Cities: Skylines 2 has had a rocky launch, to say the least. Main efficiency issues and bugs have kicked its deliberate content material patches a good distance down the highway, and the scenario’s been made worse by an absence of modding help at launch—one thing Colossal Order’s CEO says is her group’s “largest remorse”.
Whereas redemption tales aren’t too uncommon in gaming (simply have a look at Cyberpunk 2077 or Warhammer 40k: Darktide) the lengthy highway to gamers’ good graces is especially painful right here, with the sport’s current opinions “largely detrimental” on Steam on the time of writing.
Nonetheless, for these downtrodden metropolis designers there could also be a small glimmer of hope. Colossal Order has introduced the sport’s first asset pack post-launch and, crucially, the daybreak of official mod help for the sport.
“Together with Seaside Properties, the primary wave of Cities: Skylines 2 Modding can be obtainable,” writes an announcement on the sport’s official boards. Whereas it appears prefer it’ll be a “beta launch”, these official mod instruments will embrace a map editor and “Code Instruments.”
“With the Map Editor, you may make maps with the Terraforming Instruments you’re used to, import heightmaps to create extremely correct depictions of your hometown, and add your creations to Paradox Mods … With the Code Instruments, you may showcase your coding abilities and create Code Mods to satisfy your coronary heart’s need!”
When you’re a modding boffin and wish to get your homework began already, there are some entries for these instruments on the Metropolis Skylines 2 wiki proper now. The replace will even deliver a “substantial quantity of Efficiency updates and Basic Fixes & Enhancements.”
In the case of the precise DLC, the Seaside Properties asset pack provides a waterfront residential district full with its personal bespoke buildings and—get this—4 complete bushes. I do know you in all probability do not want that many tree sorts to create a convincing vista, however I am unable to assist however really feel for whoever was compelled to place that graphic collectively.
The developer has additionally launched a brand new roadmap for its delayed content material schedule, which you’ll view beneath:
The Seaside Properties asset packs will nonetheless be paid content material—which has put some gamers on-edge, particularly contemplating how the announcement buries the lede on fixes. It is also a tough promote contemplating the primary Cities: Skylines is cheaper, extra content-complete, and total simply plain higher than its sequel.
Nonetheless, Cities: Skylines 2 did launch with an optimistic Growth Move that gamers did pay for, which implies Paradox has put itself in a nook: Make these items free as a gesture of excellent will, and the parents who shelled out extra would possibly really feel short-changed. Hold it as paid content material, and also you’re seen as wringing cash from a product that did not launch in an important state. It is not a scenario I envy, even when it is one thing the writer did to itself. Seaside Properties will nonetheless be releasing subsequent week, March 25.