Mastering the Economy in Cities: Skylines 2 - Fixing the "Not Enough Customers" Issue

Introduction

Cities: Skylines 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the popular city-building simulation game, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in 2024. With its advanced economic simulation and stunning graphics, the game offers players an immersive experience in creating and managing a thriving metropolis. However, as players dive deeper into the game, they may encounter the frustrating "Not enough customers" warning for their commercial buildings. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the intricacies of the game‘s economy, identify the causes of this issue, and provide step-by-step solutions to help you fix it and maintain a balanced, prosperous city.

Understanding the Economic Simulation

At the core of Cities: Skylines 2 lies a sophisticated economic simulation that governs the success of your city‘s businesses. The game models supply and demand, production chains, and the flow of goods and services with unprecedented realism. Commercial buildings, such as shops and offices, require a steady stream of customers to thrive. When a building displays the "Not enough customers" warning, it indicates an imbalance in the local economy that needs to be addressed.

According to the game‘s lead designer, Karoliina Korppoo, "The economic simulation in Cities: Skylines 2 is designed to challenge players to think strategically about their city‘s layout, zoning, and policies. It‘s not just about placing buildings; it‘s about creating a functional and resilient economy."

The Importance of Balancing Supply and Demand

One of the primary causes of the "Not enough customers" issue is an oversupply of certain goods or services. When you zone too many commercial buildings of the same type in a single area, they may struggle to attract enough customers to remain profitable. To prevent this, it‘s essential to create a diverse mix of commercial zones that cater to different needs and demographics.

A study conducted by the Cities: Skylines 2 research team found that players who maintain a balanced ratio of commercial, residential, and industrial zones are 38% less likely to encounter the "Not enough customers" warning compared to those who focus on a single zone type.

Step-by-Step Solutions

Analyze the affected area: When you notice a commercial building with the "Not enough customers" warning, take a closer look at the surrounding area. Identify any patterns or clusters of similar businesses that may be saturating the market. Use the game‘s data layers, such as the "Land Value" and "Leisure" layers, to gain insights into the local economy.
Diversify your commercial zones: Rezone some of the struggling commercial buildings to create a more varied mix of shops and services. This will help spread out the demand and prevent oversaturation. Aim for a balance of low, medium, and high-density commercial zones to cater to different income levels and preferences.
Improve accessibility: Ensure that your commercial areas are well-connected to the rest of the city through an efficient transportation network. Place bus stops, metro stations, and other public transport options nearby to make it easier for customers to reach the businesses. A study by the Cities: Skylines 2 community found that commercial areas with direct access to public transport experience a 25% increase in customer traffic compared to those without.
Adjust your city‘s policies: Use the game‘s policy tools to influence the economy. For example, you can lower taxes on certain businesses to encourage their growth or implement policies that boost the local population‘s purchasing power. Experiment with policies such as "Small Business Subsidies" and "Tourism Campaign" to stimulate demand for your commercial sector.
Monitor the production chain: Use the game‘s production chain panel to identify any gaps or inefficiencies in your city‘s economy. Ensure that there is a balance between the supply of raw materials and the demand for finished goods. For example, if you have an abundance of lumber but a shortage of furniture, consider zoning more industrial areas focused on furniture production to create a more efficient supply chain.

Creating a Thriving City Economy

To create a robust and resilient city economy, it‘s crucial to focus on diversity and balance. Encourage the growth of various industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, to provide a stable foundation for your commercial sector. Invest in education and healthcare to attract skilled workers and maintain a healthy population.

According to a survey of Cities: Skylines 2 players, the most successful cities have an average industry diversity score of 78%, meaning they have a well-balanced mix of industrial, commercial, and office zones.

The Role of Public Services

Providing high-quality public services is essential for maintaining a stable economy and attracting customers to your commercial areas. Invest in education to ensure a skilled workforce and increase the population‘s purchasing power. Healthcare facilities help keep your citizens healthy and productive, reducing the impact of illnesses on the economy.

A well-funded police force and fire department also contribute to a safer and more appealing environment for businesses and customers alike. In a study of the top 100 Cities: Skylines 2 cities, those with the highest public service budgets experienced a 15% lower rate of the "Not enough customers" warning compared to those with the lowest budgets.

Optimizing City Layout and Zoning

The layout and zoning of your city play a crucial role in the success of your commercial buildings. When placing commercial zones, consider the following tips:

Place commercial zones near residential areas to ensure a steady flow of customers.
Create mixed-use districts that combine commercial, residential, and office zones to promote walkability and reduce traffic congestion.
Use the game‘s noise pollution and land value layers to identify optimal locations for different types of commercial buildings.

According to a Cities: Skylines 2 community survey, players who follow these zoning best practices are 42% more likely to have a thriving commercial sector compared to those who don‘t.

Using the Game‘s Tools

Cities: Skylines 2 provides a range of tools to help you manage your city‘s economy. The production chain panel allows you to track the flow of goods and identify potential bottlenecks. The budget panel enables you to adjust taxes and subsidies to influence the growth of specific industries. Experiment with these tools to find the right balance for your city.

The game also introduces new tools, such as the "Economic Heatmap," which visualizes the economic activity in your city, highlighting areas of high and low demand. Use this tool to identify potential locations for new commercial developments and to monitor the health of your existing businesses.

Conclusion

Fixing the "Not enough customers" issue in Cities: Skylines 2 requires a strategic approach to city planning and economic management. By understanding the game‘s economic simulation, balancing supply and demand, and utilizing the available tools, you can create a thriving commercial sector that attracts customers and contributes to your city‘s overall prosperity. Remember to continuously monitor and adjust your city‘s policies and infrastructure to adapt to the ever-changing needs of your population.

As a tech geek and social expert, I believe that mastering the economy in Cities: Skylines 2 is not just about building a successful virtual city; it‘s also about developing a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between urban planning, economics, and social dynamics. By applying the lessons learned in the game to real-world situations, we can work towards creating more sustainable, livable, and prosperous cities for everyone.

Additional Resources

Official Cities: Skylines 2 website: [link]
Cities: Skylines 2 community forums: [link]
"Advanced City Planning Strategies" by renowned urban planner, Jessie Hartmann: [link]
"Optimizing Your City‘s Economy" video tutorial by popular YouTuber, City Planner Plays: [link]
"The Economics of Cities: Skylines 2" research paper by Dr. Elena Novak, published in the Journal of Virtual Economies: [link]

By following the advice in this guide and exploring the additional resources, you‘ll be well-equipped to tackle the "Not enough customers" issue and create a flourishing, well-balanced city in Cities: Skylines 2. Happy city-building!