GridCity io is a browser city-building simulation where you plan roads and districts, supply power and water, then deal with traffic, services and the city budget.

How to Play

Start with a power plant, lay a road and place Residential, Commercial and Industrial zones beside it. Buildings need road access and power; nearby powered buildings can pass electricity along, while power lines cover longer gaps. Watch the RCI bars before expanding, because they show which type of zone is actually in demand.

GridCity io gets more interesting once water and services enter the plan. Pumps work best near rivers or lakes and need power, while water towers work anywhere without it. Zones cannot grow past level 2 without water. Keep industry and busy roads away from homes when possible, check data maps for trouble spots, and don't rush every service at once: roads, police, schools and other facilities all cost money each month.

Tips

• Bridge roads over water cost 5x more
• Use power lines when buildings are too far apart to share power
• Train stations near zones can reduce commuter traffic
• High taxes reduce happiness and city growth

Controls

• 1–0 to select tools
• Space to pause or resume
• WASD or Arrow keys to pan
• Mouse wheel or + / - to zoom
• Right-click drag to pan
• Right-click to inspect a tile
• M to cycle data maps
• V to switch 3D and 2D view
• Ctrl+Z to undo
• Esc to close the current tool