#co2tools

[cityof2morrow]

WIP: SimLife (Character) Generator

Published: 2-27-2026 (Version 1.3) | Updated: N/A

SUMMARY “You can tell a better story when you have a more fleshed out character” – @simulationprincess, 2026 The SimLife Generator (v1.3) is an Excel-based tool for generating Sims 2 character profiles – this will work for Sims 3 and 4 on a limited basis. Use it to create new sims, play with ideas, edit existing sims, or get unstuck in Bodyshop/Create-A-Sim. You'll be able to create profiles for your sim’s background, family, hobbies, relationships, career, lifestyle, and more!

DETAILS This tool will work best if you have all EPs/SPs - use your own judgement otherwise. I’ll be using ‘clean’ templates in my new save and I prefer to make my own townies and NPCs – this tool is designed to generate a LOT of detail that you can pick and choose from, then apply as needed.

Here are the major features of the SimLife Generator:

Works as a standalone (offline) tool and can be easily integrated alongside your existing sim-related spreadsheets.

Separate tabs for each profile  – face, body, personality, etc. –so that you can concentrate on what you need and ignore everything else.

Profiles will include both default and custom content suggestions – disregard what doesn’t apply to your sim. Sims 2 default items are generated on separate lines for ease (“DEF”).

Reference pics for some items (face, eye, and nose shapes) for those unfamiliar with face/body/makeup terms.

Works for Sims 3/Sims 4 too (on a limited basis – you will need to do a bit more interpretation).

Lots of descriptive details are available to help you create unique faces/bodies – not everything will have a literal button/slider in Create-A-Sim (i.e. there is no “dad bod” or “bottom-heavy” toggle in-game but the detail can help you assign unique physical features). IMPORTANT: Generated suggestions will come from a non-AI, small language model (SML). Text items will be stored in the gray “DATA-“ tabs – DO NOT ALTER THESE unless you know what you’re doing. In fact, I recommend keeping a back up copy of the file just in case you alter something beyond repair.

ITEMS (PREVIEWS) Only a handful of profiles are previewed here – there will be more to choose from in the official release.

HOME SCREEN – Welcome to your SimLife Generator home screen! Enter the number of default and custom FULL FACE templates you have installed – this will generate all profiles. Then, select any profile type from the home screen or by clicking on any of the colored tabs.

FACE -(Hair/Face) – Generate a fresh face along with hair, make-up, style, and grooming preferences. Steps 1-4 are intended for Sims 2: Bodyshop but will work in the in-game Create-A-Sim (“Pooklet Method”).

Step 5 is applicable to all games. Every sim deserves a face card that won’t decline!

BODY (Genetics/Body) - Fitness (Slim/Fat) is a default Sims 2 category but there is plenty of detail here to go well beyond that – body frame, definition, shape, and more! The language is specific where necessary but still very much open to interpretation.

Custom suggestions incorporate 200+ Sims 2 body shapes, including shapes from BSOK Editor V2.4r (via @picknmixsims, @blueheavensims, and Boseknows, 2026), mfBSOK (Norica via @ThePlumbbobKeep, 2020), ACME Catalog (CelestialSpider and RugratOne via @theacmecatalogue), and more – from Warlokk’s collection all the way up to the newer shapes across the gender/body spectrum. Fantasy/Occult shapes are included as well!

PERSONALITY (Traits/Zodiac/Aspiration) – use default TS2 traits, zodiac, and aspiration details to define your sim’s behavior and ultimate direction in life. NOTE: Details such as lucky days, birthstones, houses, rising signs, floral signs, etc. have been reworked for simming/gameplay purposes – do not expect items to conform to any real-world astrological system.

There is support for custom zodiac mods such as the  Elder Scrolls/Tamrielic zodiac (12Raben, 2025). I’ve also written one for the Kine Society (Bovine Zodiac), Omiscans (TS4), and an afrocentric, plant-themed one for Dambele (TS4)/Afrocentric simmers (inspired in part by @simulationprincess latest LP).

This profile will include basic personality traits which will be used to calculate your sim’s  “Enneagram-Aspiration” and “Similish Myers-Briggs Type Indicators.” This is meant to be additional inspiration for those who prefer to play their sims based on their personalities. Again, you can always take the basic/default suggestions and ignore the rest. OTHER PROFILES – PETS & DATING Other tabs will include profiles for pets (limited to cats, dogs, horses) and even dating preferences (attraction, turn ons/offs, woohoo preferences, etc.).

There is a lot to this tool and I’m learning excel coding as I go – I hope to release the generator in early spring 2026. CREDITS Thanks: @chocolatecitysim, @ch4rmsing, Ranabluu, @haziewhims, SimFan333, YessuDessu/@brownsugarbabesims, Waterpixlez, @guessimate, SimBuilderJess. Sims2/Simming communities. Sources: Any Color You Like (@curiousb, 2010), Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik), Pookley (2022; 2014), Simllama & LilithPleasant (2018), Shien (n.d.), @12raben (2025), Michelle (2013), The Sims Wiki, Veronavillequiltingbee (2021), Sun & Moon Star Factory (2017) Sims VIP (n.d.), Missmck via Thesimsmedieval.fandom.com Generators: BACCulator (@chocolatecitysim, 2025), Crumpulator (@lordcrumps, 2026; 2024), WAPulator (TheWap, 2026), Sim-Generators (Kawaii-Stacie, n.d.), Create A Sim Generator: Sims 4  (Soliyl, 2025) Other: WikiHow, Nair, BeBeautiful, Haircode.com, Byrdie, Lilac St., The Knowledge Academy, Mad Group via Recode (2023), Astroseek, International Gem Society (2022), Old Farmer’s Almanac (2025a, 2025b, 2025c, 2026a, 2026b), Brittanica, Zodiac Dude via Princeton.edu, Dracan via forums.elderscrollsonline.com (2014), Yes Spiral, Spencerfromthehills via Reddit (2022), Adrianna via Californiapsychics.com (2021), Sketchplantations, SourGreg via Reddit (2018), Ethereality111 via Reddit (2024), Tarot.com (2026), Thecrystalcouncil.com (2018-2026), Gardenia.net, Original Botanica (2023), Tree2MyDoor (2026), Clarke via Lovepaper.org (n.d.), Charles via Mind Journal (2025; 2017), The Cornrow (2023), Chulpayev via MadeManBarber.com (2025), Cait (2020), Getty Images, Molly Jewelry US (2025), NASA, CfAH (n.d.), Baraton (2025), Esteves (2024), Gulf Coast Facial Plastic and ENT Center (2026), Pampered Image Team (2025), Neecey (via Allwomenstalk.com, 2025), Year and Vestic (via WikiHow, 2025), Digital Team (via yesmadam, 2025), Tabeebo (2025), L’oreal (2020), Centeno (via Real Men Real Style, 2025), Simmons (via Alpine Swiss, 2023), Bewakoof.com, Jordan and Vestic (via WikiHow, 2026), Bossman (n.d.), Sadurskii and Minyard (via WikiHow, 2025), Burrows (via Modern Gentleman Magazine, 2024)

[cityof2morrow]

WIP: SimLife Generator (Testers Wanted)

Published: 5-16-2026 (Version 1.5) | Updated: N/A SUMMARY “You can tell a better story when you have a more fleshed out character” – Simulation Princess, 2026 The SimLife Generator is an Excel-based tool for generating Sims 2 character profiles. Use it to create new sims, play with ideas, edit existing sims, or get unstuck in Bodyshop/Create-A-Sim. You can also profile details related to a sim’s background, family, hobbies, relationships, career, lifestyle, and more!

This tool requires one of the following: Excel 2021 and up, Google Sheets, LibreOffice 26, MS Excel Online (via MS Outlook), Office 365, or PlanMaker.

Some profiles will include both default and custom content – disregard what doesn’t apply to your sim. Sims 2 default items are generated on separate lines for ease (“DEF” or “TS2”).

Select Sims 1/Sims 3/Sims 4 items were included so there is some limited application for those games. Lots of descriptive details are available to help you create unique faces/bodies – not everything will have a literal button/slider in Create-A-Sim (i.e. there is no “dad bod” or “bottom-heavy” toggle in-game but the detail can help you assign unique physical features).

See below for more information.

IMPORTANT: Generated suggestions come from a small language model (SML). Text items stored in the gray “DATA-“ tabs – DO NOT ALTER THESE unless you know what you’re doing. The password to unlock these is: cityof2morrow. TESTERS WANTED! If you use one of the programs listed above – I’m looking for another set of testers for the generator. There are a few unfinished areas but it is 95% finished. I’m still looking for feedback on the following:

-What kinds of reference images you need for the FACE profile (I was thinking body shapes, head shapes, eye shapes, beards, 1A thru 4C hair). You don’t have to test Steps 1-5 on this profile since it’s been thoroughly tested – unless you want to! -I need links to TS4 body presets (so I can add them to the suggested shapes part of the BODY tab. -Making pets using the PETS tab for TS2, TS3, and TS4 -General feedback on any other profile tab (which parts you like best, which parts could be improved/explained better). -Suggestions for the CENSUS tab (the plan is to generate a census of sims types. Example: how many low, medium, high income sims a subhood should have). CONTACT ME via PM.

CREDITS Thanks: Suggestions, Links, and Feedback from ChocolateCitySim, Ch4rmsing, Ranabluu, Haziewhims, SimFan333, YessuDessu, Waterpixlez, Nemertes, SimBuilderJess, ES-Sims, EarlGrayTay, GrottyDotty, MishaSims, StandbyEntrance, Xmiramira, Corasims, Treehawk, ViVi, Shield-Sphinx. Sims2/Simming communities.

[cityof2morrow]

Traits Project: Collection File Change Log

Published: 3-2-2024 | Updated: N/A SUMMARY I try to reuse the original collection file for all trait-related items. Here is a running list of everything that it includes. Traits are organized into groups based on their game of origin and style. In each group, they are arranged in alphabetical order by their original name – keep that in mind if you use renamed or replacement items. Example: If you replaced kleptomaniac with swiper (Veronavillequiltingbee), it will show up with other traits that start with the letter K, not S. RECENT ADDITIONS: Aromantic, asexual, avatar/bending traits, elf, fairy, ghost, ghost rider, new and bonus traits from atomtanned, omegaverse, sunlight immunity, and more! ITEMS Items in PURPLE are queued for later release.

TS3-to-TS2 Traits (Hexagonal-Bipyramid, 2018), 3t2 Hidden & Unused (Dill, 2023), 3t2 Flippity-Flop Traits (Anachronisims/Sufficeittosim & Simmons, 2024), 3t2 style traits from Atomtanned (2025), MidgeTheTree (2019-2021), Veronavillequiltingbee (2021).

TSM-to-TS2 Traits (Simmons, 2025), Historical-Fantasy traits from Cedanyblee (2020), Laura & Mortia (2020A, 2020B, 2020C), Sun & Moon Star Factory (2021-2022; 2023), Fire Flower (2021).

Color Traits (Episims, 2022)

Music Traits (Fwaysims, 2023)

TS2 Sub-Hobby Traits (Simmons, 2025)

TS4-to-TS2 Traits (Simmons, 2025)

TS4-to-TS2 Youth Traits (Simmons, 2025)

SCLUV Virtues & Vices Traits (Simmons, 2025), SCLUV Townie Traits (Simmons, 2025)

SCLUV Supernatural Bloodline Traits (Simmons, 2025)

SCLUV Supernatural Elemental Gift Traits (Simmons, 2025)

SCLUV Supernatural ‘Other’ Traits (Simmons, 2025)

Avatar Traits (Jelly-Meduza, 2019)

Supernatural traits from Atomtanned (2025), Jelly-Meduza (2019, 2019-2021, 2023, 2022-2024), MidgeTheTree (2019), Abiamalapizza (2024), Frac (2020)

A.I. Chip Traits (Simmons, 2025)

Midnight at…Division Traits (Ocelotekat & Simmons, 2025)

SimHealth Traits (Simmons, 2025)

COMPATIBILITY & TROUBLESHOOTING -If a trait item is grayed out or has a blank icon, you are missing the “trait_MAIN” file in your game, OR you have two items which share a GUID, OR the file may be missing a function/room sorting tag. -There is a GUID conflict between HB’s crybaby trait and their ‘Wannabe Moodlets’ mod (2020). You will need to change the GUID on the moodlet mod controller. DOWNLOAD (choose one) COLLECTION FILE from SFS | from MEGA Let it overwrite the other “traits_collection” file. All links go to the most updated version of the file. CREDITS Thanks: @chocolatecitysim for this idea. Sims2/Simming communities. Sources: Any Color You Like (CuriousB, 2010), Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik).

[cityof2morrow]

(Re)organizing Your CAS/Bodyshop Folders

Published: 2-16-2025 | Updated: N/A SUMMARY One of the challenges of themed worldbuilding in Sims 2 is finding the custom content (CC) to bring your world(s) to life. Between October and December 2024, I reorganized my CAS/Bodyshop folders, purging ~4-5 gigs of CC. I wanted to share the strategies I use - Plan, Shop, Sort & Delete!

PHASE ONE: PRE-PLAN WITH A BASIC BACKSTORY Having a backstory for your world is not required  – simming is supposed to be flexible and open-ended after all – but it will make organizing CC easier if you do. The backstory is your rationale for why your sims look the way they do…the basis for whatever CAS/Bodyshop-related CC you decide to use. This should evolve as you start shopping/sorting CC. Skip to PHASE TWO below if you want to skip the “backstory” phase and jump straight into (re)organizing files. First, figure out the WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, and WHY details of your world. You don’t have to figure out everything now. If anything, try to come up with the most basic details. (1) WHAT kind of society do your sims live in (utopian, dystopian, mixed, fantasy, etc.)? Example: Pleasantview is pseudo-utopian, midcentury-style, pedestrian, mostly middle-class neighborhood. Strangetown is an eccentric, comically dystopian town nearby. (2) WHEN do played events in your world take place (recent or distant past, modern-day present, near or distant future, timeless, etc.) Example: Pleasantview and Strangetown are set in the early 2000s, after an alien abduction. Veronaville is 2000s-era take on the English/Italian elements of Shakespeare's universe, inspired by 13th century political factions.

Pictured: My game takes place in a retro-afro-futuristic setting...it's not uncommon to see A.I's, drones, and other non-human sims through the world. (3) WHERE do your sims live in this world? There should be some climate/seasonal clues here. People tend to dress for the weather – your sims should too! Example: Pleasantview is a lush, mostly temperate, hilly/mountainous, waterside, suburb outside of SimCity. Nearby Strangetown is a rural, militarized spot along a desert highway, not far from an alien crash site.

Pictured: My sims live on an arid planet that they terraformed and altered with advanced tech. Their clothing reflects the climate. (4) WHO are the sims in your world? Whether you focus on social groups or individual families and sims, make sure your ideas hint at the kind of lifestyle those sims have (jobs, hobbies, abilities, income, social roles, etc.). Example: Take the social groups from the Apartment Life EP for example. Gearhead townies often have darker, torn, utilitarian clothing. Meanwhile, socialites have more expensive looking outfits appropriate for leisure and high-status career paths. Lilith and Angela Pleasant are sisters with highly conflicting personalities – so they must have drastically different looks.

Pictured: My simlish society includes plantsims and hybrid plantsims (half plant, half human). These sims are more likely to be a part of my eco-friendly faction. (5) WHY do they appear the way they do? Dress them appropriately for the climate and time but make sure they actually look like members of their given social groups. You don’t have to make things historically accurate or logical unless you want to – have fun. Example: The utilitarian/punk-style look of the gearheads reflects their lower income and “toughness.” As nonconformists, bohemians dress in loose, artsy and colorful pieces. Lillith’s darker/gothic style reflects her grouchy/rebel personality in opposition to her more suburban/agreeable sister Angela.

Pictured: I'm using lots of trait and occult mods to reorganize my supernaturals into elemental classes. Here is a waterborne conjurer (left) and a grimborne necromancer (right). PHASE TWO: GO CC SHOPPING (AGAIN) This is the fun part. Now that you have a general backstory, go CC shopping! Grab everything that might fit – don’t overthink it! If you like it and think the sims in your world might rock it, download it. However, I recommend coming up with some ground rules, such as (1) A maximum poly count range (“faces” in simPE) for hairs, accessories, and/or clothes. Example: I have 32GB of RAM and decent hardware, but I still avoid hairs above 10K poly. If I really want it, I might go as high as 12-13K – no more than that. This is admittedly a conservative limit compared to lots of contemporary simmers. (2) A maximum file size (in gigabytes/GB) for all CAS/Bodyshop CC you’re willing to put in-game at one time. For windows players, SIZE is the actual size of your files/folders. SIZE ON DISK is the amount of storage they take up via system processes such as (de)compression, duplication, etc. Example: A maximum of ~6GB (actual size) of CAS/Bodyshop CC is my self-imposed limit. This keeps loading times and performance ideal since I also use several gigs of build/buy CC and mods. (3) Choose custom body shapes sooner rather than later. More than 50 (!) custom body shapes have been made for Sims 2 over the past two decades. Make sure you can find enough clothing for whatever shape(s) you choose…including career/work clothing. Example: Currently, I use 8 custom shapes - 3 for male/masculine sims (Bodybuilder, Fat, Bear Bodybuilder) and 5 for female/femme sims (Bodybuilder, Classic Pin-up, Dummy Thicc (not pictured directly below; pictured at the end of this post), Momma Lisa, Rio). I eliminated others to stay below my maximum file limit.

Pictured: When choosing body shapes, I spent a lot of time comparing options. If you really like a shape but it lacks clothing, try using it alongside a similar shape. For example, I used clothing for the 'heavy male' and 'chubby guy' shapes on the same sims for a while. (4) Choose REPO’D versions whenever possible. Reposited/texture-linked skins, hairs, clothing, and accessories share image resources across multiple files. In contrast, standalone versions contain a copy of all necessary texture images in each file. Repo’d files are typically smaller in size/quantity and easier on game performance. PHASE THREE: SORT & DELETE This is the annoying part – but the payoff is worth it. I sort my CAS/Bodyshop CC in phases. If the CC doesn’t fit the backstory for my hood or exceeds my limit for poly counts – I remove it right away! I sort what’s left using the following criteria: - weakest fit for my backstory compared to other CC - poly count is too high - broken/bad CC (missing mesh, warped/distorted, excessive clipping, causes lag) - duplicate files and repetitive looks (too many items that look about the same) - repetitive colors (12 colors of each outfit, in 3 different shades/textures each, is too much for me!) I repeat this process anytime I add more CC to my game. During steps 4 and 5, I start recategorizing/townie-fying CC as well (see recommended programs below). I usually save the color/texture-sorting round for last. I just might be able to keep more color/texture options if I’m still below my max file limits (repo’d CC really comes in handy here!). …ENJOY! Organizing CAS/Bodyshop CC is often tedious and frustrating, but smooth, performance-friendly gameplay is worth it! The recommended mods/programs below allow more random diversity in my simlish population, and the sims truly look like they come from my world – not one dreamed up for me by maxis. I don’t play with pre-made sims, so seeing townies and NPCs with “maxis face” in my hood is considered an act of violence! Repo’d items, separates, and recategorized CC makes the same items available to more sims. I end up needing less CC overall…..then again, they also make it easier to justify more CC shopping. 😊 See how I organize my individual mods/cc folders for Sims 2 HERE (2024).

Pictured: Rough drafts...recreations of Urbz sims. RECOMMENDED CAS/BODYSHOP-RELATED MODS -Shared Maxis Outfits for YAs, Adults & Elders (Sim-Wolf, 2009; or Motoki, 2005) - young adults, adults, and elders will share the same default outfits. -Buyable Maxis Work, NPC, and Maternity Clothes (Motoki, 2005) – outfits are buyable when creating sims in CAS or shopping on community lots; clothing racks by Gayars (2019) HERE. -Separates For All (LazyDuchess, 2021) – dress sims in separate tops/bottoms in all clothing categories (you still need to download CC separates or recategorize default separates). Outside of the everyday category, you can only view/pick separates in-game via CAS (not Bodyshop). -Sim BIN NPCs (Test Version) (Free via Patreon - LazyDuchess, 2022) – townies/NPCs will generate using the genetics of custom sims saved in Bodyshop instead of default genetics. You need to download and/or save a larger-than-usual number of sims to your SavedSims folder for best results. Requires RPC Launcher (LazyDuchess, 2020).

-TS2 CAS Makeup Lag Fix (Test Version) (Free via patreon – LazyDuchess, 2024) – minimizes the infamous lag players experience when using the CAS makeup tabs in-game. -Townie Body Diversity (Nysha, 2017) – townies/non-playables will generate in different sizes (i.e. thin/fat/fit). RECOMMENDED CAS/BODYSHOP PROGRAMS -Sims2Pack Clean Installer (Mootilda, 2014; 2010) – use it to safely install custom sims (as well as lots, store content, etc.) or select CC used to make them; scan/sort duplicates and specific file types as well. -Bodyshop Organization Kit (BSOK Editor) (WHoward/PickNMix, 2024) - sort clothing/accessories according to default/custom body shapes. FYI: Sometimes, hairs may show up as “clothing.” -Outfit Organiser (WHoward/PickNMix, 2024) - sort and recategorize items across the CAS/Bodyshop catalog. -Delphy’s Download Organiser (Delphy/Tashiketh, 2020; 2007) – organize and investigate package files; compare poly counts at a glance. NOTE: Reported counts are global (total count for all versions contained in the package file) rather than the actual/original count (the count for the object in its normal/static state). If you’re unsure, double-check the count in simPE.

[cityof2morrow]

Mod Organizing & Load Order Shenanigans

Published: 5-1-2024 | Updated: N/A MOD ORGANIZING During the [first] "pandemic summer," I started reorganizing my game folders. I also started  a "conflict management" list, containing all the known conflict info from download pages, new conflicts I discover while playtesting, etc. It's 44 pages long at the moment....a testament to my unapologetic mod addiction. I encourage all simmers to keep a list like this. It’s very reassuring (and handy!) to be able to look up known conflicts or keep track of mods which have been merged (duplicate files can break your game FAST!).  **I won’t be able to share mine at this time but most of my info comes from the same pages where I download CC/mods - shout out to the creators who take the time to include this info.

MY LOAD ORDER(S) I number my folders and use mostly lower case filenames to force the load order I want – these were the most important changes I made re: how I maintain a heavily-modded-but-still -very-functional game. With few exceptions, this has been much more effective than keeping track of the number of z's and cases. It also means I don't need to rename downloaded files - I just put them in the right folder. When I played exclusively on mac, I learned that numbering the store cc folders was the ONLY way I could get all the content to work. I never figured out why but I imagine it was because the mac series doesn't include expansions required for some of this content.

DETAILS (the codes) I put that grad school debt...I mean...those grad school research skills to good use and made up my own codes. Here they are... 0= files needed in every save aka my "essentials." These include repair files, shader/UI files, CEPs, global probes (like scriptorium, money globals, inteen checker, inventory checker, etc).

1= mods that do NOT need a load order, some OFB-themed sets I want to keep separate from other CC - like the #co2bellabrand or upcoming #co2cdkseries stuff.

2= mods that require a hard load order. As @episims writes HERE, this only works for mods with non-game-breaking conflicts between them. Only the last mod in the sequence will retain ALL its intended functions. The code for this section goes like this: [number]-[what the mod deals with in-game; i make sure to consider alphabetical order]-[load order number] -name of the mod(s)

I have several global mods that need to load as close to LAST as possible. These folders all start with "2-z-[load order #]-." The "2" tells me they need to load in a certain order and the "-z" makes them load after all the other #2 folders.

See Object Freedom 1.02 (@fwaysims, 2023) and Shiftable Everything (@lamare-sims, 2022) both load at #78? I don't have them BOTH in game at the same time, but giving them the same number ensures that the right load order stays no matter which one i'm paying with. 3 = build mode and neighborhood deco/defaults

4= buy mode

"ts1," "ts3," and similar labels = content that was converted for Sims 2.

5=CAS/bodyshop

OTHER DETAILS I also label folders with certain "type codes" - these tell me things like whether they add permanent data to my saves (custom memories, careers, foods, etc. do this) or whether they are maxis-match. Here are some examples:

-BIN = mod files which go in the program folders -DEF = default replacement -MEM = this content includes custom memory data -MM = maxis-match or an add-on for default game furniture -ADD = content that is not maxis-match -NPC = this content includes or changes one or more NPCs -FIX  or -EDIT = this is a fixed or uniquely edited version of a pre-existing mod -BETA and -TEST = this mod is unfinished and/or a test version Remember, conflicts do not always mean something has to be removed from your game, nor are all conflicts unresolvable. No matter what kind of method(s) you use to organize your game – it’s just important to try/have at least one in the cut.

CREDITS Thanks: Episims, PleasantSims, and all simmers who include load order/conflict notes. Sources: Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Forcing the Load Order of Mods (whoward/Pick’N’MixSims, 2021 via sims2tutorials), Image(s) (Alexander, 2016), Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik).

...Oh and yes...I AM in fact an INTJ/Capricorn.

[cityof2morrow]

Tutorial: Fixing Exploded Lot Imposters

Published: 8-25-2024 | Updated: N/A SUMMARY Using dozens of the same object on a lot—such as a window on a skyscraper, or lots of the same tree/hedge on a large park lot—may cause “exploded” lot imposters. The lot imposter is the version of a lot seen in neighborhood view or from adjacent lots during gameplay. The error often appears in the form of warped or smeared objects – as if someone wiped part of the screen with a wet cloth. In other cases, the mesh looks like broken shards and/or pokes through other parts of the lot. Meanwhile, everything looks fine when you enter it. This error seems rare, having only occurred about 4-5 times over two decades, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying. Don’t panic! The object itself is likely not broken (although double-checking wouldn’t hurt) but the error happens as your game tries to render the same object/textures multiple times. In my testing, the culprit was usually a single object and one of its recolorable subsets. SOLUTION I used to delete the blown-up lot and rebuild it until the problem went away. Yet, a much easier solution exists – recolors! Apply 1 or more recolors across copies of object and that should fix the warped/exploded object on the lot imposter. In most cases, this should take care of the problem. In this example, the windows “exploded” in hood view. After applying plain glass recolors from THIS (Simmons, 2023) set, the problem didn’t go away. The true culprit was the metal detail on the glass – for which I had no recolors for. I made some (HERE), using similar colors which looked the same from a distance, and that solved the problem.

Simmers who use lots of greenery in their landscaping might encounter an exploded lot imposter. Keep similar recolors in your arsenol…just in case. During gameplay, this happened when I used a ton of custom hedges repo’d to the default one (“boxy lady”).  This has also happened with the default birch tree in-game, so I recommend keeping something like Gwenke33’s recolors (2011) handy. DOWNLOAD THIS TUTORIAL (PDF) (choose one) from SFS | from MEGA CREDITS Thanks: William, Gina, Catherine and others on discord who helped me think through solutions years ago.

[cityof2morrow]

Tutorial: Anno-to-Sims 2 Conversions

Published: 8-15-2024 | Updated: N/A SUMMARY This is a tutorial for converting Anno 1404/2070/2205/1800 models into static, non-animated objects for Sims 2.

If you want to retain original animations and/or modify models for use in the original games, you’ll need additional tools. See the “Installation” notes for the Blender-Anno-.cfg-Import-Addon for Blender v3.31 (Xormentor, 2022)  - this is one of the tools you’ll need when working with models from 2205/1800. Additional instructions can be found in the “04-Making-New-Ship” tutorial by Hier0nimus (2023) (scroll about halfway down to the “Model for the ship” section to learn how to access 1404/2205 game models).

DOWNLOAD THIS TUTORIAL (text only, choose one) from SFS | from MEGA