What is OpenRCT2?

OpenRCT2 is an open-source re-implementation of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2. It is not a standalone game and does not include the original game's assets — you still need a copy of RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 (or its expansions) to play. In practice, OpenRCT2 replaces the original executable with a modern, actively maintained engine that improves compatibility, fixes long-standing bugs, and adds new features, while reading the graphics, sounds, and data from your existing RCT2 installation.

How it relates to the original game

The key distinction is between the engine and the assets:

• OpenRCT2 provides the engine — the code that runs the simulation, rendering, input, multiplayer, and so on.
• RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 provides the assets — sprites, sounds, scenarios, and object data.

Because of this split, installing OpenRCT2 means pointing it at a legitimate RCT2 install. The project's own description frames it as a "re-implementation," which is why it can fix bugs and add features the original never had, without redistributing the original game.

What the project aims to do

Based on the project's stated purpose, the goals fall into a few areas:

• Compatibility — run the game reliably on modern operating systems and hardware.
• Bug fixes — correct issues present in the original release.
• Feature expansion — add functionality beyond the original, such as improved multiplayer and quality-of-life options.

Where to start

The official site (openrct2.io) is the entry point and offers:

If you already own RollerCoaster Tycoon 2 and want to play it on a modern system with ongoing fixes and extra features, start with the Getting Started Guide, then download the latest release. If you don't own the original game, OpenRCT2 alone won't be enough to run it.