openttd

Start a new game

$ openttd -g

$ openttd -g [path/to/file]

$ openttd -r [1920x1080]

$ openttd -c [path/to/file]

$ openttd -v [video_driver] -s [sound_driver] -m [music_driver]

$ openttd -f -D [host]:[port]

$ openttd -n [host]:[port]#[player_name] -p [password]

openttd [options]

-D, --datadir
    Specifies the path to the data directory, where graphics, sound, and other resources are located.

-C, --config
    Uses an alternative configuration file instead of the default 'openttd.cfg'.

-M, --music
    Specifies the path to the music directory for in-game music.

-L, --language
    Sets the game's display language (e.g., 'en', 'de', 'fr').

-p, --port
    Sets the UDP port for multiplayer games, overriding the default.

-s, --server
    Starts the game as a dedicated server without a graphical interface, ideal for hosting multiplayer games.

-S, --spectator
    Starts the game in spectator mode, allowing observation of a multiplayer game without participating.

-g, --load
    Loads a specific savegame file upon launching the game.

-n, --newgame
    Starts a new game immediately upon launch, skipping the main menu.

-x, --exit
    Exits the game immediately after loading a savegame or starting a new game (useful for testing or benchmarking).

-v, --version
    Prints the game's version information and exits.

-h, --help
    Displays a summary of command-line options and exits.

--debug
    Sets the debug level (0-4) for various debug output.

--save
    Saves the current game to the specified file. Typically used with '--exit'.

--network
    Starts a network game. Implies '--host' if no '--connect' is specified.

--connect
    Connects to a specific IP address for a multiplayer game.

--fullscreen
    Starts the game in fullscreen display mode.

--resolution
    Sets the game window resolution (e.g., '1024x768').

--gl-driver
    Selects a specific OpenGL driver (e.g., 'mesa', 'swrast').

--renderer
    Selects the rendering backend (e.g., 'software', 'opengl').

--skip-grf-checks
    Skips integrity checks for GRF files, potentially speeding up loading.

--game-type
    Sets the game type for a new game (e.g., 'citybuilder', 'classic').

--host
    Hosts a multiplayer game, listening on the specified IP address.

--no-crash-report
    Disables sending crash reports if the game crashes.

--cmd
    Executes a console command after loading the game.

--profile-render
    Enables rendering profiling for performance analysis.

--reset-config
    Resets all game settings to their default values.

--set-setting =
    Sets a specific game setting, overriding values from the configuration file.

--disable-patches
    Disables all game patches, reverting to original game behavior.

--set-patch =
    Sets a specific game patch value (e.g., 'trains=true').

--userdir
    Specifies the path to the user directory for saves, screenshots, and custom content.

--server-password
    Sets the server password when hosting a multiplayer game.

OpenTTD is an open-source business simulation game where players earn money by transporting passengers and cargo by road, rail, water, and air. It is a recreation and expansion of the 1995 video game Transport Tycoon Deluxe by Chris Sawyer.

OpenTTD adds numerous new features, including larger maps, multiplayer mode for up to 255 players, customisation options via NewGRF (New Graphics Resources Files), and enhanced pathfinding algorithms. The game focuses on building and managing an efficient transport network across diverse landscapes and industries, aiming to become the ultimate transport mogul.

OpenTTD requires external base graphics, sound, and music files to run optimally. While the game can download these from content servers, users may need to manually provide them if offline or restricted. Performance can degrade significantly on very large maps with a high number of vehicles and industries. Multiplayer stability is dependent on network conditions and server specifications.

OpenTTD extensively uses NewGRF files, which are custom graphics, sound, and data packages. These files allow players to add new vehicles, industries, buildings, terrain features, and modify gameplay mechanics, significantly extending the game's longevity and customizability.

Many NewGRFs are available for download through the game's built-in content downloader.

The game features robust multiplayer support for up to 255 players. Players can join public servers, host their own, or play over a local network. Multiplayer modes support both cooperative play, where players work together on a single company, and competitive play with multiple companies vying for economic dominance.

OpenTTD is renowned for its wide cross-platform compatibility. It is available on a vast range of operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and various BSD variants. This ensures broad accessibility and a large player base across different computing environments.

OpenTTD began in 2004 as an effort by Ludvig Stigsson to reverse-engineer and extend the functionality of Chris Sawyer's Transport Tycoon Deluxe. Initially written in C, it aimed to add features like larger maps and multiplayer. Over the years, a large community of developers and players contributed, leading to significant enhancements in graphics, sound, AI, and modding capabilities via NewGRF. Its development has been continuous, making it one of the most successful open-source game remakes, boasting cross-platform compatibility and extensive customisation.

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