This game already shows its age in the graphics side, but the biggest issue is the game UI, which can't be upscaled.

The best graphical configuration I've reached for a 1080p monitor was a combination of launching parameters and SweetFX 2.0
Try this, and you might get surprised with the result.



If you would like to try, this is my guide for it:

- Right click the game shortcut on Steam and choose "Properties..."
- You will see a field called "Launch Options"
- Copy and paste the line below in this field:
CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -f -d:opengl -intro:off -CPUCount:1 -CPUPriority:high
- Close the window

Special note: Don't worry about the 1600x900 resolution, the game will look nice with SweetFX, and this will help to put the UI scale at a good size.

- I've put together a pack with all files you need. There will be no overwriting of your game files, and you can removed it any time you want by just deleting these files.
- Download the .zip file from the link below:
https://mega.nz/file/s4cizA5T#xjHtxjvEfP9OpRskXiDsR6jN6ekQ-GFBwnFv6RbZdjY
(Note: On Windows 11 the package could give false positive on virus scan, but it's due to the DLL's)

- Unpack the content somewhere in your computer
- Copy and paste the files to your game folder at "...\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps"

- Start the game and go to graphical settings to put all quality options at max.
- Do not touch the resolution field.

Special note: I do recommend setting population/car density to medium in game options, so the city doesn't look so overcrowded. It's just a personal preference.

- If you want to edit SweetFX parameters, the SweetFX_Settings.txt file is inside the "...\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SweetFX" folder.
- Open it with Notepad and change the parameters to your liking.
- This can be done with the game running, by Alt+Tab, so you can quickly check the difference.
- While in game, post processing can be turned on/off by pressing the keyboard "Scroll Lock" key.