Locomancer
Released Feb 2017
The genre defining VR model train game. Build and ride the model train layout of your dreams without the cost and excessive model foam dust getting in your nose!
84% positive · 118 reviews
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Low confidence
Active Development
Not yet
Released, but still in active development
Low confidence
Active Development
Where to get it
Free on Steam
Evaluation
Locomancer launched in February 2017 as a paid VR model train simulator and has received a sustained history of major content updates over the years, including new build spaces, locomotives, track types, a terraforming system, multiplayer support, and Steam Workshop integration.
In February 2021, the developer posted that the game had "run out of steam" and made it permanently free to play [NEWS-3]. However, development resumed: in October 2022, the developer returned with the "Locomancer Resurrection" update adding two new build spaces and visual improvements [NEWS-2]. Then in May 2024, a substantial update added full non-VR support for keyboard, mouse, and controller input, Steam Deck compatibility, a proper tutorial, improved multiplayer, and new monorail content [NEWS-1].
The May 2024 update is the most recent official communication from the developer. The established pattern of major updates is irregular — with gaps of roughly one to three years between them — but the developer has returned from extended silences before (including a two-year gap between 2019 and 2021, and another gap before the 2022 comeback). As of today, September 24, 2026, it has been approximately 28 months since the last post (May 24, 2024). Given this developer's history of long gaps followed by meaningful updates, and the absence of any statement that development is finished, the game cannot be confidently marked complete. The developer has never announced that work on Locomancer has concluded.
Evidence
Major update added full non-VR support (keyboard, mouse, controller), Steam Deck compatibility, monorail content, a proper tutorial, and multiplayer improvements. Last official communication from the developer.
'Locomancer Resurrection' update shipped after a roughly 18-month post-free-announcement gap, adding two new build spaces and new glove styles — demonstrating the developer returned to active work despite the earlier wind-down signal.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Eric Lipschutz
Achievements
15
Platform
Windows, Linux
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Not rated
Players
Single-player · Multiplayer · Co-op
About this game
Play the game that started the trend! Accept no substitute!
Are you a kid that wants to play with model trains?
Are you an adult that misses playing with your model trains as a kid?
Are you an adult that missed out on playing with model trains as a kid?
Are you an adult with a kid that wants to play with model trains?
Are you just an adult that wants to play with model trains?
Are you a person of any age/race/gender that wants to play with model trains?
If you answered yes to any of the above, do I have news for you because Locomancer lets you PLAY WITH AND RIDE MODEL TRAINS!
(Also if you answered no to all of the above, come on, we all know you're lying to yourself and everyone you love. Take a break from the wave shooters and play with some trains.)
Locomancer is a toy box style model train simulator for touch enabled SteamVR headsets. It allows you to build layouts of varying complexity and even defy what is physically possible in fake virtual reality (reality).
Plus, with support for custom scenery, you can bring models created by yourself or the community into the game for even further customization (Steam Workshop support coming soon). The possibilities are nearly endless*!
Fully embracing the physicality of touch enabled virtual reality you are legally required to build layouts piece by piece, tree by tree. Then, once complete you must remotely operate your trains with a replica DC control panel or hop in the cab of any of the available locomotives and drive them with physical levers, knobs, and dials! They even burst in to flames when they crash, you can't say that about your real model trains can you?
Oh...you can? I'd get that checked out if I were you.
So what are you waiting for? Become The Locomancer!
Yes, you are the Locomancer. Was that not clear? It's like a train wizard. You're like the babe with the power, but instead of voodoo it's train magic. Also, there's no magic dance, but you can still dance to twenty-six minutes of sweet big band jazz by Nathan Boler if you want to.
*The possibilities are totally endful, but there's still a lot you can do.
Are you a kid that wants to play with model trains?
Are you an adult that misses playing with your model trains as a kid?
Are you an adult that missed out on playing with model trains as a kid?
Are you an adult with a kid that wants to play with model trains?
Are you just an adult that wants to play with model trains?
Are you a person of any age/race/gender that wants to play with model trains?
If you answered yes to any of the above, do I have news for you because Locomancer lets you PLAY WITH AND RIDE MODEL TRAINS!
(Also if you answered no to all of the above, come on, we all know you're lying to yourself and everyone you love. Take a break from the wave shooters and play with some trains.)
Locomancer is a toy box style model train simulator for touch enabled SteamVR headsets. It allows you to build layouts of varying complexity and even defy what is physically possible in fake virtual reality (reality).
Featuring:
- Multiple locomotives including steam and diesel engines
- A variety of rail cars including a fully functional cannon car
- Straight track, curved track, inclined track, loop de loops, and more!
- Various pieces of scenery to add detail your layouts
Plus, with support for custom scenery, you can bring models created by yourself or the community into the game for even further customization (Steam Workshop support coming soon). The possibilities are nearly endless*!
Fully embracing the physicality of touch enabled virtual reality you are legally required to build layouts piece by piece, tree by tree. Then, once complete you must remotely operate your trains with a replica DC control panel or hop in the cab of any of the available locomotives and drive them with physical levers, knobs, and dials! They even burst in to flames when they crash, you can't say that about your real model trains can you?
Oh...you can? I'd get that checked out if I were you.
So what are you waiting for? Become The Locomancer!
Yes, you are the Locomancer. Was that not clear? It's like a train wizard. You're like the babe with the power, but instead of voodoo it's train magic. Also, there's no magic dance, but you can still dance to twenty-six minutes of sweet big band jazz by Nathan Boler if you want to.
*The possibilities are totally endful, but there's still a lot you can do.
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Sep 24, 2026
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