Start Smart: My Top 10 Tips for Starting a New City in Cities: Skylines II (2026)

Cities: Skylines II has changed a lot since launch, but most of us still start cities the same way.

In this video, I walk through my top 10 tips for starting a new city in 2026, focusing on calm, intentional planning that sets your city up for long-term success. This guide is built for both new players and experienced mayors looking to avoid early-game frustration and costly rebuilds.

If you want to start smarter not faster, this one’s for you.

Helpful Links

Merch Store:
https://redgingerrr.com/collections/all

Join the Community Discord:
https://discord.gg/AVNCk72TVd

Save Game Used in This Video:
https://mods.paradoxplaza.com/mods/133478/Any

Maps by PoplarPonderosa (highly recommended):
https://mods.paradoxplaza.com/authors/poplarponderosa

00:00 - Is it really 2026 already?
00:53 - Start With Better Assets
01:58 - Free Progress Boosts
02:37 - Right-Sized Services
03:13 - Roads That Won’t Break Later
04:30 - Zone With Intent
05:00 - Build a Real Economy
06:20 - Expand With Purpose
06:58 - Power Without Panic
07:47 - Simple Water & Sewage That Works
08:30 - Choose Once
09:48 - Thank you!

#citiesskylines2 #citybuildersnation #gaming