Sandbox:Star Practice Page
Downloading for Fracking Idiots
Installing Sims 2 Custom Content:
How do you install custom content for the Sims 2? This guide will show you how to do it, step-by-step.
But there's so much to it!
Yes, content for the Sims 2 is fairly complicated... but if you follow this guide and read everything carefully, you should be using your new content in no time!
But I actually know what I'm doing...
Do you? Do you really? If you are good with computers, there is a short version of this FAQ. No nonsense, no coddling, just the facts. Read it here: Downloading for Fracking Geniuses.
"Downloading for Fracking Idiots"?
Yeah, I know the name's a bit strange. We had Downloading for Dummies and it just wasn't simple enough, so... this is the rewritten version. Why fracking? Because the new Battlestar Galactica rules of course!
Anyway, the title's not meant to be offensive, just a bit silly. ;)
Just how stupid do you think I am?
Very! This guide assumes you know how to click a mouse and install programs (you installed the game, right?). However, it will explain everything else in the simplest language possible. If you are confused about something, reread this guide several times. It really can't be explained any simpler than this!
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READ about the content!
You need to read!
Before you start getting custom content, you need to read about it. Read the descriptions of the content. What exactly are you getting? Will it work for you? Is there anything special you need to know?
You need to read everything thoroughly! Clean your glasses and start looking for these things:
Required Expansion?
Does the item require an expansion or stuff pack to work? Some content will not work unless you have certain expansions or stuff packs. On MTS2, content which requires expansions will have an icon showing which one(s) it requires:
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Is it compatible?
Are there some expansions the content won't work with? Certain content contains code that modifies the way the game works - this content is generally called "hacks" or "hacked objects." Because of the code in them, they often work only with a certain set of expansions. They may need to be updated by their creator when new expansions are released. If it doesn't say it works with your installed expansions, you may not be able to use that hack or hacked object.
Are there other hacks that the creator says it does not work with? If you have many hacks, especially ones that do a lot of things, you may run into conflicts. You should read to see if you have any hacks the creator knows their hack conflicts with.
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Mesh or Recolour?
A mesh is a 3d model, the shape of the object, clothing, hair, etc. A recolour is the texture and colour applied to the mesh. For more information on meshes and recolours, with pictures, to help you understand what they are, read this article: What is a mesh? What is a mesh recolor?.
Skintones, eyes, eyebrows, makeup, walls, and floors will not require meshes.
Accessories, hair, objects, and build mode content like stairs and fences may require a mesh. To get the content working, you will need to get a new 3d model that was not included in the game.
When people share content on MTS2 that requires a new mesh, they must link to it. This makes it clear that you need to go somewhere else to get the mesh. At the bottom of the download thread, look for links like these:
