The Ultimate Guide to the Top Starting Maps in Cities: Skylines 2

List of All Starting Maps in Cities: Skylines 2

Just like its predecessor, Cities: Skylines 2 offers a variety of starting map options to enhance creativity and provide players with more freedom. However, the abundance of choices presents a new challenge of selecting the ideal starting map. But fret not; this guide to Cities: Skylines 2 unveils the optimal choices for beginners, intermediate players, and even experts.

The base game comes with ten starting maps ranging from flat sunny lands to cold mountainy areas. Here’s the complete list:

There are also two premium maps that come with the Ultimate Edition and preorder bonuses: Tamper and San Francisco.

The Best Starting Map for Beginners

Other suitable options for newcomers include Grassland, which provides a diverse range of resources and a spacious area for expansion, and Woodland, which offers plentiful wood resources and a balanced terrain for establishing a thriving settlement.

Tamper

San Francisco

The Best Intermediate Starting Maps

Intermediate players have other excellent choices as well, including Tranquil Meadows and Mountain Retreat. Tranquil Meadows provides a peaceful atmosphere and a diverse range of resources, while Mountain Retreat offers challenging terrain for those seeking a more adventurous city-building experience.

Windy Fjords

Twin Mountains

The Best Expert-Level Maps

Other viable choices for experienced Cities: Skylines players include Downtown District and Mountain Vista. The Downtown District boasts a bustling urban environment, perfect for those who enjoy the fast-paced city life. Mountain Vista, on the other hand, presents a unique challenge with its rugged terrain and limited space, appealing to players seeking a more ambitious project.

San Francisco

Twin Mountain

Mountain Village

How to Pick the Best Starting Map

Consider two factors while selecting a terrain: the availability of a spacious construction zone and accessible resources. Opt for maps that offer ample flat land and have nearby harvestable items. It is important to note that terraforming is available free of charge and players have the option to modify the terrain as they see fit. Therefore, it is unnecessary to overanalyze terrain choices.

Cities: Skylines 2 is available now for PC. Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions will be released later in the spring of 2024.