Traditional Method (Windows)

Step 1: Uninstall the Paradox Launcher.

Step 2: Create a batch file

C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Cities_Skylines

Step 3: Edit the batch file

Cities.exe %command%

start Cities.exe %command%

Step 4: Integrate the batch file with Steam

Cities.bat %command%

Step 5: Delete the launcher installer (optional)

Alternative fixes you may want to try (Windows)

Directly set the Steam launch options for Cities: Skylines to " Cities.exe %command% ".



". Create a shortcut to your desktop for Cities: Skylines, and then add to the "target" the following: "Cities.exe %command%".

The most reliable for bypassing the Paradox Launcher involves creating a batch file, and modifying your Steam launch options. This method, unlike the "fast method" that will be described below.This should be pretty simple - go to the Control Panel and uninstall the Paradox Launcher, if it is already installed.Go to the directory where Cities Skylines is installed: by default, this isOpen Windows Explorer / File Explorer, and navigate to the install directory (copy-paste the link above if you installed it in the default directory). Turn on file extensions (View tab on Windows 10, Tools on Windows 7). Create a text file. Rename the text file "Cities.bat", making sure the file extension is changed.This is how the file should look like., by right clicking it and clicking on "Edit". Within it, paste the following text:. Save the file.Note: Typical launch options / modifiers (e.g. --noWorkshop) work, but need to be placed between "Cities.exe" and "%command%" in the Cities.bat file, and not in the launch options (as detailed below in Step 4), or else they will not work.Addendum: If you want to hide the command prompt window associated with launching the game via the method described in this guide, replace the code in the batch file with the following:By this point, if you double-click on the batch file, you should be able to launch the game WITHOUT the Paradox Launcher -- however, this isn't guaranteed. If the Paradox Launcher tries to install itself, just uninstall it again, and continue with Step 4. If it works, congrats - however, if you want to launch the game from Steam, you'll have to continue with Step 4.Right click on Cities Skylines in your list of games, and click on Properties. Click on. Afterwards, type the following into your Launch Options:You may follow the picture below for reference. Do not forget to save!You should now be able to play Cities Skylines, right from Steam, as if the update never happened.Note: If you see a command prompt window open while the game is open, this is normal. This is because of the batch file used to launch the game.Note:Screenshots will still work; however, they will be stored at "". Use F12 to take a screenshot.The file name of the launcher installer is. It is in the same directory as the batch file you created (where Cities.exe is). It is safe to delete this file after performing this procedure, but only if you've managed to start up Cities: Skylines successfully without the launcher trying to install itself - it's a good way to saveon your hard drive.Works on 1.13.x.There are several other methods which have been partially proven to work. If the method detailed above does not work, feel free to try to methods as detailed below:This is actually the first method I devised in order to get rid of the Paradox Launcher. When there's a will, there's a way!