Welcome to the Game Rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game

Note: You must remember that this website contains the game rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. If you are looking for tips and strategies, visit our main page for more information.

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by to learn all about the rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. If you’re a fan of the popular video game, then you’ll love this tabletop adaptation. It’s a city-building game that lets you create and manage your very own metropolis.

But before we get started, I want to remind you that it’s important to double-check the rulebook that came with your game. The rules provided here are a helpful resource, but always refer to the official game rules for complete and accurate instructions.

Now, let’s dive into the world of Cities: Skylines – The Board Game!

Objective of the Game

The goal of Cities: Skylines – The Board Game is to build the most successful city by managing resources, constructing buildings, and fulfilling objectives. You’ll need to carefully plan and make strategic decisions to expand your city and attract more citizens.

Game Setup

Before we start playing, let’s set up the game board. Place the game board in the center of the table, and give each player a player board, a set of player markers, and a player deck of cards. Shuffle the objective cards and draw three at random, placing them face-up.

Turn Structure

Now, let me explain how a turn works in Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. On your turn, you’ll go through three phases: the Build Phase, the Action Phase, and the Income Phase.

Build Phase

In the Build Phase, you’ll have the opportunity to construct buildings and develop your city. You’ll need to spend resources and play building cards from your hand to add buildings to your city grid.

Action Phase

Next, in the Action Phase, you’ll have two action points to spend. You can use these points to take various actions, such as attracting citizens, generating income, completing objectives, or playing event cards. The actions you choose will depend on your current game strategy and what you want to achieve.

Income Phase

Finally, in the Income Phase, you’ll receive income based on the buildings in your city. This income can be used to purchase more buildings and expand your city further.

End of the Game

The game ends when a certain number of objectives have been completed, or when all the event cards have been played. At that point, each player adds up their victory points from completed objectives, buildings, and citizens. The player with the highest total wins the game and becomes the master of their own magnificent city!

Alright, now that you have a better understanding of the Cities: Skylines – The Board Game rules, it’s time to gather your friends, set up your cities, and start building the urban paradise of your dreams. Have fun!

• 6 Game board pieces
• 24 Residential zones
• 12 Commercial zones
• 12 Industrial zones
• 9 Utility buildings
• 26 Money tokens
• 18 Service buildings
• 10 Unique buildings
• 8 Administration markers
• 1 Administration board
• 1 Starting player token
• 2 Mounting feet
• 2 Happiness indicators
• 75 Construction cards
• 10 Unique Building cards
• 10 Role cards
• 10 Policies cards
• 10 News cards
• 1 “End of a Milestone” card
• 4 Turn Overview cards
• 1 Skyline
• Rulebook

Setup

To get started, you’ll need to gather all the pieces and set up the game board. Here’s what you’ll need:

First, assemble the three game board pieces – B, E, and A – in the middle of the table. Make sure the back sides with the letters are facing up.

Heads up: If you’re playing later games or if you want to jump into the action with all the rules in place, go ahead and set up all four game boards according to the scenario you’re playing.

Put the administration board face up next to the game boards and place the eight administration markers on their corresponding display bars, making sure they start at the “0” space.

To begin playing this game, you’ll need to deposit a starting capital of 12 money tokens into the city treasury. This capital is made up of two large money tokens worth five each, and two small ones worth one each. Any remaining money tokens should be placed in a stockpile next to the playing area.

Next, sort all the zone and building tiles based on their color and type, and keep them ready next to the playing area.

Alright, folks, let’s get this party started! Here’s what we’re gonna do:

First things first, we need to shuffle the construction cards for Stage 1. Then, I’ll deal each of you the right amount of cards, depending on how many players we have. Check it out:

• If we have 4 players, you’ll each get three cards.
• If there are 3 players, you’ll get four cards each.
• If it’s just the two of you, you’ll get five cards each.
• And if it’s just one player, you’ll get a whopping seven cards!

Once you have your cards, go ahead and put them face-up in front of you. Easy peasy, right?

Now, I’m gonna give each of you your very own Turn Overview card. Keep it nearby because it’ll come in handy later on.

Next, we need to shuffle the rest of the construction cards. We’ve got Stage II and Stage III cards too, so let’s keep them separate. Put them close by, so we’re ready to play.

Lastly, grab the Happiness display, or as I like to call it, the Skyline. Place it next to the administration board. Oh, and don’t forget to stick the display chips onto the “0” spaces on both sides of the numerical scales. We gotta start from scratch, you know?

So, you want to know how to decide who goes first in a game, huh? Well, I’ve got the scoop for you. The youngest player is the lucky one who gets to be the starting player. And to make things official, they get the starting player token and the “End of a Milestone” overview card. Now, the starting player token is really cool – it’s called “Chirper” and it’s actually the mascot of Cities: Skylines. Pretty neat, right?

The Board of Administration

Being part of a board of administration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the role. As a board member, you have a crucial responsibility in making important decisions that affect the people in your community. It’s not an easy task, but it’s also an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of your community.

One of the most essential aspects of being a board member is understanding the needs and concerns of the people you represent. It’s important to listen to their ideas and opinions, and to consider them when making decisions. By doing so, you can ensure that the choices made align with the best interest of the community as a whole.

The board of administration plays a vital role in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of the community. You are responsible for ensuring that the community’s common areas are well-maintained and that any necessary repairs or improvements are carried out in a timely manner. These responsibilities help to create a welcoming and visually appealing environment for all residents.

It’s important to remember that being a board member is a continuous learning experience. You may encounter new challenges and situations that require you to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. It’s also crucial to stay informed about the laws and regulations that govern your community, as well as any updates or changes that may impact your role.

The key to being an effective board member is communication. It’s important to foster open and transparent communication with your fellow board members and with the residents you represent. By doing so, you can build trust and create a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and evaluated.

Being a board member can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to serve others. As a board member, you have the power to make a positive impact on your community and contribute to its growth and success. So, embrace the opportunity and make the most of your time on the board of administration.

The city administration board is here to help you keep track of how well your city is doing. It’s like your City Hall dashboard!

In the top section, you can see the capacity of your city in different utility categories: Power, Water, and Garbage. These indicators are like gauges. The closer your marker is to the green range, the better your capacity is.

Remember: If your marker goes below “0” (into the red range), the Happiness of your residents will decrease by one point at the end of each achievement. So, it’s crucial to keep an eye on those indicators!

The Happiness of your residents can be positive, negative, or neutral (=0). After each achievement, this value is added to the overall Happiness display, which is represented by the Skyline. The higher the overall Happiness at the end of the game, the better your final result will be. You can check your success in the table on the final page.

The employment bar shows the number of employed people in your city. You want this bar to be as full as possible!

Note: It’s crucial to understand the consequences of each step away from “0” for your working population. Regardless of whether the value is above or below, you’ll have to allocate funds from the city treasury at every milestone.

Background: The “0” value represents full employment. If it’s below “0”, it means there is a shortage of labor force in the economy. Conversely, if it’s above “0”, there’s a lack of available jobs. In both cases, financial investment becomes necessary.

Below, there are three bars that significantly impact the quality of life for your residents. Throughout the game, your construction activities will increase pollution, traffic, and crime levels. However, you can mitigate these issues by implementing appropriate measures.

Important: By the end of the game, the overall Happiness of your residents will decrease based on how far above “0” you are on these bars.

Game Symbols

Game Play

Beginning an Adventure

When I enter the world of a video game, I find myself transported to a new and exciting place. It’s like stepping into a whole different reality, where I can be anyone and do anything. The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to me to navigate this virtual world and uncover all its secrets.

The Power of Choice

In this digital landscape, every decision I make has consequences. Whether I choose to be a hero or a villain, help others or pursue my own goals, the game reacts and adapts to my choices. It’s thrilling to know that my actions have an impact on the world around me, and that I have the power to shape the outcome.

Strategize and Conquer

To succeed in the game, I must think strategically. I have to analyze the situation, consider the strengths and weaknesses of my character, and plan my moves carefully. It’s a delicate balance between being cautious and taking risks, but that’s what makes it so exhilarating. The sense of accomplishment when I solve a challenging puzzle or defeat a formidable enemy is unmatched.

A Community of Players

One of the most enjoyable aspects of gaming is the community of players that I become a part of. Whether I’m teaming up with friends or joining forces with strangers, collaborating and communicating with others adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Sharing tips, discussing strategies, and competing against one another creates a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition.

A World of Imagination

When I engage in video games, I enter a realm where imagination knows no bounds. The vivid graphics, captivating storylines, and immersive sound effects transport me to a fantastical world where anything is possible. It’s a form of escapism that allows me to explore new worlds, challenge myself, and experience things I could never do in real life.

In summary, video games provide an incredible opportunity for adventure, strategy, social interaction, and exploration. They offer a break from reality and a chance to unleash my creativity. So whether I’m diving into a new quest or engaging in epic battles, gaming opens up a world of possibilities that I can’t wait to explore.

Let’s start by choosing the board game piece that we want to use. We should think about how much it will cost to develop.

Once we have decided (the starting player gets the final say!), we need to take the required amount of money from the city treasury and return it to the stockpile next to the play area. Then, we can turn the selected board piece over, but make sure to keep it in the same position relative to the other pieces.

Remember: We will need to rotate it around its long axis, which is formed by the row of money tokens on it. This way, the bodies of water on the front side will be arranged the same as on the back.

For example, let’s say we pay two money tokens and turn over game board piece A.

When you look at the front side of the board piece, you’ll see a grid of squares. This is where you’ll place building and zone tiles as you play the game.

There are some rules about where you can place the tiles. They can’t go over the edge of the playing area, across streets, on other building tiles, or on the water.

The squares are arranged into different areas, called districts. These districts are like neighborhoods in your city. Any area surrounded by a street or the edge of the board is considered a City District.

As the game goes on, a City District can spread across multiple board pieces. Some cards will refer to these districts.

Another important rule is that for a Milestone to end, there must be at least one building or zone tile in each city district.

As the first player to take action, I have three options to choose from. After I make my move, the next player in line will become the active player, and so on. Let’s break down these actions:

1. Play a construction card: This is the first option I can go for. It involves using a construction card from my hand.

2. Exchange a construction card: The second option is to swap one of my construction cards with another player’s card. This can be a strategic move to gain an advantage.

3. End a Milestone: Lastly, I can choose to end a Milestone. This is a significant decision that can impact the game and change the course of play.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the first option:

A. Play a Construction Card:

When it comes to construction cards, there are two types:

– Service Buildings: These cards require me to pay a specific amount of money as shown on the card to use them.

– Utility Buildings: These cards also require payment, but they provide additional services and benefits in return.

These are the actions I can take as the starting player. Each decision I make will have a ripple effect on the game, so I need to choose wisely. The game continues in a clockwise direction, with each player taking their turn as the active player.

Example 1: Imagine you’re constructing a medical clinic. All you need is a single payment, and in return, your Happiness gets a boost by one.

Example 2: Imagine you’re creating a wind power plant. It’s gonna cost you three money tokens, but you get a three-point increase in your Power capacity. That means you’ll have access to more power in no time.

There are three types of construction cards: green, blue, and yellow. They’re used to build residential, commercial, and industrial zones, respectively.

And here’s the best part – these cards are absolutely free! You don’t have to spend any money on them. However, the impact they have on your city varies depending on several factors. For instance, if you strategically place them near existing services, your city will reap the benefits.

Imagine this: You create a neighborhood. New folks move in and they consume more water. As a result, your water capacity decreases by one. But the upside is that you now have a bigger workforce.

Your employment opportunities go up by one. And if you have the “healthcare” service already in place, you earn some cash for your city treasury.

Just remember: This benefit only applies if you’ve already built the service on the game board. If you add it later, you won’t get the money retroactively.

Now, if you want to play one of the construction cards in front of you, simply slide it forward.

When it comes to building and expanding a city, certain rules and restrictions apply. To help with this process, different cards are provided, each representing a specific type of building. These cards indicate the required tile for construction.

There are three main categories of buildings: residential, commercial, and industrial. For these types of buildings, you are free to choose any tile from the corresponding zone category. This gives you some flexibility in selecting the perfect tile for your needs.

Once you have chosen a tile, you take it from the general supply and carefully place it on the game board. You can adjust its orientation by turning and rotating it as needed to ensure the best fit. It’s important to note that the tile must align with the grid of squares on the board.

Once a tile is placed, it becomes a permanent fixture on the board until the end of the game. It cannot be moved or relocated at any point.

Remember: In each district of the city, you are only allowed to construct one utility building. This means that if you already have a wind turbine in a district, you cannot additionally build an oil power plant there. It’s important to keep this rule in mind as you plan your city’s expansion.

You know what? A water tower isn’t gonna fly there either.

When it comes to Stage I service buildings, it’s important to know that they need to be built right next to the zone they serve in order for them to work. Make sure you leave enough space to build multiple neighboring zones that can benefit from the service provided.

Example: When you build the medical clinic, make sure there’s enough space for multiple zones right next to each other.

Example: I’m excited that there’s a medical clinic right next door! That means you can easily use their “healthcare” service.

But, there’s a catch. Your house or apartment needs to be right next to the medical center. Having a residential zone that only touches the medical center by a corner doesn’t count as being next to it.

So, here’s the deal: when it comes to Stage II and III piles and the service buildings that go along with them, you gotta make sure the new zone is in the same city district as the service building you need. Simple as that!

Example: The hospital is good for the whole area, so it doesn’t have to be next to the residential zone.

When you build utility buildings, you don’t have to worry about placement because they don’t have any future requirements. They only have an effect when you build them.

After that, you pay the costs shown on the card (in the top row of the residential, commercial, or industrial construction card). If you have to pay money, it comes from the city treasury and goes into the stockpile.

Then, you move the markers on the administration board according to the card. A “-” means you move the marker to the left, and a “+” means you move it to the right.

When it comes to different types of buildings – residential, commercial, and industrial – there are certain benefits you can receive. You may earn money or see a change in the administration markers, but this is only if you fulfill the necessary requirements. It’s like a little reward for meeting specific conditions.

When you come across cards featuring the “city district” symbol, you’ll need to construct the new zone in a district that already has specific other tiles. This way, you can make the most of the benefits offered by this symbol.

Let me give you some detailed examples of construction cards:

Hey there! So, here’s the deal. We’ve got this totally fresh residential zone that’s in need of some basic necessities, like power and water. Unfortunately, both of those services will be a bit limited once the zone is up and running. Bummer, right? And to make matters worse, there’s been a serious uptick in burglaries lately, which means the crime rate in the area has shot up. Not exactly the best first impression for potential residents, huh?

Now, let’s talk about the bright side. If we decide to build this residential zone in a district that already offers “healthcare” and “education” services, things start to look up. In fact, the residents will experience a boost in their happiness level. Not just that, but they’ll also get some more friends – I mean, two new residents will be added to the employment pool. So, yeah, it’s a win-win situation, don’t you think?

Hey there, let’s talk about the problem of garbage in our new residential zone. It’s getting pretty out of control! We have limited capacity to deal with all the garbage, and it’s causing some issues. Our garbage capacity is actually going down by one unit. That’s not good news.

On the bright side, we have some more people moving into the zone. The influx of residents means we have an extra pair of hands to help with the workload. So, that’s good news for our workforce, which is increasing by one.

Now, here’s something interesting. If the value on the employment bar goes below “0”, we actually get rewarded! We’ll receive two money tokens for our city treasury. That’s a nice little perk to make up for the garbage situation.

When you build a new residential zone, it uses up power and creates garbage. You lose one power and one garbage capacity.

However, if you build the residential zone in a district that already has at least two other residential zones, the residents will be happy and their Happiness will go up by two.

When you create a new residential zone in your city, it’s important to consider the impact it will have on water consumption and garbage generation. Each new zone will decrease the available capacity for water and garbage by one unit.

But here’s some good news: if your Happiness bar value is greater than five, you’ll have access to an extra labor unit! Not only that, but your Happiness level will also increase by one, bringing more joy to your city. And as a bonus, you’ll receive one additional unit of money for your city treasury!

When you create a new residential zone, something interesting happens. It uses up water and produces garbage. Both the water and garbage capacity go down by one. The cool thing is that you also get an extra labor unit to use as you wish.

Now, let’s talk about crime. If there is no crime in the area, something great happens. The people living there feel really good, and their overall happiness goes up by three.

Hey there! So, check this out. When you decide to build a new commercial zone, it’s gonna get pretty busy. Like, the place is gonna be booming with activity. But you know what else comes with it? Garbage. Yep, the more people and stores there are, the more garbage that piles up. And unfortunately, your garbage capacity takes a hit and goes down by one. Bummer, right? Oh, and here’s another thing to keep in mind. Since all those customers are driving their own cars to the new stores, guess what happens? Traffic! Yep, it just increases by one. So, be prepared for some extra cars on the road.

Now, pay attention because this part is important. If you decide to build that commercial zone in a busy district, where there’s already at least one residential zone, one commercial zone, and one industrial zone, something pretty cool happens. You ready? Your city treasury is gonna get a boost. Yep, you’re gonna get some extra money. It comes in the form of taxes, and you can expect a total of four money tokens. Not bad, right? So, just keep that in mind when you’re thinking about where to build that new commercial zone.

Guess what? More people are getting jobs in the new industrial zone! But here’s the thing: that means there are fewer workers available for other jobs, so the value on your employment bar goes down by three.

Oh, and another downside? The new industry also pollutes the environment and adds to the traffic. So, the pollution and traffic values go up by one each. Bummer, right?

But wait! There’s a silver lining! If the industrial zone is built in a district with at least three commercial zones and access to fire service, it’s not all bad news. In fact, a lot of business gets done, taxes start flowing in, and your city treasury gets a nice boost of eight shiny money tokens. Cha-ching!

About Costs and Rewards:

City treasury: If I don’t have enough money to cover my expenses, I can’t use this card.

Power, Water, Garbage:

When I play a card, I need to move my marker. But I have to be careful where I move it! If I have to move my marker past the last square in the red area, I can’t play that card. But if I have to move my marker past the last square in the green area, I can play the card.

Even if I can play the card, my marker stays on the highest value. So it doesn’t go back down if I move it to a lower number.

Things to Watch Out For:

So, imagine you’re playing a game with a marker. Now, this marker has some rules to follow. If it has to go beyond the last square in the red area, sorry, but it can’t move. However, if it needs to go below zero, then it’s game on! The card can be played, and the marker gets to stay at the “0” space.

Now, let’s talk about the Employment Bar:

When the marker needs to be moved past the values of “-5” or “5”, you cannot play the card.

Bar of Joy:

If I have to move the marker beyond the “25” square, I need to leave it on “25”. The rest of the points are added to the overall Happiness Skyline display.

But remember: If the Happiness marker has to go to “-5” or beyond, I will lose the game right away!

Once I play a building card, it goes back into the box. That means it’s out of play.

Time to Get a New Card:

I can add a new card to my display by drawing one card from any of the three face-down piles (Stage I, II, or III). It’s my choice which pile to pick from.

Keep in mind: The more expensive the card, the bigger the effects and rewards will be.

If I don’t want to draw a face-down card, I can choose any card from the face-up exchange pile, which is created during the game. Then it’s the next player’s turn.

Note: Hey, listen up! If you find all three piles empty, it’s game over, my friend. The next player will have to wrap up the current milestone and call it a day.

Now here’s the kicker: even if the conditions aren’t met and some game board pieces are still face down, the milestone still ends. Yeah, it’s a tough break.

Time to Swap a Construction Card

So, here’s the dealio: you gotta cough up two money tokens from the city treasury. With that, you can swap out one of your precious construction cards for a new one. No freebies here, pal.

Now, the first card you swap out starts the Exchange Pile. Keep in mind, that card doesn’t go back in the box. It’s outta here for good.

Just a heads up: Whenever you fancy a peek, feel free to check out the cards in the exchange pile. No secrets here!

Picture this: you’re playing a game and it’s your turn. Exciting, right? Well, get ready, because I’m about to show you how to make that turn even more thrilling. So, here’s what happens: I pick a new card from one of the three piles – Stage I, II, or III – and put it in my display. And get this, if there are any cards in the exchange pile, I can choose one from there, too!

Ending a Milestone

You can choose to end a Milestone once there is at least one tile in every district.

If you decide to end the current Milestone, you take the starting player token and do the following:

Power, Water, and Garbage Utility Bars:

When I follow each step under “0,” I need to move the marker on the Happiness bar one square back. It’s important to remember that this only affects the markers and not the utility types.

Example: Congratulations! You’ve reached a happiness score of nine. But, uh-oh! Your power and waste levels are not looking great – they’re both in the red. So, you’ll have to move back three squares on the Happiness bar, landing at six.

The Happiness Bar:

So here’s what happens: first, I take the current value of the Happiness bar and move it to the overall Happiness display. Then, I rearrange the Happiness indicators so that the double-digit values are on the left and the single-digit ones are on the right.

Example: So, here’s what happened: The Happiness value of six that I have now is sent over to the Skyline. The display on the left stays put at “0”, but the one on the right moves up to “6”. This means that my overall Happiness is at six.

If I’m feeling unhappy, the negative indicator moves to the left. The numbers on the right represent negative values.

Remember: If the indicator reaches “-10” or goes even further, it’s game over for me!

Job Meter:

So here’s the deal: as you move further away from the number “0” in either direction with your working population, you’re going to have to cough up some of your precious treasury money when you reach a Milestone. And no, the marker itself doesn’t change because of this little transaction.

Example: Congratulations! You’ve hit -2 on the employment bar. This means that there simply aren’t enough workers available in your city, so you’ll have to pay two units from the treasury.

New Challenge:

Whenever a new game board piece is revealed, it must be placed next to an existing face-up piece. You’ll also need to cover the displayed development costs. If there are multiple options, discuss and agree on which game board piece to pursue. If you can’t come to a consensus, the player with the starting token gets the final say.

Example: You give five coins and flip over the adjacent game board piece E.

Trade Building Cards:

Gameplay Continues:

The Game Ends

To finish the final Milestone and thus the game, all the pieces on the game board must be revealed, and there must be at least two tiles of any type in each district.

Once the last Milestone has been evaluated, you still need to determine how many squares you are from “0” on the pollution, traffic, and crime bars. For each square, you must decrease the overall Happiness of your residents by one.

Next, consult the success table on the last page to see what status you achieved for your city. All results in the green range count as a successful game.

Unsuccessful City:

Sometimes, I find myself losing a game. It can happen for a few different reasons:

• If I have to pay costs but don’t have enough money in my treasury.
• If, during my turn, I can’t do any of the actions that are available to me.
• If the Happiness marker on the administration board drops to “-5” or if the overall Happiness reaches “-10”.

Welcome to the Game Rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game

Note: You must remember that this website contains the game rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. If you are looking for tips and strategies, visit our main page for more information.

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by to learn all about the rules for Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. If you’re a fan of the popular video game, then you’ll love this tabletop adaptation. It’s a city-building game that lets you create and manage your very own metropolis.

But before we get started, I want to remind you that it’s important to double-check the rulebook that came with your game. The rules provided here are a helpful resource, but always refer to the official game rules for complete and accurate instructions.

Now, let’s dive into the world of Cities: Skylines – The Board Game!

Objective of the Game

The goal of Cities: Skylines – The Board Game is to build the most successful city by managing resources, constructing buildings, and fulfilling objectives. You’ll need to carefully plan and make strategic decisions to expand your city and attract more citizens.

Game Setup

Before we start playing, let’s set up the game board. Place the game board in the center of the table, and give each player a player board, a set of player markers, and a player deck of cards. Shuffle the objective cards and draw three at random, placing them face-up.

Turn Structure

Now, let me explain how a turn works in Cities: Skylines – The Board Game. On your turn, you’ll go through three phases: the Build Phase, the Action Phase, and the Income Phase.

Build Phase

In the Build Phase, you’ll have the opportunity to construct buildings and develop your city. You’ll need to spend resources and play building cards from your hand to add buildings to your city grid.

Action Phase

Next, in the Action Phase, you’ll have two action points to spend. You can use these points to take various actions, such as attracting citizens, generating income, completing objectives, or playing event cards. The actions you choose will depend on your current game strategy and what you want to achieve.

Income Phase

Finally, in the Income Phase, you’ll receive income based on the buildings in your city. This income can be used to purchase more buildings and expand your city further.

End of the Game

The game ends when a certain number of objectives have been completed, or when all the event cards have been played. At that point, each player adds up their victory points from completed objectives, buildings, and citizens. The player with the highest total wins the game and becomes the master of their own magnificent city!

Alright, now that you have a better understanding of the Cities: Skylines – The Board Game rules, it’s time to gather your friends, set up your cities, and start building the urban paradise of your dreams. Have fun!

• 6 Game board pieces
• 24 Residential zones
• 12 Commercial zones
• 12 Industrial zones
• 9 Utility buildings
• 26 Money tokens
• 18 Service buildings
• 10 Unique buildings
• 8 Administration markers
• 1 Administration board
• 1 Starting player token
• 2 Mounting feet
• 2 Happiness indicators
• 75 Construction cards
• 10 Unique Building cards
• 10 Role cards
• 10 Policies cards
• 10 News cards
• 1 “End of a Milestone” card
• 4 Turn Overview cards
• 1 Skyline
• Rulebook

Setup

To get started, you’ll need to gather all the pieces and set up the game board. Here’s what you’ll need:

First, assemble the three game board pieces – B, E, and A – in the middle of the table. Make sure the back sides with the letters are facing up.

Heads up: If you’re playing later games or if you want to jump into the action with all the rules in place, go ahead and set up all four game boards according to the scenario you’re playing.

Put the administration board face up next to the game boards and place the eight administration markers on their corresponding display bars, making sure they start at the “0” space.

To begin playing this game, you’ll need to deposit a starting capital of 12 money tokens into the city treasury. This capital is made up of two large money tokens worth five each, and two small ones worth one each. Any remaining money tokens should be placed in a stockpile next to the playing area.

Next, sort all the zone and building tiles based on their color and type, and keep them ready next to the playing area.

Alright, folks, let’s get this party started! Here’s what we’re gonna do:

First things first, we need to shuffle the construction cards for Stage 1. Then, I’ll deal each of you the right amount of cards, depending on how many players we have. Check it out:

• If we have 4 players, you’ll each get three cards.
• If there are 3 players, you’ll get four cards each.
• If it’s just the two of you, you’ll get five cards each.
• And if it’s just one player, you’ll get a whopping seven cards!

Once you have your cards, go ahead and put them face-up in front of you. Easy peasy, right?

Now, I’m gonna give each of you your very own Turn Overview card. Keep it nearby because it’ll come in handy later on.

Next, we need to shuffle the rest of the construction cards. We’ve got Stage II and Stage III cards too, so let’s keep them separate. Put them close by, so we’re ready to play.

Lastly, grab the Happiness display, or as I like to call it, the Skyline. Place it next to the administration board. Oh, and don’t forget to stick the display chips onto the “0” spaces on both sides of the numerical scales. We gotta start from scratch, you know?

So, you want to know how to decide who goes first in a game, huh? Well, I’ve got the scoop for you. The youngest player is the lucky one who gets to be the starting player. And to make things official, they get the starting player token and the “End of a Milestone” overview card. Now, the starting player token is really cool – it’s called “Chirper” and it’s actually the mascot of Cities: Skylines. Pretty neat, right?

The Board of Administration

Being part of a board of administration can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re new to the role. As a board member, you have a crucial responsibility in making important decisions that affect the people in your community. It’s not an easy task, but it’s also an opportunity to contribute to the betterment of your community.

One of the most essential aspects of being a board member is understanding the needs and concerns of the people you represent. It’s important to listen to their ideas and opinions, and to consider them when making decisions. By doing so, you can ensure that the choices made align with the best interest of the community as a whole.

The board of administration plays a vital role in maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of the community. You are responsible for ensuring that the community’s common areas are well-maintained and that any necessary repairs or improvements are carried out in a timely manner. These responsibilities help to create a welcoming and visually appealing environment for all residents.

It’s important to remember that being a board member is a continuous learning experience. You may encounter new challenges and situations that require you to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. It’s also crucial to stay informed about the laws and regulations that govern your community, as well as any updates or changes that may impact your role.

The key to being an effective board member is communication. It’s important to foster open and transparent communication with your fellow board members and with the residents you represent. By doing so, you can build trust and create a collaborative environment where ideas can be shared and evaluated.

Being a board member can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s a role that requires dedication, commitment, and a willingness to serve others. As a board member, you have the power to make a positive impact on your community and contribute to its growth and success. So, embrace the opportunity and make the most of your time on the board of administration.

The city administration board is here to help you keep track of how well your city is doing. It’s like your City Hall dashboard!

In the top section, you can see the capacity of your city in different utility categories: Power, Water, and Garbage. These indicators are like gauges. The closer your marker is to the green range, the better your capacity is.

Remember: If your marker goes below “0” (into the red range), the Happiness of your residents will decrease by one point at the end of each achievement. So, it’s crucial to keep an eye on those indicators!

The Happiness of your residents can be positive, negative, or neutral (=0). After each achievement, this value is added to the overall Happiness display, which is represented by the Skyline. The higher the overall Happiness at the end of the game, the better your final result will be. You can check your success in the table on the final page.

The employment bar shows the number of employed people in your city. You want this bar to be as full as possible!

Note: It’s crucial to understand the consequences of each step away from “0” for your working population. Regardless of whether the value is above or below, you’ll have to allocate funds from the city treasury at every milestone.

Background: The “0” value represents full employment. If it’s below “0”, it means there is a shortage of labor force in the economy. Conversely, if it’s above “0”, there’s a lack of available jobs. In both cases, financial investment becomes necessary.

Below, there are three bars that significantly impact the quality of life for your residents. Throughout the game, your construction activities will increase pollution, traffic, and crime levels. However, you can mitigate these issues by implementing appropriate measures.

Important: By the end of the game, the overall Happiness of your residents will decrease based on how far above “0” you are on these bars.

Game Symbols

Game Play

Beginning an Adventure

When I enter the world of a video game, I find myself transported to a new and exciting place. It’s like stepping into a whole different reality, where I can be anyone and do anything. The possibilities are endless, and it’s up to me to navigate this virtual world and uncover all its secrets.

The Power of Choice

In this digital landscape, every decision I make has consequences. Whether I choose to be a hero or a villain, help others or pursue my own goals, the game reacts and adapts to my choices. It’s thrilling to know that my actions have an impact on the world around me, and that I have the power to shape the outcome.

Strategize and Conquer

To succeed in the game, I must think strategically. I have to analyze the situation, consider the strengths and weaknesses of my character, and plan my moves carefully. It’s a delicate balance between being cautious and taking risks, but that’s what makes it so exhilarating. The sense of accomplishment when I solve a challenging puzzle or defeat a formidable enemy is unmatched.

A Community of Players

One of the most enjoyable aspects of gaming is the community of players that I become a part of. Whether I’m teaming up with friends or joining forces with strangers, collaborating and communicating with others adds a whole new dimension to the experience. Sharing tips, discussing strategies, and competing against one another creates a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition.

A World of Imagination

When I engage in video games, I enter a realm where imagination knows no bounds. The vivid graphics, captivating storylines, and immersive sound effects transport me to a fantastical world where anything is possible. It’s a form of escapism that allows me to explore new worlds, challenge myself, and experience things I could never do in real life.

In summary, video games provide an incredible opportunity for adventure, strategy, social interaction, and exploration. They offer a break from reality and a chance to unleash my creativity. So whether I’m diving into a new quest or engaging in epic battles, gaming opens up a world of possibilities that I can’t wait to explore.

Let’s start by choosing the board game piece that we want to use. We should think about how much it will cost to develop.

Once we have decided (the starting player gets the final say!), we need to take the required amount of money from the city treasury and return it to the stockpile next to the play area. Then, we can turn the selected board piece over, but make sure to keep it in the same position relative to the other pieces.

Remember: We will need to rotate it around its long axis, which is formed by the row of money tokens on it. This way, the bodies of water on the front side will be arranged the same as on the back.

For example, let’s say we pay two money tokens and turn over game board piece A.

When you look at the front side of the board piece, you’ll see a grid of squares. This is where you’ll place building and zone tiles as you play the game.

There are some rules about where you can place the tiles. They can’t go over the edge of the playing area, across streets, on other building tiles, or on the water.

The squares are arranged into different areas, called districts. These districts are like neighborhoods in your city. Any area surrounded by a street or the edge of the board is considered a City District.

As the game goes on, a City District can spread across multiple board pieces. Some cards will refer to these districts.

Another important rule is that for a Milestone to end, there must be at least one building or zone tile in each city district.

As the first player to take action, I have three options to choose from. After I make my move, the next player in line will become the active player, and so on. Let’s break down these actions:

1. Play a construction card: This is the first option I can go for. It involves using a construction card from my hand.

2. Exchange a construction card: The second option is to swap one of my construction cards with another player’s card. This can be a strategic move to gain an advantage.

3. End a Milestone: Lastly, I can choose to end a Milestone. This is a significant decision that can impact the game and change the course of play.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the first option:

A. Play a Construction Card:

When it comes to construction cards, there are two types:

– Service Buildings: These cards require me to pay a specific amount of money as shown on the card to use them.

– Utility Buildings: These cards also require payment, but they provide additional services and benefits in return.

These are the actions I can take as the starting player. Each decision I make will have a ripple effect on the game, so I need to choose wisely. The game continues in a clockwise direction, with each player taking their turn as the active player.

Example 1: Imagine you’re constructing a medical clinic. All you need is a single payment, and in return, your Happiness gets a boost by one.

Example 2: Imagine you’re creating a wind power plant. It’s gonna cost you three money tokens, but you get a three-point increase in your Power capacity. That means you’ll have access to more power in no time.

There are three types of construction cards: green, blue, and yellow. They’re used to build residential, commercial, and industrial zones, respectively.

And here’s the best part – these cards are absolutely free! You don’t have to spend any money on them. However, the impact they have on your city varies depending on several factors. For instance, if you strategically place them near existing services, your city will reap the benefits.

Imagine this: You create a neighborhood. New folks move in and they consume more water. As a result, your water capacity decreases by one. But the upside is that you now have a bigger workforce.

Your employment opportunities go up by one. And if you have the “healthcare” service already in place, you earn some cash for your city treasury.

Just remember: This benefit only applies if you’ve already built the service on the game board. If you add it later, you won’t get the money retroactively.

Now, if you want to play one of the construction cards in front of you, simply slide it forward.

When it comes to building and expanding a city, certain rules and restrictions apply. To help with this process, different cards are provided, each representing a specific type of building. These cards indicate the required tile for construction.

There are three main categories of buildings: residential, commercial, and industrial. For these types of buildings, you are free to choose any tile from the corresponding zone category. This gives you some flexibility in selecting the perfect tile for your needs.

Once you have chosen a tile, you take it from the general supply and carefully place it on the game board. You can adjust its orientation by turning and rotating it as needed to ensure the best fit. It’s important to note that the tile must align with the grid of squares on the board.

Once a tile is placed, it becomes a permanent fixture on the board until the end of the game. It cannot be moved or relocated at any point.

Remember: In each district of the city, you are only allowed to construct one utility building. This means that if you already have a wind turbine in a district, you cannot additionally build an oil power plant there. It’s important to keep this rule in mind as you plan your city’s expansion.

You know what? A water tower isn’t gonna fly there either.

When it comes to Stage I service buildings, it’s important to know that they need to be built right next to the zone they serve in order for them to work. Make sure you leave enough space to build multiple neighboring zones that can benefit from the service provided.

Example: When you build the medical clinic, make sure there’s enough space for multiple zones right next to each other.

Example: I’m excited that there’s a medical clinic right next door! That means you can easily use their “healthcare” service.

But, there’s a catch. Your house or apartment needs to be right next to the medical center. Having a residential zone that only touches the medical center by a corner doesn’t count as being next to it.

So, here’s the deal: when it comes to Stage II and III piles and the service buildings that go along with them, you gotta make sure the new zone is in the same city district as the service building you need. Simple as that!

Example: The hospital is good for the whole area, so it doesn’t have to be next to the residential zone.

When you build utility buildings, you don’t have to worry about placement because they don’t have any future requirements. They only have an effect when you build them.

After that, you pay the costs shown on the card (in the top row of the residential, commercial, or industrial construction card). If you have to pay money, it comes from the city treasury and goes into the stockpile.

Then, you move the markers on the administration board according to the card. A “-” means you move the marker to the left, and a “+” means you move it to the right.

When it comes to different types of buildings – residential, commercial, and industrial – there are certain benefits you can receive. You may earn money or see a change in the administration markers, but this is only if you fulfill the necessary requirements. It’s like a little reward for meeting specific conditions.

When you come across cards featuring the “city district” symbol, you’ll need to construct the new zone in a district that already has specific other tiles. This way, you can make the most of the benefits offered by this symbol.

Let me give you some detailed examples of construction cards:

Hey there! So, here’s the deal. We’ve got this totally fresh residential zone that’s in need of some basic necessities, like power and water. Unfortunately, both of those services will be a bit limited once the zone is up and running. Bummer, right? And to make matters worse, there’s been a serious uptick in burglaries lately, which means the crime rate in the area has shot up. Not exactly the best first impression for potential residents, huh?

Now, let’s talk about the bright side. If we decide to build this residential zone in a district that already offers “healthcare” and “education” services, things start to look up. In fact, the residents will experience a boost in their happiness level. Not just that, but they’ll also get some more friends – I mean, two new residents will be added to the employment pool. So, yeah, it’s a win-win situation, don’t you think?

Hey there, let’s talk about the problem of garbage in our new residential zone. It’s getting pretty out of control! We have limited capacity to deal with all the garbage, and it’s causing some issues. Our garbage capacity is actually going down by one unit. That’s not good news.

On the bright side, we have some more people moving into the zone. The influx of residents means we have an extra pair of hands to help with the workload. So, that’s good news for our workforce, which is increasing by one.

Now, here’s something interesting. If the value on the employment bar goes below “0”, we actually get rewarded! We’ll receive two money tokens for our city treasury. That’s a nice little perk to make up for the garbage situation.

When you build a new residential zone, it uses up power and creates garbage. You lose one power and one garbage capacity.

However, if you build the residential zone in a district that already has at least two other residential zones, the residents will be happy and their Happiness will go up by two.

When you create a new residential zone in your city, it’s important to consider the impact it will have on water consumption and garbage generation. Each new zone will decrease the available capacity for water and garbage by one unit.

But here’s some good news: if your Happiness bar value is greater than five, you’ll have access to an extra labor unit! Not only that, but your Happiness level will also increase by one, bringing more joy to your city. And as a bonus, you’ll receive one additional unit of money for your city treasury!

When you create a new residential zone, something interesting happens. It uses up water and produces garbage. Both the water and garbage capacity go down by one. The cool thing is that you also get an extra labor unit to use as you wish.

Now, let’s talk about crime. If there is no crime in the area, something great happens. The people living there feel really good, and their overall happiness goes up by three.

Hey there! So, check this out. When you decide to build a new commercial zone, it’s gonna get pretty busy. Like, the place is gonna be booming with activity. But you know what else comes with it? Garbage. Yep, the more people and stores there are, the more garbage that piles up. And unfortunately, your garbage capacity takes a hit and goes down by one. Bummer, right? Oh, and here’s another thing to keep in mind. Since all those customers are driving their own cars to the new stores, guess what happens? Traffic! Yep, it just increases by one. So, be prepared for some extra cars on the road.

Now, pay attention because this part is important. If you decide to build that commercial zone in a busy district, where there’s already at least one residential zone, one commercial zone, and one industrial zone, something pretty cool happens. You ready? Your city treasury is gonna get a boost. Yep, you’re gonna get some extra money. It comes in the form of taxes, and you can expect a total of four money tokens. Not bad, right? So, just keep that in mind when you’re thinking about where to build that new commercial zone.

Guess what? More people are getting jobs in the new industrial zone! But here’s the thing: that means there are fewer workers available for other jobs, so the value on your employment bar goes down by three.

Oh, and another downside? The new industry also pollutes the environment and adds to the traffic. So, the pollution and traffic values go up by one each. Bummer, right?

But wait! There’s a silver lining! If the industrial zone is built in a district with at least three commercial zones and access to fire service, it’s not all bad news. In fact, a lot of business gets done, taxes start flowing in, and your city treasury gets a nice boost of eight shiny money tokens. Cha-ching!

About Costs and Rewards:

City treasury: If I don’t have enough money to cover my expenses, I can’t use this card.

Power, Water, Garbage:

When I play a card, I need to move my marker. But I have to be careful where I move it! If I have to move my marker past the last square in the red area, I can’t play that card. But if I have to move my marker past the last square in the green area, I can play the card.

Even if I can play the card, my marker stays on the highest value. So it doesn’t go back down if I move it to a lower number.

Things to Watch Out For:

So, imagine you’re playing a game with a marker. Now, this marker has some rules to follow. If it has to go beyond the last square in the red area, sorry, but it can’t move. However, if it needs to go below zero, then it’s game on! The card can be played, and the marker gets to stay at the “0” space.

Now, let’s talk about the Employment Bar:

When the marker needs to be moved past the values of “-5” or “5”, you cannot play the card.

Bar of Joy:

If I have to move the marker beyond the “25” square, I need to leave it on “25”. The rest of the points are added to the overall Happiness Skyline display.

But remember: If the Happiness marker has to go to “-5” or beyond, I will lose the game right away!

Once I play a building card, it goes back into the box. That means it’s out of play.

Time to Get a New Card:

I can add a new card to my display by drawing one card from any of the three face-down piles (Stage I, II, or III). It’s my choice which pile to pick from.

Keep in mind: The more expensive the card, the bigger the effects and rewards will be.

If I don’t want to draw a face-down card, I can choose any card from the face-up exchange pile, which is created during the game. Then it’s the next player’s turn.

Note: Hey, listen up! If you find all three piles empty, it’s game over, my friend. The next player will have to wrap up the current milestone and call it a day.

Now here’s the kicker: even if the conditions aren’t met and some game board pieces are still face down, the milestone still ends. Yeah, it’s a tough break.

Time to Swap a Construction Card

So, here’s the dealio: you gotta cough up two money tokens from the city treasury. With that, you can swap out one of your precious construction cards for a new one. No freebies here, pal.

Now, the first card you swap out starts the Exchange Pile. Keep in mind, that card doesn’t go back in the box. It’s outta here for good.

Just a heads up: Whenever you fancy a peek, feel free to check out the cards in the exchange pile. No secrets here!

Picture this: you’re playing a game and it’s your turn. Exciting, right? Well, get ready, because I’m about to show you how to make that turn even more thrilling. So, here’s what happens: I pick a new card from one of the three piles – Stage I, II, or III – and put it in my display. And get this, if there are any cards in the exchange pile, I can choose one from there, too!

Ending a Milestone

You can choose to end a Milestone once there is at least one tile in every district.

If you decide to end the current Milestone, you take the starting player token and do the following:

Power, Water, and Garbage Utility Bars:

When I follow each step under “0,” I need to move the marker on the Happiness bar one square back. It’s important to remember that this only affects the markers and not the utility types.

Example: Congratulations! You’ve reached a happiness score of nine. But, uh-oh! Your power and waste levels are not looking great – they’re both in the red. So, you’ll have to move back three squares on the Happiness bar, landing at six.

The Happiness Bar:

So here’s what happens: first, I take the current value of the Happiness bar and move it to the overall Happiness display. Then, I rearrange the Happiness indicators so that the double-digit values are on the left and the single-digit ones are on the right.

Example: So, here’s what happened: The Happiness value of six that I have now is sent over to the Skyline. The display on the left stays put at “0”, but the one on the right moves up to “6”. This means that my overall Happiness is at six.

If I’m feeling unhappy, the negative indicator moves to the left. The numbers on the right represent negative values.

Remember: If the indicator reaches “-10” or goes even further, it’s game over for me!

Job Meter:

So here’s the deal: as you move further away from the number “0” in either direction with your working population, you’re going to have to cough up some of your precious treasury money when you reach a Milestone. And no, the marker itself doesn’t change because of this little transaction.

Example: Congratulations! You’ve hit -2 on the employment bar. This means that there simply aren’t enough workers available in your city, so you’ll have to pay two units from the treasury.

New Challenge:

Whenever a new game board piece is revealed, it must be placed next to an existing face-up piece. You’ll also need to cover the displayed development costs. If there are multiple options, discuss and agree on which game board piece to pursue. If you can’t come to a consensus, the player with the starting token gets the final say.

Example: You give five coins and flip over the adjacent game board piece E.

Trade Building Cards:

Gameplay Continues:

The Game Ends

To finish the final Milestone and thus the game, all the pieces on the game board must be revealed, and there must be at least two tiles of any type in each district.

Once the last Milestone has been evaluated, you still need to determine how many squares you are from “0” on the pollution, traffic, and crime bars. For each square, you must decrease the overall Happiness of your residents by one.

Next, consult the success table on the last page to see what status you achieved for your city. All results in the green range count as a successful game.

Unsuccessful City:

Sometimes, I find myself losing a game. It can happen for a few different reasons:

• If I have to pay costs but don’t have enough money in my treasury.
• If, during my turn, I can’t do any of the actions that are available to me.
• If the Happiness marker on the administration board drops to “-5” or if the overall Happiness reaches “-10”.