Tropico
Tropico is a 2001 business simulation developed by PopTop Software, casting the player as El Presidente, the ruler of a Caribbean island nation during the Cold War era. It mixes city building with the politics of running a banana republic caught between rival superpowers.
The game blended construction and economic management, such as developing farms, mines, and tourist resorts for export income, with political intrigue, as players balanced the demands of factions like communists, capitalists, and religious groups. Players could rig elections, embezzle funds into a Swiss bank account, or govern honestly, and a distinctive sense of humour ran throughout, from the radio announcer to the almanac tracking public opinion. This let players roleplay as a benevolent leader or a corrupt dictator.
Tropico launched a long-running and beloved series that continues today across multiple sequels and developers. The original remains available on digital storefronts as the witty foundation of the franchise.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Tropico, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Cities: Skylines
€ 27,99A deep city-builder with sprawling infrastructure management.
Cities: Skylines runs on PC, Mac, Linux. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Kingdoms Reborn Indie
€ 19,99An indie city-builder mixing empire growth with a living economy.
Kingdoms Reborn runs on PC. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
Tropico 6
€ 49,99The latest entry ruling archipelagos across four historical eras.
Tropico 6 runs on PC, Mac. Not available on Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. It is Steam Deck Playable.
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