In Cities: Skylines II, players build detailed cities at an epic scale. Intricate economic systems present players with choices that have ripple effects across the city. Dynamic maps set in various biomes present both challenges and opportunities for city builders. High-fidelity visuals showcase the beauty of cities like never before, from a humble city block to an iconic city skyline. For the first time ever, each citizen has their own individual life, including occupation, household, relationships and more, making cities feel alive. Players can now follow how their choices affect citizens' lives, adding weight and immediate impact to every strategic decision. 

Players start by picking a map, with each environment presenting its own challenges, climate, and opportunities. From there, players manage a series of interconnected simulation systems as they build and grow their city. Build roads, lay out districts, set up infrastructure, and manage citizens' needs as the population grows from a small town to a sweeping metropolis. 

Paradox Interactive celebrates the 11th anniversary of its city-building management game series Cities: Skylines.

Originally released on PC in 2015 by developer Colossal Order, Cities: Skylines redefined the modern city-building simulation genre, with its sequel, Cities: Skylines II, following in 2023. In honor of the anniversary, Paradox Interactive has announced a full slate of new content launching for both games throughout the month of March, including new content creator packs, radio stations, free updates, and a new expansion.

Cities: Skylines kicks off the anniversary festivities with a Free-to-Play weekend on Steam from March 5 through 9, offering newcomers the perfect opportunity to experience the thrill of city-building. On March 10, the celebrations continue with the launch of Race Day, an all-new expansion for the game. Developed by Tantalus Media in close collaboration with Paradox Interactive, the new expansion invites players to transform their streets into thrilling motor racing, running, and cycling courses. Players can build their dream custom racing venues, line routes with cheering crowds and roar through the streets like never before! 

March 10 will also see the release of additional paid and free content for Cities: Skylines, including the Iconic Brutalism and Renewed History content creator packs, a new radio station called 8 Gear Radio, and a free patch adding roadside fences and a new Employment Info View that allows for a closer look at a city’s workforce. 

Race Day, Iconic Brutalism, Renewed History, and 8 Gear Radio will be available for purchase individually on PC and console March 10, or together as part of the Race Day Bundle for a suggested retail price of $23.99/£20.15/€23.99 (save 17%). Players will also be able to access the new content through the Cities: Skylines - Expansion Subscription plan on Steam, now available at a reduced price of $7.99/£6.99/€7.99 per month (save 20%).

On March 18, Cities: Skylines II joins the celebration with the launch of two new creator packs, Office Evolution and City Stations, as well as two new radio stations, Smooth Vibes FM and Skyrail Radio. In addition, following the first patch that was released in February from the team at Iceflake Studios, a special anniversary patch will bring the Iceflake Arena signature building to the game, and improve toggle zoning, as well as bug fixes and more. 

City Stations adds a range of new, compact depots and rail yards, a selection of stations with alternating designs, and new landmarks, whereas Office Evolution captures the architectural journey from classic heritage façades to sleek, contemporary office spaces. Paired with two carefully curated radio stations, Smooth Vibes FM and Skyrail Radio, players’ citizens will dance through the streets to a soundtrack that never skips a beat. 

Office Evolution, City Stations, Smooth Vibes FM, and Skyrail Radio will be available for purchase individually on March 18, or together as part of the Office Evolution & City Stations Bundle for a suggested retail price of $21.99/£18.49/€21.99 (save 15%). 

The Cities: Skylines series will also be featured in a number of promotions throughout March, with discounts across the base games and a selection of DLC.

Key Features:

• Deep Simulation: Make choices that have ripple effects across the city. Intricate AI and economic systems mean players will need to strategize, problem solve and react to changes, challenges and opportunities.
• Epic Scale, Endless Possibilities: Build a thriving metropolis without compromise. In Cities: Skylines II, players will be able to build sky-high and across the map to realize their dream city like never before.
• Cities That Come Alive: Follow the lives of individual citizens, from love and loss to wealth and well-being. Player decisions will shape the lives of their city's citizens.
• A Dynamic World: Pick a map to set the climate and biome of the city. These natural forces will shape the growth of players' cities as they contend with rising pollution, changeable weather and seasonal challenges.

Players will learn more about the intricate systems involved in managing their sprawling metropolis over the coming weeks via a series of deep dive videos from Colossal Order.

Currently available for PC, Cities: Skylines II is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.