Find your tribe in a Sea of Creativity
The Sims 2 - Blog Posts
Tiny Starter Home - The Sims 2
1b,1ba
under 20k
floorplan
speed build yt vid here
download (sfs)
:))
Some screenshots of my current household <3
I'm going to try sharing more cute screenshots if I can!!
I keep coming across the simmer who’s responsible for this shitshow, so a friendly reminder, watch out. She’s still active:
Caption: [Video Games/Modding] When You Want Your Sims to Have Pretty Nails but End up Getting Lightning McQueen, Dozens of Secret Sims, Racist Aliens, Nightmare Dogs, and an Unhealthy Dose of Game Corruption.
https://www.reddit.com/r/HobbyDrama/comments/15yd5yj/video_gamesmodding_when_you_want_your_sims_to/
- watch out if you like your game not infested -
Hey, folks. I have a major announcement. I'm stepping down as an admin from the Shenanigans Discord (creative differences) and moving my workshops to a different venue.
The SimForge- TS2 a Sims 2 server focused on content creation/ modding, and we'd love it if you could join. There won't be a workshop this Saturday, but I have upcoming workshops planned for the 10th and 17th of May (announcements to follow).
Firefox extension, via WBM site: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/wayback-machine_new/ Info: moz-extension://4a61a43c-5a0d-4328-9ea2-c2b645bdab37/welcome.html All available add-ons on their site: https://web.archive.org/ If you use it on your main browser, don't forget to exclude sensitive information sites from the add-on.
@simnostalgia
Wayback Machine is a GREAT tool. It just has a few issues. The number one issue is that it isn't great at crawling. Normal HTML sites are no problem but more complex sites like forums and especially blogs are hard for it to navigate. It tends to get only very small pieces of LiveJournal for example. The entire official Sims 3 forum from 2009-2017(?) is just gone because Wayback wasn't able to access it.
As I've talked about over the past few years, I'm trying to archive a lot of CC with Archive.org. This works well for most older sites but not so well with newer ones. Plus, I'm focusing on custom content more than webpages and stories.
Stories, that people put hours and hours into, legacies, forum posts, pictures, blog posts, all things that are just TOO numerous for me to even make a dent in on my own.
Buuuut, if I could get a bunch of simmers who were actively viewing blogs and downloading content and reading forum posts to archive every post they viewed that could do something!
Wayback Machine Auto-Archiver is a bot that archives all PUBLIC webpages that you visit to the wayback machine. Think of it as a bot that follows you around taking a shot of every blog you visit. Obviously, this isn't just for Sims content but it would certainly help the community who may go looking for the content that you archived after it's LONG gone from the internet.
The auto-archiver is a simple extension. If you're running Chrome or Edge you simply install it like any other extension and then you surf the web like always.
The more simmers who use it, the more content gets archived. Also, it's entirely anonymous. If you're a lurker and you've never made or posted anyway, think of this as a way to give back!
Download it here and please reblog!
(I will be reblogging this post several times)
For those who’ve been concerned about losing quality with smaller texture sizes, I thought this might be worth showing. This is a texture I made just for this purpose in 2048x2048 and then resized it. All textures were built with DXT3 format and file sizes are the compressed ones. In my opinion 1024x1024 looks the best in-game. 512x512 is what Maxis originally used for this sofa and it would be a better option performance-wise, though.
These pictures were taken with a full HD display, meaning that it can show resolutions up to 1920x1080 (but not anything beyond that) and with a game that’s set up to use that resolution too. Please keep in mind that the lower your game’s resolution is, the less likely you would notice a drastic difference between 512x512 and 1024x1024 textures in-game.
I'd also like to know where things are standing with SFS.
Question for the active Sims 2 people
I have not been around in Sims2 for a while (Still in Stardew Valley Obsession), but I have just noticed a hacking warning for SFS?
Can anyone point me to exactly what is happening?
While I am not playing anymore, I do not want the things I've put on SFS to be dangerous to others... (specifically thinking about the buggybooz archive).
Also is it just the sfs archive, or does it also include MTS?
I can move things to my own server (yes, I still have one for Sims2), but I'd rather not as I was looking to migrate them to SFS to be able to pay less in my old age. (I'm turning 63 this year!)
1000 likes! OK that is a cool round number. Glad people found my list useful. I am kind of surprised that this many people are interested in the things I share other than that. If anybody has more interesting stuff like that, like neatly organized sims info that's scattered around, do send it my way.
List of People's Experiments with Replacing Sims' Face Mesh.
An on going list. updates aren't showing up on reblogs. check out the original post for the most up to date version.
@myweirdslimblr: Experimenting with Replacing the Default Sims 2 Face Mesh.
Long thread started by @l-1-z-a: Extracting Hidden Face Morphs in The Sims 2.
@paluding: Taking the 4t2 concept too far...
@pooklet's answer to my question, & links to a tutorial:
TS2 facial expression swatch, by @pforestsims.
Experimenting with Replacing the Default Sims 2 Face Mesh
So, after uh, whew, months(!) of experimenting with attempting to change the default face mesh in Sims 2, I’m here to basically share what I’ve found to be possible, what I still am struggling to get working, and what parts of my findings are still useful for a LOT of modding and custom content purposes, even if I couldn’t achieve my initial goal. I’m really tired of this project and I’d rather move on to doing stuff that are more doable (and more quickly doable) for my gameplay goals, rather than trying to do what seems to be a gargantuan task for my level of skills.
In this post I’ll mostly focus on what is doable *in principle*. There’s lots of subtleties and tricks in getting things to look decent (well, at least I think I got it to look decent) which I won’t go into. Or try not to. I go into tangents a lot.
I’ll also not go into step-by-step details. Mostly because I suck at it but also because this post will be super long anyway. If you wanna know, ask!
For those who just want a brief summary: What I could get to work: a default replacement face mesh, with working templates and sliders, for adult sims. Though the procedures are the same for the rest of the ages.
What I still have trouble with: Basically, getting the game to recognize different parts of the face. This means applying the templates to different parts of the mesh, and, of course, genetics, don’t work yet. I have ideas about what could get it to work, but I’ve failed to do it so far.
Awesome things you could still do: My major finding here is that face animations can be applied to *any* CAS object. Clothing, accessories, and of course, nude skins (see below, this was an outfit with a bit that changes with eyes, proof of concept). This means that you can have specific sims with additional face parts and/or accessories and clothing that respond to face animations, or alternatively, you can have skin tones/body morphs that have face pieces which will not mix together between the parents, but are still heritable (with some limitations)
Oh, and full disclosure, the tools I used were simPE and blender 2.9. Nothing else. Don’t know how to do other stuff.
Thank you @simnopke , @rudhira , @withlovefromsimtown and many others for your help and encouragement in all this! I think there’s potential for some really good modding here.
Keep reading
Has anyone ever did something with that? it could be nice.
Great discovery. And that site Cutting Room Floor is also great, I've only recently encountered it.
Might as well throw in this list of unused Maxis stuff made functional by @kirlicues:
Unused resources for belly piercings in The Sims 2 base game
I could not find this in The Cutting Room Floor, so here's some info. I noticed one of the models years ago but only looked for more resources recently. I'm not a 3D artist, so forgive me if I say something nonsensical (and correct me in a comment!).
This is a list of the resources I could find:
The meshes are incomplete in the sense that they are not assigned to any bones, and they appear at floor level, near the auskel joint.
There were at least two types planned, "ring" and "post". The mesh for the post is separated into two groups: "uuaccessorybellybuttonpost_gold" for the metallic part, and "uuaccessorybellybuttonpost_red" for the plastic/stones part. The ring only has one group, "gold".
The material definition files for the "gold" groups reference "shineymetal2" and "nightreflection2-envcube" as the base texture and cube map texture respectively. The "red" group doesn't reference any textures, so maybe it was meant to look like translucent red glass.
There are thumbnail cameras specifically for the piercings. By the names we can guess that they were planned for teens and adults (maybe elders too?).
I'm not sure why they weren't implemented, my only guess is they could not find a way to avoid clipping or warping during sim animations. Although if the meshes didn't even have bone assignments, maybe they didn't reach that stage in testing. Who knows.
It could be possible to restore these, you would probably need to make separate meshes for each life stage, gender and body shape.
BOOST
🚨 🚨 🚨 🚨 🚨 🚨 🚨 🚨
Membership applications for SimPearls are currently suspended due to circumstances beyond our control, we apologise for any inconvenience.
Please reblog and spread the word
EA Don't Care EA Don't Give a Shit it just takes what it wants. They have no regard for any other animal whatsoever.
It's a story as old as time. Here, enjoy.
Game Fuckery Help and Linux List [Update].
![Game Fuckery Help And Linux List [Update].](https://64.media.tumblr.com/e98e20c2f262c4285a5c3241c3af9311/57c6cc862497c94f-97/s500x750/f5af6399f8a612fd3598df9aee346093201ba01a.png)
I'm avoiding re-installing this shit again, so in the meantime I'm sorting some stuff into lists. For Linux research purposes.
Edit: Standby Memory Allocation on Windows 10: New info coming in: That's not the issue. However, what i wrote below about TM is my own experience and has worked for me (without doing what Jessa was saying in the SB memory part, I remembered, hope I didn't waste anybody's time). Does it make sense? idk, but it's harmless, and if it's actually a thing and not just a freak coincidence, and can help anybody else then why not. I do remember trying it with and without cleaning cache :/ [for fuck sake the nerve on EA to put out for sale a new edition without improving it to 64bit]. As discussed by Jessa below, it's an OS problem. What worked for me, for some bizarre reason was to keep Task Manager on before and while playing the game. without it my game was crashing often, on my main non gaming computer. What solved it was fixing windows... for anyone's interested, the gory details are at the bottom of the post under the cut.
+ That combined with clearing cache often.
Jessa's video (Memory Allocation and 4GB Patch Repair). Edit: Turns out this video was pulled back, so basically just make sure the patch is applied?
1. Secound opinion on the whole matter by BrandiNotBroke [the whole #pink flash diaries tag is interesting]:
2. Leefish forum - Sims2 Graphic Cards:
3. @celebkiriedhel's Post (Texture Memory):
Linux:
@teaaddictyt & @niamh-sims About Linux.
2. @nonsensical-pixels about Linux.
3. @brandinotbroke, first Linux supporter I've encountered here. A comprehensive post:
Texture Memory Fuckery (Pink Soup, among other things):
Kiri's post linked at the beginning, first an foremost.
Original Post by @fireflowersims, plus; re-blog by @ovytia. Both of their tags, and comment:
2. A recap on Pink Soup/Texture Sizes by @rockethorse in the comments:
That's it for now. Any more information or good links will be welcome.
Task Manager thing briefly, for the curious (as if it interests anyone else but me, but in the interest of keeping track).
So the game was crashing often. That thing was easy to spot because the laptop would make loud airplane noises when I'd load the game. It got stuck or something, so I went to end it by force with task manager and noticed that all the resources where used to the max - right up until I'd open TM, and then everything would cool down. Like it was playing hide and seek with me. So I figured I'd get smart with it right back, and just leave TM open the whole time. Low and behold, the game stopped crashing. That combined with clearing cache often. Does it make sense? idk, but the computer works in mysterious ways.
Interesting. Very good to know, thanks.
This is a big one.
Update 5: added archives section. I think it warrants a reblog (updates aren't showing up on reblogs).
Sims 2 Databases Database
(Alright it's an index, I just had to)
Made it for myself, I might as well share. If there's something I've missed please let me know.
CC:
Sims 2 Object Default Database
Sims 2 Default Database [CAS]
Sims 2 Hair Database
Shoes Database
EA Sims 2 Store Items 2016
Sims 2 Functional Finds [Sorted by function]
Resource list: Clutter and decorative items [massive index at GoS]
TS1 to TS2 Conversion/Recreation Database
TS3 to TS2 Conversion Database
Sims 4t2 CAS Conversion Archive [EA]
Custom Clothing Conversion Database [Custom - ts4 only?]
Sims 4t2 Build/Buy Conversion Database [EA]
4t2 CC Database Build & Buy [Custom]
TSM-to-TS2 Conversion Database
The Sims spin-off games to the PC TS2 [&3+4]
CC Archives:
Sims Cave.
Sims Graveyard.
Liquid Sims - Community Archives.
Sim Archive Project, at The Internet Archive.
The Booty, at PSMBD.
Sims 2 Packrat, on Tumblr [Watch out for the recent SFS Hacking problem].
Resources:
CEP-Extras List, Huge Lunatic @ Sims 2 Artists.
Several Lists of Maxis Resources for Modding, under Notes. Pick'n'Mix Mods, own website.
Sims 2 Painting Sizes Database.
The Sims 2 Tutorials Database.
Sims 2 GUID Database Revival (Yes I'm shamelessly promoting it).
Update: added EA ts2 store items, Painting sizes db, Tutorials db. Update 2: GUID db Revival. Update 3: believe it or not, there's more - Shoes db, Sims 2 Functional Finds [sorted by function]. Update 4: Resource list: Clutter and decorative items, at @gardenofshadowssims Update 5: added archives section.
GUID Database Revival
I've finished setting up a way to revive the GUID database, albeit not an automatic one, it is low-key, but rather simple. Instructions are on the pinned post. [It's a Dreamwidth community, basically one webpage where people can dump their GUID info, straight from Excel or a list].
It is searchable with multi search add-ons for browser. Search for multiple entries in one go.
Avoid conflicts with originally registered GUIDs (Not foolproof; assuming GUIDs where assigned in a certain way).
Avoid conflicts with new random GUIDs (that are in the DB).
Creators are indexed - see if your favorite active creators are on there.
Everyone can join, but only members can post. Happy Simming! https://sims2-guid-database.dreamwidth.org/ Example:
Obligatory CCR music:
SimPE Material Definitions Index:
DW link for a more legible layout. Another thing I made for myself and might as well share. Definitions have links to wiki. If I made any errors feel free to let me know.
Further Reading:
Texture Mapping – Wikipedia.
Materials in general – Unity Manual.
In SimPE – PixelHate's Guide to Material Definitions [TXMT].
Definitions:
Material Type: StandardMaterial (stdMat).
alphaRefValue – (I forgot)
deprecatedStdMatInvDiffuseCoeffMultiplier (idk)
reflectivity
stdMatAlphaBlendMode – Alpha Layer Settings (Responsible for Transparency).
stdMatAlphaMultiplier
stdMatAlphaRefValue – Reflection?
stdMatAlphaTestEnabled
stdMatBaseTextureAddressingU – Base Texture Settings (The Main Texture).
stdMatBaseTextureAddressingV
stdMatBaseTextureAlphaReplicate
stdMatBaseTextureEnabled
stdMatBaseTextureName
stdMatCullMode – Backface Culling Mode.
stdMatDiffCoef">0.8,0.8,0.8< - Diffuse Reflection – Coefficient [pretty sure. Isn't that Albedo?].
stdMatEmissiveCoef">1.00000,1.00000,1.00000< - Emissivity Coefficient.
stdMatEnvCubeBlurFactor">0.000000< - Environment Cube Map Definitions.
stdMatEnvCubeCoef">0,0,0<
stdMatEnvCubeLockedToCamera>0<
stdMatEnvCubeMode>none<
stdMatEnvCubeTextureName
stdMatFillMode>solid<
stdMatLayer>0<
stdMatLightingEnabled">1<
stdMatMinLightRangeHint">4<
stdMatNormalMapTextureEnabled – Normal/Bump Map Settings.
stdMatNormalMapTextureAddressingU
stdMatNormalMapTextureAddressingV
stdMatNormalMapTextureName
stdMatSpecCoef">0.53,0.53,0.53< - Specular Reflection & Specular Map Settings.
stdMatSpecMaskTextureEnabled
stdMatSpecMaskTextureName
stdMatSpecPower">1e+002<
(Not in SimPE - Albedo Map)
stdMatTextureCoordAnimMode">none<
stdMatTextureCoordAnimNumTiles">1.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimOrigin">0.500000,0.500000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotStartEnd">0.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimRotWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleStartEnd">0.000000,1.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimScaleWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransEnd">0.000000,0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransStart">0.000000,0.000000<
stdMatTextureCoordTfAnimTransWaveform">triangular<
stdMatTextureCoordTileAnimSpeed">0.000000<
stdMatUntexturedDiffAlpha">1<
Sims 2 Databases Database
(Alright it's an index, I just had to)
Made it for myself, I might as well share. If there's something I've missed please let me know. This list is being updated, Tumblr is being a pain and updates won't show up on re-blogs. Visit the original post to view the most current version. Mirror: Dreamwidth.
CC:
By Type:
Sims 2 Object Default Database [Discontinued - DW].
Sims 2 Object Default Database [Active - Spreadsheet].
Sims 2 Default Database [CAS].
Sims 2 Hair Database.
Sims 2 CC: Afro Hairstyles.
Sims 2 Shoes Database.
Sims 2 EA Store Items 2016.
Sims 2 The Maxis Match Repository Project [CAS] [Pinterest Ver.]
Sims 2 Repository Finds [Objects] [sorted into categories].
Sims 2 Functional Finds [Sorted by function].
Resource list: Clutter and decorative items [massive index at GoS].
Sims 2 Lot Database [Maxis ones emptied out].
Sims 2 Lot Makeover Database [Maxis Lots] [Note the Uploading Tutorial].
SkyBox/Horizons/Skylines Database.
Maxis Career Conversions TS1+3+4 to TS2 [Sorted by Game&EP - Under Downloads].
Fractured Moonlight's Stone Super Set - Database [Creator Unknown, let me know if you know].
By Theme:
List of Maxis Lost & Found Objects Converted into Usable Items.
Stories to Sims 2 Conversion Database. [DW Backup]
TS1 to TS2 Conversion/Recreation Database.
TS1 Catalog Conversions [Active, Include OG Object Descriptions].
TS3 to TS2 Conversion Database [DW Backup].
TS3 to TS2 Traits Project Mod Tracking Sheet [Blog Ver.]
TS4 to TS2 CAS Conversion Archive [EA].
TS4 to TS2 CC Clothing Conversion Database [Custom - ts4 only?].
TS4 to TS2 Build/Buy Conversion Database [EA].
TS4 to TS2 CC Build & Buy Database [Custom].
The Sims spin-off games to the PC TS2 [&3+4].
TSM-to-TS2 Conversion Database [DW Backup].
Sims 2 Historical Finds [CAS&Objects] [Sorted by Era/Period].
Grunge Masterlist Project 2025.
List of Asian Sims 2 Sites With Working Downloads [As of 2017?].
CC Archives:
Sim Archive Project, at The Internet Archive [Introduction Post].
Sims Cave.
Sims Graveyard.
Liquid Sims - Community Archives.
The Booty, at PSMBD.
Sims 2 Packrat, on Tumblr [Watch out for the recent SFS Hacking problem].
Ekrubynaffit (a.k.a bestbuild4sims) has re-uploaded a lot of archives of defunct creators. Albums with DL on her pinterest. Mainly build and buy mode, thanks a lot!
Resources:
CEP-Extras List, Huge Lunatic at Sims 2 Artists.
The Sims 2 Tutorials Database [Active] (Really needs a backup outside of Tumblr).
Several Lists of Maxis Resources for Modding,Pick'n'Mix Mods, own website, under Notes.
Sims 2 GUID Database Revival (Yes I'm shamelessly promoting it).
Sims 2 Trait GUID Database, by FireFlower.
Sims 2 Painting Sizes Database.
List of all Color Actions, With DL, ZeroDark/Graphic at GoS.
List of all WSO Actions, by Blue Heaven Sims, under Resources.
List of Hacks & Mods That Use Tokens, Bulbizarre at MTS.
Update notes are under the cut:
Update: Custom Clothing Conversion db [4t2], by @brandinotbroke/ Hair db, by @krabbysims/ Sims 4t2 CAS Conversion Archive [EA], by @mdpthatsme/ CEP-Extras List, by @hugelunatic/ Lists of Maxis Resources for Modding, by @picknmixsims/ Sims 2 Tutorials db [Active], by @sims2tutorials/ Sim Archive Project at The Internet Archive, by various - see @simnostalgia. Update 1: added EA ts2 store items at GoS/ Painting sizes db/ Tutorials db, by @sims2tutorials. Update 2: GUID db Revival. Update 3: believe it or not, there's more - Shoes db/ Sims 2. Functional Finds [sorted by function], by @sims2functionalfinds. Update 4: Resource list: Clutter and decorative items, at @gardenofshadowssims. Update 5: added archives section. Update 6: added @ekrubynaffit's Pinterest Archive. Update 7: Fixed TSM link, added Stories db/ Afro Hairstyles db, by @letomills/ SkyBox/Horizons/Skylines Database, by @simmergetic/ Grunge Masterlist Project 2025, by @pixeldolly/ and DW backup links (Everything that's exclusively on Tumblr/LJ should be backed somewhere else). Update 8: List of Asian Sims 2 Sites With Working Downloads [as of 2017?] by @0201-sims. Update 9: added Sims 2 Repository Finds [sorted into categories], by @sims2repositoryfinds. Update 10: added Sims 2 Object db [Discontinued], because the more the better. Update 11 Yet another (!): The Maxis Match Repository Project [CAS], by @whattheskell [how did i forget?]/ TS3 to TS2 Traits Project Mod Tracking Sheet, by Rowena Sims & @noodlebelli. Update 11: Maxis Career Conversions TS1+3+4 to TS2 [Sorted by Game&EP - Under Downloads], by @sims2idea-lientebollemeis2i. Update 12: HS I found another one: List of all Color Actions - Names, Creators, and Download Links. Maintained for over a decade by @zerographic at GoS :P Update 13: separated by type & theme. added Sims 2 Historical Finds [CAS&Objects] [Sorted by Era/Period], by @ts2history. Update 14: added to resources Trait GUID db, by @fireflowersims. Update 15: I shit you not, there's more - Sims 2 Lot Makeover db [Maxis Lots], by @ts2lotmakeoverdb/ List of Hacks & Mods That Use Tokens, Bulbizarre at MTS/ TS1 Catalog Conversions [Active], by @kitteninthewindow/ WSO Action Masterlist, by Blue Heaven Sims under Resources. Update 16: List of Maxis Lost & Found Objects Converted into Usable Items, @kirlicues. Update 17: Sims 2 Lot db [Maxis ones emptied out], by @mikexx2 @mrsktrout @ts2lots.
Recent finds I really like: Different Colour Standards into hexes, here's RAL:
Royal Skies' fast tutorials for Blender. He has playlists full of knowledge, here's one.
Ambient CG, a website for free & ready to use materials. Has really good stuff.
Nvidia’s vMaterial Library, it's fantastic. It’s free but requires registration, 2gb~ of textures.
Free section at Poliigon has some good stuff as well.
22.04.25: Free 3D models at CG Trader's free section. Really interesting stuff.
Resources for Creating: My Go-To things.
Update: I’ll be updating the list on this page from now on, since Tumblr can’t handle so many hyper-links in one post, on Dreamwidth - right here, so I won't have to update it multiple times. Please note: I keep updating this list, and updates aren't showing up on reblogs. Please check the original post for the most up to date list.
Sooo this is going to be a long comprehensive list. I got back to this game after a long time and with a different computer, with a dedicated graphics card, hurray! It made me want to return to making things, so while gathering back all the necessary stuff, I've complied this list. It might be is updated as I go along, but these are the main things I use. Maby one day i'll even finish something. So here are my go-to resources & tutorials; I'm posting it here for safekeeping, and hopefully others will find it helpful. Everything that's listed is here free. So many wonderful things for free under the cut.
Programs – General:
Creating: Blender. Blender Addons: 3D Print Toolbox – comes with blender, enable it from within the program. Originally for 3d printing. Good for fixing flipped normals, and some quick general repairs. Source Tools And source tools wiki – for exporting as SMD!!!! (SimPe: to enable bump maps for the mesh on import). GMDC Addon for Blender 4.0+ by Nopke.
GIMP. GIMP Addons: G'MIC-Qt. Resynthesizer. Nvidia dds?. Doesn’t it come with Gimp?
Other: Nvidia Texture Tools Exporter (iirc it works with all graphic cards that are compatible, doesn’t require Nvidia). For making Normal / Bump / Cube Maps. For high quality compression.
NormalMaps - Online, For making all types of maps, has good setting menus. A very cool tool.
Converting: Umodel, for Unreal Engine (Static meshes: export as gtlf.2. Animated meshes: export as psk. Requires Add-on). AssetStudio, for Unity. AC Viewer, self implied (+ USD Addon for blender). QuickBMS* and support forum, for basically everything else. (don't forget the required scrips, down the same page). *I haven’t tested it fully yet, but it was recommended here. A tutorial for it is listed further down. Works like a charm.
UV Mapping: UV Mapper, Classic (free) and the most recent Demo (for visualization).
Programs – Sims:
Never Mind the Bollox, Here's Osab and MAGIkarp to the rescue!
Latest version of SimPe, works with a non-default installation path. Chris Hatch's updates.
Home Crafter installation, Post by Huge Lunatic at Sims2Artists.
Repository Wizard, by Pick'N'Mix Mods. A game changer.
DBPF Compare, by Pick'N'Mix Mods.
Object Relocator, also by Pick'N'Mix Mods.
SMD Tools, by Lazy Duchess.
The Compressorizer, by JFade – Lazy Duchess's edit.
Bulk Rename Utility, to change file names in well, bulk. As explained by io here.
Lot Adjustor, by Mootilda at MTS.
Tutorials:
Override the game's graphic settings via Nvidia, as explained by iCad. The settings to Nvidia Profile Inspector she linked to at MTS have been deleted for some reason, here they are via WebArchive.
Meshing in Blender:
Mesh Optimization Info (and links), by Crisps&Kerosene.
Additional - Reducing Polycount:
Tutorial, by Flaming-Chickens (another username on other sites perhaps?)
Edge – Un-subdivide, a quick one by CG Link.
Transfer high poly details to low poly object in Blender, by 3Dnot2D.
Shrinkwrap Modifier - Blender Tutorial for Beginners - Basics, by in2vert.
Placeholder for this Addon that I want to try but haven't found, something for AR that was on facebook's defunct AR.
Scaling tips, by Blender Secrets.
How to fix inverted/ flipped normals, by ipaintsmallthings.
Converting: How to Extract 3D Models, Textures, Music from Unreal Engine Games, by iwanMods.
Extract 2D/3D/SFX Unity Assets fast & easy from your Unity Game, by iwanMods as well.
How to use QuickBMS, by darkhorse.
Guide to Converting 3t2 and 4t2 Part 01 and Part 02, by Chiaroscuro/tenlittlepandas.
Converting TS4 Windows and Doors, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Using Different Material Maps as Shading/Details for Base Texture, in Gimp or Blender, by Pineapple Forest & Crisps&Kerosene: https://www.tumblr.com/crispsandkerosene/764893644571525120/great-info-thats-the-reason-some-conversions?source=share
Texture Editing in GIMP:
Using Gimp Add-ons: G'MicQT. Resynthesizer. Both by Davies Media Design. This guy's channel for Gimp in general – here's a good one to begin with. And another one about layer masks.
Making a texture Tile Seamless: 1. My favorite - How to Make Seamless Textures for Cinema 4D - 3 Levels of Photoshop Wizardry using iPhone Photos, by School of Motion.
2. Simple Trick for More Realistic Texture Patterns in GIMP, by Davies Media Design – Quick and simple, using the Resynthesizer plugin. Good for patterns.
Making walls in SimPe out of a square texture, with minimal quality loss. To be written.
SimPe: Cloneable Objects: A List of Good Objects for Cloning, by IgnorantBliss at MTS.
Huge Lunatic's Tutorials, Her website.
Object Creation for Absolute Beginners, by Moune.
Sims 2 start to finish Object Creation Tutorial, by JWoods, Numenor, Lethe_s & IgnorantBliss.
The Material Definition (TXMT) Guide, by PixelHate – very comprehensive. Part 5 is about Bump/ Normal maps.
Null (Texture-less) Groups, by Skell. For bodyshop, for Objects see an elaboration by Midge the Tree below.
Crisps&Kerosene discovered how to add specular maps to objects! It's incredible there are still new things to discover in this ancient game.
More on Specular Maps, by Pineapple Forest.
Making new flooring & walls with SimPE, by Charisa. Includes adding Bump/Normal maps. She added a file to clone from in the comments below. It works for normal maps as well. Here's cool discovery in the game files.
Expanding footprint: a mini tutorial, by Deedee.
How to add correct drop shadows to objects, by Yuxi, via Wayback Machine.
Making Objects Viewable in Neighborhood View, by iCad.
Making Objects Visible In Build/Buy Mode, Invisible In Live Mode, by Midge the Tree.
Making Seasons-Friendly Trees, by Echo.
Io/ Serabiet's resources list, mainly for Bodyshop but not just.
Pineapple Forest's Tutorials, useful tips for efficiency and optimization.
MTS modding forum in General.
The Sims 2 Tutorials, on Tumblr. A database, is more updated.
Sims2Artists tutorials section.
LeeFish modding forum.
Garden of Shadows, Tree of Knowledge section.
Troubleshooting: What to do if you get a System.OutOfMemoryException Error, SimPe Forum, via WayBack Machine. Thank you @fanseelamb for the find.
How to read object error logs: I just want to know what causes it!!, by Episims.
Common TS2 errors, by Midge the Tree.
General game fuckery: How to Stop Sims 2 Crashing (Memory Allocation Fix and 4GB Patch Repair), by Jessa.
Graphics card problems, LeeFish forum.
Graphics help - DIY, by Kiri. How to fix faulty Texture Memory allocation, and the problems that stem from it. Tumblr can't handle anymore hyper links so here it is: https://celebkiriedhel.tumblr.com/post/189431721483/graphics-help-diy
General: Switching between save folders without renaming them, by Nopke.
Resources:
3D Models Online*: Various furniture designers' websites: Porada, Zanotta, Muuto, Hay, Poltrona Frau, many luxury furniture designer basically.
3D Warehouse, belongs to Sketchfab (get the Collada files).
Scan the World.
Wikimedia Commons. And more.
*(NOT OPTIMIZED).
Textures: Architextures.
Fabrics & Wallpapers: Natural Stones: Wall Plasters:
iCad's Woods. Shastakiss's Cluedo Metals, Yeti Metals, Pirate Woods. Goat's Woods.
Textures from other games: Dishonored, Thieve and much more, by Saricoya at GoS. Dreamfell by io.
Resource sharing threads at Garden of Shadows.
SimPe - General: CEP Extras list, HugeLunatic at Sims2Artists.
TXMT settings for different materials, by Hafiseazale.
Extended SimStandardMaterial Shader for the Sims 2 + Optionally Brighter Sims, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Custom CubeMaps, by Crisps&Kerosene.
Shiny TXMT Settings & Cube Maps Packs, by Pineapple Forest.
Build/ Buy: Templates for Recoloring Maxis items; MTS Templates sction, Hafiseazale (+cc), ZeroDark.
Template for Seasonal Trees, Gwenke at Sims2Artists.
Making Roof Recolors, Tutorial & template by Numenor, great template by iCad.
Pack for making food clutter usable, by DeeDee.
CAS: Default Makeup Packages - BYO Packages, by Huge Lunatic.
Body shape, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.
Skin template, Io/Serabiet on Tumblr.
Hair texture, iCad.
Color Actions, Pooklet on Tumblr.
That's it for now.
Edit: forgot about CEP extras. Added more links. Edit 02: Added Troubleshooting section under tutorials.
The Internet Archive needs your help.
A coalition of major record labels has filed a lawsuit against the Internet Archive—demanding $700 million for our work preserving and providing access to historical 78rpm records. These fragile, obsolete discs hold some of the earliest recordings of a vanishing American culture. But this lawsuit goes far beyond old records. It’s an attack on the Internet Archive itself.
This lawsuit is an existential threat to the Internet Archive and everything we preserve—including the Wayback Machine, a cornerstone of memory and preservation on the internet.
At a time when digital information is disappearing, being rewritten, or erased entirely, the tools to preserve history must be defended—not dismantled.
This isn’t just about music. It’s about whether future generations will have access to knowledge, history, and culture.
Sign our open letter and tell the record labels to drop their lawsuit.
I didn't know about the guid database at MTS, does anybody know if it's still being updated?
Sims 2:
Because I'm working on a simple solution, but idk if its still an issue.
Sims 2:
Because I'm working on a simple solution, but idk if its still an issue.
Wip: Assassin Sims continues. Got my computer fixed and so the project continues. The picture is from AC:B, not sims yet, I'm just admiring how this game looks, and I'm not even in Rome yet :) Does anybody happen to know a good texture mod for this game? as much as I like photo editing, it would be nice to not do all of them one by one.. haven't found a mod to my liking yet.
Speaking of photo editing, here are my favorite G'MIC-QT filters [an add-on for GIMP]:
P.S., not sure if I got Nvidia to override the game's settings correctly, I'm having this problem with ts2 where it doesn't smooth the edges.. Maybe it's fine here and I'm exaggerating, but the lines look a bit jagged here as well, when zooming in...
Preparing For a Tumblr Shutdown Scenario - Where to Find Me Elsewhere.
After reading the news about Tumblr I finally set up other accounts elsewhere. I'll open a Dreamwidth as well. Links are also in the profile description. Right now it feels a bit empty out there for sims 2, I'd like to find people from over here, over there.
Dreamwidth - I'll be posting downloads and such over there and on forums, the other (anti)social media accounts will reference it. Pillowfort - Felidae. BlueSky - @felidae-sims.bsky.social. Garden of Shadows - Felidae. Mod the Sims Felidae_Sims. Simblr.CC - Felidae.
Edit: Changed account at MTS, typos.. Added Dreamwidth account.
Look what I found! This tool is so good.
Found it through github, it produces all types of maps. Haven't seen it being mentioned anywhere... I used a Maxis floor as an example. It produced very nice results on images of floors I got online.
These bloody conversions.
tempted to call this Assassin Sims in Paris.
Wip: Assassin Sims.
Since i've shared my resources list, I might as well share this too. Nothing is finnished, hence the wip. Ezio's outfit was converted by Daislia at GoS. Working dl at page 3.
I don't want to unfreeze this frame. In the pictures: some cafe furniture from Unity. Roofs, plants and wall from Brotherhood. The wall will be a 3 parter, and seamless of course, in the picture it's just one part. Not ideal but otherwise the texture would shrink badly. None of the materials is ready yet, the end result will look nicer, I hope.