Overhead map

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 (e.g. a driver and a stoker must be present, so that the locomotive is operational), as well as grouped into squads to interact with map elements and take part in fights. Deployed squads require time to reach their destinations, allowing them to interact with a Point of Interest when reached. Cars can also be outfitted with upgrades that provide resistance against the elements, improve working conditions and make more room for accommodating additional troops, for example. Resources may be obtained from encounters and combat scenarios.

Much of Last Train Home's challenge lies in satisfying various needs and the effects of certain events, as well as the ability to keep the train well-supplied. Moving the train forward requires coal as fuel, while the crew requires food and military equipment for missions. The durability of cars also deteriorates over time, as well as blockades and certain events may necessitate bringing the train to a halt in order to carry out works. To combat these, upgrades can be installed on each individual car.

With each story chapter, gameplay also gets progressively more difficult, as resources become scarcer and winter becomes harsher, facilitating the need to manage stocks properly and protect the crew against the biting Siberian cold. Later on, the Red Army will also be hunting the Legion, eventually conducting strikes against the train if it spends too much time not moving.

Crew management

In addition to resource management, the train's crew and its needs must also be managed to ensure smooth operation. Crew members have health, morale and stamina, which may be reduced due to unfortunate events and suffering combat wounds, as well as spending time working and being away from the train. Furthermore, soldiers may suffer injuries, traumas and exhaustion if any of the above values get very low, reducing their attributes or work efficiency, or preventing them from being deployed altogether. Soldiers may recover over time by spending time in their living quarters away from work, or through the use of consumables.

Crew members and their abilities are defined by attributes, traits and available roles, which may improve or worsen after certain actions and events. Combat roles (such as grenadier, machine gunner and medic) define what kind of weapon loadout and abilities a soldier may equip for combat encounters, while train roles (such as worker, cook and doctor) allow working in specialized cars and the locomotive. As a crew member takes part in activities and duties, they gain experience toward their character and current role, which in return improves their base efficiency on the train, or grant new abilities for combat. Eventually, crew members may take on multiple roles, making them more versatile for filling in desired roles. Traits also have significance in encounter outcomes and efficiency for gathering resources.

Combat encounters

In a combat scenario, the squad taking part in the mission must complete various objectives, then exit the level in designated areas. Soldiers can be controlled in a traditional real-time strategy manner, by issuing them move, stop or attack commands. The entire level is shrouded in Fog of War, reducing visibility to areas that units and capturable watchtowers reveal. Unit sight is affected by terrain and buildings, blocking line-of-sight. Some obstacles can be used as cover, mitigating damage taken from explosives and chance to hit from enemy projectiles. Foliage such as trees and bushes may be used to hide units. Resource stashes may also be present that are added to the player's train inventory upon pickup.

While the player has full control over their squad, enemy units (mostly those of the Red Army) possess individual intelligence that are either stationary, or follow pre-defined patrol routes. Hostiles may check out areas where they have spotted a player unit, or become alerted to unit movement, gunfire and explosions. More soldiers may form temporary groups, seeking cover and responding with their own firepower, pursuing the Legion soldiers. Enemy awareness is gradually reduced as friendlies cease combat and leave their sight. Silent Mode can be activated for player troops in order to make them harder to detect, at the expense of lower movement speed.