"The Sims 2" Essentials

"The Sims 2" Expansion Packs

After playing "The Sims 2," you'll want to feed your addiction more by buying expansion packs or stuff packs (mini-expansions that come mostly with objects and clothes). You can have any combination of expansion packs installed. Usually the expansion packs build off each other.

• "The Sims 2 University"
• "The Sims 2 Nightlife"
• "The Sims 2 Open for Business"
• "The Sims 2 Pets"
• "The Sims 2 Seasons"
• Can't Decide Which Expansion to Buy?
• Order to Install Expansions & Stuff Packs

"The Sims 2" User Created Downloads

Half the fun is downloading all the goodies that talented gamers have made. There are walls, floors, houses, clothes, hair, makeup, recolors of Maxis furniture and original 3D objects. You will need to download and install the Color Options Enabler (CEP) in order to use objects.

• Downloads for "The Sims 2"
• Color Options Enabler (CEP) Download
• How to Install Downloads

"The Sims 2" Editors & Tools

There are tools out there you can download that will make your gaming life a little easier.

• The Sims 2 Content Manager - Organize and delete your downloads
• SimPE - Edit characteristics and much more
• Hack Scanner - Hacks can be transferred in houses, make sure you don't have any you don't want by scanning your files

"The Sims 2" Must-have Mods & Hacks

There are things we all would like to change about the game. There are some hacks out there that take care of those problems (like no jealously and risky woohoo).

"The Sims 2" Career Tracks Guide

Jobs are required in order to buy and do all the stuff they want. Each career track has different requirements. If you want to plan ahead, and make sure you're working on the right skills.

"The Sims 2" Cheats

Some expansion packs add new cheats (one adds cheats for twins!).

• "The Sims 2" Cheats
• "The Sims 2 University" Cheats
• "The Sims 2 Nightlife" Cheats
• "The Sims 2 Open for Business" Cheats

Backing Up Your Files

Whether you are getting a new computer or just want to be sure not to lose your favorite families, you should regularly back up your files. You never know when disaster could strike, and you lose all your files.