Trailmakers: Airborne Expansion Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-05-02
  • Airborne DLC praised for fun and variety
  • Large interesting map with good gameplay and graphics
  • Character and vehicle customization options available
  • Short campaign duration and excessive DLC requirements
  • Price concerns and unresolved physics bugs
  • Repetitive gameplay cycle and auto-aiming criticized
Trailmakers: Airborne Expansion header

Emotions

Archetypes

What players like:

Common complaints:

Gameplay feedback:

Performance notes:

Recommendations:

Other player notes:

Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Airborne DLC praised for fun: Players consistently describe the Airborne DLC as a very fun and enjoyable experience.

Enemy variety appreciated: Reviewers highlight the variety in enemy types and behaviors, noting it as a positive aspect of the game.

Interesting and large map: The map is noted for being interesting, cool, and very large, providing a lot of space for exploration and activities.

Good gameplay and graphics: The gameplay and graphics are frequently mentioned as strong points, contributing to the game's overall quality.

New functional blocks added: The addition of new functional blocks through the DLC is seen as a positive enhancement to the game.

Common complaints

Short campaign duration: Many players noted that the campaign is relatively short and can be finished quickly, reducing the overall gameplay experience.

Excessive DLC requirements: The game is heavily reliant on DLCs, which many players find off-putting and expensive.

Price concerns: The price of the game and its DLCs is a common concern among players, who find it overpriced.

Explosion knock-back issues: The explosion knock-back mechanics are criticized for being too strong, causing frustration among players.

Auto-aiming mechanics criticized: The auto-aiming feature is disliked by many players as it detracts from the enjoyment of dogfighting.

Gameplay and performance

Character and Vehicle Customization: Players appreciate the extensive customization options available for characters and vehicles, allowing for personalized gameplay experiences.

Vehicle Building and Customization: The main gameplay loop focuses on building and customizing vehicles for transport and combat, offering a creative and engaging experience.

Mission Variety: The game offers a variety of missions, providing diverse objectives and experiences that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

Campaign and Adventure Modes: The game features a variety of modes including a PvE campaign and adventure mode, offering a structured single-player experience.

Building and Flying Mechanics: The game features robust building and flying mechanics, allowing players to create and control various types of vehicles.

Stable performance on Steam Deck: The game runs at a solid 30 frames per second on the Steam Deck, indicating good optimization for handheld play.

Moderate PC requirements: The game has decent PC requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of players without needing high-end hardware.

Emulated network device issues: Some players have encountered errors related to emulated network devices, which could affect gameplay and connectivity.

Occasional crashes: There are reports of few random crashes, which, while not widespread, can disrupt the gaming experience.

Manageable game size: The game's size is considered old-fashioned, suggesting it is relatively small and easy to download and install.

Recommendations

Recommend the DLC: The DLC is highly recommended, especially for those looking for fresh and new content in Trailmakers. It is considered worth the money and more fun than previous expansions like High Seas.

Wait for sale: Many players suggest waiting for a discount or sale before purchasing the game or its DLC to get better value for money.

Great for Trailmakers fans: The DLC is a great addition for those who already enjoy Trailmakers, providing more content and reasons to continue playing.

More co-op and racing campaigns: Players are requesting more co-op campaigns and a racing campaign, indicating a desire for more multiplayer and competitive content.

Improve auto-aiming: Players suggest disabling auto-aiming on sandbox servers and replacing it with a compensating reticle to improve gameplay mechanics.

Buying context

Community fair range: $8.00 - $12.00.

Game completion: 7.5h.

Story completion: 6.0h.

The game starts with repetitive and boring missions that involve slow progression, but it becomes more enjoyable once players unlock more varied vehicle parts and engage in dynamic activities.

Reported time to anchor: 1h 30m.

Friction: Repetitive missions; Slow progression; Boring early tasks; Slow and uncapable airships.

Unlock drivers: Unlocking new vehicle parts; Engaging in dynamic activities like flying and combat.

Player profiles

Campaign Enthusiast: Solo player focused on campaign missions. Motivation: Enjoyment of campaign and PvE content. Stance: buy.

Sandbox Multiplayer: Multiplayer focused on sandbox and PvP. Motivation: Enjoyment of sandbox and multiplayer modes. Stance: buy.

Casual Newcomer: Casual play focused on fun and exploration. Motivation: Seeking fun and casual gameplay. Stance: sale.

Extra review signals

Monetization: The user reviews for the DLC indicate a mixed reception. While many players find the DLC content enjoyable and worth the purchase, there are significant concerns about the pricing and the necessity of the DLC for the full game experience. Several users recommend waiting for a sale to purchase the DLC, suggesting a perception of it being overpriced. Additionally, there are mentions of financial constraints affecting the decision to buy the DLC, highlighting the importance of cost considerations for potential buyers.

Other review notes

Refunds due to cost: Some players requested refunds primarily because of financial constraints.

Steam Deck usage: Several players mentioned using the Steam Deck for their gameplay sessions.