Every year brings new hits on Steam, but few expected a pixel-art adult puzzle game to quickly climb the bestseller rankings. Developed by Japanese doujin circle Elniko, Train 45 officially launched on Steam on June 26. Combining Exit 8-style anomaly detection gameplay, visual novels, and adult content, players must investigate strange phenomena on an endlessly looping mysterious train, trying to escape this journey with no end. The game quickly attracted massive attention upon release, becoming one of the most discussed adult games on Steam recently.
Official Data Revealed: Chinese Players Rank #1!
According to player data released by the development team, among Train 45’s purchasers, players using Simplified Chinese account for a stunning 45%, making it the largest player base—even surpassing Japanese and English players. This result left the developers quite surprised, with special thanks extended to Chinese players, along with promises to continue improving game content and translation quality for a better experience. Though the game is an adult title, it clearly didn’t affect its popularity on Steam; instead, its unique premise and puzzle gameplay quickly spread through player communities.
It’s Not Just About the Adult Content
Train 45 doesn’t rely solely on adult elements as its selling point. The game incorporates exploration, anomaly detection, and multiple endings, all wrapped in a thick atmosphere of urban legends and psychological horror—which is why it attracted many fans who already enjoy Exit 8-style games. In recent years, Steam’s adult game market has matured, and player expectations now go beyond “does it have content”—they value gameplay, art, and story more. Train 45’s rapid popularity shows that titles combining gameplay with adult content are carving out their own market space.
Steam Proves Another Point
Steam has proven more than once in recent years that if a work is distinctive enough, even niche subjects can climb the rankings through player word-of-mouth. Train 45 exploded through its unique gameplay, adult themes, and community discussion—and after the official data showed “Simplified Chinese players rank #1,” many joked: “It turns out Chinese players are what really pushed this game to the top.”