0 introduces four container tiers as well as the final backpack, which unlocks all available inventory slots.[/p][p][/p][p]Containers and inventory now feature quick sort, transfer all, and transfer matching items buttons. Even better, quick transfers no longer require opening each container. Simply look at it and press the corresponding key.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Combat and Weapon System[/h3][p]We spent a long time figuring out how to strike the right balance between satisfying combat feel and the development time we could realistically dedicate to it, since combat, while important, was never meant to be the game’s main focus. By the end of Early Access — and especially for the full release —we believe we’ve found that balance.[/p][p][/p][p]Weapon impact has become stronger and more tactile thanks to improved sound and visual effects, mod and build variations that affect shooting behavior, and enhanced enemy reactions. Projectile speed has been significantly increased, and original weapon sights have been replaced with updated, more comfortable ones.[/p][p]Weapon crafting has also become much clearer. When hovering over modules on the Weapon Workbench, you can now immediately see which parameters and effects will change — as well as the weapon’s final total damage.[/p][p][/p][p]Excess modules that used to pile up in containers can now be dismantled in the Recycler, yielding a small amount of materials.[/p][p]Repairs no longer reduce a weapon’s maximum durability — you can always restore it to 100%, though the repair cost gradually increases each time. This means your favorite weapon can stay with you right up to the end of your journey.[/p][p][/p][h3]World Settings[/h3][p][/p][p]Something feels off — too easy, or maybe not challenging enough? That’s exactly what World Settings are for. You can now fine-tune a wide range of gameplay parameters at any stage: when starting a new game, loading an existing save, or even right in the middle of gameplay through the in-game menu.[/p][p][/p][h3]GUI / UX / HUD[/h3][p]We won’t go over every single improvement made in this area over the years — it would be hard to find a part of the game that hasn’t been refined in some way. Instead, let’s focus on the most frequently mentioned topics in your feedback: crafting flow, controller support, and general usability.[/p][p]The crafting menus have been completely redesigned since the 2023 Steam launch, and the number of crafting steps has been significantly reduced.[/p][p]Full controller support (Xbox layout) is now implemented.[/p][p][/p][p]We’ve also added tons of quality-of-life features: from pinning recipes directly from the workbench, the building book, or the depot construction menu, to one-click resource inputs, and collecting items straight from the crafting menu just like you would physically pick them up from a workbench.[/p][h3]
Your Own Train[/h3][p]From a humble trolley to a full-fledged Tesla Train, the 1.0 release features several distinct eras of train evolution, each bringing not only visual upgrades but also meaningful gameplay improvements — both local and global.[/p][p][/p][p]But your train isn’t just a mobile base packed with functional modules — it’s also your home, ready to be shaped entirely to your taste and style.[/p][p]The full version includes several decoration themes, featuring unique wall sets, cabins, and dozens of interior decor items for each theme:[/p]
  • [p]Standard[/p]
  • [p]Raider[/p]
  • [p]Luxury[/p]
  • [p]Ship[/p]
  • [p]Viking[/p]
  • [p]Royal[/p]
  • [p]Asian[/p]
[p]A dedicated paint system lets you personalize your chosen theme even further and customize individual wall layers and color combinations to create your perfect look.[/p][p]Finally, there are three ram levels, serving both a practical and aesthetic purpose: they can smash through obstacles on outposts and make your train look just a bit more intimidating.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Other, But No Less Important[/h3]
  • [p]Technology rework: the entire tech tree has been reworked — not just in structure (split into Core, QoL, and Decor branches), but also in balance and progression. Previously, specific resources were required to unlock technologies; now it’s a Research Point system, allowing you to invest nearly any resources you gather.[/p]
  • [p]Text chat for easier communication in co-op sessions.[/p]
  • [p]New Void biomes.[/p]
  • [p]Variety in depot generation.[/p]
  • [p]Multiple outpost tiers.[/p]
  • [p]Extensive enemy AI improvements, along with tuning options available in World Settings.[/p]
  • [p]Complete visual update for player character models and their customization options.[/p]
  • [p]“Boat Dance” mini-game (based on backgammon rules).[/p]
  • [p]Void Shark mutation system — featuring unique abilities and improved behavior overall.[/p]
  • [p]New Void creature — Electric Jellyfish.[/p]
  • [p]Full overhaul of the Rofleemo NPC systems and their perks.[/p]
  • [p]Significant optimization across all stages of the game for better performance on a wide range of systems.[/p]
  • [p]Reworked Void Whale: new model, improved behavior, and a unique event encounter along the way.[/p]
  • [p]Achievements.[/p]
  • [p]Depot construction improvements: move wagons, relocate the engine instead of rebuilding it, and rearrange levers freely.[/p]
  • [p]Hundreds of bug fixes and quality improvements.[/p]
[p][/p][hr][/hr][p][/p][p]These are just some of the key highlights — you’ll be able to experience the full version yourself on November 7.[/p][p]Current Voidtrain owners will be able to continue from their existing saves or start fresh to fully enjoy everything that has changed and improved.[/p][p]For those considering joining the ranks of Engineers and embarking on an interdimensional adventure — a 35% launch discount will be available on release day![/p][p]Post-launch, we’ll continue to provide support and hotfixes as needed. We also have some post-release content plans in the works, but more on that after release.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

Voidtrain 1.0 Arrives Nov 7

[p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Hello, Engineers![/p][p][/p][p]We’re thrilled to finally announce that VoidTrain is leaving Early Access and launching in full release this November 7![/p][p]To celebrate the occasion, the game will be available with a special launch discount of 35%.[/p][p][/p][p]Global release times:[/p][p]9am PT[/p][p]5pm CET[/p][p][/p][p]Let’s take a quick (and spoiler-free!) look at what’s waiting for you in Version 1.0:[/p][p][/p][h3]Story[/h3][p][/p][p]The final Chapter 3 concludes the journey of the Engineer - a story that began almost by accident and now leads to long-awaited answers.[/p][p][/p][p]You’ll finally meet the mysterious Scientist whose notes have guided you through the Void… and face the reflection that reveals your true purpose here.[/p][p][/p][p]It’s the emotional finale of a story that began with curiosity and ends with meaning. [/p][p][/p][h3]The Tesla Era[/h3][p]With the 1.0 update, your train enters a new age of progress - the Tesla Era.[/p][p]
This milestone brings a complete overhaul to how energy flows through your train, reshaping the way you power, build, and expand.[/p][p][/p][p]Modules of this era no longer rely solely on fuel - they draw energy from electricity, gaining powerful bonuses when connected to the grid. Older modules can also be upgraded to this new standard, keeping your setup efficient without starting from scratch.[/p][p][/p][p]The Thermogenerator. Core of the Power Grid[/p][p][/p][p]At the heart of this transformation lies the Thermogenerator - the key component that fuels your entire network. [/p][p]It produces electricity for all systems on board, while its interface gives you real control over your energy balance: from tracking consumption to managing output and distribution across modules.[/p][p]Electricity doesn’t just add another resource — it introduces a new layer of strategy and depth to train management. [/p][p]Modules can still run independently, but connecting them to the grid unlocks valuable performance boosts and efficiency perks.[/p][p][/p][p]The Train Tesla Engine. Expanding the Power Frontier[/p][p][/p][p]The Tesla Engine now plays a major role in defining your energy capacity. Upgrading it boosts the system’s overall power potential, allowing you to sustain more modules simultaneously and manage complex setups without overloads.[/p][p]You can fuel the engine in two distinct ways:[/p]
  • [p]With specialized Tesla fuel cells, designed for high-efficiency energy output.[/p]
  • [p]Or by linking it directly to the Thermogenerator, forming a self-sustaining electric network that keeps your entire train alive and humming.[/p]
[p]The Tesla Era isn’t just about new mechanics - it’s a leap forward in how your train feels and functions.[/p][p]From a steam-powered machine (and before that - a trolley) to a masterpiece of electricity and innovation, this is the moment where your journey truly enters the future.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Train Customization[/h3][p]Personalization reaches a new level. [/p][p]A new Asian-inspired wall and decor theme brings a fresh aesthetic to your train (we’ll share more visuals soon).[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]And introducing a brand-new feature - Wall Painting![/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]With the new Paint Sprayer, engineers can recolor cabins and walls to match their own style. Paints are dropped by New Light soldiers and other loot sources, and dyes can be mixed right in the sprayer to create your own shades and patterns.[/p][p]
[/p][h3]Combat system improvements
[/h3][p]Updated sights [/p][p]The current ones might look stylish, but they didn’t do much to help with actual aiming. We’ve completely reworked them, replacing the old models with new, transparent glass sights that make aiming feel much clearer.[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]Faster projectiles[/p][p]Ever noticed how long it takes for a revolver bullet to reach that mine in the distance — or that soldier on the next outpost? Not anymore. Projectile speed has been increased across the board, making gunfights feel more dynamic and impactful.[/p][p][/p][p]Full weapon stats in the Armory Table[/p][p]A long-awaited feature requested by our players — the Armory Table will now display all weapon stat changes before crafting. This makes assembling and customizing your weapons faster, easier, and far more transparent. [/p][p][/p][h3]Quality of Life & System Improvements[/h3][p]Here are just a few of them: inventory and container sorting. Simplified and more automated resource management. The ability to adjust many aspects of the game to your liking through the World Settings - including combat difficulty, item stack sizes, and more. New container tiers and upgraded container racks - and much more to discover![/p][p]If you’ve played the game before, you’ll be able to pick up your journey from the same point you previously reached.[/p][p]However, if you decide to start a new playthrough, you’ll discover a fresh experience as well — over the course of Early Access, a lot has changed.[/p][p]Beyond the features mentioned above, the overall game balance has been reworked, unnecessary cycles have been removed, and a huge number of quality-of-life improvements have been added.[/p][h3]The full release marks a huge milestone for our team — and it wouldn’t have been possible without your feedback and support throughout Early Access.[/h3][h3]
Thank you for helping us make VoidTrain what it is today.[/h3][p][/p][p]And remember - what we’ve shared here is just a glimpse.[/p][p]Version 1.0 brings many more surprises, improvements, and secrets waiting to be discovered aboard your train.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]

VoidTrain: News Digest #2

[p]Hello, Engineers![/p][p][/p][p]It’s been a little over a month since our last digest, and we’ve got some updates to share with you. Just a quick reminder: our Steam digest posts are a summary of everything we’ve shared across our social media channels, along with some additional commentary.[/p][p]Enjoy the read![/p][h2]
📜Chapter 3[/h2][p][/p][p]Work on Chapter Three is already in its final stages — we’re actively assembling the remaining quests in the final locations, running tests, polishing animations, and implementing sound design and music. Over the past month, we’ve also offered a small glimpse into the final part of the story with a couple of short video previews from some of the locations.[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]It seems like things aren’t going too well for the New Light... What could have happened here?[/p][p][/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]It’s interesting to think about what else could be improved using this mechanism.

As you can see, the Void is getting more and more mysterious. But rest assured, future events will provide answers to many of your questions.[/p][p][/p][h2]✨Quality of Life Improvements[/h2][p][/p][p]Our Engineers’ feedback has been a key part of development from the very beginning — and we’re always working to take their suggestions into account to make VoidTrain better and more enjoyable to play.
[/p][p]Container and Inventory Management[/p][p]We started with a simple but much-requested feature — the ability to transfer all items with a single click. During testing and feedback sessions with some of our players, it became clear that this functionality needed to go further.
[/p][p]So we added an option to transfer only matching items (those already present in the container) for more control and convenience.
[/p][p]But we didn’t stop there: these actions can now be performed just by hovering over a container, meaning you can manage your storage without even opening it.
[/p][p]You can see the evolution of this feature in the video below:[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]
Heavy Items on the Train
[/p][p]Another small but handy addition in the upcoming update: mounts for chests and other heavy objects. With these, you’ll instantly see whether your loot is properly secured or already drifting off into the Void.
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][p]Rack Upgrades
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p]It’s a simple upgrade, but it helps you save space and gives more freedom in organizing your train, whether you’re aiming for efficiency or just want things to look neat.[/p][p]And since we’re on the topic of making things look good...[/p][p][/p][h2]🎨New Train Theme[/h2][p][/p][p]Alongside the existing train decor and style options, a brand new theme is on the way. This one is inspired by Asian aesthetics.
[/p][previewyoutube][/previewyoutube][p][/p][h2]🔪Unnecessary Cycles[/h2][p][/p][p]Many players pointed out that Chapter 1 felt a bit stretched out, with some of its cycles acting more like filler — offering little to no story content and slowing down progression. With the full release, those unnecessary cycles will be removed without affecting the rest of the game. Every remaining cycle will now feature story events and meaningful locations.[/p][p]Of course, with our current team size, we can’t make every single cycle or depot completely unique, but cutting unnecessary parts should make the gameplay feel much more focused and cohesive.
[/p][h2]🎨Community Creativity[/h2][p]
And now, let’s take a look at some of the amazing engineers whose screenshots and creations caught our eye over the past month:[/p][p][/p][p]1. Fan art by Neji[/p][p]https://www.furaffinity.net/view/56749932/ [/p][p][/p][p]2. [dynamiclink][/dynamiclink] [/p][p]3. [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink]4. [/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]🚂 Thanks for reading and for being part of the VoidTrain journey! 🚂[/p][p][/p][h2]
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