Cities: Skylines

Game images by RAWG

Cities: Skylines

Colossal Order (developer); Paradox Interactive (publisher).

Windows; macOS; Linux; PlayStation 4; PlayStation 5 (Remastered); Xbox One; Xbox Series X/S (Remastered); Nintendo Switch; Google Stadia.Paid (one-time purchase) with numerous optional paid expansions/DLC and community Creator Packs; no loot-boxes or gacha-style microtransactions in the base game, although paid DLC/content packs exist. citeturn0search12turn3search7turn2search3

Health Score

GOOD

Official Website

About This Game

Cities: Skylines is an open-ended city-building and management simulation that puts the player in the role of mayor, responsible for planning roads, zoning, public services, transportation and budgets while responding to citizens' needs. The tone is non-violent and sandbox-focused, emphasizing creativity, systems-thinking, and problem-solving rather than narrative or combat. citeturn2search6turn3search7

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

3/5

Creativity

5/5

Pro-Social

0/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

1/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

0/5

Social Risk

0/5

Content Intensity

0/5

Negatives

•Steep learning curve that can overwhelm younger children
•Many paid DLCs/expansions can be costly and user-created mods/content are unmoderated and may expose players to inappropriate community uploads.

Positives

•Deep sandbox that fosters planning
•budgeting
•and systems-thinking
•Extensive creative freedom plus a large mod/community content ecosystem.

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Official Ratings

ESRB

None listed by ESRB (no content descriptors)note: ESRB lists "Online Interactions Not Rated" for some platforms. citeturn3search3

Online Interactions Not Rated (ESRB); base game is single-player and has no in-game pay-to-win systems; paid DLCs/expansions sold separately. citeturn3search3turn3search7

PEGI

General / PEGI 3 (family-friendly contentno explicit material). citeturn3search2turn1search4

Age Recommendations

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Not recommended as a solo game for most 3–5 year olds due to complexity and required reading; parents can play together in a simplified sandbox or show how the game works. citeturn3search5

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Possible with heavy parental guidance — use sandbox/creative mode and pre-made maps; the depth and number of menus may still be frustrating for this age group. citeturn3search5

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Good fit for motivated kids (9+) who enjoy strategy and building — supports learning about planning, budgeting, and transport systems, though an adult or tutorial time is helpful early on. citeturn3search5

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Recommended — appropriate complexity, encourages critical thinking and creativity; warn teens about optional paid DLCs and community mods. citeturn3search7

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Fully appropriate — deep simulation and mod support offer near-unlimited creative play; be aware of optional paid expansions and community-shared content. citeturn3search7