simutrans
TLDR
Start Simutrans normally
SYNOPSIS
simutrans [options]
DESCRIPTION
Simutrans is an open-source transportation simulation game where players build and manage transportation networks including trains, buses, trucks, ships, and aircraft. Players create routes between cities, industries, and tourist attractions to earn money while competing with AI companies.
The game supports extensive modding through "paksets" which define vehicles, buildings, and game rules. Popular paksets include pak64, pak128, and pak192.comic, each offering different visual styles and gameplay complexity.
Configuration files are stored in ~/.simutrans on Linux. The game can be played in single-player, freeplay mode, or as a multiplayer server allowing multiple players to collaborate or compete on the same map.
PARAMETERS
-screensize WIDTH HEIGHT
Set screen size to WIDTHxHEIGHT pixels. Widths not a multiple of 16 may cause issues.-fullscreen
Run in fullscreen mode.-fps n
Refresh the display n times per second.-nosound
Disable sound effects.-nomidi
Disable music. Also helps prevent crashes from buggy sound drivers on 64-bit Linux.-freeplay
Enable freeplay mode where you cannot go bankrupt.-timeline 0|1
0 = all vehicles available from start, 1 = realistic timeline.-startyear year
Set the starting year of the game.-load savefile
Load a saved game directly without showing the initial menu.-pause
Start the loaded game in paused state.-lang code
Set language using ISO codes (e.g., en, de, fr).-objects folder/
Load a specific pakset from the given folder. The trailing slash is mandatory.-singleuser
Don't search for files in home directory; use only the data directory.-use_workdir
Use the current working directory for Simutrans environment.-log 1
Write all log output to "simu.log" file.-debug 1-4
Set debug output detail level (1-4).-server [port]
Start as a multiplayer server on the specified port (default: 13353).-server_name "name"
Set the server name for multiplayer.
CAVEATS
Some command-line options like -async and -net are only available on Linux/X-Windows. Screen widths not divisible by 16 may cause display problems. The -nomidi option is recommended on systems with sound driver issues, particularly 64-bit Linux. Paksets must be downloaded separately from the base game.
HISTORY
Simutrans was created by Hansjörg Malthaner and first released in 1999. The name is a portmanteau of "simulation" and "transport." After Malthaner ceased active development, the project continued as open source with an international community of developers. The game has been compared to Transport Tycoon but evolved with unique features and extensive modding support. Development continues actively with regular releases.
SEE ALSO
openttd(6), lincity-ng(6)
