Are you a fan of city-building simulation games on consoles? If so, you’re probably excited to dive into Cities: Skylines on your PS4. But before you start constructing your dream metropolis, you might be wondering: does Cities: Skylines on PS4 support keyboard and mouse? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of city-building on consoles and explore the possibilities of using a keyboard and mouse on your PS4.
The Simulation Revolution on Consoles
Cities: Skylines, developed by Colossal Order, is a highly acclaimed city-building simulation game that has won the hearts of millions of players worldwide. Initially released on PC in 2015, the game has since made its way to consoles, including the PS4. The game’s success on consoles can be attributed to its engaging gameplay, stunning graphics, and intuitive controls. However, one question still lingers in the minds of many players: can I play Cities: Skylines on my PS4 with a keyboard and mouse?
The PC Gaming Advantage
For PC gamers, using a keyboard and mouse is the norm. These peripherals offer a level of precision and control that is unmatched by console controllers. In city-building simulation games like Cities: Skylines, the ability to zoom in and out, rotate the camera, and place buildings with precision is crucial. On PC, keyboard shortcuts and mouse movements make it easy to navigate the game’s various menus and building options. But what about on PS4?
The PS4 Controller Conundrum
The PS4 controller is an excellent gaming peripheral, but it’s designed primarily for action-adventure and first-person shooter games. When it comes to city-building simulation games, the controller’s layout and functionality can feel limiting. The dual analog sticks are great for camera control, but they can be imprecise when trying to place buildings or navigate menus. The face buttons are also not as intuitive as keyboard shortcuts, which can lead to frustrating moments in the game.
Keyboard and Mouse Support on PS4: A Mixed Bag
So, does Cities: Skylines on PS4 support keyboard and mouse? The answer is a resounding yes… and no. Confused? Let’s break it down.
In 2017, the game’s developer, Colossal Order, released a patch that added partial support for keyboard and mouse on the PS4 version of Cities: Skylines. This update allowed players to use their keyboard and mouse to navigate the game’s menus, including the map editor and building options. However, this support is limited, and there are some caveats to consider.
Keyboard Shortcuts and Camera Control
Using a keyboard and mouse on PS4, you can take advantage of keyboard shortcuts to perform various actions, such as:
* Zooming in and out using the mouse wheel
* Rotating the camera using the keyboard’s arrow keys
* Placing buildings and roads using the mouse
However, camera control is still tied to the PS4 controller’s analog sticks, which can feel restrictive compared to the precise control offered by a mouse.
Mouse Accuracy and Building Placement
One of the biggest limitations of using a keyboard and mouse on PS4 is the lack of precision when placing buildings and roads. While you can use the mouse to place objects, the game’s snap-to-grid system can be finicky, leading to frustration when trying to place buildings in precise locations.
Workarounds and Alternatives
If you’re determined to play Cities: Skylines on your PS4 with a keyboard and mouse, there are some workarounds and alternatives to consider:
PS4 Remote Play and Keyboard and Mouse Emulation
One workaround is to use PS4 Remote Play on your PC or Mac, which allows you to stream your PS4 games to your computer. From there, you can use a keyboard and mouse to play Cities: Skylines as if you were playing on PC. However, this method requires a stable internet connection and can be affected by latency issues.
Other City-Building Games on PS4
If you’re looking for a city-building simulation game on PS4 that offers better keyboard and mouse support, you might consider alternatives like SimCity BuildIt or Anno 1800. While these games may not offer the same level of complexity as Cities: Skylines, they do provide a more intuitive keyboard and mouse experience.
Conclusion: Building Cities on PS4 with Keyboard and Mouse
In conclusion, while Cities: Skylines on PS4 does offer partial support for keyboard and mouse, the experience is limited compared to playing on PC. If you’re used to playing city-building simulation games with a keyboard and mouse, you might find the PS4 controller’s limitations frustrating. However, with some workarounds and alternatives, you can still enjoy the game on your PS4.
| Feature | PS4 Controller | Keyboard and Mouse on PS4 | PC (Ideal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camera Control | Analog sticks | Keyboard shortcuts (partial) | Precise mouse control |
| Building Placement | analog sticks and face buttons | Mouse (with snap-to-grid system) | Precise mouse control |
| Menu Navigation | Face buttons and analog sticks | Keyboard shortcuts | Keyboard shortcuts and mouse navigation |
As the city-building simulation genre continues to evolve on consoles, we can only hope that future games will offer more comprehensive keyboard and mouse support. Until then, players will have to find workarounds or adapt to the PS4 controller’s limitations.
Does Cities: Skylines on PS4 support keyboard and mouse?
Cities: Skylines on PS4 does not officially support keyboard and mouse controls. The game is designed to be played with the DualShock 4 controller, and most of the game’s mechanics are centered around this input method. While it may be technically possible to use a keyboard and mouse with the game, there is no official support for this option.
It’s worth noting that some players have reported being able to use keyboard and mouse with Cities: Skylines on PS4 through the use of third-party adapters or workarounds. However, these methods are not officially sanctioned by the game’s developers and may not work properly or consistently. For the best experience, it’s recommended to play the game with the DualShock 4 controller as intended.
Can I play Cities: Skylines on PS4 with a keyboard only?
It is not possible to play Cities: Skylines on PS4 with a keyboard only. The game requires the use of the DualShock 4 controller to navigate the game’s menus and interact with the game world. While some games may allow keyboard-only input, Cities: Skylines is not one of them.
The game’s developers have stated that the game is designed to be played with the DualShock 4 controller, and the game’s controls are optimized for this input method. Attempting to play the game with a keyboard only would require significant modifications to the game’s controls and mechanics, which is not a supported or recommended configuration.
Is Cities: Skylines more difficult to play on PS4 than on PC?
Cities: Skylines is generally considered to be more challenging to play on PS4 than on PC, due to the limitations of the DualShock 4 controller compared to a keyboard and mouse. The game’s complex menus and precise control requirements can be more difficult to navigate with a controller, especially for players who are accustomed to playing the game on PC.
However, it’s worth noting that many players have reported being able to adapt to the PS4 controls with practice and patience. The game’s developers have also implemented various control schemes and options to help make the game more accessible on console. With time and effort, it’s possible to become proficient at playing Cities: Skylines on PS4, even if it may take some getting used to.
Can I use a PS4 controller on PC to play Cities: Skylines?
Yes, it is possible to use a PS4 controller to play Cities: Skylines on PC. The game supports a variety of controller options, including the PS4 controller, through the use of third-party software or drivers. This can be a convenient option for players who are more comfortable with the PS4 controller and want to play the game on PC.
However, it’s worth noting that the game’s default controls are optimized for keyboard and mouse input, so players may need to adjust the control settings to accommodate the PS4 controller. Additionally, some features or mechanics may not be fully supported with controller input, so players may need to adapt to any limitations or differences in gameplay.
Is Cities: Skylines on PS4 the same as on PC?
Cities: Skylines on PS4 is largely the same game as on PC, with the same core gameplay mechanics and features. The game’s developers have worked to ensure that the PS4 version is a faithful port of the PC original, with all of the same gameplay options and features available.
However, there are some minor differences between the two versions. For example, the PS4 version may have slightly reduced graphics quality or performance compared to the PC version, depending on the player’s hardware. Additionally, some features or mods may not be available on the PS4 version due to technical or licensing restrictions.
Can I transfer my Cities: Skylines saves between PS4 and PC?
No, it is not possible to transfer saves between the PS4 and PC versions of Cities: Skylines. The game’s save files are platform-specific and are not compatible between the two platforms. This means that players who start a game on PS4 will not be able to transfer their progress to the PC version, and vice versa.
While this may be inconvenient for some players, it’s worth noting that the game’s developers have implemented cloud saving on PS4, which allows players to access their saves from any PS4 console. This can be a convenient option for players who want to play the game on multiple consoles or switch between different PS4 systems.
Will Cities: Skylines get keyboard and mouse support on PS4 in the future?
There has been no official announcement from the game’s developers regarding plans to add keyboard and mouse support to the PS4 version of Cities: Skylines. While some players have requested this feature, it’s unclear whether it will be implemented in the future.
That being said, the game’s developers have been actively supporting and updating the game on PS4, so it’s possible that new features or control options could be added in the future. Players who are interested in seeing keyboard and mouse support added to the game can continue to provide feedback and suggestions to the developers, who may take these requests into consideration when planning future updates.