Cartel Tycoon doesn’t exactly hold your hand when you begin your rise to power, and that’s a deliberate part of its gritty charm. If you’re just stepping into the shoes of a fledgling drug lord, expect some early chaos. That’s why it’s essential to understand some of the game’s core mechanics and strategic choices from the get-go. This guide delivers a collection of no-nonsense tips designed to help you survive — and thrive — in your first few hours of gameplay. Keep in mind that Cartel Tycoon is still in early release, so mechanics might shift as development continues, but these foundational ideas will set you up with a solid start.

Survey Before You Sow: Use the Yields Layer

Before you go planting your first crops, take a moment to analyze the land. Flip on the yields layer on the map to get a clear idea of what kind of fertile terrain you’re working with in your starting area. Different crops require different types of soil, and planting without checking this information can waste both time and money. Understanding what the land naturally supports allows you to make informed decisions about what to produce right away — which is especially important when you’re short on resources and trying to establish your economic base.

Know Your Export Routes: Aerodromes vs. Seaports

Production is only one side of the coin — logistics is the other. Think ahead about how you’re going to export your goods. If you’ve got an aerodrome in your starting territory, you’re in luck. You can send products straight from your warehouse without much trouble. However, if you’re working with a seaport instead, things get more complex. In this case, you’ll first need a workshop to process the goods before they can be exported. And to build that workshop, you’ll need to invest in a research lab and unlock the appropriate tech. It’s a chain that you don’t want to start too late, or you’ll end up with unsellable inventory piling up.

Dirty Money Management: Start with a Casino

At the heart of your early economic system is the management of dirty money — and this is where many new players hit a wall. You’ll want to construct a money-laundering building as soon as you’re ready, and the casino is a smart first choice. But here’s the catch: don’t rush to build it immediately. First, accumulate a buffer of dirty money. Without enough funds circulating, your laundering operation won’t sustain itself. Once the casino is up and running, use its special ability to generate loyalty. Over time, as your operations grow and your dirty money piles up, consider switching to a bank, which can handle larger volumes of illicit cash more efficiently.

Keep Your Production Chain Balanced

In the early game, balance is key. Specifically, keep an eye on the ratio between raw vegetables and drug crops like opium. Your workshops require both to operate properly, and it’s easy to overload one side of the equation. The early benchmark to remember is that you’ll typically need one unit of vegetables for every three units of opium to maintain smooth production. Staying close to this ratio prevents bottlenecks that can cripple your economy before it even gets off the ground.

Stick with Opium — At Least for a While

There’s a strong temptation to jump into higher-profit crops like cannabis early on, but don’t rush it. Opium provides a more stable entry point because the income it generates, while modest, is manageable in terms of laundering and storage. Cannabis brings in more dirty money, yes — but if your laundering infrastructure isn’t ready to handle the extra cash, you’ll be swimming in unclean money, drawing attention and raising your terror level. Only make the switch when you’re confident your economy can clean and store that extra wealth.

When to Transition: Level Up and Assess Fertility Again

Eventually, you’ll want to scale your operations — and cannabis becomes the natural next step. But do it smart. Once you’ve set up the proper infrastructure and are ready to expand, return to your map. Check whether your available land can support cannabis production. If it can, research both level 2 farms and plantations. You’ll also need to unlock drying racks in order to process cannabis properly. With these pieces in place, the transition will be smooth rather than chaotic.

Mayoral Favors: A Secret Weapon for Money Laundering

When your laundering network is overwhelmed and you need a quick fix, don’t overlook the mayor. One of the sneaky but powerful tools at your disposal is the ability to request a personal favor. For example, you can ask for a 60,000 clean money loan from the mayor, which is perfectly legit. In exchange, you’ll pay back 65,000 in dirty money. It’s a brilliant workaround for large-scale money laundering, especially when you’ve got excess dirty cash building up. Just note that you’ll need to wait a few days before calling in another favor, so time it wisely. If you’ve got over 100k in dirty money sitting idle, this trick can be a game-changer.

Final Thoughts

These tips won’t turn you into an unstoppable kingpin overnight, but they will help you lay the groundwork for a stable and scalable empire. Focus on sustainable growth, smart money management, and infrastructure timing, and you’ll sidestep many of the early-game pitfalls that trap new players. As Cartel Tycoon continues to evolve, new mechanics and opportunities may arise — but mastering these basics will ensure you’re always one step ahead.

Stay sharp, manage your dirty cash carefully, and don’t forget to use what the game gives you — especially when it comes to politics, logistics, and loyalty. Your cartel’s future depends on it.