Summary
The popular city-building gameCities: Skylines 2has recently been attacked by malicious malware corrupting the game’s Traffic mod, and publisher Paradox Interactive has shared a final update on the pressing issue. Mods continue to be an important part of theCities: Skylines 2experience while also being subject to malicious software. However, the team behind the game is driven to safeguard that corner of gameplay despite malware evolving at an alarming rate.
The sequel to the 2015 predecessor of the same name was released in 2023 and expands much of the first game’s simulation factors with enhanced traffic AI and management systems. A console release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S was initially targeting an October 2024 release, but the port has since been delayed.Increasing the population is an important goal inCities: Skylines 2, but the entire experience can be severely affected when malicious malware is involved.
Published on the Paradox Forum, the publisher recently posted a “Final Determination” update on the malware incident, summarizing an analysis of the event, offering security advice, and highlighting the steps being taken to further safeguard mods.News ofCities: Skylines 2’s malware incident was first reported at the start of November, revealing the game’s Traffic mod had been updated with a malicious file, and players who downloaded the mod between October 28 and 31 were encouraged to beef up their security. Paradox confirmed the account of the Traffic mod’s author had been compromised, but has since been secured, and no further tampering is expected to occur.
Cities: Skylines 2 Update Provides Final Determination on Traffic Mod Malware
Further reports confirmed the malware inCities: Skylines 2was targeting crypto wallets, and Paradox clarified the malicious DLL file searched for Exodus crypto wallets once it had been loaded by the game executable. For users who have an Exodus crypto wallet on their computer, Paradox recommended manually deleting the secondary DLL file and provided the correct path to seek out. Moving forward, Paradox confirmed there will always be security risks attached to mods, and the devs' scanning tools cannot offer complete protection due to the rapid evolution of malware. However, the publisher confirmed devs were deliberating further security measures around mod publishing to “strike the right balance between security and usability.”
DeveloperColossal Order shared an update onCities: Skylines 2’s console versions and content, noting two creator packs were being delayed to Q4 2024. Additionally, theBridges & Portsexpansion was confirmed to be delayed to Q2 2025, and the team noted continued work on the game’s console versions with no new release date in sight.
Cities: Skylines 2
WHERE TO PLAY
If you can dream it, you can build it. Raise a city from the ground up and transform it into the thriving metropolis only you can imagine. You’ve never experienced building on this scale. With deep simulation and a living economy, Cities: Skylines II delivers world-building without limits.Lay the foundations for your city to begin. Create the roads, infrastructure, and systems that make life possible day to day. It’s up to you – all of it.How your city grows is your call too, but plan strategically. Every decision has an impact. Can you energize local industries while also using trade to boost the economy? What will make residential districts flourish without killing the buzz downtown? How will you meet the needs and desires of citizens while balancing the city’s budget?Your city never rests. Like any living, breathing world, it changes over time. Some changes will be slow and gradual, while others will be sudden and unexpected. So while seasons turn and night follows day, be ready to act when life doesn’t go to plan.The most realistic and detailed city builder ever, Cities: Skylines II pushes your creativity and problem-solving to another level. With beautifully rendered high-resolution graphics, it also inspires you to build the city of your dreams.
