Cities: Skylines

In short: Cities: Skylines is a simulation game released in 2015 by Colossal Order, available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo. Our score: 9.0/10 (highly recommended). Lowest price we found right now: $8.99.

Cities: Skylines

Cities: Skylines is a modern take on the classic city simulation. Players are tasked with planning, building, and managing a thriving metropolis, from road networks to public services.

Cities: Skylines is a critically acclaimed city-building simulation game developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive. Released in 2015, it quickly became a spiritual successor to classic city-builder titles, offering players unprecedented control and depth in crafting their ideal urban landscapes. The game challenges players to design, build, and manage a sprawling metropolis from the ground up, tackling complex issues such as traffic management, public transportation, economic stability, and the overall happiness of their citizens. At its core, Cities: Skylines provides a robust toolkit for urban planning. Players lay down intricate road networks, zone areas for residential, commercial, and industrial development, and establish essential public services like power, water, waste management, healthcare, and education. The game's simulation engine is remarkably detailed, with individual citizens traveling to work, school, and leisure, creating dynamic traffic patterns and service demands. Understanding these intricate systems and anticipating future needs is crucial for success. One of Cities: Skylines' defining features is its extensive modding support and a vibrant community. The Steam Workshop, in particular, hosts thousands of user-created assets, buildings, and gameplay modifications, ranging from realistic car models to entirely new game mechanics. This community-driven content significantly extends the game's lifespan and allows for endless customiz…

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Our review

Cities: Skylines stands as a monumental achievement in the city-building genre, offering an unparalleled level of depth and customization. The core gameplay loop of planning, building, and managing feels incredibly rewarding, constantly challenging players to optimize their urban sprawl. The traffic simulation, in particular, is a highlight, demanding strategic road layouts and public transport solutions. While the base game’s graphics are competent, the true visual splendor comes alive with the vast array of community-created assets and mods. The 'story,' while not a traditional narrative, is the unfolding saga of your city's growth and struggles, which is compelling in its own right. With endless replayability and a constant stream of new content, Cities: Skylines offers exceptional value for its price. This is a must-have for any simulation enthusiast.

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FAQ

Is Cities: Skylines suitable for beginners to city-building games?
Yes, while it has depth, the game's intuitive interface and gradual progression make it accessible for newcomers. There are plenty of tutorials and community resources available to help you learn.
What platforms is Cities: Skylines available on?
Cities: Skylines is available on PC (Windows, macOS, Linux), PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
Does Cities: Skylines have multiplayer?
No, Cities: Skylines is primarily a single-player experience. There are no official multiplayer modes.
Are there many DLCs for Cities: Skylines?
Yes, Colossal Order has released a significant number of expansion packs and content creator packs over the years, adding new features, themes, and gameplay mechanics. These are optional but greatly enhance the experience.
What are the key differences between Cities: Skylines and SimCity?
Cities: Skylines offers much larger buildable areas, a more detailed traffic simulation, and extensive modding support compared to recent SimCity titles. It's generally considered to provide a deeper and more expansive city-building experience.

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Last updated: 01/04/2026