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EnglishIs OpenRCT2 Free, and Is the Download Safe?
Updated
OpenRCT2 is free to download from its official site, and the project describes itself as an open-source re-implementation of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. The download page lists the latest release as v0.5.5 for Windows at 75.8 MiB and marks it as "Signed," which is the main signal you can check before running the installer. One condition matters more than price: OpenRCT2 does not include the original RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 game files, so you still need a legitimate copy of the base game to play.
What "free" means here
The official site presents OpenRCT2 as an open-source project and offers the download directly, with no pricing signals, payment links, or paid tiers listed on the page. That means the software itself is available at no cost from the source.
Free does not mean self-contained. OpenRCT2 is a re-implementation, not a full replacement for the original game assets. You need to supply the RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 files yourself. If you do not already own the game, factor that into your decision — the OpenRCT2 download alone will not give you a playable game.
Checking whether a download is safe
The site gives you two concrete things to verify before installing:
| Check | What the official page shows | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| File size | v0.5.5 — Windows — 75.8 MiB | A wildly different size is a sign you are not on the official file |
| Signature | Marked "Signed" | Indicates the release was signed, so you can confirm it has not been tampered with |
A practical routine:
- Get the installer from the official OpenRCT2 site or its official release channels, not from a mirror, forum attachment, or third-party download portal.
- Compare the file size against the listed figure for that version.
- On Windows, check the file's digital signature properties before running it.
- If a version is listed under "View all versions," confirm you are matching the size and signature notes for that specific version, since they differ per release.
Direct download vs. OpenLauncher
The site offers two downloads, and they serve different needs:
- OpenRCT2 latest release (v0.5.5, Windows, 75.8 MiB, Signed) — the game itself. Choose this if you want the current version and are comfortable updating manually.
- OpenLauncher (v0.5.4, Windows, 44.4 MiB) — a launcher. Choose this if you would rather have a tool manage and launch versions for you.
Both come from the same official source, so the safety checks above apply to either. If you are unsure which fits your setup, the site's Getting Started Guide covers installation, setup, and hints, and the user manual covers how to install and play.
Where to go next
- Downloads and versions: the official site's download section, including "View all versions" for older releases.
- Installation and setup: the Getting Started Guide.
- Playing the game: the user manual.
Start with the Getting Started Guide if this is your first install — it addresses the setup steps and the base-game-file requirement that trips up most new users.