By Popular Demand (I Saw Two People Asking) I Thought I Would Throw Together A Quick Guide To Using The

No Homecrafter either, save your money people. This is not an acceptable quality release.

Quick post while I can; full video coming tonight!

Sims 2 Legacy Edition:

1. NO Bodyshop, tried to run the UC version but it crashed | EDIT: some users have reported being able to copy over bodyshop and run it, but the folder paths are not configured correctly.

2. NO IKEA stuff pack, can be downloaded

3. RPC & associated mods NOT currently working | UPDATE: LD has said on X that he would like to eventually make his mods compatible with this version of the game, so hopefully in the future we will see an RPC for Legacy

4. Scriptorium broken / causes game to crash on load | EDIT: Can be installed manually

5. Pink flashing not solved

6. Object Limit still there (lol)

7. Custom Skins buttons in CAS broken

8. Users are reporting a TONNE of new gameplay bugs - broken pets, broken cutscenes, disappearing Sims, BV community lots not working - it's wild. Check out the EA help forums or this thread on MTS for more: https://modthesims.info/showpost.php?p=5987455&postcount=1

Stick with Starter Pack friends!

I did this recently for myself so I might as well share. This is TS2 facial expression swatch and also some expression combos (in case you don't know - Decorgal's pose overlay hack allows you to apply and blend various expressions / animation loops)

And also, a tip - you can easily edit the pose hack STR to get better angry expression -> I replaced "Eyes Closed (S)" with annoyed face animation, which is a little twitchy (not suitable for movie recording - head movement) but still better than original adult angry face. BTW I actually managed to edit c-annoyed animation so Sims don't squint the eyes as much , you can download the annoyed animation replacement HERE (SFS)

I could use more evil or seductive expressions, TS2 game is seriously lacking those ;/

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Change.org

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I've put together some of my favourite shiny TXMT settings - these are for TS2 CC creators /anyone editing recolors in SimPe.

I've included two custom envcubes.

Also recommended: my Shine Removal Kit.

Shine TXMT Settings

Download: SFS | BOX

These settings should be added to TXMT with 'merge' button /not 'import'/. Instructions are included.

As is the case with StandardMaterial, envcube reflections get much stronger outdoors. This pack includes various TXMT settings for opaque object recolors, to simulate materials such as glass, porcelain, gold, polished metal, stainless metal, cars and other glossy outdoor objects.

Shine settings can be merged with all kinds of settings (tinted, transparent, with textures, or textureless).

stdMatEmissiveCoef and stdMatDiffCoef brightness might affect the intensity of reflections

Please note my shine settings can also be used for SimStandardMaterial stuff BUT results will be a little different /CAS accessories using that shader look the same indoors and outdoors/.

One of the setting files features my custom greylivingroom-envcube, it's based on TS2 gothlivingroom_01-envcube, which I very often use for glazed pottery or glass bottles -BUT it doesn't have any brassy tones, unlike original.

And there's also pfmall-envcube which I created for cars displayed indoors, but it's not exactly how I imagined it - I haven't found much use for it so far. Both custom envcubes are tiny, 64x64 px DXT5.

A Bit Of Gloss: porcelain / glass kind of shine, good for small objects, I often use it for bottles

A Bit Of Neutral Gloss: same as above, but no warm hues

Cool Sparkles: highly polished surface effect, good for small and larger objects

Shiny Gold & Stainless Steel Shine: what it says on the tin

Subtle Shine Blueish: barely visible indoors, this one is good for outdoor metals

Car Varnish Glossy Outdoor: reflection with green grass, trees and sky

Glossy glowing: for lit panels and such

I thought so too but then remmembered it was actualy ATS, around the sims, I was thinking about. Its ts1 section is still up by the way.

Petition: Dedicated TS1 download section on MTS.

With the release of the Legacy collection, the original The Sims game has seen a resurgence in its modding scene. While much of the modding community is currently located in places like Tumblr or specialized sites such as Simblr.cc, most sites don't have the sort of infrastructure, history, or community that MTS does. 

While other sites such as TSR had a section for The Sims, they've recently locked them and prohibited new submissions. Additionally, TSR has a history of being driven primarily by profit while MTS is almost entirely driven my fans. It seems wrong that one of the oldest, and most established, Custom Content aggregate sites doesn't have it's own dedicated section for The Sims as so much of the games' original custom content from the 2000s disappears. 

MTS having its own section would make it one of the only custom content aggregate sites to have a functioning download section for the original game.

Change.org

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Fully Functional TS1 Section on MTS

the way silent hill 2 remake without the fog just looks like an average day in the uk

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<

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.

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 -

Roberta has some good moves!