Pax Porfiriana is Latin for ''The Porfirian Peace''. It refers to the 33-year reign of dictator Porfirio Diaz, ruling Mexico with an iron hand until toppled by the 1910 Revolution. As a rich businessman (Hacendado) in the turbulent pre-revolutionary borderlands of the U.S. and Mexico, compete to build business empires of ranches, mines, rails, troops, and banks while subverting your opponents with bandidos, Indians, and lawsuits.

Win by toppling Diaz, either by coup, succession, revolution, or annexing Mexico to the U.S. If Diaz remains firmly seated at the end of the game, then the player with the most gold is the winner.