The Sims 2 remains a popular entry in The Sims franchise, despite the fact two newer games followed it since its release. Despite the rich content and many data discs that this title offers its players, many people still like to add custom content (often abbreviated as CC) into the game. Since there are no limits on how much CC players can install, this content allows players to enrich their gaming experience and overcome some limits the game might have.
Finding and installing the best CC might seem like a difficult task to new players. Fortunately, The Sims 2 has a fairly straightforward way to achieve this. Here's how players can customize their Sims 2 experience.
Download Custom Content
The first step is to find the custom content the player wants to install. The easiest way to do this is to visit websites dedicated to The Sims' custom content, also called mods. There are several well-established websites online, such as the popular Mod the Sims. Here, players can download as much content as they like.
Some popular custom content includes buildings, premade Sims, objects and household equipment, and much more. However, players should be warned that not every mod will work. For example, some CC will work only if the player has a certain The Sims 2 data disc. Other times, certain CC must be installed alongside several other mods, as they are connected to each other. To make sure players have everything they need for the mod to work, just check the mod's requirements.
Once the player downloads the mods they want, they will usually be saved in the Downloads file on their computer. From there on, it takes a matter of seconds to open the ZIP file and extract its content.
Create A Folder For Your CC
The next step is to copy the relevant files into the game's files. Specifically, players should create a file called Downloads in the file within the game. The Sims 2 can be found in a file called EA Games, and from there, it's easy to click and create the Downloads file.
Once the player has created the Downloads file, copy the downloaded CC files into the Downloads file. The path to the right file usually goes like this: Documents > EA Games > The Sims 2 > Downloads.
Install Special Packs
While some CC content works after copying it to the Download file, sometimes another has to be installed. This usually happens with CC with the file extension .sims2pack.
Double click on the file to open the installation window. A Package Installer will open, and gamers will see the name and a brief description of everything they're about to install. The next step is easy: just click Install.
Enable CC
Even after the steps above, CC might not show up in the game if the player forgets to do one simple step. After adding CC and starting the game, a message will pop up saying that the player has added content into the game and that custom objects are currently enabled. Choose the option "enable custom content" and click OK to confirm.
Next, restart The Sims 2. After that, the custom content should finally appear in the game and be usable. Check if the CC is indeed available and make sure there's not something missing. Some mods might be broken, or may not work without certain data discs the player might not have. Many CC creators also update their work regularly, so it may be necessary to download a new version of the mod if an older one no longer works.
Try More Complex CC First
When checking to make sure all CC works, test the more challenging mods right away. Any CC that rewrites what the game can originally do, instead of just adding extra content (such as buildings, clothes, hairstyles, etc.), can potentially break the game; for example, a mod that allows teen pregnancy.
The more complicated custom content can sometimes cause the game to crash without a save. Thus, it's better to test it right away.
Additional Tips
Before players open The Sims 2 and start using all the additional CC, there are a few extra details worth knowing. It might seem obvious, but CC for any other Sims game won't work in The Sims 2, and vice versa. It's also a good idea to back up the game before installing any new mods. The players should also never delete CC that they're currently using.
Finally, just to make sure it's safe, it's good to run any CC through an antivirus program to make sure it won't damage the computer. Be safe, and enjoy the world of Sims custom content!