Game Help:Sims 2 Custom Content in Sims 3

Sims 2 Custom Content in Sims 3

Question

Can custom content made for The Sims 2 be used in The Sims 3?

Answer

No. At least, not directly. You cannot use the custom content files from The Sims 2 in The Sims 3.

Package Files

While both Sims 2 and Sims 3 use the .package format, the contents of the files are different, and Sims 3 won't read Sims 2 files correctly. They won't work, and worse, the files may actually cause issues with The Sims 3. Sims 2 package files mixed in with ones for Sims 3 can really slow down your Sims 3 game - to the point that loading might take ages or things might never load at all. For more information on this issue, please see: Package File Lag.

Sims2pack Files

Sims, lots, pets, etc. cannot be used in The Sims 3. There is no known way to convert those types of content, either.

Conversions

It is possible to convert some custom content (or game files) from The Sims 2 to The Sims 3, but it's not an automated process and it takes quite a bit of specialized knowledge. If you want to convert an object, you need to already know how to make objects.

Each item has to be done carefully by a real person, by hand. Converting a single item, even something simple like a chair, can take hours. More complicated items such as hair could take days. Some things like clothing may not be able to be converted directly. Due to the differences in the way Sims 2 and Sims 3 files work, it is not possible for an automated conversion program to be made.

Related Pages

• Package File Lag