RollerCoaster Tycoon: 2 Open Source Clones Compared
For this original specifically, OpenRCT2's own data lists it as requiring original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 game files (available via Steam or GOG) rather than RCT1 files, despite being catalogued here as an RCT1 clone. FreeRCT instead avoids needing any original game files at all, aiming to reproduce the look and feel of both RCT1 and RCT2 from scratch, though it's only semi-playable and officially supported on Linux (Windows/macOS are reported to work but aren't officially supported). OpenRCT2 is fully playable, with cooperative multiplayer and a scripting API for custom scenarios and plug-ins, backed by a much larger contributor base than FreeRCT's.
Comparison table
Availability
- Status
- Playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, OSX, Android
- Play in browser
- No
- Mobile
- Android
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- today
- Stars
- 16,227
- Contributors
- 751
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Engine
- SDL2
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- YesRequires original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 game files, available on Steam or GOG.com.
- Modding support
- YesSupports custom scenarios and plug-ins through documented scripting API.
- Multiplayer
- Cooperative multiplayer
Availability
- Status
- Semi-playable
- Platforms
- Windows, Linux, Web
- Play in browser
- YesPlay in Browser
- Mobile
- No
Project health
- Development status
- Active
- Last updated
- 2d ago
- Stars
- 255
- Contributors
- 46
- License
- —
- Engine
- —
Compatibility
- Requires original assets
- NoFreeRCT is a free and open source game that captures the look and feel of RollerCoaster Tycoon 1 and 2 without requiring original assets.
- Modding support
- —
- Multiplayer
- —
| Title | OpenRCT2 | FreeRCT |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Playable | Semi-playable |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux, OSX, Android | Windows, Linux, Web |
| Play in browser | No | YesPlay in Browser |
| Mobile | Android | No |
| Project health | ||
| Development status | Active | Active |
| Last updated | today | 2d ago |
| Stars | 16,227 | 255 |
| Contributors | 751 | 46 |
| License | GPL-3.0 | — |
| Engine | SDL2 | — |
| Compatibility | ||
| Requires original assets | YesRequires original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 game files, available on Steam or GOG.com. | NoFreeRCT is a free and open source game that captures the look and feel of RollerCoaster Tycoon 1 and 2 without requiring original assets. |
| Modding support | YesSupports custom scenarios and plug-ins through documented scripting API. | — |
| Multiplayer | Cooperative multiplayer | — |
| Preview | | |
Frequently asked questions
Are the RollerCoaster Tycoon clones on this page open source?
Yes — every clone catalogued here is an open-source project. Availability, license, and development-status details for each one are listed in the comparison table above.
What license do these RollerCoaster Tycoon clones use?
OpenRCT2 (GPL-3.0).
Do I need to own the original RollerCoaster Tycoon to play these clones?
FreeRCT runs standalone, no original files needed; OpenRCT2 requires original game assets to play.
Can I play any of these RollerCoaster Tycoon clones directly in a browser?
Yes — FreeRCT has a browser-playable build linked in the comparison table above, no install required.
Which RollerCoaster Tycoon clone is the most actively maintained?
OpenRCT2 and FreeRCT are currently under active development, based on recent commit activity. See the "Development status" row above for every clone's current status.
See the full write-up for each clone, or go back to RollerCoaster Tycoon.