Cities: Skylines 2 on Windows PC: Download Guide, Tips and Features

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Cities: Skylines 2 on Windows

Ready to plan your metropolis in 2025? Imagine crafting sprawling cities with deep transport networks.

You’ll be able to download Cities: Skylines 2 on your Windows 10 or 11 PC for the ultimate building sim.

Released by Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive on October 24, 2023, this sequel has evolved with patches and a thriving mod scene, hitting ‘Mostly Positive’ Steam reviews by March 2025, per Steam.

This guide covers installing Cities: Skylines 2 on Windows, its key features, and tips for PC beginners. Share your wildest city design in the comments, or contact us for help.

Table of Contents

How to Install Cities: Skylines 2 on Windows 11 and 10

To play Cities: Skylines 2 on your Windows PC, download it via Steam or Microsoft Store (Xbox App/PC Game Pass). Follow the steps below:

Method 1: Steam
1. Visit the Steam page: Steam.
2. Click Add to Cart (price is $49.99 as of March 2025).
3. Sign into your Steam account (or create one if needed).
4. Complete the purchase and click Install in your Steam Library.
5. Wait for the download to finish (up to 60 GB, SSD recommended).
6. Launch the game from your Steam Library or desktop shortcut.
Method 2: Microsoft Store (Xbox App/PC Game Pass)
1. Visit the Microsoft Store page: Microsoft Store.
2. Click Buy ($49.99) or Install if you have PC Game Pass (included free).
3. Sign into your Microsoft account (or create one).
4. Open the Xbox App, find Cities: Skylines 2 in your Library, and click Install.
5. Wait for the download to finish (up to 60 GB).
6. Launch the game from the Xbox App.

Quick Tip: 💡 Nail transport early, traffic jams can tank your city fast!

Get Cities: Skylines 2 via Steam | Get via Microsoft Store

What is Cities: Skylines 2 About?

Cities: Skylines 2, released in 2023 by Colossal Order and Paradox Interactive, is a city-building simulation for Windows 10 and 11, succeeding the 2015 original.

Core Gameplay: Shape a metropolis from scratch, managing zones, services, and transport while balancing citizen needs and sprawling maps.

Key Features

Massive maps
Deep transport
Modding support
Dynamic seasons
Citizen simulation

Why Play Cities: Skylines 2 on Windows?

It’s a planner’s paradise. Windows 10 and 11 users get vast tools, stunning visuals, and endless creativity in 2025.

Tips for PC Beginners in Cities: Skylines 2

New to Skylines 2 on PC? Here are five tips to build smart:

Tweak Keys: Remap controls in Settings > Key Bindings (e.g., roads to R) for speed.
Boost FPS: Drop shadows to Low in Options > Graphics if you stutter, big cities tax hard.
Start Small: Zone 2×2 residential grids (Roads tab), grow slow to avoid cash woes.
Plan Roads: Use grid layouts with bus stops (Transport tab), traffic flows better.
Add Mods: Grab Traffic Manager from Steam Workshop, it’s a game-changer.