As Cities: Skylines 2 arrives on PCs, it brings a revival of the city-building genre. However, the release schedule and multiple versions have left some fans perplexed. This guide compares all the different editions (Standard, Ultimate, Premium) of Cities: Skylines 2, detailing the content and freebies to determine the best option.

Cities Skylines 2
Cities: Skylines 2 Review

While it seems to be lacking some of the original's best features, Cities: Skylines 2 is still a fantastic city simulator that genre fans will enjoy.

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All Cities: Skylines 2 Editions

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Cities: Skylines 2 offers three editions: Standard, Ultimate, and Premium. The Standard Edition includes the base game and an extra map and building pack (if preordered), while the Ultimate Edition adds the Expansion Pass. The Premium Edition, however, includes a steelbook and thematic freebies.

The following table compares all editions of the game:

Edition

Perks

Standard
  • Tamper map (preorder)
  • Landmark Building (preorder)

Ultimate
  • Expansion Pass
  • San Francisco Set
  • Bridges & Ports Expansion
  • Beach Properties Assets
  • Modern Architecture Pack
  • Radio Stations

Premium
  • Steelbook Case
  • Two themed pens
  • Double-sided city maps
  • Base Game
  • Digital Expansion Pass

Standard Edition Preorder Perks

image showing cities skylines 2 standard edition perks.

By pre-ordering the base game, players will receive the Tamper starting map and the Landmark Building pack. The former is a new biome inspired by the real-life Tamper City’s topography. The latter is a pack of nine iconic structures from across the world. These buildings include The London Eye, Norte Dame, National Gallery, Garden Hotel, Botanical Garden, Näsinneula, Xi’an Bell Tower, Sungnye, and National Diet.

Ultimate Edition Perks

image showing the perks of ultimate edition of cities skylinies 2.

For $89.99, players can get the Ultimate Edition of Cities: Skyline 2. This version comes with an Expansion Pass that grants free access to all the scheduled first-year content, including the San Francisco Set, Bridges & Ports Expansion, Modern Architecture Pack, Beach Properties Assets, and three Radio Stations (Deluxe Relax, Soft Rock, and Cold Wave Channel).

Physical Premium Edition Content

image showing the perks of premium edition of cities skylines 2.

Retailed only in select regions and stores, the Cities: Skyline 2 Premium Edition is the collector’s exclusive version. It comes with a steelbook case, wipeable pens, drawable maps, and the base game, as well as a Digital Expansion Pass granting all Ultimate Edition features.

Which Cities: Skylines 2 Edition Is the Best?

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Considering the scheduled expansions and price tags, the Standard Edition of Cities: Skylines 2 is the most cost-effective option. However, hardcore fans of city-building games—and content creators—will benefit from the DLCs in the Ultimate Edition.

In terms of pricing, the Premium Edition is the least economically sensible option. It only includes a steelbook case and a set of maps and pens in addition to the Expansion Pass.

Cities: Skylines 2 is available now for PC. (Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 versions will be released later in the spring of 2024.)

MORE: All Confirmed Features for Cities: Skylines 2