Powering Up the Train
In most survival games, the tech tree is a static menu you open safely inside a hut. In Railborn, progression revolves around the Nexus system. The developers revealed that players will need to scavenge for "Nexus Cores" to feed this system. It creates a distinct survival loop: you have to leave the relative safety of your mobile base to find these cores, which in turn allow your train to survive harsher environments.
The update specifically highlights four key upgrade pillars controlled by the Nexus:
- Incline: Likely determines the verticality your engine can handle, opening up new, higher-elevation map areas.
- Engines: Essential for torque and hauling capacity as you add weight to your build.
- Platforms: Expands the physical footprint of your train, giving you more room for farms and crafting stations.
- Bonus Oxygen: A critical survival stat, suggesting that air management will be a constant pressure while exploring.
When can we play the demo?
While a public release date remains under wraps, WashBear confirmed they are currently finalizing a private demo for friends and family testing. Interestingly, they noted that this demo isn't a separate "vertical slice" created just for show. Instead, they are polishing the actual beginning of the game to serve as the demo.
This approach is promising for the final build's stability. By ensuring the demo is the canonical start of the Railborn experience, the transition from Early Access or demo to the full game should feel seamless. For now, we wait for the Nexus to spin up.