Are Grids Good in Cities: Skylines? A Deep Dive for Aspiring Mayors

The short answer: yes, grids are generally good in Cities: Skylines, especially when starting out. They offer a simple, efficient, and predictable foundation for building your city. However, the true answer is more nuanced and depends on your play style, goals, and the specific challenges presented by your chosen map. Let’s explore why grids are popular, their pros and cons, and how to effectively use them (or break free from them!) in your mayoral endeavors.

The Allure of the Grid: Efficiency and Expandability

Grids offer several advantages that make them attractive, particularly to new players.

• Easy to Plan: Grids eliminate much of the guesswork in city layout. Straight lines and right angles are simple to visualize and implement.
• Efficient Zoning: Zoned blocks in a grid are compact and maximize the use of available space. This is crucial in the early game when you’re trying to generate revenue and population quickly.
• Expandability: Adding new blocks to a grid is straightforward. You can easily scale your city as demand increases, maintaining a consistent layout.
• Service Provision: Distributing services like electricity, water, and emergency services is easier in a grid. Straight roads allow for efficient routing of service vehicles.
• Realistic Inspiration: Many real-world cities, especially in North America, are based on grid systems. This makes it easy to find inspiration and replicate real-world urban layouts.

Grids are a fantastic tool to get you started; However, the true fun in city building comes with adapting and changing your layouts in interesting ways. In the long run, it will prove to be a great benefit to you.

The Dark Side of the Grid: Monotony and Traffic Woes

While grids offer many benefits, they’re not without their drawbacks. Over-reliance on grids can lead to several problems.

• Traffic Congestion: Grids can create predictable traffic patterns that lead to congestion, particularly at intersections. Straight roads encourage speeding, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Lack of Aesthetics: A city built entirely on a grid can look monotonous and uninspired. Variety is crucial for creating a visually appealing city.
• Ignoring Terrain: Grids don’t always adapt well to uneven terrain. Forcing a grid onto hilly or mountainous maps can lead to awkward layouts and wasted space.
• Inefficient Travel: Grids don’t allow for diagonal routes, forcing cims (citizens) to travel longer distances than necessary. This can increase traffic and reduce citizen satisfaction.
• Noise Pollution: Linear roads also tend to generate noise pollution. This can have a negative impact on your cims and your city approval rating.

Breaking the Grid: Creative Alternatives

The key to successful city building in Cities: Skylines is to use grids strategically and to know when to break free from them. Here are some alternative layout options:

• Organic Layouts: Follow the natural contours of the land. Use winding roads and irregular blocks to create a more natural and visually appealing city.
• Radial Layouts: Build outwards from a central point, with roads radiating outwards like spokes on a wheel. This can improve traffic flow and create distinct districts.
• Hybrid Layouts: Combine elements of grid and organic layouts. Use grids for residential and commercial areas, and organic layouts for parks, industrial zones, and transportation infrastructure.
• District-Based Planning: Plan your city around distinct districts with different layouts and zoning patterns. This allows you to create a diverse and interesting city.
• Use Roundabouts: Roundabouts can greatly reduce the amount of traffic congestion. They can be especially useful at major intersections.

Pro Tips for Grid-Based Cities

Even if you choose to build a grid-based city, there are ways to mitigate the drawbacks and maximize the benefits.

• Vary Block Sizes: Don’t use the same block size throughout your entire city. Varying block sizes creates visual interest and can improve traffic flow.
• Implement Public Transportation: Public transportation is crucial for reducing traffic congestion. Use buses, trams, trains, and metros to move large numbers of cims quickly and efficiently.
• Create Pedestrian Zones: Pedestrian zones encourage walking and reduce reliance on cars. Create pedestrian-only streets, parks, and plazas to make your city more walkable.
• Use One-Way Streets: One-way streets can improve traffic flow by preventing bottlenecks. Use them strategically to create efficient traffic corridors.
• Build Highway Networks: A well-planned highway network is essential for moving traffic around your city. Use highways to connect different districts and bypass congested areas.

The Importance of Experimentation

Ultimately, the best way to learn what works best for you is to experiment. Try different layouts, zoning patterns, and transportation strategies. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. The fun of Cities: Skylines is in the process of building and managing your own unique city.

City building is a continual process of learning and discovery, as you implement new innovations and expansions to your city.

Embrace the Learning Process

Building a successful city in Cities: Skylines is a journey that involves learning, experimenting, and adapting. Whether you stick to grids or embrace more organic designs, the key is to understand the underlying principles of city planning and to apply them creatively to your own unique vision. Consider exploring resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society to further enhance your understanding of how games can be used for educational purposes. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the optimal grid size in Cities: Skylines?

There’s no single “optimal” grid size. A common starting point is 24×24 units, which allows for a good balance between density and road connectivity. However, experiment with different sizes to see what works best for your city.

2. How can I reduce traffic congestion in a grid-based city?

Prioritize public transportation, use one-way streets strategically, create dedicated truck routes, and upgrade roads to higher capacities. Roundabouts can also be extremely effective.

3. Is it better to start with a grid or an organic layout?

For beginners, a grid layout is generally easier to manage. Once you’re comfortable with the game mechanics, experiment with more organic layouts.

4. How do I incorporate parks and green spaces into a grid?

Designate specific blocks for parks and green spaces. Vary the size and shape of these blocks to create visual interest. Linear parks along roads can also be effective.

5. How do I deal with uneven terrain in a grid-based city?

Use the terrain tools to flatten areas where you want to build. Alternatively, adapt your grid to the terrain, creating stepped blocks and winding roads.

6. What are the best mods for improving grid layouts?

Mods like Network Extensions 2 and Traffic Manager: President Edition can greatly enhance your ability to manage traffic and create more complex road networks.

7. How can I make my grid city more aesthetically pleasing?

Vary block sizes, use different building styles, incorporate parks and green spaces, and add landmarks and monuments.

8. Should I always zone every block in my grid?

No. Leaving some blocks unzoned can create open spaces and prevent overcrowding.

9. How do I plan for future expansion in a grid?

Leave open areas at the edges of your city for future expansion. Plan your road network to accommodate future growth.

10. What is the role of zoning in a grid city?

Zoning determines the type of buildings that can be built in a particular area. Use zoning strategically to create a balanced and functional city.

11. How do I incorporate public transportation into a grid?

Run bus routes along major roads, build tram lines through residential and commercial areas, and create metro lines to connect different districts.

12. What are the best industries to focus on in a grid-based city?

Any industry can thrive in a grid-based city. The key is to provide adequate infrastructure and transportation.

13. How do I manage noise pollution in a grid city?

Use noise barriers, plant trees along roads, and separate residential areas from industrial zones.

14. What is the importance of education in a grid city?

Education is crucial for attracting skilled workers and boosting the economy. Provide adequate schools and universities to ensure a well-educated population.

15. How do I balance realism and gameplay in a grid city?

Strive for a balance between realism and gameplay. Don’t be afraid to deviate from reality if it makes the game more fun.