BaNaNaS

Overview

BaNaNaS is the OpenTTD content service for players looking for additions that belong in that game, from graphics and sound to scenarios and AI. It is the natural choice for OpenTTD users who want to find content through the game client; its narrow focus is a strength, but it does not serve players seeking a cross-game mod library.

Key features

The catalog covers base graphics, base sounds and music, NewGRFs, AIs and AI libraries, game scripts and game-script libraries, scenarios, and heightmaps. That range lets players look across several kinds of OpenTTD content in one place. Listings include package names, latest versions, upload dates and licenses, as well as project sites when supplied, giving users useful context for deciding what to install.

Dependency tracking helps players account for related content, while version history matters when a save game relies on an older release. BaNaNaS provides access to the latest versions, and its terms allow older versions to be retained so save games that use them can still load. The service is available on the web and through OpenTTD, but it directs players to download through the game's built-in content downloader. That suits a game-centered workflow; those who want direct downloads as their preferred installation route should look elsewhere.

Contributing is more involved than browsing. Uploaders must log in through GitHub, read the terms, be an author of the content, and use a license compatible with its source material. They also grant the OpenTTD team rights to distribute uploads centrally and through the website, and to keep older versions for save-game compatibility. Those conditions support centralized distribution and continuity, but creators who cannot grant those rights or meet the authorship and licensing rules should not upload.

Pricing

BaNaNaS is free: its Free plan costs nothing. The volunteer project provides content downloads through the website and OpenTTD game client. There is no paid tier to choose between, so the practical trade-off is not price but whether the OpenTTD-specific catalog and game-client download route fit your needs.

Platforms

BaNaNaS is a web service, with content also accessible through the OpenTTD game client. The client is the recommended route for downloading, making the service a good fit for players who manage content from within the game rather than expecting a separate native app.

Who it's for

OpenTTD players who want a single catalog for game content, dependency tracking, and retained versions will get the clearest benefit. Creators can use it to distribute their work if they meet the authorship and licensing requirements and accept the distribution rights. It is a poor fit for people seeking mods across multiple games or uploaders unable to satisfy those conditions.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Broad coverage of OpenTTD content categories makes it possible to find graphics, audio, scripts, AIs, and scenarios in one focused service.
• Pro: Dependency tracking and version history help manage content relationships and saves that need older releases.
• Pro: Listings show versions, upload dates, and licenses, with project sites where provided, helping users judge currency and provenance.
• Con: Downloads are routed through OpenTTD's built-in downloader, which is less suitable for users who prefer a direct-download workflow.
• Con: Uploading is limited to authors using compatible licenses and requires granting the OpenTTD team distribution and version-retention rights.
• Con: GitHub login is required for uploads, and the service depends on external authentication.

Alternatives

For a broader comparison of this category, see the Game Mod Repositories list. Choose Factorio Mods for Factorio content, with a free portal whose upload and portal features require a licensed game copy and Factorio.com account. Farming Simulator ModHub is the free, creator-owned option for Farming Simulator content.

CurseForge is a web catalog for free Minecraft mods and modpacks, with a paid premium tier. mod.io is the alternative for teams seeking a mod service across platforms; console support requires an advanced tier and platform approval, with custom pricing. OverTake Mods suits users considering a free ad-driven account or a €100 a year premium plan for no ads and unlimited downloads.

Thunderstore offers a free catalog covering over 110,000 mods and 300+ games. DCS User Files is a free option for DCS downloads, with a 300 MB upload limit and individual file distribution terms. ModWorkshop is another free mod-sharing service, allowing downloads without an account and without artificial download throttling.

Verdict

Choose BaNaNaS if you play OpenTTD and want its dedicated catalog, dependency tracking, and version retention in a free service. Its strongest reason to choose it is continuity between downloadable content and save games; look elsewhere if you need a multi-game repository, direct-download-first workflow, or cannot accept the conditions imposed on uploads.