Cities: Skylines II Seeks Redemption with Free Steam Trial and Deep Discount
The troubled simulation game Cities: Skylines II is currently free to try on Steam following a transition to Iceflake Studios and recent technical improvements.
📰Gadget NewsPhoto: Notebookcheck News
Key points
- Cities: Skylines II is free to play on Steam until November 16.
- A 30% discount reduces the price to $34.99 through November 19.
- Development has shifted to Iceflake Studios, leading to improved recent Steam reviews.
Cities: Skylines II is getting a fresh chance to win over skeptical players, offering a free trial on Steam through November 16. Originally criticized for performance bugs, complex economic simulation issues, and controversial DLC policies, the city-building title currently holds a 74 Metascore alongside a much harsher 4.2 user score and a lifetime 55% positive rating on Steam.
Following a shift in development to Iceflake Studios in early 2026, recent updates appear to be gaining traction, lifting recent 30-day Steam reviews to 72% positive. While critics initially praised the advanced road-building tools and creative flexibility, the game continues to face hurdles on handhelds, carrying an official "Unsupported" rating on the Steam Deck despite a "Gold" ranking on ProtonDB.
Gamers looking to keep the title after the trial window can secure a 30% price cut through November 19, dropping the standard cost from nearly $50 down to $34.99. Should you buy it? PC players willing to overlook lingering performance demands on demanding hardware will find this matching all-time low price an ideal entry point to test the simulation's current state.
Source Notebookcheck News — notebookcheck.net/This-troubled-city-builder-is-turning-things-arou… ↗
Read next
🏠Smart HomeApple TV 4K Set to Receive Siri AI Support via Upcoming tvOS Update
Apple's support documentation confirms that Siri AI is expanding to older Apple TV 4K models, specifically those from the second generation and later.
🧠AI AnalysisApple Confirms Canadian French Support for HomeView Is Coming via Software Update
Apple's newly launched HomeView smart home display will receive Canadian French language support in an upcoming software update, though no specific release date has been …
🧠AI AnalysisEarly Black Friday Discounts Cut Up to $205 Off Apple Mac Mini and Mac Studio Desktops
Apple resellers have launched early holiday price cuts on 2026 Mac mini and Mac Studio models, offering savings of up to $205.
🧠AI AnalysisApple Watch Ultra 3 Sees Record-Breaking $250 Price Slash Ahead of Black Friday
Major retailers Amazon and Best Buy have slashed the price of the Apple Watch Ultra 3 by $250, matching its all-time low ahead of the holiday shopping rush.
🧠AI AnalysisApple Details Engineering Behind HomeView Smart Display and Record-Low Brightness
Apple hardware engineering executive Matthew Costello recently discussed the design and development of the new HomeView smart home display, highlighting a record-low brig…
🏠Smart HomeOneisall 3.5L Automatic Cat Feeder Review: Compact Design With Mixed Results
We examine the Oneisall 3.5L Automatic Cat Feeder, a compact indoor pet gadget featuring stainless steel components and a secure lid.