RollerCoaster Tycoon
Also known as RollerCoaster Tycoon 1, RCT
RollerCoaster Tycoon is a 1999 business simulation developed largely single-handedly by Chris Sawyer. Players design and manage amusement parks, laying out custom roller coasters piece by piece, placing rides and shops, setting prices and hiring staff to keep guests happy while turning a profit across a series of scenario challenges.
The game was celebrated for its detailed coaster-building tools, which let players control track layout, speed and inversions, and for the charm of watching individually simulated guests react to the parks players created. Remarkably, Sawyer programmed most of it in x86 assembly language, contributing to its smooth performance and small footprint on the modest hardware of the day, and each scenario set specific goals such as guest counts or park value.
The game became a beloved staple of the management-sim genre and spawned several sequels. The original remains available through digital re-releases and is widely regarded as a high point of park-building simulation.
Where can you play RollerCoaster Tycoon today?
Device by device, which of the 7 alternatives below you can play on it.
- PC
- Amusement Factory (€ 9,99), RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99), OpenRCT2 (Free) and 4 more.
- Mac
- Amusement Factory (€ 9,99), RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99), OpenRCT2 (Free) and 3 more. All 6 on Mac
- iPhone
- RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99).
- iPad
- Amusement Factory (€ 9,99) and RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99).
- Android phone
- RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99).
- Android tablet
- RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99).
- PlayStation
- Park Beyond (€ 29,99).
- Xbox
- Park Beyond (€ 29,99).
- Switch
- RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition (€ 19,99).
- Steam Deck
- Amusement Factory (€ 9,99), RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic (€ 17,99), NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation (€ 39,99) and 3 more. All 6 on Steam Deck
Games like RollerCoaster Tycoon
Modern alternatives to RollerCoaster Tycoon, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Amusement Factory Indie Community
€ 9,99A cozy theme park simulator, playable on Windows, MacOS, iPad and Steam deck.
Amusement Factory is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Amusement Factory runs on PC, Mac, iPad. Not available on Linux, iPhone, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Verified.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic
€ 17,99An official remaster of RCT1 and 2 for desktop and mobile.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic runs on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
OpenRCT2
FreeA free, open-source engine that enhances the original RCT2 (game files required).
OpenRCT2 runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam Deck.
NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation Indie
€ 39,99A hardcore indie coaster builder and simulator for enthusiasts.
NoLimits 2 Roller Coaster Simulation runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Parkitect
€ 24,99A modern indie park-builder in the classic RCT spirit.
Parkitect is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Parkitect runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition
€ 19,99The 3D sequel with both expansions, letting you ride every coaster you build.
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition is also an alternative to 1 other classic
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition runs on PC, Mac, Switch. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Park Beyond
€ 29,99A modern park builder that pushes into the impossible, with cannon-launched coasters and a full campaign.
Park Beyond runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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More simulation & management classics
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