Metacritic
Loading critic reviews...
Live Streams
Finding live streams...
About Railroad Tycoon 3
Railroad Tycoon 3 is a simulator and strategy game developed by PopTop Software and released in October 2003. It blends railroad building with economic management, letting you lay tracks, manage cargo, and compete for profit across 25 scenarios. The game spans from bird’s-eye views of continents to detailed locomotive close-ups, with over 40 trains, 35 cargos, and 150 buildings to use. Available on PC and Mac, it’s a deep tycoon sim for players who want to micromanage a thriving rail network. The publisher, Gathering of Developers, positioned it as a successor to the classic series, focusing on historical accuracy and dynamic economies. If you like planning infrastructure and balancing budgets, this is your track.
Gameplay
You spend most sessions laying tracks, setting up stations, and routing trains to maximize efficiency. The interface lets you zoom from satellite maps to locomotive interiors, adjusting routes in real-time. Each scenario tasks you with specific goals, like building a transcontinental line or managing a coal monopoly, while battling weather, market shifts, and rival players in multiplayer. The economy reacts to your actions; overbuilding can crash prices, while underutilized trains eat profits. Controls are tool-heavy but intuitive, with drag-to-place tracks and a detailed cargo management system. Progress feels incremental, but mastering scheduling and resource flow is satisfying. Multiplayer matches are tense, with sabotage mechanics like derailing opponents. Sessions typically last 2, 4 hours, with some players logging 50+ hours in long campaigns.
What Players Think
Railroad Tycoon 3 holds an 80/100 on Metacritic, with 82% of PlayPile users rating it “Positive.” Average playtime is 42 hours, and 45% of players complete all scenarios. Community moods are split: 70% feel “Satisfied” with the depth, while 25% call it “Tedious.” One user raves, “Incredible depth for railroading purists. The historical scenarios alone are worth the price.” Others gripe, “UI feels outdated. Took me 10 hours to learn the basics.” The game has 144 achievements, with 68% of players earning at least half. Metacritic reviews praise the “fluid economy” but note the steep learning curve. It’s a niche title, loved by sim fans but alienating to newcomers.
PlayPile's Take
Railroad Tycoon 3 is a must-play for strategy and tycoon enthusiasts, especially those with patience for slow progress. Its 80 Metacritic score reflects strong depth, but the lack of hand-holding may frustrate casual players. At around $10, 15 on digital storefronts, it’s reasonably priced for the content, though the 42-hour average playtime suggests it’s a long-term investment. The 144 achievements add replayability, but don’t expect a quick win. If you enjoy careful planning and don’t mind grinding through tutorials, this is your train. Skip it if you prefer fast-paced action or instant gratification.
Game Modes
Single player, Multiplayer
IGDB Rating
83.2
RAWG Rating
3.2
Achievements
Loading achievements...
Deals
Finding deals...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...