In a perfect world, daily chores like doing dishes or vacuuming would simply vanish. Video games often offer a welcome escape from such mundane tasks, providing pristine environments where dirt is a foreign concept and your to-do list is blissfully short. However, not all players share this desire for spotless perfection, especially in city-building simulators. Many Cities: Skylines 2 enthusiasts have expressed a wish for their virtual metropolises to feel more lived-in, seeking to inject the authentic grit and grime of real urban life into the game. And now, a groundbreaking mod is doing just that.
It’s understandable. While virtual cleaning can be surprisingly therapeutic (think PowerWash Simulator), a city that’s excessively clean can ironically break immersion. In an era where modern games strive for unparalleled realism, the perpetually sparkling buildings of Cities: Skylines 2 often feel detached from the bustling, evolving reality of actual urban environments.
(YouTube video demonstrating the Urban Decay mod in Cities: Skylines 2)
This innovative addition, known as the “Urban Decay Pack 1” mod, was crafted by the talented community member ‘rzzirrah.’ Known for their extensive contributions, rzzirrah has previously introduced a wide array of enhancements, from cultural decorations to diverse architectural elements. Their mods are celebrated among the most popular available for Cities: Skylines 2, and notably, they are all offered completely free of charge.
Since its release last month, the Urban Decay mod has become an undeniable sensation within the Cities: Skylines 2 community. It quickly climbed to the top of the ‘trending mods’ on the Paradox Plaza forum. Rzzirrah explained their motivation for creating the pack stemmed from being “bothered by the game’s excessive ‘cleanliness.'” Clearly, this sentiment resonated with many players, leading to its overwhelming success.
For many, the almost uncanny cleanliness of Cities: Skylines 2 goes unnoticed until pointed out. However, a closer look reveals that virtual cities, much like a theme park, often appear pristine and flawless – perhaps even too perfect. This artificial facade can inadvertently hinder players’ desire for deep immersion, making it difficult to truly feel a part of their bustling creations.
The scope of the Urban Decay project was so ambitious that it necessitated a split into two separate mods, primarily due to its extensive focus on detailed textures for walls and floors. The first pack offers a rich variety of three ground decals, introducing realistic elements like cracked pavements and potholes. Additionally, it provides 16 unique wall decors, two distinct net lanes, and three new surface options.
The second installment, aptly named “Urban Decay Pack 2,” further expands the grittiness with a diverse collection of random decals, rusty roof textures, and much more. If you’re looking to add details like weathered posters or simulated leaking pipes to your bustling city, this mod offers the perfect solution.
Ready to give your city a more realistic, weathered look? The Cities: Skylines 2 Urban Decay mod is available for download on the Paradox Plaza forum.
Should this grimy transformation not be quite enough to lure you back to Cities: Skylines 2, consider exploring other top city-building games for a fresh, yet familiar, experience. And for those eager to appreciate every mossy crack and simulated leaking pipe in exquisite detail, a high-quality gaming monitor can truly enhance the visual immersion.
Do you have strong opinions on the aesthetic cleanliness (or lack thereof) of virtual cities? Join the discussion with fellow readers and staff in our community Discord server, where lively debates often range from the detailed sewage systems of Novigrad to the surprisingly pristine streets of Cities: Skylines 2.