Summary:

The Cities: Skylines II free weekend ends November 16, while the 30% base-game discount runs to November 19. This guide separates trial access, ownership and future expansion content.

Cities: Skylines II is free to try on Steam until November 16, 2026, at noon CST (18:00 UTC). The PC free weekend is temporary access, not a free-to-keep giveaway. A separate US sale cuts the base game to $34.99 from $49.99, a 30% discount.

For a city-builder with a mixed reception, trying it on your own computer is especially useful. Use the free period to check how the simulation runs and whether managing roads, services and a growing city holds your attention before deciding to buy.

Two different deadlines

  • Free trial: Ends November 16 at noon CST, or 18:00 UTC.
  • Base-game purchase: $34.99 on US Steam, 30% off.
  • Sale end: November 19, according to the store’s date-only listing.
  • Platform: Windows PC through Steam.

Open the official Steam page and choose the free-play option to try the game. Installing it during the event does not grant permanent ownership. The purchase discount continues beyond the trial’s announced end date.

What has changed recently?

Paradox’s November 12 development update highlights changes to the interface, environments and ongoing technical work. Its November patch addresses excess companies accumulating in cities and a problem with hydroelectric power plants, alongside mod-management and upscaler updates. The team also acknowledges that further issues remain to be addressed.

Steam’s checked review snapshot reflects that uneven history: 58% of 35,165 English-language reviews are positive. Its separate recent-review summary shows 72% of 642 reviews in the past 30 days. These displayed totals exclude identified off-topic review periods under the page’s current filter.

Check your PC and the edition

Steam lists 8 GB of RAM and 60 GB of storage as minimum requirements, with Windows 10 64-bit. Recommended hardware includes 16 GB of RAM and an RTX 3080 or Radeon RX 6800 XT. The trial is a chance to test your own setup rather than relying on the minimum specification alone.

The forthcoming Park Adventures expansion is a separate release scheduled for December 2. Paradox lists a $19.99 suggested price and inclusion in Expansion Pass II. Its modular parks and new attractions should not be confused with content included in this base-game trial.

Sources and image credit

Checked November 13, 2026: US Steam listing; City Corner #15; and Paradox’s Park Adventures announcement. Prices and availability may change.

Featured image: Paradox Interactive / Colossal Order, from the official base-game press kit. This original 2024 screenshot illustrates the base game, not the forthcoming Park Adventures expansion. © 2023 Paradox Interactive AB. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.