Last Train Home

Lore & Background

The story is set during the Russian Civil War and is loosely based on historical events surrounding the Revolt of the Czechoslovak Legion. Following the end of World War I, thousands of Czechoslovak soldiers find themselves stranded deep within Russia after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the outbreak of internal conflict. Cut off from their homeland, the Legionnaires attempt to travel east across Siberia along the Trans-Siberian Railway in order to reach Vladivostok and return to Europe. Throughout the journey, the group must navigate hostile forces, political instability, harsh weather conditions, and internal challenges such as dwindling supplies, fatigue, and morale. The narrative blends historical events with fictionalized characters and scenarios, emphasizing leadership decisions, survival, and the human cost of war.

Players control a train on the Trans-Siberian Railway and a group of Czechoslovak soldiers with the task to get home. In order to survive the lengthy voyage, players have to manage the train and its crew. There are various obstacles on the way during which the players control soldiers during combat operations. Points of Interest such as lakes, forests and settlements serve as means to replenish supplies and trade goods on the way. In combat missions, players must fight against enemies that outnumber their units, forcing them to use various tactics such as stealth and explosives to even the odds.

The train is controlled on an overhead map of the current chapter, where simulation happens in real-time. The player's crew can be individually assigned to maintain and repair the locomotive and its specialized carriages, as well as grouped into squads to interact with map elements and take part in fights. Cars can be outfitted with upgrades that provide resistance against the elements, improve working conditions, and make more room for accommodating additional troops. Resources may be obtained from encounters and combat scenarios. Much of the challenge lies in satisfying various needs and the effects of certain events, as well as the ability to keep the train well-supplied.

Reader's Guide

Last Train Home received 'Generally Favorable Reviews' from critics on Metacritic, scoring 80% from 29 reviews, and a 92% recommendation rate on OpenCritic. The game was review bombed by Russian and Chinese nationals for perceived historical inaccuracy and for depicting the Bolsheviks as evil. After its release, the game ranked among the ten best-selling games worldwide on Steam, and in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the game was on the first place. At the 2023 Czech Game of the Year Awards, Last Train Home won the Czech game of the year award and Player's Choice award. On 14 August 2024 it was reported that the Russian prosecutor's office demanded a ban of Last Train Home in Russia, claiming that the game does not correspond to the 'traditional values of contemporary Russian society, contains false information about the activities of the state authorities of the time and glorifies the representatives of the Czechoslovak legions.' The game draws inspiration from the video games Original War and Commandos, and includes live-action actors such as Karel Dobrý as Captain Langer, loosely inspired by František Langer.

Did You Know?

• The game was announced on 11 June 2023 during PC Gaming Show 2023.
• A demo version was released on 9 October 2023 and became the 12th most played demo during Steam Next Fest.
• The game includes live-action actor Karel Dobrý as Captain Langer, loosely inspired by František Langer.
• On 14 August 2024, the Russian prosecutor's office demanded a ban of the game in Russia.