How To Go Underground In Cities Skylines

Urban planning in Cities: Skylines often necessitates utilizing underground space for various infrastructure components. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to effectively navigate and build underground within the game.

Accessing the Underground View

The initial step in working underground is accessing the appropriate viewing mode. This is achieved using the page up and page down keys on your keyboard. Pressing the page down key will lower the camera, eventually transitioning to an underground view. Conversely, the page up key will raise the camera back to the surface.

The underground view is a specialized mode that reveals normally hidden elements such as pipes, tunnels, and metro lines. It provides a clear visual representation of underground infrastructure, allowing for precise placement and management.

Consider adjusting camera angles for optimal visibility while underground. Experiment with tilting and rotating the camera to gain a better perspective of the area you are working on. This will aid in avoiding collisions and ensuring accurate placement of underground structures.

Building Underground Roads and Tunnels

Road Placement

Constructing roads underground follows a similar process to surface road construction, with a few key differences. After entering the underground view, select the road tool. Begin drawing the road as you normally would on the surface. The game will automatically create a tunnel entrance and exit, adjusting the terrain accordingly.

Important Considerations: The depth of the tunnel can be adjusted using the page up and page down keys before finalizing the road placement. This allows for multi-layered underground networks. Be mindful of existing underground structures, such as water pipes or other tunnels, to avoid collisions. The game provides visual cues, such as color changes, to indicate potential conflicts.

Tunnel Curves and Grades

When building tunnels, gradual curves and grades are essential for smooth traffic flow. Avoid sharp turns, as these can significantly reduce vehicle speed and cause traffic congestion. When building on sloping terrain, ensure that the tunnel grade is not too steep, as this can also impact traffic flow.

To create smoother curves, use the road tool in curved mode. This allows you to draw roads with a more gradual bend. The game provides visual feedback on the curve radius, enabling you to adjust it as needed. Keep the tunnel length relatively long when using steeper grades, this can ease the transition into and out of the tunnel.

Tunnel Connections

Connecting tunnels to surface roads or other tunnels requires careful planning. Ensure that the tunnel entrance and exit are aligned with the existing road network. Use the road upgrade tool to seamlessly connect underground roads to surface roads or other tunnels. The upgrade tool will automatically adjust the terrain and road markings to create a smooth transition.

When connecting tunnels at different depths, use ramps or gradual inclines to avoid steep changes in elevation. This will prevent traffic slowdowns and maintain a consistent traffic flow.

Building Underground Pipes and Cables

Pipe and Cable Placement

Placing water pipes and power cables underground is crucial for providing essential services to your city without cluttering the surface. After entering the underground view, select the water pipe or power cable tool. Draw the pipes or cables as you would on the surface. They will automatically be placed underground.

Important Considerations: The depth of pipes and cables is usually fixed. Ensure adequate coverage of water and power to avoid shortages. Utilize the data overlay to check water and power coverage. You can check coverage with the corresponding water and power button at the bottom of the screen.

Avoiding Conflicts

When placing pipes and cables, be mindful of existing underground structures. Avoid running pipes and cables through tunnels or other infrastructure. If necessary, use the move tool to reposition existing structures to avoid conflicts.

Pay attention to ground elevation changes that can obstruct the placement of underground services. The ground elevation tool can be used to level out terrain and avoid obstructions.

Maintenance Considerations

Plan for future maintenance and repairs when placing underground infrastructure. Ensure that there is adequate space around pipes and cables for maintenance vehicles to access them. Consider adding maintenance access points at regular intervals to facilitate repairs.

Utilize the information panel to monitor the condition of underground pipes and cables. This will allow you to identify potential problems early on and take corrective action before they escalate.

Building Underground Metro Systems

Station Placement

Building underground metro systems is an efficient way to transport large numbers of people within your city. Begin by placing metro stations underground. Ensure that the stations are located in high-density areas or near important destinations, such as commercial districts or industrial zones.

Important Considerations: The depth of metro stations is adjustable using the page up and page down keys. Consider building multi-level metro stations to accommodate multiple lines. Ensure that the station is accessible to pedestrians by adding pedestrian paths and bus stops nearby.

Track Laying

After placing the stations, lay the metro tracks between them. Use the metro track tool to draw the tracks. The game will automatically create tunnels to connect the stations. Pay attention to the track alignment to avoid sharp turns or steep grades.

Use the curved track tool to create smoother curves. This will improve the efficiency of the metro system and reduce the risk of derailments. Ensure that the tracks are properly connected to the stations. Visual cues will confirm the integrity of the metro lines.

Line Management

After laying the tracks, create metro lines and assign trains to them. Use the line management tool to create new lines and assign stations to them. Adjust the train schedule and frequency to meet the demand of passengers. Monitor the performance of the metro system using the public transport overlay.

Adjust the ticket prices to optimize revenue. Avoid overcrowding by adding more trains to the lines. Evaluate your system with time. Public transport should relieve traffic and make citizens happy.

Advanced Techniques

Intersection Management

Managing underground intersections requires careful planning to avoid traffic congestion. Use the traffic management tool to customize the intersection and optimize traffic flow. Add traffic lights or roundabouts to regulate traffic and prevent collisions.

Consider building multi-level intersections to separate traffic streams. This can significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Ensure that the intersection is properly lit to improve visibility.

Terrain Modification

Use the terrain modification tools to create more space for underground structures. Level out uneven terrain to facilitate the placement of tunnels and stations. Create ramps or slopes to connect underground structures to the surface. Utilize the landscaping tools to beautify the areas around tunnel entrances and exits.

Be mindful of the environmental impact of terrain modification. Avoid disturbing natural habitats or creating erosion problems. Use the planting tools to restore vegetation and stabilize slopes.

Utilizing Mods

Explore mods that can enhance your underground building experience. Mods can add new tools, features, and assets that make it easier to build and manage underground infrastructure. Research and select mods that are compatible with your version of Cities: Skylines and that meet your specific needs.

Be cautious when installing mods, as they can sometimes cause conflicts or performance issues. Always read the mod descriptions and reviews before installing them. Back up your game files before installing any mods. These files will be used to revert the game if a mod causes an issue.

Experimentation is key to mastering the art of underground construction. Try different techniques and approaches to find what works best for your city. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, as they can be valuable learning experiences.

Effective underground planning is important in Cities: Skylines as it allows you to efficiently manage traffic, utilities, and public transport while minimizing the visual impact on the surface. Mastering these techniques enhances both the functionality and aesthetics of your city.