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Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor — A New Adventure on the Rails

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Dovetail Games, the studio best known for its highly detailed Train Sim World series, is taking the beloved blue tank engine into new territory. In partnership with Mattel, the company has announced Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor.

Wonders of Sodor is a standalone adventure game that blends accessible train driving, exploration, and story-driven play. For a franchise with decades of television history but relatively few major gaming outings, this marks its most ambitious digital project yet.

From Simulation Specialists to Storytelling on Rails

Dovetail Games has long been associated with realism. Train Sim World, their flagship franchise, is built on authentic physics, accurate cab controls, and meticulously recreated real-world routes. It’s a series designed for enthusiasts who enjoy precision and methodical gameplay.

Wonders of Sodor represents a shift in tone. Instead of technical simulation, the focus is on narrative, character, and exploration, while still drawing on Dovetail’s deep understanding of how trains should feel. It’s a bridge between the studio’s simulation heritage and the playful spirit of Thomas & Friends.

A Brief Look Back: Train Simulators in Gaming

Train simulation has evolved dramatically over the past four decades. Early titles like A-Train and Railroad Tycoon emphasised economic strategy, while later games such as Train Simulator (Railworks) and Train Sim World brought players directly into the cab with first-person realism.

Over time, the genre split into two broad styles:

  • Hardcore simulators — focused on authenticity and technical depth
  • Family-friendly or arcade-style sims — prioritising accessibility and fun

Wonders of Sodor sits between these worlds, offering approachable gameplay with a foundation built by one of the industry’s most experienced simulation studios.

What’s New in Wonders of Sodor

Explore Sodor Like Never Before

For the first time in a Dovetail title, players can freely explore iconic locations across the Island of Sodor. Rather than a route-based DLC structure, this is a fully self-contained world inspired by the classic series.

Key Features

  • Playable engines including Thomas, Percy, Gordon, Emily, and Diesel
  • Eight narrated stories, voiced by long-time series narrator Mark Moraghan
  • Timetable-style “day in the life” activities
  • Exploration of familiar landmarks such as Knapford Station and Tidmouth Sheds
  • Mini-games and challenges designed for younger players and families

This is a notable expansion beyond earlier Thomas content in Train Sim World, such as Thomas & Friends Visit the West Somerset Railway, which added characters to an existing real-world route. Wonders of Sodor is built entirely around the world of Thomas.

How It Differs from Train Sim World

Feature Train Sim World Wonders of Sodor
Focus Realistic simulation Narrative adventure
Controls Full cab realism Accessible driving
Routes Real-world railways Entire Island of Sodor
Audience Enthusiasts Families & fans
Structure Route DLC Standalone game

Platforms, Release Window & Editions

Platforms

  • PC (Steam, Epic, Microsoft Store)
  • PlayStation 4 & 5
  • Xbox One & Series X/S
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Nintendo Switch 2 (via backward compatibility)

Release Window

  • Planned for 2026
  • Wishlists are open now on Steam and console storefronts.

Deluxe Edition

A Deluxe Edition has been announced, adding:

  • James as a playable character
  • Four additional story adventures

 

Thomas & Friends™: Wonders of Sodor – Pricing (GBP)

Prices shown are estimated launch prices in GBP and may vary by platform, retailer, or promotional offers.

Standard Edition

£29.99
Includes the full base game featuring:

  • Story Mode missions

  • Timetable Mode

  • Explore Mode

  • Shunting Challenge

  • 5 playable engines: Thomas, Percy, Emily, Gordon & Diesel


Deluxe Edition

£39.99
Includes everything in the Standard Edition, plus:

  • Additional story missions

  • Extra playable engine: James


James Add-On DLC

£12.99
Optional add-on including:

  • Additional story missions

  • James available in Timetable Mode

  • Extra rolling stock and activities


Availability

  • Platforms: PC (Steam, Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store),
    PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One & Series X|S

  • Game Type: Stand-alone title (no other games required)


Earlier Thomas Content in Train Sim World

Before Wonders of Sodor, Dovetail introduced Thomas & Friends through Train Sim World DLC and bundles:

  • TSW5: Thomas & Friends Visit the West Somerset Railway
  • TSW5: Thomas & Friends Edition
  • 80th Anniversary Expansion
  • TSW6: Thomas & Friends Edition

Prices vary by platform and region, with frequent seasonal discounts.

Trailers & First Look Videos

Here are key videos so you can see the game in action:

Thomas & Friends: Wonders of Sodor

🎬 Official Announcement Trailer: Watch trailer on YouTube
🎬 Alternate Reveal Trailer: Watch another trailer
🎬 Bonus Trailer (PS/Xbox Focus): Watch here

Thomas & Friends in Train Sim World

🎬 TSW5 Visit the West Somerset Railway Official Trailer: Watch TSW5 DLC trailer
🎬 Gameplay sneak peek / scenario footage: Watch gameplay footage

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