How to make money in challenge mode?

[Dragon2986]

I don't know what to do, parks with family rides, parks without them, shops, no shops, vending machines, nothing I do ever works.

So, just tell me, exactly every step you've taken to make a massive park. Thanks

[KickAir8P]

Step One: Anything EXCEPT Challenge Mode!

Okay, some Career Scenarios are tough to make a massive park in. But Challenge Mode is intended to be, y'know, Challenging. Even the Easy Challenge parks aren't that easy. If your goal is to make a massive park? Want no money worries? Sandbox. Want money issues, but not too tough? Set up how you want it in the Scenario Editor, then Save Park > Save Scenario and Play button > immediately pause and Save your park, which will then be a Custom Scenario.

The first three Career scenarios (Captain Lockjaw's Buried Treasures, Beginner) are essentially tutorial levels intended for getting used to the game. Even if you've no interest in Career, if you're just getting started in Planco? Playing them first is usually worth it.

[Dragon2986]

Alright, I shall do that

[mxd_]

Challenge mode is by far the easiest and most boring way to play the game in my opinion.
The first few days you just gotta throw some rides, shops and maybe a small coaster. Add some scenery (Spamming Trees works!) around the ride, and paths and guests are willing to pay way more. You gotta edit the WHOLE terrain by yourself.
While you earn some money, go to the research tab to unlock new rides, shopts etc. and repeat.

I highly suggest you to play Frontiers Carreer parks first or make your own scenario, OR (even better) play one of the many user created challenge parks / scenarios.
I found this great workshop collection for example:
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2351516805

Click the "My Parks" tab to choose and play the downloaded content. You can also edit your saved parks here in the scenario editor to change anything you want.

[Dragon2986]

Alright, I'll do that.