Cities: Skylines 2 Dev Issues Update on Malware Incident

Cities: Skylines 2 Dev Issues Update on Malware Incident

Key Takeaways

  • Malicious malware targeted the Traffic mod in Cities: Skylines 2, specifically attacking Exodus crypto wallets.
  • A final update from Paradox Interactive was recently issued, emphasizing security risks in mods due to evolving malware.
  • Paradox recommends manual deletion of the secondary DLL file for users with an Exodus crypto wallet and plans to enhance mod security measures.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt and countless hours spent in the digital metropolises of Cities: Skylines, I must say that the recent malware incident targeting the game’s Traffic mod has left me both concerned and amused. The fact that this beloved city-building game has become a battleground for cybercriminals is troubling, but the audacity of the malware to specifically target Exodus crypto wallets is just hilariously on-brand for 2023.


The widely-loved city-building game, Cities: Skylines 2, has recently fallen victim to harmful malware, which has affected the Traffic mod component. Publisher Paradox Interactive has issued a final statement on this pressing matter. Modifications remain integral to the experience of Cities: Skylines 2, yet they are susceptible to malicious software. The game’s creators are determined to ensure a secure gaming environment, even as malware continues to rapidly evolve.

In 2023, the follow-up to the 2015 game named the same was released, broadening many of the original’s simulation aspects with advanced traffic AI and control mechanisms. The plan was for a console launch on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S in October 2024, but this release has been pushed back due to delays in porting. Building up the population is crucial in Cities: Skylines 2, however, its overall feel can be significantly impacted when harmful malware comes into play.

On the Paradox Forum, the publisher recently shared a “Final Determination” update about a malware incident related to their game Cities: Skylines 2. This update included an analysis of the event, security recommendations, and details about additional measures taken to ensure the safety of mods. The initial report of malicious activity in Cities: Skylines 2 surfaced at the beginning of November. It was discovered that a harmful file had been sneakily added to the game’s Traffic mod during an update, affecting players who downloaded it between October 28 and 31.

Cities: Skylines 2 Update Provides Final Determination on Traffic Mod Malware

Further reports confirmed the malware in Cities: Skylines 2 was targeting crypto wallets, and Paradox clarified the malicious DLL file searched for Exodus crypto wallets once it had been loaded by the game executable. For users who have an Exodus crypto wallet on their computer, Paradox recommended manually deleting the secondary DLL file and provided the correct path to seek out. Moving forward, Paradox confirmed there will always be security risks attached to mods, and the devs’ scanning tools cannot offer complete protection due to the rapid evolution of malware. However, the publisher confirmed devs were deliberating further security measures around mod publishing to “strike the right balance between security and usability.”

Colossal Order, the developer behind Cities: Skylines 2, recently provided an update regarding its console editions and add-ons. They mentioned that two creator packs will now be released in Q4 of 2024 instead of their original schedule. Furthermore, the Bridges & Ports expansion has been pushed back to Q2 of 2025. The team is still actively working on improving the game’s console versions without setting a new launch date just yet.

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2024-11-08 14:06