Recently, we have focused primarily on expanding the railway infrastructure and preparing the foundations for a new, large map that is currently being designed and built. This is one of the larger stages of work on Shunt & Haul: Rail Logistics, as it affects both the look of the game world and future logistics gameplay.
New railway infrastructure
We are working on a more complex track layout that will allow for more interesting shunting, the operation of sidings, passing loops, and larger loading areas. New infrastructure sections are being designed with the goal of making gameplay less linear and giving players more opportunities to plan locomotive work.
As part of this work, we are creating, among other things:
new track layouts,
expanded industrial sidings,
stabling and shunting tracks,
loading infrastructure,
railway traffic control elements.
We want players not only to drive a train, but to truly feel that they are operating a living railway-logistics system.
New large map in production
The biggest element of the current stage of development is the new map. It will be much larger and more varied than the current test areas. We are designing it to combine several different types of infrastructure: from forest areas and bridges, through industrial sidings, to larger track layouts.
The map is still in the design phase, so the track layout, object placement, and environment may still change. However, we are already testing the first sections, including river crossings, forest routes, and industrial areas with freight wagons.
Our goal is to create a map that will properly support the core ideas of the game: shunting, freight transport, siding operations, and railway work planning.
New objects and models
New objects are also being added to the game to help build the atmosphere of railway infrastructure. These include signal boxes, level crossing elements, signalling equipment, and technical trackside structures.
We are paying special attention to details such as:
semaphore signals and shunting signals,
barriers and level crossings,
signal boxes and technical buildings,
railway bridges,
station and industrial support elements.
Some models have already been implemented into the game environment, while others are still being refined, optimized, and tested.
What’s next?
In the next stages, we will continue developing the infrastructure logic, refining object placement, and preparing further elements needed for fuller gameplay. We are also putting a strong focus on the atmosphere of each location — we want every part of the map to have a purpose, rather than being just empty space between points.
Thank you for following the project and adding the game to your wishlist. Every bit of support helps us continue developing Shunt & Haul: Rail Logistics.
See you in the next updates!