This game is purely about the money, as there are no map or track tiles!

Railroad Barons belongs to the 18xx family of games, but raised to the meta-level. Individual companies are no longer the focus, but large holding companies which add more and more new railways to their portfolios. At this abstract level, there is no need for a game board or track tiles, as used in traditional 18xx games. The two players buy and sell stock in holding companies, and the holding companies they control buy railways to generate revenue. Corner the market with the best companies, and exploit the weaker companies to edge out your opponent and gain any possible relative advantage. Like other 18xx games, there are no random elements, merely a battle of wits between two ambitious financiers. Assets that are profitable in the early game rapidly become obsolete, so you must always plan ahead for future growth and investment. Growth or Bust!