Cities: Skylines Map Transfer Calculator
Calculate the time, storage requirements, and potential issues when copying your Cities: Skylines map to a new computer. Get optimized transfer recommendations based on your save file size and hardware specifications.
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Complete Guide: Transferring Cities: Skylines Maps to a New Computer
Moving your carefully crafted Cities: Skylines maps to a new computer can be a daunting task, especially when dealing with large save files, numerous mods, and custom assets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from locating your save files to troubleshooting common transfer issues.
Understanding Cities: Skylines File Structure
The first step in successfully transferring your Cities: Skylines maps is understanding where and how the game stores its data. The game uses several key directories:
- Save Files: Located in %AppData%\Local\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Saves
- Mods: Stored in %AppData%\Local\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Addons\Mods
- Custom Assets: Found in %AppData%\Local\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Addons\Assets
- Screenshots: Saved in %AppData%\Local\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines\Screenshots
On Windows, you can quickly access the AppData folder by pressing Win+R and typing %AppData%, then navigating to the Local\Colossal Order\Cities_Skylines directory.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
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Locate Your Save Files
Navigate to the saves directory mentioned above. You’ll find your save files with .crp extensions. The files are named after your cities, making them easy to identify.
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Identify Required Mods and Assets
Before transferring, make a list of all mods and assets used in your save. You can find this information in the game’s content manager. Consider using the “Save Game Analyzer” mod to get a complete list of dependencies.
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Choose Your Transfer Method
Select the most appropriate transfer method based on your file sizes and available equipment. Our calculator above can help determine the best option for your specific situation.
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Transfer the Files
Copy all necessary files to your new computer using your chosen method. Ensure you maintain the same directory structure on the destination computer.
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Verify File Integrity
After transfer, verify that all files are intact and haven’t been corrupted during the process. You can use checksum tools or simply try loading the save in the game.
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Reinstall Mods and Assets
While you can transfer mod files directly, it’s often better to redownload them through the Steam Workshop to ensure you get the latest versions and proper subscriptions.
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Test Your Save
Load your city in the game and check for any missing assets or errors. The game will typically notify you of any missing dependencies.
Transfer Method Comparison
| Method | Speed | Max Capacity | Reliability | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USB 3.0 Flash Drive | 10-40 MB/s | Up to 2TB | High | $10-$50 | Small to medium transfers (under 100GB) |
| External SSD | 200-500 MB/s | Up to 8TB | Very High | $50-$300 | Large transfers, frequent backups |
| Cloud Storage | Varies (1-50 MB/s) | Up to 15TB+ | Medium | $0-$10/month | Remote transfers, small files |
| Local Network | 10-100 MB/s | Unlimited | High | $0 | Multiple computer transfers |
Common Issues and Solutions
Even with careful planning, you might encounter issues when transferring Cities: Skylines saves. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Assets Error | Not all custom assets were transferred or subscribed | Use the “Find It!” mod to identify missing assets and resubscribe in Steam Workshop |
| Corrupted Save File | Transfer interruption or file corruption | Restore from backup or use the “Save Game Repair” mod |
| Performance Issues | Different hardware specifications | Adjust graphics settings and consider using performance mods like “Loading Screen Mod” |
| Mod Conflicts | Different mod versions between computers | Update all mods to latest versions and check for conflicts |
| Save Won’t Load | Incompatible game version or missing dependencies | Ensure both computers have the same game version and all required DLCs |
Optimizing Your Transfer
To ensure the smoothest possible transfer of your Cities: Skylines maps, consider these optimization tips:
- Compress Large Files: Use tools like 7-Zip to compress your save files and mod collections before transfer, especially if using cloud storage or email.
- Prioritize Critical Files: Transfer your most important city saves first, then move less critical files like screenshots.
- Use Transfer Accelerators: For network transfers, consider using tools like TeraCopy which can speed up file transfers and verify integrity.
- Schedule Large Transfers: If using cloud storage or network transfers, schedule them during off-peak hours for better speeds.
- Verify Game Versions: Ensure both computers are running the same version of Cities: Skylines and have the same DLCs installed.
- Test with Small Files First: Before transferring your entire collection, test with a small save file to verify the process works.
Advanced Techniques for Power Users
For those with technical expertise, these advanced techniques can make the transfer process more efficient:
- Symbolic Links: Create symbolic links to redirect the game to your transferred files instead of moving them to the default location.
- Batch Scripting: Write batch scripts to automate the transfer and verification process for multiple save files.
- Version Control: Use Git or other version control systems to track changes to your save files over time.
- Differential Backups: Implement a differential backup system to only transfer changed files between computers.
- Network Attached Storage: Set up a NAS device to serve as a central repository for all your Cities: Skylines files across multiple computers.
Maintaining Your Transferred Saves
Once you’ve successfully transferred your Cities: Skylines maps to your new computer, proper maintenance will ensure they continue to work smoothly:
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Regular Backups
Implement a regular backup schedule for your save files. Consider using cloud storage for automatic backups.
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Mod Management
Keep your mods updated and regularly check for conflicts, especially after game updates.
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Performance Monitoring
Use in-game tools and mods to monitor performance and identify potential issues early.
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Save File Cleanup
Periodically clean up old or unused save files to keep your game running smoothly.
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Cross-Computer Sync
If you use multiple computers, implement a synchronization system to keep saves updated across all devices.
Troubleshooting Guide
If you encounter issues after transferring your saves, follow this troubleshooting flowchart:
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Issue: Game crashes when loading save
- Verify all required DLCs are installed
- Check for missing mods using the content manager
- Try loading with all mods disabled
- Use the “Save Game Repair” mod if available
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Issue: Missing assets in game
- Use the “Find It!” mod to identify missing assets
- Resubscribe to missing assets in the Steam Workshop
- Check the “Not Enough Assets” section in content manager
- Manually transfer missing asset files if available
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Issue: Performance degradation
- Compare hardware specifications between old and new computer
- Adjust graphics settings to match new hardware capabilities
- Use performance mods like “Loading Screen Mod” or “Better Camera”
- Consider reducing the number of active mods
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Issue: Save file won’t appear in load menu
- Verify the file is in the correct Saves directory
- Check the file extension is .crp
- Ensure the file isn’t corrupted (try opening with a text editor)
- Create a new save and compare file structures
Alternative Transfer Methods
If standard transfer methods aren’t working for your situation, consider these alternative approaches:
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Steam Cloud Sync
While Cities: Skylines doesn’t officially support Steam Cloud for saves, you can manually enable it by moving your save files to the Steam cloud directory. Note that this has size limitations.
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Email Transfer
For very small save files, you can email them to yourself. Most email providers have attachment size limits (typically 25MB), so this only works for minimal saves.
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FTP Server
Set up a temporary FTP server on your old computer to transfer files over the internet. This is useful for remote transfers but requires technical knowledge.
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Physical Hard Drive Swap
If both computers support it, you can physically move the hard drive containing your saves to the new computer. This is the fastest method but requires compatible hardware.
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Peer-to-Peer Transfer
Use P2P file transfer tools like Resilio Sync to directly transfer files between computers without intermediate storage.
Future-Proofing Your Saves
To ensure your Cities: Skylines maps remain accessible and playable in the future, consider these long-term strategies:
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Documentation
Keep a document listing all mods and assets used in each save, including version numbers. This makes reconstruction easier if needed.
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Version Archiving
Save copies of your city at different stages of development. This creates restore points if future updates cause compatibility issues.
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Mod Independence
Where possible, use vanilla game features instead of mods for critical infrastructure to reduce dependency risks.
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Multiple Backups
Maintain backups in different locations (cloud, external drive, another computer) to protect against data loss.
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Update Testing
Before applying game updates, test with a backup save to ensure compatibility with your mods and assets.
Final Thoughts
Transferring Cities: Skylines maps to a new computer doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. By understanding the game’s file structure, choosing the right transfer method for your situation, and following the step-by-step process outlined in this guide, you can ensure your carefully crafted cities make the journey safely to your new machine.
Remember that the key to a successful transfer lies in preparation. Take the time to organize your files, document your mods and assets, and choose the transfer method that best suits your technical capabilities and the size of your save files. Our interactive calculator at the top of this page can help you determine the most efficient approach for your specific situation.
Once your saves are successfully transferred, implement a regular backup and maintenance routine to protect your cities from future data loss. The time you invest in properly managing your Cities: Skylines files will pay off in hours of uninterrupted gameplay and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your creations are safe.
Whether you’re upgrading to a more powerful gaming rig or simply moving to a new computer, this guide provides all the information you need to ensure your Cities: Skylines maps make the transition smoothly. Happy building, and may your new computer bring your cities to life with even greater detail and performance!