Installers Version 14
Which Installer should I choose?
Web Installer (Recommended)
The best & easiest all-in-one option for those who don't yet own TS2. The Web Installer utilizes an internet connection to automatically download the game files as well as dependencies & fixes you need to make the game work correctly.
Standalone Installer (Offline Install Script Only)
An offline installer script which installs prior extracted Ultimate Collection game files and applies dependencies & fixes.
Instructions:
- (Standalone only) Download the game files from one of the links above and extract them to a new folder named "The Sims 2 Starter Pack" (usually
C:\Program Files (x86)\The Sims 2 Starter Pack
). Make sure to direct the installer to this folder. - 🐧 Linux/Steam Deck users should follow these steps in conjunction with the Linux-specific setup steps.
- Download your chosen installer under "Assets" below in your system's architecture (64-bit or 32-bit). Run using an administrator user account.
- When opening you may be prompted that "Windows protected your PC" due to the installer not having a paid signature. To proceed, click "More details" followed by "Run Anyway." If antivirus interferes for some reason, try temporarily disabling it to launch the installer and make an exception for your game folder.
- Follow the prompts in the installer to proceed, then select the location your "The Sims 2 Starter Pack" folder & choose desired components.
- The default location of "The Sims 2 Starter Pack" folder in Program Files (x86) is recommended.
- On modern AMD graphics card generations such as RX 400 (Polaris) series and later, it's recommended to enable the DXVK component to resolve bugs such as an extremely long launch wait time and loading screen.
- After Installation, you must configure Graphics Rules Maker and Sims2RPCSettings to optimize the game correctly for your system. Full details are in the Google Doc guide below.
- You can then run the game using Sims2RPC or "The Sims 2" shortcuts in the Start Menu/Desktop, if enabled.
- Once in-game you will be prompted with a custom content dialog due to included fixes and features, such as the CEP - this doesn't indicate any issue with the game. It's recommended that you choose "Enable Custom Content" to take advantage of these included features. You then can disable the prompt from showing up via the in-game settings.
The Full Installation Guide on Google Docs is available for detailed instructions.
v14 Changelog
- v12 game files without the cleanup script have returned to default
- Cleanup script game files (13.2 version updated with newer script) with -2.4gb reduced install size are still included as an optional checkbox with warnings for minor mod issues such as SimPE mesh extraction.
- EP9RPC exe included to prevent a loop if Sims2RPCSettings fails to download it
- Store & Pre-order/Bonus content has been unmerged and better organized
- Non-merged files allow easier deletion of unwanted items and prevent missing items in the catalog
- Store/Bonus content has been relocated from Collections to Downloads for easier navigation & deletion
- CroconawSims' Clean Hood Templates have been updated to new versions that are more faithful to Maxis originals and correct minor issues/oversights present in the older MeetMe versions such as incorrect ages, bios, or missing stories
- The Clean Template for Strangetown has been updated to include its missing Storytelling folder
- DXVK updated to v2.3 from 2.1
- DXVK install type removed to make disclaimers more apparent and avoid accidentally choosing it when unnecessary
- Graphics Rules Maker 2.0.0 included as a fallback for legacy systems without Windows 10+
- Web Installer: automatically detects correct version
- Standalone installer: 2.3.0 is included with the 64-bit version. 2.0.0 is included with the 32-bit/legacy version
- Note that the older 2.0.0 version may overestimate the forced texture memory when autodetecting. Please make sure the value doesn't exceed your GPU's available memory to avoid issues.
Full Changelog: v13.1...v14