Oregon Trail
Play the classic Oregon Trail computer game in your browser: pick supplies, manage food and pace, cross rivers, hunt, and try to reach the Willamette Valley.
Quick start: choose Banker for the easiest first run, buy 3–4 yoke of oxen, stock enough food for the whole party, and keep a steady pace instead of sprinting into exhaustion.
How a run works
- 1Choose a profession
Banker starts with the most money; Farmer is harder but gives a better score multiplier.
- 2Buy supplies
Prioritize oxen and food first, then clothing, ammunition, spare parts and medicine.
- 3Manage pace and rations
A grueling pace and meager rations cause illness faster than they save time.
- 4Handle trail events
Watch weather, broken parts, disease and river conditions. Rest when the party is close to collapsing.
- 5Reach Oregon
Arrive before winter with as many healthy settlers and supplies as possible.
Beginner rules that prevent deaths
| Choice | Safer rule |
|---|---|
| Profession | Banker is the easiest first game; Farmer is the high-score challenge. |
| Oxen | Do not start under-supplied; weak teams make every later problem worse. |
| Food | Keep a buffer for delays; hunger compounds disease and fatigue. |
| Pace | Use steady most of the time; slow down after illness or injuries. |
| Rivers | Wait if conditions look bad. A lost wagon costs more than a day of rest. |
| Hunting | Carry enough ammo, but remember you can only bring limited meat back. |
FAQ
Can I play Oregon Trail online free?
Yes. The classic DOS version can run in a browser on this page.
What profession is best in Oregon Trail?
Banker is best for beginners because extra money lets you buy more oxen, food and spare parts. Farmer is best for score.
Why does everyone die of dysentery?
Low food, exhaustion, bad water and illness events stack up. Rest, improve rations and slow the pace when health drops.
Is Oregon Trail speedrun a thing?
Yes. Speedrunners optimize starting cash, route stops, hunting and river crossings to reach Oregon as fast as possible.