Cities Skylines Maps Guide — Every Map, the Editor & Custom Maps
Cities Skylines maps explained: the base maps in CS1 and CS2, the map editor, the Steam Workshop custom maps (including the famous Boston map), and how to use custom maps.
Cities Skylines Maps Guide — Every Map, the Editor & Custom Maps
The short version: Cities Skylines ships with ~10 built-in maps (CS1 and CS2 each), but the map editor + Steam Workshop are where the real map library lives — tens of thousands of custom maps, including the famous Boston map (a meticulous real-city recreation). Custom maps install in one click via the Workshop.
This guide covers built-in maps, the editor, and custom maps.
Built-in Maps
- CS1: Ships with ~10 maps (Green Hills, Diamond Coast, Grand River, etc.) across different climates/tiles.
- CS2: Ships with ~10 base maps (River Delta, Twin Mountain, Barrier Island, etc.) with the game's new climate/terrain systems.
- Map tiles: Both games let you unlock additional buildable tiles as the city grows (the starting tile + expansions).
The built-in maps are fine starting points, but the Workshop is the real map source — thousands of community maps for free, one-click install.
The Map Editor
- CS1: A full terrain editor (paint terrain, water, resources, roads) — the tool that created the massive custom-map library.
- CS2: The editor was reworked; map creation is more involved (the community built tools around the new editor). The Workshop supports CS2 maps.
- How it works: Build a terrain → save as a map → publish to the Workshop (or use locally).
Custom Maps (Steam Workshop)
- Installing: Subscribe on the Workshop → the map appears in the New Game map list. One click.
- The famous ones: The Boston recreation (a meticulous real-city map, among the most-subscribed CS maps), plus recreations of other real cities and fictional masterpieces.
- Why they matter: "Cities skylines map" searches usually lead to the Workshop — real-city maps and challenge maps are the community's pride.
The Best Map Types
| Type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Flat/beginner | Learning the game (minimal terrain challenges) |
| Real-city recreations | Fans of specific cities (Boston, etc.) |
| Challenge maps | Hard terrain/limited resources for veterans |
| Modded/asset maps | Maps designed around specific asset packs |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many maps does Cities Skylines have?
~10 built-in maps per game (CS1 and CS2), plus tens of thousands of Workshop custom maps.
How do I use custom maps in Cities Skylines?
Subscribe on the Steam Workshop — the map appears in New Game's map list. No manual install needed.
Is there a Boston map in Cities Skylines?
Yes — the Boston recreation is one of the most-subscribed custom maps on the Workshop.
What is the Cities Skylines map editor?
A terrain-building tool (in CS1 full-featured; reworked in CS2) for creating custom maps, publishable to the Workshop.
What are the best Cities Skylines maps?
For beginners: flat maps. For fans: real-city recreations (Boston and others). For veterans: challenge maps.
Can I use CS1 maps in CS2?
No — CS1 and CS2 use different map formats; Workshop content is game-specific.