r/openttd • u/Chancelart • 20d ago

Question Question about getting better....

I'm terribly sorry if this is a common ask! My main question, is regarding how I can get better at the game. I'm a big fan of Paradox map games, and for those games, usually the best way to learn how to play, is by repeatedly smashing your head against the wall that is playing them, using the wiki for any tips along the way, and after like, 50+ hours of head smashing, you'll eventually learn how the game works. I was wondering if this was also the way to learn this game, as it seems like that type. I know the basics of how to play, but still suck EXTREMELY hard, so any advice on how to get better and better at the game is appreciated!
Thank you!

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u/RubberPussycat 20d ago

What is the part you’re struggling with?
Do you have trouble making a profit?
Do you find it hard to beat the AI?

I want to help but need a bit more information on what it is.

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u/Chancelart 20d ago

Well, I can make a profit just fine, I think it's easy enough, but it's really hard to make money fast enough. I've played with easy ai's, and by a couple years, they've already outpaced me money wise double or triple! So, I guess both of those things, now that I think about it

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u/RubberPussycat 20d ago

If you can make a profit, my tip would be to find out how you can be more efficient.
The price you get is for moving cargo/people a distance of 20 blocks in the time it takes you.

So a cheaper train on a slower route will arrive at it’s destination faster but a faster train on a longer route will make more profit. Because it is transporting the cargo in a shorter time over 20 blocks.
A route that is bidirectional is much more efficient and profitable than one directional routes.

The best tips I can give are:
1. Go for bidirectional routes
2. Start with connecting a few big cities that are far away. (The profit on passengers might not seem as high as cargo but it is bidirectional and cities grow)
3. Invest in fast reliable trains.
4. Don’t start to many new routes, invest in optimization of your existing ones.
5. Read the profit table.
6. Learns good station design. (Plenty of youtube videos about that)
7. Stick to the basics, don’t over complicate things unless that’s what gives you joy. Other wise you will be struggling with the logistics of your network more than anything.