OpenTTD
Build a transport empire, one rail at a time.
How to install OpenTTD for free
OpenTTD is a free simulation game released under Open Source (GPL-2.0). It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, needs about 200 MB of disk space, and requires no account, payment or trial. The fastest route is the PlayBound Launcher, which handles the download and setup in one click.
One-click install
PlayBound fetches the official release — no third-party mirrors.
Installation steps
- 1
Install the PlayBound Launcher, then find OpenTTD and press Install. The launcher downloads the official release, unpacks it and creates a shortcut. This is the fastest route and it never uses third-party mirrors.
- 2
Alternatively, download OpenTTD directly from the official site at https://www.openttd.org. Always download from the official source — third-party mirrors of free games are a common malware vector.
- 3
Official releases are published on GitHub at github.com/OpenTTD/OpenTTD/releases. Pick the newest stable release matching your operating system.
- 4
Windows
Run the downloaded installer and follow the prompts. If Windows SmartScreen warns about an unrecognised publisher, that is normal for open-source projects without a paid code-signing certificate — choose More info, then Run anyway.
- 5
macOS
Open the downloaded .dmg and drag the app into Applications. On first launch macOS may refuse to open it as unidentified — right-click the app and choose Open to approve it once.
- 6
Linux
Check your distribution's package manager first, which is usually the easiest route. Otherwise download the AppImage from the official site, mark it executable and run it.
chmod +x *.AppImage && ./*.AppImage - 7
Launch the game and look at the settings menu before your first session — resolution and control defaults are worth checking. OpenTTD needs roughly 200 MB of free disk space.
System requirements
Minimum
1 GHz CPU · 1 GB RAM · Any GPU · 500 MB storage
Recommended
2 GHz CPU · 4 GB RAM · Any GPU · 1 GB storage
Install questions
Is OpenTTD free?
Yes, entirely. OpenTTD is open-source under GPL-2.0 with no purchases, subscriptions or advertising. The free base graphics set means you no longer need the original Transport Tycoon Deluxe files.
Do I need to own Transport Tycoon Deluxe to play OpenTTD?
No. OpenTTD ships with its own free graphics, sound and music sets, so it is a complete standalone game. You can use the original files if you own them, but it is not required.
Is OpenTTD still being updated?
Yes. OpenTTD has been in continuous development since 2004 and continues to receive regular releases, making it one of the longest continuously maintained games in existence.
What is BaNaNaS in OpenTTD?
BaNaNaS is the official in-game content service. It lets you download vehicle sets, industry chains, AI opponents, scenarios, heightmaps and graphics replacements directly inside the game, from a very large community library.
Does OpenTTD have multiplayer?
Yes, supporting dozens of simultaneous players on public or private servers, either cooperating on one company or competing as rivals. Live server and player counts are shown on the OpenTTD servers page.
How is OpenTTD different from Cities: Skylines?
OpenTTD is about transport networks between existing towns; Cities: Skylines is about designing and zoning a city itself. If you enjoy the traffic and logistics part of Skylines most, OpenTTD goes far deeper on exactly that.