Railroad Tycoon (Series)

Railroad Tycoon: Business Simulation

A series of business simulation video games focusing on railroad construction and operations, where players build, manage, and compete in railroad networks.

What is Railroad Tycoon (Series)?

The Railroad Tycoon series is a set of business simulation video games developed by various studios over the years, beginning with Railroad Tycoon by MicroProse in 1990. The games center on building and operating railroad networks by laying tracks, purchasing trains, managing schedules and cargo deliveries, and competing against rival railroad companies.

In the games, players take on the role of a railroad executive in charge of an early railroad company starting in the early 1800s. The objective is to build an extensive rail network, connect cities and industries, research technologies to improve operations, manage finances to turn a profit, and outperform competitors. As the games progress, the eras advance from early steam locomotives up through modern high-speed rail and bullet trains.

Key gameplay elements across the series include choosing optimal rail routes by terrain and cities, investing in locomotives, carriages, stations and infrastructure, managing operating costs and profits, dealing with wear-and-tear on assets, and competing through stock acquisition and corporate maneuvers against rival tycoons. Players must balance infrastructure needs, cargo deliveries, passenger transport, technology investments, and financial management.

The series allows players to rewrite history by building vast rail networks and railroad empires. Entries in the franchise have focused on different regions over time, including the United States, Europe, Asia, Africa, Mexico, and Australia. The games are recognized for their deep strategic simulations and for promoting an interest in rail transport history and management.

Railroad Tycoon (Series) Features

Official Links