Imagine a perfect world where chores disappear, where dishes sparkle on their own, and dust fears your very presence. For many, video games offer this escape – a pristine digital realm free from the mundane task of cleaning. Yet, some Cities Skylines 2 players yearn for a different kind of realism: a dirtier, grittier city. This desire has led to a popular mod that injects the grit and grime of everyday life into the beloved city-building simulation.
While virtual tidying can be surprisingly satisfying (think of games like PowerWash Simulator), an excessively spotless city in a simulation game can actually break immersion. In an era where games strive for incredible realism, Cities Skylines 2’s impeccably clean buildings felt oddly out of place for many players, lacking the authentic imperfections of real-world urban environments.
Enter ‘rzzirrah,’ a highly active community modder responsible for the popular Urban Decay Pack 1 for Cities Skylines 2. Known for creating a diverse range of free add-ons, from vibrant Pride decorations to authentic Brazilian billboards, rzzirrah’s contributions are consistently among the most sought-after mods for the game.
Since its launch last month, this Urban Decay mod has exploded in popularity, frequently topping the ‘trending mods’ list on the Paradox Plaza forum. Rzzirrah explains that the inspiration for this pack came from a personal annoyance with the game’s ‘excessive cleanliness’ – a sentiment clearly shared by countless other players, judging by its massive success.
Initially, the pristine nature of Cities Skylines 2 might not strike you, but a closer look reveals cities that feel almost like a theme park – impeccably clean, almost too perfect. This flawless facade can indeed hinder immersion for players seeking a more authentic and lived-in urban experience.
The Urban Decay project is quite extensive, necessitating a split into two separate mods due to its focus on large textures like walls and floors. The first pack alone introduces three ground decals, complete with cracked pavements and potholes, alongside 16 unique wall decorations, two net lanes, and three distinct surface types.
The second installment, fittingly named Urban Decay Pack 2, expands the collection with an array of random decals, weathered rusty roofs, and other urban imperfections. If your burgeoning city needs some character through torn posters or realistically leaking pipes, this mod delivers.
Ready to add some character to your cityscape? You can download the Cities Skylines 2 Urban Decay mod directly from the Paradox Plaza forum. Simply search for ‘Urban Decay Pack 1’ and ‘Urban Decay Pack 2’ to get started.
Should a grittier aesthetic not fully reignite your passion for Cities Skylines 2, consider diving into some of the best strategy games for a different challenge. And for those keen to appreciate every mossy crack and leaky pipe this mod offers, pairing it with one of the best gaming monitors will ensure you don’t miss a single detail.
Do you have strong opinions on the cleanliness (or lack thereof) in virtual cities? Share your thoughts with us! We’d love to hear your comparisons, from the detailed sewage systems of Novigrad to the newly imperfect streets of Cities Skylines 2.