Apocalypse Express

Apocalypse Express is an action management roguelike where keeping the train moving is just as important as fighting the enemies trying to destroy it. You travel across a post-apocalyptic wasteland aboard a customizable locomotive, repairing damaged systems, extinguishing fires, gathering resources, and defending the train from relentless attacks while searching for what remains of the outside world.

Every journey is built around balancing survival with long-term planning. Wagons can be filled with different modules that define how your train operates, whether that means overwhelming enemies with cannons and rocket launchers, building a heavily armored defensive machine, creating a fast-moving locomotive, or assembling an automated train that handles much of the work on its own. Modules can then be upgraded throughout a run, while powerful relics add another layer of build customization by introducing game-changing effects that shape your strategy.

What Makes It Different?

• Combines action combat with real-time train management
• Tasks you with repairing damage, putting out fires, gathering resources, and fighting enemies simultaneously
• Lets you fill train wagons with modules that define your build
• Includes offensive, defensive, mobility, and automation-focused module options
• Allows every module to be upgraded with new effects and stronger abilities
• Features relics that dramatically change how your train performs
• Encourages experimenting with different train builds each run
• Takes place across multiple zones filled with unique enemies, hazards, and bosses
• Supports solo play as well as local co-op
• Generates highly replayable runs through its roguelike progression and build variety

Keep the Train Alive

The train is both your transport and your greatest responsibility. Enemy attacks can damage different parts of the locomotive, fires can spread between wagons, and resources constantly need collecting if you want to keep everything operating. There are rarely enough hands to deal with every problem at once, forcing you to decide which emergency needs your attention first.

That constant juggling act gives Apocalypse Express its identity. You’re never simply shooting enemies or upgrading equipment in isolation. Every decision takes place while the train continues rolling through increasingly dangerous territory.

Build a Train That Fits Your Playstyle

Every wagon slot is valuable, making your choice of modules one of the most important decisions during a run. You can turn the train into a mobile fortress covered in heavy weapons, focus on survivability through defensive systems, prioritize speed, or create combinations that automate large parts of the train’s operation.

Modules become even more specialized through upgrades that improve their existing abilities or introduce entirely new effects. Relics add another layer of customization, rewarding experimentation as different combinations come together to create completely different trains from one expedition to the next.

Push Further Into the Wasteland

As your train becomes stronger, new zones introduce different enemies, environmental hazards, and bosses that demand new approaches. Surviving longer runs isn’t simply about collecting more upgrades, but about building a train capable of handling whatever the wasteland throws at it.

Whether you’re refining an existing strategy or trying an entirely different module combination, every expedition offers another opportunity to discover a more effective way to keep the train running.

How Long Does a Run Take?

An early run through a single biome typically lasts around 15 minutes, making it easy to jump into shorter sessions. As additional zones are unlocked and your train builds become more powerful, successful late-game runs can last between one and one-and-a-half hours. Players can expect to reach the core ending in around four hours, although the roguelike structure encourages experimenting with different builds long after that.

Controller Support

Apocalypse Express offers partial controller support for Xbox controllers.

Good If You Like…

Players who enjoy Ship of Fools, FTL: Faster Than Light, or Railroads & Catacombs should appreciate Apocalypse Express’ focus on keeping a vulnerable vehicle alive while adapting your build, managing mounting crises, and pushing deeper into increasingly dangerous territory.