Choose the mode first
Sandbox is for unrestricted creative construction and experimentation. Tycoon mode makes money, maintenance, contracts and difficulty part of the challenge. Campaign provides structured historical missions and an introductory sequence.
Use Sandbox to test junctions, station layouts or visual projects without protecting a company balance. Use Tycoon when financial consequences are part of the design problem.
The four climates
Official launch material lists temperate, dry, tropical and subarctic climates. Each changes the landscape and the set of available industries. For example, the official cargo documentation identifies some paper-related industry content as subarctic-specific.
Check the actual chain list on the chosen map before designing a specialized cargo network.
Map size and terrain
Large maps support long-distance corridors but require more travel and infrastructure. Small maps create denser interactions and make shared junctions more important. Flat terrain lowers construction friction; mountains and islands encourage bridges, tunnels, ships and transfers.
Match map to project
| Project | Helpful conditions |
|---|---|
| First economic game | Short distances and gentle terrain |
| Rail network study | Several towns along clear corridors |
| Shipping network | Useful islands, coasts and port access |
| Scenic diorama | Sandbox mode and distinctive terrain |
| Industry challenge | Visible multi-stage chains and transfer opportunities |
No single map is best. The useful map is the one that creates the decisions you want to make.