diff --git a/docs/replay_design.md b/docs/replay_design.md
index f90f66f..b7380bb 100644
--- a/docs/replay_design.md
+++ b/docs/replay_design.md
@@ -406,23 +406,32 @@ Reshape mutations to flow through one path; behaviour unchanged.
 - **Exit criteria met:** recorder + serializer + drain-integration tests pass; the format is
   well-formed and flushed per line. (Live GUI recording is wired but not auto-tested here.)
 
-### Phase 3 — Playback
+### Phase 3 — Playback — DONE
 
-- Implement the **reader/parser** for the format (header + commands + checksums).
-- Add the `--replay <file>` CLI path in `main`: validate config hash + version (warn on
-  mismatch), construct `Simulation` from seed+config, construct `CommandManager` in **replay
-  mode** (pre-filled, `addCommand` is a no-op).
-- Replay driver: each frame, drain commands due at the reached tick (same drain path), step
-  ticks, **keep manual speed/pause**, playback only moves forward.
-- **Gate the two `onFrame` polls** (schematic-choices, game-over) off in replay mode; everything
-  else (recipe/layout dialogs, escape menu) is input-driven and falls away automatically.
-- **Desync detection:** recompute the RNG checksum at each checkpoint, compare to the file,
-  report "desync at tick N" on mismatch.
-- **Passive end:** when the command stream is exhausted / recorded game-over is reached, stop
-  with a "replay ended" overlay instead of the restart dialog.
-- **Files:** new reader in `lib`; `main.cpp`; `CommandManager` (replay mode); `GameWorldView.cpp`
-  (poll gating, end overlay).
-- **Exit criteria:** a recorded file plays back identically; checksums match throughout.
+- `ReplayReader` (lib) parses the file into `{ header, entries }`, where each entry is a command
+  (with its tick) or a checksum (with its tick), kept in **file order**. `CommandSerializer`
+  gained the inverse `parseCommand` (round-tripping every verb).
+- `--replay <file>` CLI path in `main`: reads the file, **warns** on version / config-hash
+  mismatch (proceeds anyway), constructs the `Simulation` from the header seed, and threads the
+  parsed replay through `MainWindow` to `GameWorldView`.
+- `ReplayPlayer` (lib) is the playback driver. Rather than reproduce frame batching, it applies
+  each command at its **exact recorded tick** and verifies checksums **in file order**:
+  `start()` processes the tick-0 entries, then after every `sim.tick()` `advanceTo(tick)`
+  consumes that tick's entries (periodic checksum first, then command + its checksum — the order
+  the file already has). This makes playback independent of replay-time speed/pause.
+- `GameWorldView` runs the player in `onFrame` when in replay mode (manual speed/pause kept,
+  forward-only); `CommandManager` is put in **replay mode** so live input is a no-op. The two
+  sim-state polls (schematic-choices, game-over) are **gated off**; dialog/escape paths are
+  input-driven and fall away. A **"REPLAY"** tag plus a passive **"Replay ended"** /
+  **"Desync at tick N"** overlay replaces the restart dialog.
+- **Files:** new `lib/sim/ReplayReader.{h,cpp}`, `ReplayPlayer.{h,cpp}`; `CommandSerializer`
+  (`parseCommand`); `ReplayRecorder` (shared `computeReplayConfigHash`); `CommandManager`
+  (replay mode); `main.cpp`; `MainWindow.{h,cpp}`; `GameWorldView.{h,cpp}`; new
+  `ReplayPlaybackTest.cpp`.
+- **Exit criteria met:** the headless `ReplayPlaybackTest` records a scripted run, reads it back,
+  replays it, and asserts **no desync** and a **byte-identical final state checksum** — including
+  the periodic-checksum-then-command ordering at a shared tick. (Live GUI playback is wired but
+  not auto-tested here.)
 
 ### Phase 4 — Closing tests & polish
 
diff --git a/src/app/main.cpp b/src/app/main.cpp
index c692c35..e08a5e2 100644
--- a/src/app/main.cpp
+++ b/src/app/main.cpp
@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
 #include <memory>
+#include <optional>
 #include <random>
+#include <string>
 
 #include <QApplication>
 #include <QDir>
@@ -9,6 +11,8 @@
 #include "logging.h"
 #include "LogManager.h"
 #include "MainWindow.h"
+#include "ReplayReader.h"
+#include "ReplayRecorder.h"
 #include "Simulation.h"
 
 int main(int argc, char *argv[])
@@ -32,15 +36,54 @@ int main(int argc, char *argv[])
 		QDir().mkdir(dataDir.dirName());
 	}
 
+	// Optional "--replay <file>" launches view-only playback of a recorded run.
+	std::optional<std::string> replayPath;
+	for (int i = 1; i + 1 < argc; ++i)
+	{
+		if (std::string(argv[i]) == "--replay")
+		{
+			replayPath = argv[i + 1];
+			break;
+		}
+	}
+
 	GameConfig config = ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(CONFIG_DIR);
 
-	// Random seed generated outside the sim so the Simulation stays a pure
-	// function of (seed, config, commands); the seed is written to the replay
-	// header (see docs/replay_design.md "Seed and config").
-	const unsigned int seed = std::random_device{}();
+	unsigned int seed = 0;
+	std::shared_ptr<ParsedReplay> replay;
+	if (replayPath.has_value())
+	{
+		std::optional<ParsedReplay> parsed = readReplayFile(*replayPath);
+		if (!parsed.has_value())
+		{
+			LOG_ERROR("Failed to read replay file: " + *replayPath);
+			return 1;
+		}
+		// Warn (but proceed) on identity mismatches: a different config or build
+		// can desync playback (see docs/replay_design.md).
+		if (parsed->header.version != 1)
+		{
+			LOG_WARNING_STREAM(<< "Replay format version " << parsed->header.version
+			                   << " differs from 1; playback may fail");
+		}
+		if (computeReplayConfigHash(CONFIG_DIR) != parsed->header.configHash)
+		{
+			LOG_WARNING("Replay config hash mismatch; playback may desync");
+		}
+		seed   = parsed->header.seed;
+		replay = std::make_shared<ParsedReplay>(std::move(*parsed));
+	}
+	else
+	{
+		// Random seed generated outside the sim so the Simulation stays a pure
+		// function of (seed, config, commands); written to the replay header
+		// (see docs/replay_design.md "Seed and config").
+		seed = std::random_device{}();
+	}
+
 	std::unique_ptr<Simulation> sim = std::make_unique<Simulation>(std::move(config), seed);
 
-	MainWindow window(sim.get(), std::string(CONFIG_DIR));
+	MainWindow window(sim.get(), std::string(CONFIG_DIR), replay);
 	window.show();
 
 	const int ret = application.exec();
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt b/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
index 0ea2184..24c819d 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -5,6 +5,8 @@ SET(HDRS
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandManager.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandSerializer.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayRecorder.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayReader.h
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayPlayer.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TickDriver.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltSystem.h
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/Building.h
@@ -25,6 +27,8 @@ SET(SRCS
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandManager.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/CommandSerializer.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayRecorder.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayReader.cpp
+    ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/ReplayPlayer.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/TickDriver.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BeltSystem.cpp
     ${CMAKE_CURRENT_SOURCE_DIR}/BuildingSystem.cpp
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp
index 9163c96..74bd61b 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.cpp
@@ -22,6 +22,10 @@ CommandManager::~CommandManager() = default;
 
 void CommandManager::enqueue(std::shared_ptr<const Command> command)
 {
+    if (m_replayMode)
+    {
+        return;  // playback is driven by the recorded stream; ignore live input
+    }
     if (command)
     {
         m_queue.push_back(std::move(command));
@@ -74,6 +78,11 @@ void CommandManager::setRecorder(std::unique_ptr<ReplayRecorder> recorder)
     }
 }
 
+void CommandManager::setReplayMode(bool replayMode)
+{
+    m_replayMode = replayMode;
+}
+
 void CommandManager::recordTickCheckpoint()
 {
     if (m_recorder && (m_simulation.currentTick() % kChecksumIntervalTicks == 0))
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h
index 29e57ff..ddbd686 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandManager.h
@@ -39,6 +39,10 @@ public:
     // Passing nullptr detaches/stops recording.
     void setRecorder(std::unique_ptr<ReplayRecorder> recorder);
 
+    // In replay mode, enqueue() is a no-op: the queue is driven by the recorded
+    // stream (ReplayPlayer), so stray live input produces nothing.
+    void setReplayMode(bool replayMode);
+
     // Record a periodic RNG checksum if the current tick is on the checksum
     // cadence. Call once per simulated tick (from the tick loop).
     void recordTickCheckpoint();
@@ -47,4 +51,5 @@ private:
     Simulation&                                 m_simulation;
     std::vector<std::shared_ptr<const Command>> m_queue;
     std::unique_ptr<ReplayRecorder>             m_recorder;
+    bool                                        m_replayMode = false;
 };
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.cpp b/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.cpp
index ec41e49..1a0d80b 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.cpp
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.cpp
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 #include "CommandSerializer.h"
 
 #include <sstream>
+#include <vector>
 
 #include "BuildingType.h"
 #include "Command.h"
@@ -21,6 +22,59 @@ char rotationToChar(Rotation rotation)
     return 'E';
 }
 
+Rotation rotationFromString(const std::string& token)
+{
+    if (token == "N") { return Rotation::North; }
+    if (token == "S") { return Rotation::South; }
+    if (token == "W") { return Rotation::West; }
+    return Rotation::East;
+}
+
+// Reads "<count> (<moduleId> <x> <y> <rot>)*" from the stream. Sets ok=false on
+// a stream failure.
+ShipLayoutConfig parseLayout(std::istringstream& in, bool& ok)
+{
+    ShipLayoutConfig layout;
+    int count = 0;
+    if (!(in >> count) || count < 0) { ok = false; return layout; }
+    for (int i = 0; i < count; ++i)
+    {
+        PlacedModule placed;
+        std::string rotToken;
+        int x = 0;
+        int y = 0;
+        if (!(in >> placed.moduleId >> x >> y >> rotToken)) { ok = false; return layout; }
+        placed.position = QPoint(x, y);
+        placed.rotation = rotationFromString(rotToken);
+        layout.placedModules.push_back(placed);
+    }
+    return layout;
+}
+
+// Reads "<countA> (<itemId>)* <countB> (<itemId>)*" from the stream.
+void parseFilters(std::istringstream& in,
+                  std::vector<ItemType>& filterA,
+                  std::vector<ItemType>& filterB,
+                  bool& ok)
+{
+    int countA = 0;
+    if (!(in >> countA) || countA < 0) { ok = false; return; }
+    for (int i = 0; i < countA; ++i)
+    {
+        std::string id;
+        if (!(in >> id)) { ok = false; return; }
+        filterA.push_back(ItemType{id});
+    }
+    int countB = 0;
+    if (!(in >> countB) || countB < 0) { ok = false; return; }
+    for (int i = 0; i < countB; ++i)
+    {
+        std::string id;
+        if (!(in >> id)) { ok = false; return; }
+        filterB.push_back(ItemType{id});
+    }
+}
+
 // "<count> (<moduleId> <x> <y> <rot>)*"
 void appendLayout(std::ostringstream& out, const ShipLayoutConfig& layout)
 {
@@ -132,3 +186,129 @@ std::string serializeCommand(const Command& command)
 
     return out.str();
 }
+
+std::shared_ptr<Command> parseCommand(const std::string& tokens)
+{
+    std::istringstream in(tokens);
+    std::string verb;
+    if (!(in >> verb))
+    {
+        return nullptr;
+    }
+
+    bool ok = true;
+
+    if (verb == "place")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> c = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+        std::string typeToken;
+        std::string rotToken;
+        int x = 0;
+        int y = 0;
+        if (!(in >> typeToken >> x >> y >> rotToken)) { return nullptr; }
+        const std::optional<BuildingType> type = parseBuildingType(typeToken);
+        if (!type.has_value()) { return nullptr; }
+        c->type     = *type;
+        c->anchor   = QPoint(x, y);
+        c->rotation = rotationFromString(rotToken);
+
+        std::string segment;
+        while (in >> segment)
+        {
+            if (segment == "recipe")
+            {
+                std::string id;
+                if (!(in >> id)) { return nullptr; }
+                c->recipeId = id;
+            }
+            else if (segment == "layout")
+            {
+                c->shipLayout = parseLayout(in, ok);
+                if (!ok) { return nullptr; }
+            }
+            else if (segment == "filters")
+            {
+                parseFilters(in, c->splitterFilterA, c->splitterFilterB, ok);
+                if (!ok) { return nullptr; }
+                c->hasSplitterFilters = true;
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                return nullptr;
+            }
+        }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "demolish")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<DemolishCommand> c = std::make_shared<DemolishCommand>();
+        if (!(in >> c->id)) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "rotate")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<RotateInPlaceCommand> c = std::make_shared<RotateInPlaceCommand>();
+        std::string rotToken;
+        if (!(in >> c->id >> rotToken)) { return nullptr; }
+        c->newRotation = rotationFromString(rotToken);
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "setrecipe")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<SetRecipeCommand> c = std::make_shared<SetRecipeCommand>();
+        if (!(in >> c->id >> c->recipeId)) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "setlayout")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<SetShipLayoutCommand> c = std::make_shared<SetShipLayoutCommand>();
+        if (!(in >> c->id)) { return nullptr; }
+        c->layout = parseLayout(in, ok);
+        if (!ok) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "sitefilters")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand> c =
+            std::make_shared<SetSiteSplitterFiltersCommand>();
+        if (!(in >> c->id)) { return nullptr; }
+        parseFilters(in, c->filterA, c->filterB, ok);
+        if (!ok) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "splitterfilters")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<SetSplitterFiltersCommand> c =
+            std::make_shared<SetSplitterFiltersCommand>();
+        int x = 0;
+        int y = 0;
+        if (!(in >> x >> y)) { return nullptr; }
+        c->tile = QPoint(x, y);
+        parseFilters(in, c->filterA, c->filterB, ok);
+        if (!ok) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "clearbelt")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<ClearBeltTilesCommand> c = std::make_shared<ClearBeltTilesCommand>();
+        int count = 0;
+        if (!(in >> count) || count < 0) { return nullptr; }
+        for (int i = 0; i < count; ++i)
+        {
+            int x = 0;
+            int y = 0;
+            if (!(in >> x >> y)) { return nullptr; }
+            c->tiles.push_back(QPoint(x, y));
+        }
+        return c;
+    }
+    if (verb == "schematic")
+    {
+        std::shared_ptr<ApplySchematicChoiceCommand> c =
+            std::make_shared<ApplySchematicChoiceCommand>();
+        if (!(in >> c->choiceIndex)) { return nullptr; }
+        return c;
+    }
+
+    return nullptr;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.h b/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.h
index 990eadd..6f5df8e 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.h
+++ b/src/lib/sim/CommandSerializer.h
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <memory>
 #include <string>
 
 struct Command;
@@ -13,3 +14,8 @@ struct Command;
 // Reset is a file boundary (it rolls the replay file), not a stream entry, so it
 // is never serialized here.
 std::string serializeCommand(const Command& command);
+
+// Inverse of serializeCommand: parses the command token sequence (the part of a
+// replay line after the leading tick) back into a Command. Returns nullptr if the
+// tokens are malformed or reference an unknown building type.
+std::shared_ptr<Command> parseCommand(const std::string& tokens);
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.cpp b/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..bc4aa50
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+#include "ReplayPlayer.h"
+
+#include <utility>
+
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+
+ReplayPlayer::ReplayPlayer(Simulation& simulation, std::vector<ReplayEntry> entries)
+    : m_simulation(simulation)
+    , m_entries(std::move(entries))
+{
+}
+
+void ReplayPlayer::start()
+{
+    processEntriesAt(0);
+}
+
+void ReplayPlayer::advanceTo(Tick tick)
+{
+    processEntriesAt(tick);
+}
+
+bool ReplayPlayer::isFinished() const
+{
+    return m_desyncTick.has_value() || m_cursor >= m_entries.size();
+}
+
+std::optional<Tick> ReplayPlayer::getDesyncTick() const
+{
+    return m_desyncTick;
+}
+
+void ReplayPlayer::processEntriesAt(Tick tick)
+{
+    // Consume entries for this tick in file order. The recording writes, at a
+    // given tick: the periodic checksum (if any) first, then command lines each
+    // followed by their post-apply checksum — so applying/verifying in file order
+    // reproduces the original sequence exactly.
+    while (!m_desyncTick.has_value()
+           && m_cursor < m_entries.size()
+           && m_entries[m_cursor].tick == tick)
+    {
+        const ReplayEntry& entry = m_entries[m_cursor];
+        ++m_cursor;
+
+        if (entry.isCommand)
+        {
+            m_simulation.apply(*entry.command);
+        }
+        else if (m_simulation.rngFingerprint() != entry.fingerprint)
+        {
+            m_desyncTick = tick;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.h b/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..558dab2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayPlayer.h
@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstddef>
+#include <optional>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include "ReplayReader.h"
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+class Simulation;
+
+// Drives playback of a parsed replay against a Simulation: applies each recorded
+// command at its recorded tick (through Simulation::apply) and verifies the RNG
+// checksums, reporting the first desync. Entries are consumed in file order,
+// which reproduces the exact command/tick interleaving of the original run.
+//
+// Cadence (mirrors how the run was recorded so checksums line up):
+//   player.start();                 // process tick-0 entries before the first tick
+//   each frame, for each tick to run:
+//       if (player.isFinished()) break;
+//       sim.tick();
+//       player.advanceTo(sim.currentTick());
+class ReplayPlayer
+{
+public:
+    ReplayPlayer(Simulation& simulation, std::vector<ReplayEntry> entries);
+
+    // Process all entries recorded at tick 0 (the initial checksum and any
+    // commands issued before the first tick). Call once, before the first tick.
+    void start();
+
+    // Process all entries recorded at `tick`. Call once after each sim.tick().
+    void advanceTo(Tick tick);
+
+    // True once all entries are consumed or a desync was detected.
+    bool isFinished() const;
+
+    // The tick at which the recomputed checksum first diverged, if any.
+    std::optional<Tick> getDesyncTick() const;
+
+private:
+    void processEntriesAt(Tick tick);
+
+    Simulation&              m_simulation;
+    std::vector<ReplayEntry> m_entries;
+    std::size_t              m_cursor = 0;
+    std::optional<Tick>      m_desyncTick;
+};
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.cpp b/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..5ce1d03
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,145 @@
+#include "ReplayReader.h"
+
+#include <fstream>
+#include <sstream>
+#include <string>
+
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "CommandSerializer.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+void stripCarriageReturn(std::string& line)
+{
+    if (!line.empty() && line.back() == '\r')
+    {
+        line.pop_back();
+    }
+}
+
+// Splits "key value with spaces" into (key, remainder). Remainder may be empty.
+void splitKeyValue(const std::string& line, std::string& key, std::string& value)
+{
+    const std::string::size_type space = line.find(' ');
+    if (space == std::string::npos)
+    {
+        key   = line;
+        value.clear();
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        key   = line.substr(0, space);
+        value = line.substr(space + 1);
+    }
+}
+}  // namespace
+
+std::optional<ParsedReplay> readReplayFile(const std::string& path)
+{
+    std::ifstream stream(path, std::ios::in);
+    if (!stream.is_open())
+    {
+        return std::nullopt;
+    }
+
+    ParsedReplay replay;
+    std::string  line;
+
+    // --- Header (up to the "---" separator) ---
+    bool sawSeparator = false;
+    while (std::getline(stream, line))
+    {
+        stripCarriageReturn(line);
+        if (line == "---")
+        {
+            sawSeparator = true;
+            break;
+        }
+        if (line.empty() || line[0] == '#')
+        {
+            continue;  // banner / blank
+        }
+
+        std::string key;
+        std::string value;
+        splitKeyValue(line, key, value);
+        try
+        {
+            if (key == "version")          { replay.header.version    = std::stoi(value); }
+            else if (key == "build")       { replay.header.build      = value; }
+            else if (key == "seed")        { replay.header.seed       = static_cast<unsigned int>(std::stoul(value)); }
+            else if (key == "config_hash") { replay.header.configHash = value; }
+            else if (key == "timestamp")   { replay.header.timestamp  = value; }
+        }
+        catch (const std::exception&)
+        {
+            return std::nullopt;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (!sawSeparator)
+    {
+        return std::nullopt;
+    }
+
+    // --- Command / checksum stream ---
+    while (std::getline(stream, line))
+    {
+        stripCarriageReturn(line);
+        if (line.empty())
+        {
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        if (line[0] == '#')
+        {
+            // "# checksum <tick> <hex>"
+            std::istringstream in(line);
+            std::string hash;
+            std::string keyword;
+            ReplayEntry entry;
+            in >> hash >> keyword >> entry.tick >> hash;
+            if (keyword != "checksum")
+            {
+                continue;  // unknown comment line — ignore
+            }
+            try
+            {
+                entry.fingerprint = std::stoull(hash, nullptr, 16);
+            }
+            catch (const std::exception&)
+            {
+                return std::nullopt;
+            }
+            entry.isCommand = false;
+            replay.entries.push_back(std::move(entry));
+            continue;
+        }
+
+        // "<tick> <serialized command>"
+        const std::string::size_type space = line.find(' ');
+        if (space == std::string::npos)
+        {
+            return std::nullopt;
+        }
+        ReplayEntry entry;
+        try
+        {
+            entry.tick = std::stoll(line.substr(0, space));
+        }
+        catch (const std::exception&)
+        {
+            return std::nullopt;
+        }
+        std::shared_ptr<Command> command = parseCommand(line.substr(space + 1));
+        if (!command)
+        {
+            return std::nullopt;
+        }
+        entry.isCommand = true;
+        entry.command   = std::move(command);
+        replay.entries.push_back(std::move(entry));
+    }
+
+    return replay;
+}
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.h b/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.h
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..17d9d15
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayReader.h
@@ -0,0 +1,41 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstdint>
+#include <memory>
+#include <optional>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include "Tick.h"
+
+struct Command;
+
+struct ReplayHeader
+{
+    int          version = 0;
+    std::string  build;
+    unsigned int seed = 0;
+    std::string  configHash;
+    std::string  timestamp;
+};
+
+// One entry of the replay stream: either a command (applied at its tick) or an
+// RNG checksum (verified at its tick). Entries are kept in file order, which is
+// the canonical order the playback driver reproduces.
+struct ReplayEntry
+{
+    Tick                           tick        = 0;
+    bool                           isCommand   = false;
+    std::shared_ptr<const Command> command;        // set iff isCommand
+    std::uint64_t                  fingerprint = 0; // set iff !isCommand
+};
+
+struct ParsedReplay
+{
+    ReplayHeader             header;
+    std::vector<ReplayEntry> entries;
+};
+
+// Parses a replay file (header + command/checksum stream). Returns nullopt on an
+// I/O failure or malformed content (e.g. an unparseable command line).
+std::optional<ParsedReplay> readReplayFile(const std::string& path);
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.cpp b/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.cpp
index e0cba69..ac03dd7 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.cpp
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.cpp
@@ -42,10 +42,10 @@ ReplayRecorder::~ReplayRecorder()
     close();
 }
 
-std::string ReplayRecorder::computeConfigHash() const
+std::string computeReplayConfigHash(const std::string& configDir)
 {
     Hasher hasher;
-    QDir dir(QString::fromStdString(m_configDir));
+    QDir dir(QString::fromStdString(configDir));
     const QStringList files =
         dir.entryList(QStringList() << "*.toml", QDir::Files, QDir::Name);
     for (const QString& name : files)
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ void ReplayRecorder::startNewRun(unsigned int seed, std::uint64_t initialRngFing
     m_stream << "version "     << kReplayFormatVersion << "\n";
     m_stream << "build "       << kBuildTag << "\n";
     m_stream << "seed "        << seed << "\n";
-    m_stream << "config_hash " << computeConfigHash() << "\n";
+    m_stream << "config_hash " << computeReplayConfigHash(m_configDir) << "\n";
     m_stream << "timestamp "
              << QDateTime::currentDateTime().toString(Qt::ISODate).toStdString() << "\n";
     m_stream << "---\n";
diff --git a/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.h b/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.h
index d29af0a..0e1dff6 100644
--- a/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.h
+++ b/src/lib/sim/ReplayRecorder.h
@@ -8,6 +8,10 @@
 
 struct Command;
 
+// 64-bit hash (16-char hex) over the *.toml files in configDir. Stored in the
+// replay header and recomputed on playback to detect a config mismatch.
+std::string computeReplayConfigHash(const std::string& configDir);
+
 // Writes a replay file as the game runs (see docs/replay_design.md). The format
 // is line-oriented append-friendly text: a small keyed header, then one line per
 // command (tick-tagged) interleaved with RNG-state checksum lines for desync
@@ -43,9 +47,6 @@ public:
     const std::string& currentFilePath() const;
 
 private:
-    // 64-bit hash over the *.toml files in m_configDir, as a 16-char hex string.
-    std::string computeConfigHash() const;
-
     std::string   m_configDir;
     std::string   m_outputDir;
     std::string   m_filePath;
diff --git a/src/test/CMakeLists.txt b/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
index 1a29625..cfa47c6 100644
--- a/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/src/test/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -24,4 +24,5 @@ add_files(
     DeterminismTest.cpp
     CommandTest.cpp
     ReplayRecorderTest.cpp
+    ReplayPlaybackTest.cpp
 )
diff --git a/src/test/ReplayPlaybackTest.cpp b/src/test/ReplayPlaybackTest.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..e34addd
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/test/ReplayPlaybackTest.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,151 @@
+#include "catch.hpp"
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <QDir>
+#include <QFile>
+
+#include "Command.h"
+#include "CommandManager.h"
+#include "CommandSerializer.h"
+#include "ConfigLoader.h"
+#include "GameConfig.h"
+#include "ReplayPlayer.h"
+#include "ReplayReader.h"
+#include "ReplayRecorder.h"
+#include "Rotation.h"
+#include "Simulation.h"
+
+namespace
+{
+GameConfig loadConfig()
+{
+    return ConfigLoader::loadFromDirectory(CONFIG_DIR);
+}
+
+std::string tempOutputDir()
+{
+    return (QDir::tempPath() + "/dota_factory_replay_playback_test").toStdString();
+}
+
+std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> place(BuildingType type, QPoint anchor)
+{
+    std::shared_ptr<PlaceBuildingCommand> command = std::make_shared<PlaceBuildingCommand>();
+    command->type   = type;
+    command->anchor = anchor;
+    return command;
+}
+}  // namespace
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Round-trip
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("parseCommand inverts serializeCommand", "[replay]")
+{
+    PlaceBuildingCommand placeCommand;
+    placeCommand.type     = BuildingType::Shipyard;
+    placeCommand.anchor   = QPoint(-3, 2);
+    placeCommand.rotation = Rotation::West;
+    placeCommand.recipeId = "some_ship";
+    ShipLayoutConfig layout;
+    layout.placedModules.push_back(PlacedModule{"weapon_basic", QPoint(1, 0), Rotation::North});
+    placeCommand.shipLayout = layout;
+
+    const std::string text = serializeCommand(placeCommand);
+    const std::shared_ptr<Command> parsed = parseCommand(text);
+    REQUIRE(parsed != nullptr);
+    REQUIRE(serializeCommand(*parsed) == text);
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("parseCommand round-trips every command verb", "[replay]")
+{
+    SetSplitterFiltersCommand filters;
+    filters.tile    = QPoint(3, 9);
+    filters.filterA = { ItemType{"iron_ore"} };
+    filters.filterB = { ItemType{"coal"}, ItemType{"copper_ore"} };
+
+    ClearBeltTilesCommand clear;
+    clear.tiles = { QPoint(0, 0), QPoint(-1, 4) };
+
+    DemolishCommand demolish;
+    demolish.id = 5;
+
+    for (const Command* command : { static_cast<const Command*>(&filters),
+                                    static_cast<const Command*>(&clear),
+                                    static_cast<const Command*>(&demolish) })
+    {
+        const std::string text = serializeCommand(*command);
+        const std::shared_ptr<Command> parsed = parseCommand(text);
+        REQUIRE(parsed != nullptr);
+        REQUIRE(serializeCommand(*parsed) == text);
+    }
+}
+
+TEST_CASE("parseCommand rejects malformed input", "[replay]")
+{
+    REQUIRE(parseCommand("") == nullptr);
+    REQUIRE(parseCommand("place not_a_type 0 0 E") == nullptr);
+    REQUIRE(parseCommand("place miner 0 0 E bogus") == nullptr);
+    REQUIRE(parseCommand("nonsense 1 2 3") == nullptr);
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Record -> read -> replay equivalence
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+TEST_CASE("a recorded run replays to byte-identical state with no desync", "[replay]")
+{
+    const unsigned int seed = 314159u;
+
+    // --- Record a scripted run, mimicking the frame cadence (drain, then ticks). ---
+    std::string replayPath;
+    std::uint64_t recordedFinalChecksum = 0;
+    {
+        Simulation rec(loadConfig(), seed);
+        CommandManager manager(rec);
+        std::unique_ptr<ReplayRecorder> recorder =
+            std::make_unique<ReplayRecorder>(CONFIG_DIR, tempOutputDir());
+        ReplayRecorder* recorderPtr = recorder.get();
+        manager.setRecorder(std::move(recorder));
+
+        // Frame at tick 0: place a miner.
+        manager.enqueue(place(BuildingType::Miner, QPoint(-3, 0)));
+        manager.drain();
+        for (int i = 0; i < 90; ++i) { rec.tick(); manager.recordTickCheckpoint(); }
+
+        // Frame at tick 90 (a checksum boundary): place a belt — exercises the
+        // periodic-checksum-then-command ordering at one tick.
+        manager.enqueue(place(BuildingType::Belt, QPoint(-2, 0)));
+        manager.drain();
+        for (int i = 0; i < 60; ++i) { rec.tick(); manager.recordTickCheckpoint(); }
+
+        replayPath = recorderPtr->currentFilePath();
+        recordedFinalChecksum = rec.computeStateChecksum();
+        manager.setRecorder(nullptr);  // close the file
+    }
+
+    // --- Read it back. ---
+    const std::optional<ParsedReplay> parsed = readReplayFile(replayPath);
+    REQUIRE(parsed.has_value());
+    REQUIRE(parsed->header.seed == seed);
+    REQUIRE(parsed->header.version == 1);
+    REQUIRE_FALSE(parsed->entries.empty());
+
+    // --- Replay it. ---
+    Simulation play(loadConfig(), parsed->header.seed);
+    ReplayPlayer player(play, parsed->entries);
+    player.start();
+    while (!player.isFinished())
+    {
+        play.tick();
+        player.advanceTo(play.currentTick());
+    }
+
+    REQUIRE_FALSE(player.getDesyncTick().has_value());
+    REQUIRE(play.currentTick() == 150);
+    REQUIRE(play.computeStateChecksum() == recordedFinalChecksum);
+
+    QFile::remove(QString::fromStdString(replayPath));
+}
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
index 326776e..c6d5d9a 100644
--- a/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,8 @@
 #include "Building.h"
 #include "BuildingSystem.h"
 #include "Command.h"
+#include "ReplayPlayer.h"
+#include "ReplayReader.h"
 #include "ReplayRecorder.h"
 #include "DemolishModeChangedEvent.h"
 #include "EntityHitTest.h"
@@ -117,7 +119,7 @@ QPoint portBodyTile(QPoint portTile, Rotation direction)
 
 GameWorldView::GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
                              const VisualsConfig* visuals, const std::string& configDir,
-                             QWidget* parent)
+                             const ParsedReplay* replay, QWidget* parent)
     : QOpenGLWidget(parent)
     , m_sim(sim)
     , m_config(config)
@@ -150,13 +152,24 @@ GameWorldView::GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
 
     registerForEvents();
 
-    // Record every run to disk. Replays live under <data>/replays, alongside the
-    // config dir that was loaded. Attaching the recorder opens the first file and
-    // writes the header for the initial run.
-    QDir replayDir(QString::fromStdString(configDir));
-    replayDir.cdUp();
-    m_commandManager.setRecorder(std::make_unique<ReplayRecorder>(
-        configDir, replayDir.filePath("replays").toStdString()));
+    if (replay)
+    {
+        // View-only playback: ignore live input and drive ticks from the recorded
+        // stream. No recorder (we are not creating a new run).
+        m_commandManager.setReplayMode(true);
+        m_replayPlayer = std::make_unique<ReplayPlayer>(*sim, replay->entries);
+        m_replayPlayer->start();  // process tick-0 entries before the first tick
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        // Record every run to disk. Replays live under <data>/replays, alongside
+        // the config dir that was loaded. Attaching the recorder opens the first
+        // file and writes the header for the initial run.
+        QDir replayDir(QString::fromStdString(configDir));
+        replayDir.cdUp();
+        m_commandManager.setRecorder(std::make_unique<ReplayRecorder>(
+            configDir, replayDir.filePath("replays").toStdString()));
+    }
 }
 
 GameWorldView::~GameWorldView()
@@ -173,20 +186,33 @@ void GameWorldView::onFrame()
 {
     const qint64 elapsed = m_frameTimer.restart();
 
-    // Drain queued player commands once per frame, before the tick batch. This
-    // runs even at 0x so a paused player sees placed construction sites
-    // immediately, while staying deterministic (see docs/replay_design.md).
-    m_commandManager.drain();
-
-    // A drained Reset reinitialized the simulation; reset the view to match.
-    if (m_viewResetPending)
+    if (m_replayPlayer)
     {
-        m_viewResetPending = false;
-        resetForNewGame();
+        // Playback: apply recorded commands at their ticks and verify checksums.
+        // Manual speed/pause still works; playback only moves forward.
+        const int ticks = m_tickDriver.advance(
+            static_cast<double>(elapsed), m_gameSpeedMultiplier);
+        for (int i = 0; i < ticks; ++i)
+        {
+            if (m_replayPlayer->isFinished()) { break; }
+            m_sim->tick();
+            m_replayPlayer->advanceTo(m_sim->currentTick());
+        }
     }
-
-    // Advance simulation
+    else
     {
+        // Drain queued player commands once per frame, before the tick batch. This
+        // runs even at 0x so a paused player sees placed construction sites
+        // immediately, while staying deterministic (see docs/replay_design.md).
+        m_commandManager.drain();
+
+        // A drained Reset reinitialized the simulation; reset the view to match.
+        if (m_viewResetPending)
+        {
+            m_viewResetPending = false;
+            resetForNewGame();
+        }
+
         const int ticks = m_tickDriver.advance(
             static_cast<double>(elapsed), m_gameSpeedMultiplier);
         for (int i = 0; i < ticks; ++i)
@@ -267,25 +293,31 @@ void GameWorldView::onFrame()
         }
     }
 
-    // Schematic choice available
-    if (m_sim->hasSchematicChoicesPending() && !m_schematicChoiceShown)
+    // Sim-state polls are input sources for the live game; in replay these are
+    // gated off (the recorded ApplySchematicChoice resolves the choice with no UI,
+    // and game-over becomes the passive "replay ended" state below).
+    if (!m_replayPlayer)
     {
-        m_schematicChoiceShown = true;
-        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
-            std::make_shared<SchematicChoicesAvailableEvent>(m_sim->getPendingSchematicChoices()));
-    }
-    if (!m_sim->hasSchematicChoicesPending())
-    {
-        m_schematicChoiceShown = false;
-    }
+        // Schematic choice available
+        if (m_sim->hasSchematicChoicesPending() && !m_schematicChoiceShown)
+        {
+            m_schematicChoiceShown = true;
+            EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+                std::make_shared<SchematicChoicesAvailableEvent>(m_sim->getPendingSchematicChoices()));
+        }
+        if (!m_sim->hasSchematicChoicesPending())
+        {
+            m_schematicChoiceShown = false;
+        }
 
-    // Game over check
-    if (m_sim->isGameOver() && !m_gameOverShown)
-    {
-        m_gameOverShown = true;
-        m_gameSpeedMultiplier = 0.0;
-        EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
-            std::make_shared<GameOverEvent>());
+        // Game over check
+        if (m_sim->isGameOver() && !m_gameOverShown)
+        {
+            m_gameOverShown = true;
+            m_gameSpeedMultiplier = 0.0;
+            EventManager::getInstance()->sendEventImmediately(
+                std::make_shared<GameOverEvent>());
+        }
     }
 
     update();
@@ -311,6 +343,7 @@ void GameWorldView::paintGL()
     drawBeams(painter);
     drawOverlays(painter);
     drawScreenSpace(painter);
+    drawReplayOverlay(painter);
 }
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -1246,6 +1279,42 @@ void GameWorldView::drawScreenSpace(QPainter& /*painter*/)
 {
 }
 
+void GameWorldView::drawReplayOverlay(QPainter& painter)
+{
+    if (!m_replayPlayer) { return; }
+
+    painter.save();
+
+    QFont tag = painter.font();
+    tag.setPixelSize(16);
+    tag.setBold(true);
+    painter.setFont(tag);
+    painter.setPen(QColor(255, 220, 80));
+    painter.drawText(QRect(0, 8, width(), 24), Qt::AlignHCenter | Qt::AlignTop, tr("REPLAY"));
+
+    if (m_replayPlayer->isFinished())
+    {
+        const std::optional<Tick> desync = m_replayPlayer->getDesyncTick();
+        QString message;
+        if (desync.has_value())
+        {
+            message = tr("Desync at tick %1").arg(static_cast<qlonglong>(*desync));
+            painter.setPen(QColor(255, 90, 90));
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            message = tr("Replay ended");
+            painter.setPen(QColor(255, 255, 255));
+        }
+        QFont big = painter.font();
+        big.setPixelSize(28);
+        painter.setFont(big);
+        painter.drawText(rect(), Qt::AlignCenter, message);
+    }
+
+    painter.restore();
+}
+
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Input
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
diff --git a/src/ui/GameWorldView.h b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
index e3ebee7..2ecf099 100644
--- a/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
+++ b/src/ui/GameWorldView.h
@@ -41,6 +41,8 @@
 #include "VisualsConfig.h"
 
 struct Command;
+struct ParsedReplay;
+class ReplayPlayer;
 class Simulation;
 class QPainter;
 
@@ -68,7 +70,7 @@ class GameWorldView : public QOpenGLWidget,
 public:
     GameWorldView(Simulation* sim, const GameConfig* config,
                   const VisualsConfig* visuals, const std::string& configDir,
-                  QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+                  const ParsedReplay* replay, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
     ~GameWorldView() override;
 
     double gameSpeed() const;
@@ -121,6 +123,7 @@ private:
     void drawBeams(QPainter& painter);
     void drawOverlays(QPainter& painter);
     void drawScreenSpace(QPainter& painter);
+    void drawReplayOverlay(QPainter& painter);
 
     float    tilePx() const;
     float    viewportWidthTiles() const;
@@ -178,6 +181,9 @@ private:
     CommandManager m_commandManager;
     // A Reset command was enqueued; reset the view after the next drain applies it.
     bool           m_viewResetPending = false;
+    // Non-null => view-only playback: ticks are driven by the recorded stream and
+    // live input is ignored (the CommandManager is in replay mode).
+    std::unique_ptr<ReplayPlayer> m_replayPlayer;
 
     TickDriver    m_tickDriver;
     QElapsedTimer m_frameTimer;
diff --git a/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
index 79a0952..717443c 100644
--- a/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
+++ b/src/ui/MainWindow.cpp
@@ -31,18 +31,21 @@
 #include "Tick.h"
 #include "VisualsLoader.h"
 
-MainWindow::MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const std::string& configDir, QWidget* parent)
+MainWindow::MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const std::string& configDir,
+                       std::shared_ptr<ParsedReplay> replay, QWidget* parent)
     : QWidget(parent)
     , m_configDir(configDir)
     , m_visuals(VisualsLoader::load(configDir + "/visuals.toml"))
     , m_sim(sim)
+    , m_replay(std::move(replay))
 {
     setWindowTitle(tr("Dota Factory"));
     resize(1280, 768);
 
     m_headerBar = new HeaderBar(this);
 
-    m_gameWorldView = new GameWorldView(sim, &sim->config(), &m_visuals, m_configDir, this);
+    m_gameWorldView = new GameWorldView(sim, &sim->config(), &m_visuals, m_configDir,
+                                        m_replay.get(), this);
 
     m_sidePanel = new QWidget(this);
     QVBoxLayout* sideLayout = new QVBoxLayout(m_sidePanel);
diff --git a/src/ui/MainWindow.h b/src/ui/MainWindow.h
index 9c0996a..3c09cbe 100644
--- a/src/ui/MainWindow.h
+++ b/src/ui/MainWindow.h
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 #pragma once
 
+#include <memory>
 #include <string>
 #include <vector>
 
@@ -17,6 +18,7 @@
 #include "Tick.h"
 #include "VisualsConfig.h"
 
+struct ParsedReplay;
 class Simulation;
 class GameWorldView;
 class HeaderBar;
@@ -37,7 +39,8 @@ class MainWindow : public QWidget,
     Q_OBJECT
 
 public:
-    MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const std::string& configDir, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
+    MainWindow(Simulation* sim, const std::string& configDir,
+               std::shared_ptr<ParsedReplay> replay = nullptr, QWidget* parent = nullptr);
     ~MainWindow() override;
 
 protected:
@@ -65,4 +68,5 @@ private:
     QWidget*               m_sidePanel;
 
     std::vector<ShipLayoutBlueprint> m_layoutBlueprints;
+    std::shared_ptr<ParsedReplay>    m_replay;  // non-null => view-only playback
 };