Top 3 BEST City Starts for Beginners in Cities Skylines

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore three of the best city entrance layouts in Cities Skylines, ideal for beginners. Each layout has its pros and cons, and understanding these will help you make informed decisions when starting your city. This guide is based on the video by Cities By Diana, which provides insights without the need for any mods (though a measurement mod can enhance your building experience).

Step 1: Couplet Layout

The couplet layout is a straightforward and efficient starting point. Here’s how to set it up:

• Main Features:

  • Two parallel one-way roads that facilitate smooth traffic flow.
  • Direct access to the highway, minimizing congestion.

• How to Build:

  1. Place the highway interchange as your starting point.
  2. Create two one-way roads branching from the interchange.
  3. Align the roads parallel to each other, ensuring they are spaced adequately for future expansions.

• Pros:

  • Simplifies traffic management by separating incoming and outgoing traffic.
  • Easy to expand as your city grows.

• Cons:

  • Limited access points can lead to potential bottlenecks if not managed properly.

Step 2: Roundabout Layout

The roundabout layout is another excellent choice for managing traffic flow effectively. Follow these steps to implement this design:

• Main Features:

  • A central roundabout that connects multiple roads.
  • Reduces the need for traffic signals, promoting continuous flow.

• How to Build:

  1. Start with the highway interchange.
  2. Construct a roundabout at the end of your incoming road from the interchange.
  3. Create several roads extending from the roundabout to different parts of your city.

• Pros:

  • Efficient at handling high volumes of traffic.
  • Reduces the likelihood of traffic jams at intersections.

• Cons:

  • Can take up more space compared to other layouts.
  • Requires careful planning to ensure all roads are connected efficiently.

Step 3: Interchange Layout

The interchange layout is a more complex option but can be very rewarding. Here’s how to get started:

• Main Features:

  • A multi-level interchange that allows for smooth transitions between roads.
  • Facilitates high traffic volume and quick access to various parts of your city.

• How to Build:

  1. Position your highway interchange as the focal point.
  2. Design ramps and on-ramps to connect the highway with surrounding roads.
  3. Consider adding multiple levels if space allows, which can help alleviate traffic congestion.

• Pros:

  • Handles large amounts of traffic efficiently.
  • Versatile design that can be adapted to future city expansions.

• Cons:

  • More complex to design, which may overwhelm new players.
  • Higher initial cost due to extensive roadwork and land use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right city entrance layout is crucial for your city's development in Cities Skylines. The couplet, roundabout, and interchange layouts each offer unique advantages and challenges. Start with the layout that feels most comfortable for you and adapt as your city grows. Remember to keep traffic flow in mind, and don’t hesitate to modify your design as needed based on how your city evolves. Happy building!