Cities: Skylines: After Dark

The After Dark DLC for Cities: Skylines was developed by Colossal Order and published by Paradox Interactive. It was released on September 24, 2015, as the game’s first major expansion. The DLC introduced a number of new features that expanded city life beyond the typical daytime cycle, focusing on nightlife, leisure, and tourism. It aimed to make cities feel more dynamic and realistic by adding time-based changes that affected both aesthetics and gameplay.

After Dark introduced a full day-and-night cycle, where citizens’ behavior and city functions changed depending on the time of day. Players had to adapt their management strategies to deal with nighttime challenges such as increased crime and fluctuating traffic levels. The DLC also brought in new district specializations, allowing players to create leisure areas with nightclubs and beachside attractions, as well as tourism districts featuring hotels, casinos, and other entertainment venues. Additional features included new transportation options like taxis, bus lanes, and bike paths, enhancing the city’s mobility systems.

Promotion for After Dark was carried out through Paradox Interactive’s standard channels, including social media, development diaries, and community forums. The DLC was also showcased at major gaming events, where developers highlighted the addition of the day-and-night cycle and the focus on nightlife and tourism. Promotional material emphasized how these new systems would add personality to each city, turning them into living environments that evolved with time. Screenshots and videos showcasing the glow of streetlights and bustling nightlife were used to capture attention ahead of release.

Reception to After Dark was largely positive among both players and critics. The introduction of the day-and-night cycle was widely praised for transforming the atmosphere of cities and giving them a more authentic feel. The new specializations and transport systems were also appreciated for adding variety to city design and management. Some players felt the gameplay depth of the tourism and leisure districts could have been greater, but most agreed that After Dark set a strong precedent for future expansions. Overall, it was seen as an essential and well-executed addition that deepened the Cities: Skylines experience.