Caterpillar Construction Tycoon is a simulation game in which players are tasked to manage multiple construction sites around the world, from North America to Asia. In this game, players assume the role of an international contractor. As such, they must efficiently manage the time schedules and salaries of their workforce in addition to drafting Caterpillar trucks for use in various construction projects in different locations, such as Canada, China, and Africa.
Players must make sure they finish construction tasks on time and under the given budget. If they are successful, players will become an unrivalled construction tycoon. There are several building projects players must accomplish in the game, among which are race tracks, hospitals, and airports.
This game features a range of Caterpillar-licensed heavy construction machinery, such as wheel loaders, pipelayers, forest machines, dumptrucks, paving equipment, tractors, telehandlers, and hydraulic excavators. Each truck or machinery has a specialized function, which allows players to get various tasks done. Players can experience driving the machines themselves by switching to Operator Mode. In this mode, players take control of the trucks so they can excavate, load, and carry materials around a construction site. Caterpillar Construction Tycoon also features a Free Play mode, in which players can build their own projects.