The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Cities Skylines | Game Basics & City Layout (Vanilla)

Step-by-Step Tutorial: The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Cities Skylines

1. Start with a Simple Road Layout:

   • Begin by creating a basic road layout using dirt roads to save costs.
   • Plan out your road network carefully to avoid overbuilding and keep the clock paused in the game.

2. Establish Power and Water Supply:

   • Set up a coal power plant to generate electricity.
   • Ensure water flow by placing water pumps near clean water sources and sewage treatment plants away from them.

3. Zone Residential and Commercial Areas:

   • Zone commercial areas along main roads for visibility and residential areas behind them.
   • Create neighborhoods with mixed-use nodes for a balanced city layout.

4. Introduce City Services Gradually:

   • Start with essential services like clinics and schools before expanding to fire stations and police departments.
   • Monitor city needs and respond accordingly to maintain a balanced budget.

5. Unlock Milestones and New Features:

   • Progress through population milestones to unlock new services, policies, and buildings.
   • Utilize unique buildings and policies to enhance city functionality and aesthetics.

6. Specialize Industries and Manage Resources:

   • Identify natural resources like oil and forestry for industry specialization.
   • Plan districts strategically to optimize resource utilization and city development.

7. Enhance City Infrastructure and Public Services:

   • Upgrade roads, add public transit options, and improve city services as the population grows.
   • Implement policies to manage traffic, pollution, and other city aspects effectively.

8. Expand and Beautify the City:

   • Expand your city grid logically and orderly to accommodate new residents and industries.
   • Enhance land values and citizen happiness by adding parks, schools, and recreational areas strategically.

9. Monitor City Health and Sustainability:

   • Ensure adequate coverage of essential services like healthcare, education, and waste management.
   • Maintain a balance between city growth, resource management, and citizen well-being for a thriving city.

10. Engage with Community Feedback and Future Planning:

    • Seek feedback from the community to improve city design and functionality.
    • Plan for future expansions, unique landmarks, and specialized districts to create a vibrant and sustainable cityscape.

By following these steps and incorporating game mechanics and strategic planning, you can create a realistic and thriving city in Cities Skylines. Enjoy building your ultimate city!