Cities: Skylines is a popular city-building simulation game developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released in 2015 and is available on various platforms, including PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
How To Install & Play Cities Skylines on Linux:
Cities Skylines is a popular city-building simulation game that allows players to create and manage their virtual cities. While the game is primarily designed for Windows, it is possible to play Cities Skylines on Linux using compatibility layers such as Wine. In this article, we will guide you through the process of installing Cities Skylines on Linux, ensuring you can enjoy the game on your preferred operating system.
Cities Skylines Game Wiki:
Cities Skylines offers an immersive and realistic experience where players can build and manage their dream cities. With a wide range of features, including road networks, zoning, public services, and economic management, the game provides endless possibilities for creative urban planning. Whether you want to create a bustling metropolis or a tranquil suburban town, Cities Skylines allows you to bring your vision to life.
System Requirements for Cities Skylines on Linux
Before proceeding with the installation, it’s important to ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for running Cities Skylines on Linux. The system requirements may vary depending on the game version and mods you intend to use. Generally, you will need:
- CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo, 3.0GHz or AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+, 3.2GHz.
- RAM: 4 GB
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260, 512 MB or ATI Radeon HD 5670, 512 MB.
- Storage: 4 GB of free space
- Operating System: Linux distribution with 64-bit architecture
How To Install Cities Skylines on Linux: Step by Step Guide:
Install Steam
To start the installation of Steam on Linux, you’ll need to launch a terminal window. To launch a terminal window press Ctrl + Alt + T on the keyboard, or search for “Terminal” in the app menu.
With the terminal window open and ready to use, follow the installation instructions down below to get working with the Linux version of Steam on your Linux PC.
Ubuntu
On Ubuntu, you can easily install the Steam client with the following Apt install command down below.
sudo apt install steam
Debian
On Debian Linux, the Steam app is best installed via the Valve official website. To get the Steam app working, you will need to download the latest DEB package to your Linux PC.
Downloading the latest DEB package to your Linux PC can best be done with the wget download command. The reason for this is that wget can place the DEB package directly on your PC through the terminal, rather than dealing with websites.
wget https://steamcdn-a.akamaihd.net/client/installer/steam.deb
Once you’ve downloaded the software to your computer, the installation can begin. Using the dpkg command below, install the latest release of Steam onto your Debian Linux PC.
sudo dpkg -i steam.deb
Following the installation of Steam on your Debian Linux PC, you will need to correct any dependency issues that appeared during the installation of Steam. To correct these issues, use the following command.
sudo apt-get install -f
Arch Linux
To install Steam on Arch Linux, you will first need to enable the “multilib” software repository. This repository has the Steam app, and it will not work without it. To get it working, you must edit the /etc/pacman.conf file on your PC, and enable the “multilib” software repository.
Once the repo is enabled, you’ll need to re-sync pacman with the repo servers. To do that, enter the command below.
sudo pacman -Syy
Finally, install the latest release of Steam on your Linux PC with the command below.
sudo pacman -S steam
Fedora/OpenSUSE
Both Fedora and OpenSUSE Linux have Steam packages available in their software repositories, and you can use them to install the Steam app on your computer. However, we suggest using the Flatpak release of Steam as they perform better on these operating systems.
Flatpak
To get the Flatpak package up and running on your Linux PC, please follow this guide on the subject. Once it is installed, use the flatpak remote-add command to add the Flathub app store to the system, and the flatpak install command to install
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo
flatpak install flathub com.valvesoftware.Steam
How to Play Cities Skylines on Linux:
- Step 1: After logging into your Steam account, click on the “Store” Button.
- Step 2: In the Steam store, search for Cities Skylines, and once you find it, add it to the cart and purchase it if you haven’t already.
- Step 3: Now that you are already at the end of this journey, simply go to the Steam Libary and look out for Cities Skylines.
- Step 4: You will see a blue-colored “Install” button. Click that and wait for a few minutes or hours depending on the configuration of your PC and internet speed.
Benefits of Playing Cities Skylines on Linux
Playing Cities Skylines on Linux offers several advantages. Firstly, Linux provides a stable and secure environment, minimizing the risk of system vulnerabilities and malware. Additionally, Linux is known for its efficient resource management, ensuring smooth gameplay even on modest hardware configurations. Furthermore, Linux offers a wide range of customization options, allowing users to tailor their gaming experience to their preferences.
Enjoying Cities Skylines on Linux
Now that you have successfully installed Cities Skylines on Linux, you can dive into the immersive world of city building and management. Explore the different gameplay modes, experiment with urban planning strategies, and create stunning cities that reflect your vision. Whether you prefer a bustling metropolis or a tranquil countryside, Cities Skylines offers endless possibilities for you to enjoy.
Final Thought:
With the help of compatibility layers like Wine and the Steam platform, it is possible to install and play Cities Skylines on Linux. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can set up the game and configure it for optimal performance. Embrace the creativity and challenges of city building as you construct and manage your dream cities on your preferred
Enjoying Cities FAQ:
- Can I play Cities Skylines on any Linux distribution?
Yes, you can play Cities Skylines on most Linux distributions. However, it’s important to ensure that your chosen distribution is compatible with Wine and Steam, as they are essential for running the game. - Do I need a powerful computer to play Cities Skylines on Linux?
While Cities Skylines can be demanding on hardware, Linux is known for its efficient resource management. With a decently configured system that meets the minimum requirements, you can enjoy a smooth gaming experience. - Can I use mods and custom assets in Cities Skylines on Linux?
Absolutely! Cities Skylines has a thriving modding community, and you can use mods and custom assets on Linux just like on other platforms. However, ensure that the mods you install are compatible with your game version and follow installation instructions carefully. - Are there any performance differences between playing Cities Skylines on Linux and Windows?
Generally, the performance difference between Linux and Windows should be minimal. In some cases, Linux may even provide better performance due to its efficient resource allocation. However, it may vary depending on your hardware and system configuration. - Is technical support available for Cities Skylines on Linux?
The official support for Cities Skylines primarily focuses on the Windows version. However, there are dedicated communities and forums where Linux users can seek assistance from experienced players and developers who have successfully run the game on Linux.
