---
title: "Overcrowding Explained: Player Limits in Cities, Factions & Regions"
description: "Overcrowding Explained: Player Limits in Cities, Factions & Regions"
url: https://support.rail-nation.com/en/articles/82-overcrowding-explained-player-limits-in-cities-factions-and-regions
collection: "Cities & Maps"
updated: 2026-10-27
language: en
alternates: [de, fr, cs, pl, ru]
---

# Overcrowding Explained: Player Limits in Cities, Factions & Regions

Overcrowding Explained: Player Limits in Cities, Factions & Regions

**What is Overcrowding?**

Overcrowding in Rail Nation prevents too many players from concentrating in the same cities, factions, or regions. This ensures fair competition and balance across the game world.

-   **City limits** (all scenarios)
    
-   **Additional faction limits** (American Dream scenario only)
    
-   **Additional region/island limits** (Steam over Europe & Perfect Paradise scenarios)
    

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## **Overcrowding Rules by Scenario (Classic, Origin Journey, Orient Express, Destination Africa)**

**City Overcrowding Rule**

A city becomes overcrowded if:

1.  At least **10 players** are registered in the city, **and**
    
2.  The city has **25% more players than the average** of all cities.
    

**Examples:**

-   **City A:** 12 players | Average: 10 players → **Not overcrowded** (less than 25% and less than 10 players above average)
    
-   **City B:** 17 players | Average: 10 players → **Not overcrowded** (more than 25%, but less than 10 players above average)
    
-   **City C:** 21 players | Average: 10 players → **Overcrowded** (more than 25% and more than 10 players above average)
    

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## **American Dream Scenario**

**Faction Overcrowding Rule**

In addition to city overcrowding, **factions (East/West) have player limits**:

-   A faction is overcrowded if it has **25 more active players** than the average of both factions.
    
-   The **city overcrowding rule** (10 players & 25% above average) still applies **within factions**.
    

**Examples:**

-   **East:** 500 players | **West:** 540 players → Average: **520 players** → **Not overcrowded** (West only has 20 more than the average)
    
-   **If West exceeds 550 players**, all **West cities** become overcrowded.
    

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## **Steam over Europe & Perfect Paradise Scenarios**

**Region/Island Overcrowding Rule**

In addition to city overcrowding, **regions and islands also have player limits**

1.  The region/island has **at least 10 more players**, **and**
    
2.  It has **5% more players than the average** of all regions/islands.
    

The **city overcrowding rule** (10 players & 25% above average) still applies **within each region/island**

#### **Examples:**

-   **Region/Island 1:** 500 players | **Average:** 483 players → **3.5% above average** → **Not overcrowded**
    
-   **Region/Island 2:** 400 players | **Average:** 483 players → **Not overcrowded**
    
-   **Region/Island 3:** 550 players | **Average:** 483 players → **13% above average** → **Overcrowded** (No city can be selected in this region/island)
    

> **Note:** If a region/island is **not overcrowded**, **individual cities within it can still become overcrowded** based on the city overcrowding rule.

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This system ensures fair player distribution and prevents excessive concentration in specific locations, creating a balanced and competitive game experience for all players.