Can I Run Cities: Skylines II?
2023 · Simulation · Check your PC against the official system requirements below.
Cities: Skylines II system requirements
| Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-6700K / AMD Ryzen 5 2600X | Intel Core i5-12600K / AMD Ryzen 7 5800X |
| Graphics (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 (4GB) / AMD Radeon RX 480 (8GB) | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 (10GB) / AMD Radeon RX 6800 XT (16GB) |
| Memory (RAM) | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Video memory | 4 GB | 10 GB |
| Storage | 60 GB | 60 GB |
Source: published system requirements
Cities: Skylines II is Colossal Order’s city-building sequel, and it is significantly more demanding than the original due to its detailed simulation, larger maps and individually modelled citizens and vehicles. The minimum specification lists a Core i7-6700K or Ryzen 5 2600X with a GTX 970 or RX 480, alongside 8 GB of RAM, which is a notably high entry bar for the genre.
The recommended tier jumps to a Core i5-12600K or Ryzen 7 5800X paired with an RTX 3080 or RX 6800 XT and 16 GB of RAM. The game is heavily CPU-bound as city populations grow, since the agent-based simulation scales with the number of citizens and traffic. Large, mature cities can challenge even high-end hardware, so a strong modern processor and a solid-state drive are recommended for the best frame rates.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Cities: Skylines II so demanding?
It uses a detailed agent-based simulation with individually modelled citizens and vehicles. As cities grow, the CPU load rises sharply, making it harder to maintain high frame rates.
What graphics card do I need for Cities: Skylines II?
The minimum is a GTX 970 4GB or RX 480 8GB. The recommended card is an RTX 3080 10GB or RX 6800 XT 16GB for higher settings.
How much RAM does Cities: Skylines II need?
The minimum is 8 GB and the recommended amount is 16 GB. Larger cities benefit from 16 GB or more.