For the Network Edition, see SimCity 2000 Network Edition.
Key points
- Original Windows versions work well on modern systems (see Installing on 64-bit versions of Windows).
- Original Windows versions run windowed and can be resized/maximised to make full use of any modern resolution.
- The GOG.com and Origin releases are the DOS version in DOSBox so have a fixed resolution and many limitations.
- Incorrect aspect ratio for DOSBox version can be corrected with configuration file tweak.
General information
- SimCity Wiki
- Simtropolis - A fan site for the series
- GOG.com Community Discussions for game series
- GOG.com Support Page
Availability
Source |
DRM |
Notes |
Keys |
OS |
Retail |
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No disc check. |
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Retail |
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GOG.com |
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DOS Special Edition pre-packaged with DOSBox.[2] |
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Origin |
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DOS Special Edition pre-packaged with DOSBox. |
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Version differences
- The Special Edition (or CD Collection) is a complete edition containing the base game, Urban Renewal Kit, Scenarios Volume 1: Great Disasters, and additional cities and scenarios not available separately. Includes DOS, Win16, and Win32 versions, though the Win32 version unfortunately has a 16-bit installer.
Essential improvements
Skip intro videos
- These steps are for the DOS version; for the Windows version simply run the game without the CD in the drive.
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
- Many settings (e.g. game speed) are stored in the city file itself.
Save game data location
- The original Windows version can save cities anywhere (
<path-to-game>\Cities
folder is the default).
Video settings
Graphics settings (GOG.com version)
Template:Video settings
Input settings
Template:Input settings
Audio settings
Template:Audio settings
Localizations
Language |
UI |
Audio |
Sub |
Notes |
English |
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Issues fixed
Installing on 64-bit versions of Windows
- The original disc release uses a 16-bit installer.
Traffic and water animations are frozen
Set the game to run in 256 Colors compatibility mode. This will not fix the problem on Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 since they are locked in 32-bit depth, and 256-color mode is simply emulated without actually being used.
Saving or loading crashes the game
- Saving and loading cause crashes on Windows 7 and later without this fix.
Game runs too fast (DOSBox)
- Fast computers may cause disasters in Cheetah speed to run rampant before you can react.
Correcting aspect ratio (DOSBox)
- Running the game on contemporary 16:9 or 16:10 monitors can result in a distorted picture. This can be fixed by altering a DOSBox configuration file.
Black scrollbar padding (Windows 10)
- On Windows 10 the right-hand scrollbar may have a margin of black pixels at some resolutions.
Other information
API
Technical specs |
Supported |
Notes |
DOS video modes |
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|
Executable | PPC | 16-bit |
32-bit |
64-bit |
Notes |
Windows | | |
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macOS (OS X) | | |
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Mac OS (Classic) | | | |
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System requirements
DOS | Windows | Mac OS (Classic) | macOS (OS X) |
Windows |
|
Minimum |
Operating system (OS) |
95 |
Processor (CPU) |
Intel 486 DX2/66MHz |
System memory (RAM) |
8 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
20 MB |
Video card (GPU) |
SVGA video card 512 KB of VRAM |
Mac OS |
|
Minimum |
Operating system (OS) |
7.0 or higher |
Processor (CPU) |
68030 processor or higher |
System memory (RAM) |
8 MB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) |
20 MB |
References