City builder with quirky humor now just $10 instead of $40 on Steam

While most city builders put players in the role of a ruler who cares about the well-being of their citizens, Tropico lets them become El Presidente, the self-proclaimed leader of a Caribbean banana republic – and he only looks after his people when it suits him. The series has built up a large fan base and has already spawned six installments. The latest entry, Tropico 6, is currently available on Steam at a 75% discount, bringing its price below the $10 mark for the first time (SteamDB).

In Tropico 6, the goal is to transform a small Caribbean island into a thriving nation. Players build roads, establish production chains, export resources and attract tourists. At the same time, they have to keep different population groups happy, maintain international relations and stay in power through regular elections. Those who aren't interested in playing by the rules can also resort to propaganda and military force. One of the biggest additions compared to its predecessor is the introduction of island groups, which can be connected using bridges and shipping routes. Players can also send agents on raids to steal famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower or the Statue of Liberty.

In GameStar's review (in German), Tropico 6 received a solid score of 81 out of 100. The reviewers praised the wide range of building options and described the game as a successful blend of economics and politics. However, they felt it lacked challenge. On Steam, the city builder has received nearly 30,000 reviews, with a positive rating of 87%. Steam Deck compatibility is listed as "Playable." Now could be a particularly good time to jump in, as Tropico 7 is scheduled for release on January 28, 2027.

For a closer look, check out the official launch trailer:

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As a child in the 90s, my Gameboy was my steady companion. After school, the PlayStation was fired up. When I finally got my first PC, I was completely hooked. My passion for gaming has never waned since. For me, writing for Notebookcheck means reporting on topics that are really close to my heart - in addition to gaming, I also like to write about e-mobility, photovoltaics and innovative gadgets. When I'm not sitting at my computer, I'm probably on water rescue duty on the Baltic coast or trying to counteract the downsides of my geek life - namely sitting for long periods - at the local swimming pool.