Openttd 101 3 of 4 Making it big

Server: !SUO 1024x1024! NOTE: Name after SUO subject to change, server not always available Learn how to play the open source clone of the old classic Openttd. Personal Rating 8/10 Transcript: **************************************************************** MAKING IT BIG **************************************************************** -Key fundamentals Distance, speed, and cargo amount. In order to make ridiculous cash you must take a lot of cargo a far distance in the shortest amount of time. Lines that span the entire map are not uncommon, and can really rake it in. -Starting The most important part of openttd is the first year. You will need to establish a cash maker. This line should not span the entire map yet, but should go about 200 tiles or the width of the 3rd zoom level. The faster you can get a high income, the faster you can expand. -Locating a place to start Use the mini-map with the industry filter to find an area to start. You can also use the industry directory to find industries that have high production values. -Trains first! I would suggest starting with trains. The first thing you should do when you find a place to build is set down your stations, and get your first train loading at the pickup station. Dont forget to give it orders to unload at the drop off station, and that the drop off station actually accepts the cargo you are hauling. Believe me; Ive done it too many times Then continue by connecting the pickup and drop off stations with rail. -Passing lanes Starting with a conservative loan, you have to build accordingly. Instead of building a full 1x1 rail line build small sections which will allow trains to pass each other. This will help in the early stages of the game, but should be immediately upgraded once you have enough money. After upgrading from passing lanes you will probably need more trains. The clone tool will become your best friend in quick expansion. Holding ctrl while cloning a vehicle will make those two vehicles share orders, which can be useful when your train count tips 100. -Dual hauling Dual hauling is the act of picking up raw materials at both sides of your line. Trains will pick up raw materials, drop them off, and pick up more of the same type, dramatically reducing the amount of time the train spends empty. This means that they will never be empty when they travel down the mainline and you will make double the amount that regular trains could make. Note that dual hauling requires a pickup and a drop off station at both ends of your line and is not limited to just trains. -Shared Orders When cloning trains you can hold ctrl to make groups of trains with shared orders. When changing the orders of one train, the orders of each train in the group will be changed. This can be useful to organize your trains when they start to climb in number. -What to avoid DO NOT USE SHORT TURNS! These turns slow your trains dramatically, simply dont use them. Avoid masses of ungrouped trains. You can group your trains into neat groups which makes things easier later on down the line.