Getting Started with Cities: Skylines II Modding

Cities: Skylines II modding is different from CS1 modding in nearly every meaningful way. The distribution channel is Paradox Mods (not Steam Workshop), the asset catalogue is much smaller, and the technical mod scene is constrained by CS2's tighter modding architecture. If you're coming from CS1, expect to relearn the workflow.

This guide walks the standard install on the current CS2 release.

Step 1 — Create a Paradox account

Paradox Mods requires a Paradox account separate from Steam. Create one at paradoxmods.com or from CS2's launcher Mods tab when prompted.

Link the Paradox account to your CS2 install via the in-game prompt on first run.

Step 2 — Browse and subscribe

From CS2's main menu → Paradox Mods (or the launcher's Mods tab). The interface is similar to Steam Workshop but pulls from Paradox's catalogue.

Subscribe to mods. They download to your CS2 install directory.

Three solid first picks (subject to availability — the catalogue changes):

• Anarchy — re-enables free placement of buildings overriding most placement restrictions. The "Move It" successor for CS2.
• Find It (CS2) — searchable asset browser, similar in concept to CS1's Find It.
• Better Bulldozer — extends bulldozer functionality (delete trees, demolish areas).

Step 3 — Enable in Content Manager

In-game Content Manager → Mods tab. Toggle subscribed mods. Some take effect immediately; others require a save reload.

Step 4 — Be honest about performance

CS2's base game is significantly heavier than CS1's. Stacking mods on top makes the load worse. Watch your frame rate after installing each major mod; back off if performance degrades unacceptably.

Specifically: avoid installing 20+ mods at once on a first install. Pick three to five mods that meaningfully improve the experience and build from there.

Step 5 — Optional: BepInEx + Paradox Mods Bridge

For technical mods that need BepInEx-style script injection (rather than the Paradox Mods API), the community has built a bridge layer.

This is more involved than vanilla Paradox Mods and has compatibility considerations. Most users don't need it — only install if a specific mod you want explicitly requires BepInEx.

Common gotchas

• "Mod requires Paradox account." Create the account and link it to CS2.
• Mod subscribed but not appearing. Paradox Mods download can be slow. Wait, restart CS2, check the Content Manager.
• Game performance tanked after installing mod. CS2's mod overhead is significant. Disable and retest.
• CS1 mod expectations. You'll be disappointed. CS2's catalogue is much smaller and the mod types available are more constrained.
• Asset modding still limited. Subject to ongoing CO support. Check the current CS2 modding documentation for what's permitted at any given time.

If you're a serious city-builder modder and CS2's limitations frustrate you, the Cities: Skylines (CS1) guide covers the more mature CS1 modding stack. Many serious players still prefer modded CS1 over modded CS2 for the catalogue depth alone.