How to play Tropico without logging into Kalypso account launcher

[Ducain]

If this game cannot connect to the internet, it lets you play offline (skipping the launcher/registration).

1) To skip the launcher for Tropico 4, either block the "Tropico 4.exe" file with your firewall of choice. The Tropico 4.exe is usually located at "C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\tropico 4" I use Comodo Firewall, but Windows Firewall should be able to do it, if you manually block incoming and outgoing connections for Tropico 4.exe using the "Windows Firewall with Advanced Security option". I prefer Comodo because it gives a bit more control compared to the default Windows Firewall.

2) OR you can block the website that the launcher uses to connect to the internet:
launcher01.kalypsomedia.com
and it will just go straight to Tropico 4 instead of opening the launcher. You can either block this website using a firewall or maybe your anti virus. Avast has a website blocker built in.

3) "Le Whopper" also made a guide that shows a different way to block the launcher.
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=144317560#-1

My thoughts on the matter:
Yes this is annoying and takes a little finagling, but I'm glad that Kalypso didn't hard-wire the online requirement into the game. If a simple firewall block works (and I do it with tons of other games too), then I don't consider this game to have an "always online" requirement. There are other companys' games that just won't let you launch at all without an account (like Uplay and Games for Windows Live). So I am glad that the Tropico developers only have a soft requirement for an account (and it works offline) instead of a stiff requirement like other companies.

Hopefully a Kalypso Dev is listening ;D
However! I would have much more appreciated a checkbox on the launcher for some options like "Never Register, Register Next Time, Remind Me in 30 days, did you know that making an account gives you access to functions A, B, and even C!" Giving gamers options and an explanation is hardly a bad thing. It is obnoxious to make an EXTRA account to play a game. It didn't effect me too much, because I have an easy to use firewall for that kind of stuff, but most people don't.

[RonjaLin]

This works for many Kalypso games, actually. Still I also only learnt about this a few days ago.

[Gameplay Crush]

even if you dont do any of that it doesnt have a online requirement, whenever your net is down it wont ask you to login. :-)

[Ducain]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von GameplayCrush:

even if you dont do any of that it doesnt have a online requirement, whenever your net is down it wont ask you to login. :-)

That's what made me think to block it with the firewall, because I like to test games with my network card disabled to see whether or not they will run. This game skipped the launcher with no network active, so that's why I blocked it with the firewall :)

[Micket]

Why don't they just make it an option instead of having you jump through hoops?

[Error]

Thanks for the info. So does this mean I would never have to create a Kalypso website account at all if I do this from the very start?

One reason I avoided this game was I really didn't want to bother creating a new account on yet another website because I never use the same info on websites. It sounds like I could add launcher01.kalypsomedia.com to the hosts file to block it completely.

[Ducain]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Shatter:

Thanks for the info. So does this mean I would never have to create a Kalypso website account at all if I do this from the very start?

One reason I avoided this game was I really didn't want to bother creating a new account on yet another website because I never use the same info on websites. It sounds like I could add launcher01.kalypsomedia.com to the hosts file to block it completely.

You could do that host file thing
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=144317560#-1
and it will block it, sure. I also modified my instructions up top in case that makes it a little more clear.

[Tonerider]

What's the reason they want you to make an account?

[Ducain]

http://forum.kalypsomedia.com/showthread.php?tid=18759

"the account is used for the online features in many games, an easy to use and direct interface for downloadable content and you have an option to receive our newsletter with up-to-date game information and a regular chance to win gaming goodies and freebies."

Personally, I don't care about these features so I block it. BTW, this does not mean that DLC doesn't work when skipping the launcher. The entire game works without the launcher. I'm hoping they give an easy way to disable the launcher in the future, since it seems that's the thing that most people complain about.

[RonjaLin]

There are custom user maps that will possibly not work, but the game already has a lot of content with the two campaigns and scenarios, so you won't need them anyway. ;-)

[Alerias]

great guide :D

[Inkaine]

I used to just block access with my firewall but editing the hosts file is way easier. And no more worries of wrong clicks. Thanks!

[Capt Hastings]

thx Ducain

[small lump of green putty]

So does this mean I'll be able to access the Steam browser in-game and I'll be able to chat to friends while I play, or does it just bypass the launcher and I still won't have the browser? As far as I can tell there's no windowed mode option and I can't seem to get it to work with the in-game overlay, so I feel kind of antisocial playing this while friends are online and want to talk to me.

[small lump of green putty]

Never mind, answered my own question and yes, I can apparently access the overlay and talk to friends while I play.

[Ducain]

I slightly modified and posted a link to this in the "Dungeons - The Dark Lord" forum.
http://steamcommunity.com/app/200550/discussions/0/846961716403944819/