Favourite Mods
Inspired by Pleasant Sims' fantastic recommended mods list, aka the bible for Sims 2 mods. Though there may be some overlaps (especially where critical mods are concerned), I will only be including the mods I personally use and my favourites in this post. My Downloads folder is very bulky - over 10k files - but I have trawled through it in order to comprise a comprehensive directory of mods I cannot play without and would like to recommend to the three other people still playing TS2 in 2020.
How to download mods (.package files): go to your Sims 2 folder in your documents, create a new folder called Downloads, and place the packages there.
Anti-Redundancy by Pescado | Stops spawning redundant NPCs unless necessary, instead using already existing NPCs to fill their needed role (for example, only having one server across all community lots).
Assignable Gravestone by cathair2005 | This is a grave found under Miscellaneous/Miscellaneous to which you can assign any dead sim in the neighbourhood. May not be necessary if you have No Unlink On Delete - which, of course, you should - but it is a backup plan just in case you don't and either you or the game have deleted a grave.
Community Time Project by crammyboy | Definitely couldn't recommend this mod enough! Initially, I was unsure, since there seemed to be a few instructionsand quite frankly I am lazy and I thought it was unfinished, but once I got it I cannot play without it. Makes it so the amount of time spent on a community lot passes back on the home lot, meaning if a sim leaves a community lot at 10pm for example they will actually return home around 10pm - in the meantime, the game will fast forward until the moment your sim comes back or allows you to play the rest of the household as normal while the other sim is away, as if they were at work or school. Read the instructions in the thread, download the most recent version (0.6, if you have the Ultimate Collection or Freetime+), and enjoy!
No Met Self Memories by BoilingOil | Does what it says on the tin - prevents sims from gaining a memory of meeting themselves. This feature is included in BO's No Trash Memories mod however I don't use this as it removes certain memories I don't mind in my game; if you have No Trash Memories, you don't need this mod.
Select Your Cemetery by arek_91 | Debated putting this one under critical mods. In Apartment Life, the last sim who dies in an apartment has their grave transported to a random community lot; prior to that, the grave of the last sim dying on a residential lot will just stay there which could lead to it disappearing or getting deleted. This mod allows you to move the grave to any community lot of your choice, such as a cemetery, so that you don't lose it.
Sim Blender by twojeffs | I love this little debugging ficus. There are too many features to list however I mostly use the Sim Blender to reroll LTWs, summon/teleport sims from the neighbourhood, and reset sims' ages to the beginning if they age up before 6pm, but there is so much more you can do. Similar mods include the Sim Manipulator by Aaroneous (which can be used in conjunction with the Blender) and the InSimenator by BlueSoup, however I only use the Sim Blender.
There Can Be Only One (Professor) by Cyjon | Only one professor will be spawned for each major. Like Anti-Redundancy, this is great for reducing the unnecessary generation of NPCs.
Unofficial AL Patch by Pescado | Highly recommended as it fixes "features" EAxis decided to leave to the modding community to sort out. The reason I didn't include this in the previous section is because I believe - but don't quote me on this - a few things were patched in the Ultimate Collection, however it is definitely a should have in your game if you have Apartment Life.
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Level Numbers Added to Job Titles by Phaenoh | Shows the level next to careers in the job panel, LTWs, and when searching for jobs via the newspaper/computer. Very helpful if you're like me and keep a spreadsheet for your game.
No Age Discrimination by Pescado | Allows elders to get the same jobs as adults and progress past Level 3. Included in the FFS Director's Cut, so download the version for the most recent EP you have (AL if you have the UC) and find noagediscrimination.package.
No Friends Needed for Careers by twojeffs | Sims no longer need friends in order to advance in their careers. Perfect for loner sims and small neighbourhoods. Conflicts with Pescado's Harder Jobs.
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Gussy Up by ChristianLov | Adds a new pie menu option on sims called Gussy Up... where you can change the sim's appearance, clothes, jewellery, and even give them plastic surgery. Although it says 'buy clothing', changes will not actually cost anything. I like to mainly use this on townies, especially if I've downloaded some default replacements that aren't looking so great on them.
Maxis Outerwear as... Outerwear! by fanseelamb and Maxis Athletic Wear as... Athletic Wear by Richi3frog | Recategorises some everyday clothing, such as the GLS fur coat or the University jock outfits, so they are available as either outerwear or athletic clothes. Gives some diversity to those options since I tend to see the same three gym outfits a lot.
Outfit Sense by simler90 | There is now a chance that sims attending parties, especially anniversary or house parties, will appear in their formal wear, as well as increasing chances that sims walking by or visiting community lots will wear casual, formal, or gym clothes.
Pregnant Sims Wear Any Outfit by Squinge | Allows pregnant sims to wear any clothes instead of just maternity. Incompatible with InTeen.
Towel Mod by simler90 | After sims shower, there is a chance they will wear the towel from BV instead of changing back into their everyday clothes.
Townie Body Diversity by Nysha | New townies spawned have a chance of being either fat, thin, or fit - ordinarily, townies are only fit. Make sure to get Waiter NPC Outfit Fix by Jawusa because, as I found out the terrifying way, the waiter outfits do not have a fat morph and so they look super borked if a fat waiter NPC is spawned by TBD.
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No 20k Handouts by Pescado | Another one from Pescado's Director's Cut, this mod gets rid of the free 20k starter sims are given out of nowhere after graduating university. Definitely makes the game more challenging and realistic.
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Drama Fix by Pescado | Stops "lost best friend" spam when interacting with university drama professors, who for some reason are in love with everyone they meet. Also suppresses "met self" memories.
M&G Physiology Fix by gummilutt | Fixes the bug from AL where sims who have studied physiology gain body skills ridiculously quickly. Conflicts with Pescado's Unofficial AL Patch.
Phone Hack by Pescado | Fixes a few bugs with phones as well as stops the friend spam - you know, the messages where sims you befriended an hour ago whine about not hearing from you. Instead, friends will actually call you to chat.
Tombstone Move Fix by Pescado | Stops sims from gaining a new death memory and potentially going into aspiration failure when moving graves to a cemetery. Like No Age Discrimination, this mod can be found in Pescado's Director's Cut.
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Jogging Motive Loss Changes by gummilutt | Sims no longer return from jogging on the verge of death from their needs dramatically draining.
Restorable Car Fix by HarrisonFordFanClub | Stops the energy and hygiene motives from draining when fixing up the restorable car.
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If, like me, you change lifespan mods - or want to make everyone including premade sims using the default lifespan be in sync - definitely get Chris Hatch's Age Correct mod. Make sure you read the instructions and remove it once it has fixed everyone's ages in order to sync them with your new lifespan.
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Fixed Maxis Strangetown by Dorsal Axe | I have yet to try this cleaned Strangetown, however I have heard good things about it and I am intending on downloading it when I finally get around to resetting Strangetown.
skyFix by Nopke | Puts the sun, moon, stars, and shooting stars back into the sky. Also fixes issues with neighbourhood sky boxes.
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Hacked Computer by monique | Cannot recommend this mod enough. Adds a lot of new functions to computers such as bank accounts and online shopping (what I mostly use this for). Here are some recolours.
Invisible Driveway & Extensions by roddyaleixo | Adds an invisible recolour to driveways and extensions so you can use any flooring for a more cohesive look.
Invisible Medicine Cabinet by gummilutt | Self-explanatory; an invisible medicine cabinet you can place in any mirror using moveobjects to allow the Brush Teeth and Wash Face functions.
No Empty Pot by Inge Jones | Hacks the base game potty so that it never has to be emptied. Makes potty training just that bitmore bearable easier.
Perfect Plants & Perfect Gardens by twojeffs | Not really an object per se, however this mod stops plants from dying, weeds, and keeps orchards and crops in perfect condition (Perfect Gardens only). I also recommend checking out this whole pack since it offers a few fixes to annoying behaviour.
Smart Beds by twojeffs | Fixes the in-game bed ownership system so that it actually works. Again, check out all the files included in the linked post to see if any of the other mods included suit your fancy.
Television Placement Mod by An_dz | TVs can now have their height adjusted, much like how paintings can be moved up or down walls. Requires AL/UC.
Want-Fulfilling Pictures by iCad | Invisible free paintings under respective categories in buy mode which fulfil the annoying 'Buy Toilet' or 'Buy Fridge' wants.
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Call NPCs by cyjon | For some reason, FT removed the ability to call certain NPCs (i.e. maids); this mod reinstates that feature.
Phone Hack by Pescado | See 'Game Fixes'.
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Autonomous Casual Romance (ACR) by twojeffs | A classic. I like to call it Autonomous Chaotic Romance. This mod isn't for everyone, especially if you like to be in control of who sims date, but for me it's one of those mods I cannot play without. It adds quite a few features pertaining to romantic relationships, jealousy, booty calls, risky WooHooing, and allows sims to choose who they want to get freaky with. Great if you want to just sit back and let your simsget it on get on with it. Check out Pleasant Sims' tutorial on how to set it all up.
Extended Family Treated as Family by kestrellyn | Sims now recognise and treat extended relatives such as second cousins, first cousins once removed, great-grandparents/children, and great-aunts/uncles/grand-nieces/nephews as family. No more accidentally dating a distant cousin!
In-laws Fix by kestrellyn | Fixes the one-sided relationship between married sims and their in-laws where only the spouse considers their partner's parents as family.
"Just Be Friends" Social by Midge the Tree | Removes crush/love flags between sims who aren't in a committed relationship (going steady, engaged, or married). Available at any stage in the relationship and results in an amicable 'breakup'.
No Jealousy Unless Married/Engaged/Going Steady by Smonaff | Sims will no longer get jealous if their (probably unrequited) crush or love interest do romantic interactions with other sims. Not totally necessary with ACR but thought I'd recommend it if you want less or more reasonable jealousy.
Secondary Aspiration Attraction by HobbesED | The attraction system now takes secondary aspirations into account. Conflicts with Romantic Standards by simler90.
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Greater LTW Variety & Sanity by Pescado | Fixes some minor annoyances around LTWs, as well as allowing sims to have any LTW instead of being limited by their aspiration(s). Basically, LTWs will actually make sense and feel more appropriate to your sim. Needed if you want Uni LTWs (see below).
No LTA Permaplat by kestrellyn | Brings the fun back into fulfilling wants, especially LTWs, by removing the free permaplat given to sims who have maxed out their LTA bar.
Uni Career LTWs | Enables LTWs for the four careers included in University. Needs LTW Variety.
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Clean Installer by Mootilda | Shows custom content included in a Sims2Pack - usually lots or sims - and gives you the choice to categorise, catalogue, or remove the CC.
Color Enable Package (CEP) by Numenor | If you want to download EAxis object recolours, you need this as it allows the custom content to show in game.
Hack Conflict Detector by leefish | As its name suggests, this program checks for mods in your Downloads which may be conflicting with one another.
HoodChecker by Mootilda | Debated putting this in with the critical mods despite it being a program because it is SO fundamental to keeping your hoods healthy. It's easy to use and can be a game saver. I run it after every play session however you can do it as frequently/infrequently as you'd like, though the recommended amount is around once a week. It detects invalid memories, relationships, gossip, and worse (i.e. missing character data, walkabout graves) and attempts to remove them. Much like SimPE, backup your hoods before running the Remove feature; though it is extremely reliable, it does change your hood so it never hurts to do so.
Secondary Aspiration Calculator by Shirley | Created by a Pleasant Sims subscriber named Shirley and shared by Pleasant Sims. I like the secondary aspiration feature and use it for all my sims because it adds more depth and wants diversity. If you do too, then I would really recommend checking this spreadsheet out. It calculates a sim's 'ideal' secondary aspiration based on their interests and while it's given me some... interesting choices, I like it a lot more than randomly picking a secondary aspiration for each sim.
SimPE by Quaxi | A staple of TS2 community. You can do a lot of things with this tool, however you can also break a lot of things in your game if used improperly so make sure you read tutorials and backup your game before you go poking around. I mostly use it to rename sims (typically surnames) and households, use Sim Surgery, and backup my hood, but this is just the surface of what you can do with SimPE. Unfortunately not available on Mac.
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Okay... this took an embarrassingly long time to finish. I hope it is helpful to anyone who happens to find this. If so, I'd love to hear what mods not included in this list other simmers can't play without!
How to download mods (.package files): go to your Sims 2 folder in your documents, create a new folder called Downloads, and place the packages there.
UPDATE 13/09/2020: Unfortunately the beloved Simbology website has recently shut down and so a few of these mods may direct you to dead links. Once I am able to, I will try to replace these links; in the meantime, you can find all the Simbology mods at Sim File Share. So long and thanks for all the fish indeed.
CRITICAL MODS
If you quite enjoy your game and would rather not have it explode in a BFBVS, get these mods now. Even if you plan on playing without any CC or mods, these are crucial. Non-negotiable, even, as Pleasant Sims states in her post.
Creature Fixes by Pescado | All features may not be necessary if you don't play with occult sims, however I have included this as an essential mod anyway because it prevents vampires from autonomously biting dangerous NPCs such as Mrs. Crumplebottom. This is more a precaution than anything; I call it a condom since it's an extra layer of protection. You can never be too careful, so also remember to make all your objects.package files read-only.
Cyjon's Ghost Hack by Cyjon | This mod offers a range of features pertaining to ghosts such as suppressing annoying behaviour - these are optional. The most important part of this mod, however, is the Bug Fixes hack; this stops ghosts from possessing other graves which can potentially shred character data (see Pescado's No Unlink On Delete below) and thus it is critical. Requires Smarter EP Check by Cyjon (as do many of cyjon's mods).
FFS Lot Debugger by Pescado | Also called the Bat Box, the FFS Lot Debugger simply has too many features to list here. Though your game might not explode without it, it's definitely been a game saver for me a few times. I mostly use it to give university degrees to premade sims, roll the pacifier to avoid firstborn syndrome, frequently clear gossip, trash memories and nuke attraction markers (these can get borked like everything in this game), as well as fix little inconveniences such as stuck bills.
No Auto Urn Cleanup by Cyjon | Smashing urns on its own is bad enough, and sims may autonomously clean the ash pile up. This deletes character data and all that bad corruption stuff. Requires Smarter EP Check.
No Corrupt Death Memory by Pescado | As stated in the thread title, this mod is critical with a capital C. Suppresses death memories and gossip about dead sims which can get seriously corrupt. Death can be a huge source of corruption in this game so any mods that deal with fixing it are a must.
No Sim Loaded by BoilingOil | Looks for and removes garbage tokens such as Sim Loaded, gossip, and broken controllers upon loading a lot, though it runs in the background and cleans things that can really bog down your game after the intitial notification. Requires Smarter EP Check to run properly.
No Unlink On Urnstone Delete by Pescado | Graves and urns are considered by the game to be sims, and so deleting them is akin to deleting a sim which is, of course, a VBT. Doing so shreds character data and leads to hood corruption. Even if you yourself don't delete graves, they may still go walkabout and vanish - for example, saving while ghosts are active on the lot could delete their graves. This mod ensures character data is not lost if graves disappear or are deleted. Caution - having this mod does not mean you should go deleting graves willy nilly; it's for accidents (or to fix EAxis borkage).
Reputation New Friend Fix by Cyjon | Prevents townies from attempting to introduce your sim to dangerous object NPCs and deceased sims through Secret Social Networking. Even with clean templates this interaction is very buggy and can possibly result in total game corruption.
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RECOMMENDED MODS
These mods aren't critical per se, but I personally could not play without them and so I recommend them to any player.Anti-Redundancy by Pescado | Stops spawning redundant NPCs unless necessary, instead using already existing NPCs to fill their needed role (for example, only having one server across all community lots).
Assignable Gravestone by cathair2005 | This is a grave found under Miscellaneous/Miscellaneous to which you can assign any dead sim in the neighbourhood. May not be necessary if you have No Unlink On Delete - which, of course, you should - but it is a backup plan just in case you don't and either you or the game have deleted a grave.
Community Time Project by crammyboy | Definitely couldn't recommend this mod enough! Initially, I was unsure, since there seemed to be a few instructions
No Met Self Memories by BoilingOil | Does what it says on the tin - prevents sims from gaining a memory of meeting themselves. This feature is included in BO's No Trash Memories mod however I don't use this as it removes certain memories I don't mind in my game; if you have No Trash Memories, you don't need this mod.
Select Your Cemetery by arek_91 | Debated putting this one under critical mods. In Apartment Life, the last sim who dies in an apartment has their grave transported to a random community lot; prior to that, the grave of the last sim dying on a residential lot will just stay there which could lead to it disappearing or getting deleted. This mod allows you to move the grave to any community lot of your choice, such as a cemetery, so that you don't lose it.
Sim Blender by twojeffs | I love this little debugging ficus. There are too many features to list however I mostly use the Sim Blender to reroll LTWs, summon/teleport sims from the neighbourhood, and reset sims' ages to the beginning if they age up before 6pm, but there is so much more you can do. Similar mods include the Sim Manipulator by Aaroneous (which can be used in conjunction with the Blender) and the InSimenator by BlueSoup, however I only use the Sim Blender.
There Can Be Only One (Professor) by Cyjon | Only one professor will be spawned for each major. Like Anti-Redundancy, this is great for reducing the unnecessary generation of NPCs.
Unofficial AL Patch by Pescado | Highly recommended as it fixes "features" EAxis decided to leave to the modding community to sort out. The reason I didn't include this in the previous section is because I believe - but don't quote me on this - a few things were patched in the Ultimate Collection, however it is definitely a should have in your game if you have Apartment Life.
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APARTMENT MODS
Enable "Rent Furnished Apartment" Outside of Debug Mode by thetechnosim | Allows you to rent furnished apartments easily by clicking on the apartment door. At no extra cost, too!
Townie Apartment Residents by Cyjon | Townies will now be selected as apartment neighbours and roommates instead of social groups.
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Townie Apartment Residents by Cyjon | Townies will now be selected as apartment neighbours and roommates instead of social groups.
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CAMERA MODS
GunMod's Camera Mod by GunMod | Slightly different as it is not a mod in the traditional sense - files go in the Cameras folder rather than the usual Downloads folder - however it is still easy to install and works beautifully. Only download one file; I personally use GCM-31-A, the one that was updated most recently (November 2005). Perfect for getting closer to your sims and seeing from their level, and essential if you want to use neighbourhood skylines or skies (or to see secret lots, such as the Baba Yaga hut in Belladonna Cove) since these cameras allow you to zoom right in and out.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAREER MODS
Hangout After Work by piqiwi | Gives you a pop up randomly after your sim has finished work letting you know they'll be home late because they're either hanging out with colleagues at the gym or cinema, or they're working overtime because they've been slacking off. They'll be gone about an additional two hours or so and will see some motive boosts. Conflicts with inTeen, Work & Bring Home Friend Dialog by monique, and No Carpool for Mothers by xptl297.Level Numbers Added to Job Titles by Phaenoh | Shows the level next to careers in the job panel, LTWs, and when searching for jobs via the newspaper/computer. Very helpful if you're like me and keep a spreadsheet for your game.
No Age Discrimination by Pescado | Allows elders to get the same jobs as adults and progress past Level 3. Included in the FFS Director's Cut, so download the version for the most recent EP you have (AL if you have the UC) and find noagediscrimination.package.
No Friends Needed for Careers by twojeffs | Sims no longer need friends in order to advance in their careers. Perfect for loner sims and small neighbourhoods. Conflicts with Pescado's Harder Jobs.
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CLOTHING AND APPEARANCE MODS
"Dress Me Correctly" by MogHughson | Ensures sims dress appropriately after having a bath or shower, meaning at nighttime sims will dress ready for bed or in the morning they will dress for school or work. If you use Pregnancy Wear Any Outfit (see below), get this mod by simsfreq to make DMC compatible with pregnancy.Gussy Up by ChristianLov | Adds a new pie menu option on sims called Gussy Up... where you can change the sim's appearance, clothes, jewellery, and even give them plastic surgery. Although it says 'buy clothing', changes will not actually cost anything. I like to mainly use this on townies, especially if I've downloaded some default replacements that aren't looking so great on them.
Maxis Outerwear as... Outerwear! by fanseelamb and Maxis Athletic Wear as... Athletic Wear by Richi3frog | Recategorises some everyday clothing, such as the GLS fur coat or the University jock outfits, so they are available as either outerwear or athletic clothes. Gives some diversity to those options since I tend to see the same three gym outfits a lot.
Outfit Sense by simler90 | There is now a chance that sims attending parties, especially anniversary or house parties, will appear in their formal wear, as well as increasing chances that sims walking by or visiting community lots will wear casual, formal, or gym clothes.
Pregnant Sims Wear Any Outfit by Squinge | Allows pregnant sims to wear any clothes instead of just maternity. Incompatible with InTeen.
Towel Mod by simler90 | After sims shower, there is a chance they will wear the towel from BV instead of changing back into their everyday clothes.
Townie Body Diversity by Nysha | New townies spawned have a chance of being either fat, thin, or fit - ordinarily, townies are only fit. Make sure to get Waiter NPC Outfit Fix by Jawusa because, as I found out the terrifying way, the waiter outfits do not have a fat morph and so they look super borked if a fat waiter NPC is spawned by TBD.
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FINANCE MODS
Child Support by monique | Parents with children (baby - teenager) living on another lot will send 200 simoleons from their family funds every few days each week as child support. Pretty funny when your sim has an alien baby and you get notifications about Pollination Technician sending child support.No 20k Handouts by Pescado | Another one from Pescado's Director's Cut, this mod gets rid of the free 20k starter sims are given out of nowhere after graduating university. Definitely makes the game more challenging and realistic.
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GAME FIXES
Wasn't sure where else to put these. These mods fix annoying but overall minor bugs (or EAxis "features").Drama Fix by Pescado | Stops "lost best friend" spam when interacting with university drama professors, who for some reason are in love with everyone they meet. Also suppresses "met self" memories.
M&G Physiology Fix by gummilutt | Fixes the bug from AL where sims who have studied physiology gain body skills ridiculously quickly. Conflicts with Pescado's Unofficial AL Patch.
Phone Hack by Pescado | Fixes a few bugs with phones as well as stops the friend spam - you know, the messages where sims you befriended an hour ago whine about not hearing from you. Instead, friends will actually call you to chat.
Tombstone Move Fix by Pescado | Stops sims from gaining a new death memory and potentially going into aspiration failure when moving graves to a cemetery. Like No Age Discrimination, this mod can be found in Pescado's Director's Cut.
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HOBBY FIXES
Enthusiasm Overall by tunaisafish | Features 5 changes to the hobby and enthusiasm system. I like File 2, which makes a sim's One True Hobby the most important hobby, and File 4, which reduces the amount of spam messages about a sim losing hobby enthusiasm.Jogging Motive Loss Changes by gummilutt | Sims no longer return from jogging on the verge of death from their needs dramatically draining.
Restorable Car Fix by HarrisonFordFanClub | Stops the energy and hygiene motives from draining when fixing up the restorable car.
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LIFESPAN MODS
I currently use the 1 day = 1 year lifespan by Mertikora. Prior to that, I used the Variation Aging span by BlakeS5678, however I switched to Mertikora's because ages were starting to get out of sync. If you're interested in creating your own custom lifespan, check out Pleasant Sims' tutorial.If, like me, you change lifespan mods - or want to make everyone including premade sims using the default lifespan be in sync - definitely get Chris Hatch's Age Correct mod. Make sure you read the instructions and remove it once it has fixed everyone's ages in order to sync them with your new lifespan.
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MEMORY MODS
Memory Fixes by cyjon | Fixes some bugs with a few memories and their associated gossip.
Townie No Memory Loss by Squinge | Townies no longer have their memories erased when asked to move in.
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Townie No Memory Loss by Squinge | Townies no longer have their memories erased when asked to move in.
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NEIGHBOURHOOD MODS
Clean Pleasantview Template by meetme2totheriver | If you'd like to play the premade EAxis hoods that ship with the game, clean templates are a must since those hoods come packed with some free corruption. I have linked the clean Pleasantview template I use since that's my hood of choice, however meetme2totheriver has cleaned up all six hoods as well as subhoods and stealth hoods so be sure to check out meetme2totheriver's Tumblr for the hood you want to play.Fixed Maxis Strangetown by Dorsal Axe | I have yet to try this cleaned Strangetown, however I have heard good things about it and I am intending on downloading it when I finally get around to resetting Strangetown.
skyFix by Nopke | Puts the sun, moon, stars, and shooting stars back into the sky. Also fixes issues with neighbourhood sky boxes.
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NPC MODS
No Humble by Pescado | NPC Rod Humble will no longer visit and leave the advertisement computer when new sims move in. If you still want his computer, it can be bought from the computer section under electronics in buy mode.
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OBJECT MODS
Bottomless Bottle by Inge Jones | As it says - a baby bottle that is never empty and never spoils. The best part is, if your sims still insist on taking their baby/toddler all the way to the fridge to get a non-hacked bottle, as long as you have a bottomless bottle somewhere on the lot these extra bottles will disappear. You can find it under Miscellaneous/All.Hacked Computer by monique | Cannot recommend this mod enough. Adds a lot of new functions to computers such as bank accounts and online shopping (what I mostly use this for). Here are some recolours.
Invisible Driveway & Extensions by roddyaleixo | Adds an invisible recolour to driveways and extensions so you can use any flooring for a more cohesive look.
Invisible Medicine Cabinet by gummilutt | Self-explanatory; an invisible medicine cabinet you can place in any mirror using moveobjects to allow the Brush Teeth and Wash Face functions.
No Empty Pot by Inge Jones | Hacks the base game potty so that it never has to be emptied. Makes potty training just that bit
Perfect Plants & Perfect Gardens by twojeffs | Not really an object per se, however this mod stops plants from dying, weeds, and keeps orchards and crops in perfect condition (Perfect Gardens only). I also recommend checking out this whole pack since it offers a few fixes to annoying behaviour.
Smart Beds by twojeffs | Fixes the in-game bed ownership system so that it actually works. Again, check out all the files included in the linked post to see if any of the other mods included suit your fancy.
Television Placement Mod by An_dz | TVs can now have their height adjusted, much like how paintings can be moved up or down walls. Requires AL/UC.
Want-Fulfilling Pictures by iCad | Invisible free paintings under respective categories in buy mode which fulfil the annoying 'Buy Toilet' or 'Buy Fridge' wants.
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PHONE MODS
AutoYak by Pescado | Adds new options to phones namely Call Friends/Enemies/Family in order to repair or lower relationships as well as introduce sims to family members they have not yet met.Call NPCs by cyjon | For some reason, FT removed the ability to call certain NPCs (i.e. maids); this mod reinstates that feature.
Phone Hack by Pescado | See 'Game Fixes'.
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PREGNANCY MODS
Quiet Pregnancy by syberspunk | Silences the chimes that indicate your sim was successful in trying for a baby, so pregnancy becomes a surprise. If you don't want ACR or any similar mods but would still like risky WooHoo, definitely check out that mod available in the download as well.
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RELATIONSHIP MODS
Anniversary by piqiwi | If two sims go steady, get engaged, or married with two days left in Winter (as an example), when there are two days left in the next season - let's say Spring - you will get a pop-up informing you that it's the couple's 1st Anniversary. Once you start getting to milestone anniversaries, the couple is awarded some money, which may or may not be my favourite feature. Be careful though - this mod comes with new custom memories so be sure you want this mod because removing it when sims have these memories may cause hood corruption.Autonomous Casual Romance (ACR) by twojeffs | A classic. I like to call it Autonomous Chaotic Romance. This mod isn't for everyone, especially if you like to be in control of who sims date, but for me it's one of those mods I cannot play without. It adds quite a few features pertaining to romantic relationships, jealousy, booty calls, risky WooHooing, and allows sims to choose who they want to get freaky with. Great if you want to just sit back and let your sims
Extended Family Treated as Family by kestrellyn | Sims now recognise and treat extended relatives such as second cousins, first cousins once removed, great-grandparents/children, and great-aunts/uncles/grand-nieces/nephews as family. No more accidentally dating a distant cousin!
In-laws Fix by kestrellyn | Fixes the one-sided relationship between married sims and their in-laws where only the spouse considers their partner's parents as family.
"Just Be Friends" Social by Midge the Tree | Removes crush/love flags between sims who aren't in a committed relationship (going steady, engaged, or married). Available at any stage in the relationship and results in an amicable 'breakup'.
No Jealousy Unless Married/Engaged/Going Steady by Smonaff | Sims will no longer get jealous if their (probably unrequited) crush or love interest do romantic interactions with other sims. Not totally necessary with ACR but thought I'd recommend it if you want less or more reasonable jealousy.
Secondary Aspiration Attraction by HobbesED | The attraction system now takes secondary aspirations into account. Conflicts with Romantic Standards by simler90.
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SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY MODS
Faster Homework by Dave Luv | Homework only takes 15 sim minutes to complete homework instead of the usual hour.
Majors Made Easier by FrikaC | Essential if you want to play with custom majors as this is the only way you will be able to select them.
No Memory Uneducated and No Want Satisfy Uneducated by Squinge | Part of Squinge's Mega College Pack, though I only use these two. The former stops the formation of the negative memory when a teenager ages up to an adult without going to college, while the latter prevents the "Be Uneducated" fear from being fulfilled if a sim doesn't go to college. University really isn't for everyone!
Partial Homework Credit by cyjon | Children and teens will still get some grade boost from partially doing their homework. Also removes old homework lying around the lot.
School Mods by simler90 | Pack of four mods pertaining to school, namely Private School, Private School Leave Early, School Bring Home Friend Mod, and School Grade; I use the private school mods. The first mod makes private school students' needs decay slower while at school and also charges 100 simoleons a day for each student. With Leave Early, teenage private school students come home at 12pm instead of 1pm and children come home at 2pm instead of 3pm. These mods mean private school actually has a purpose. If you have School Bring Home Friend Mod, private school students can only bring other private school students home, meaning some townies (namely Downtownies, Socialites, and Techs) will be enrolled in private school.
Semester Changes by cyjon | Love playing university but hate how it takes 24 days? This is the perfect mod for you! With Semester Changes, each year only has one semester which lasts for 2 sim days, meaning the overall university experience lasts just 8 days total. Also syncs playable students up to the same schedule so they all take their final exams at 9am, or 4am for vampires.
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Majors Made Easier by FrikaC | Essential if you want to play with custom majors as this is the only way you will be able to select them.
No Memory Uneducated and No Want Satisfy Uneducated by Squinge | Part of Squinge's Mega College Pack, though I only use these two. The former stops the formation of the negative memory when a teenager ages up to an adult without going to college, while the latter prevents the "Be Uneducated" fear from being fulfilled if a sim doesn't go to college. University really isn't for everyone!
Partial Homework Credit by cyjon | Children and teens will still get some grade boost from partially doing their homework. Also removes old homework lying around the lot.
School Mods by simler90 | Pack of four mods pertaining to school, namely Private School, Private School Leave Early, School Bring Home Friend Mod, and School Grade; I use the private school mods. The first mod makes private school students' needs decay slower while at school and also charges 100 simoleons a day for each student. With Leave Early, teenage private school students come home at 12pm instead of 1pm and children come home at 2pm instead of 3pm. These mods mean private school actually has a purpose. If you have School Bring Home Friend Mod, private school students can only bring other private school students home, meaning some townies (namely Downtownies, Socialites, and Techs) will be enrolled in private school.
Semester Changes by cyjon | Love playing university but hate how it takes 24 days? This is the perfect mod for you! With Semester Changes, each year only has one semester which lasts for 2 sim days, meaning the overall university experience lasts just 8 days total. Also syncs playable students up to the same schedule so they all take their final exams at 9am, or 4am for vampires.
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SKILL MODS
Community Lot Skilling and Enthusiasm by Pescado | Sims - including townies and NPCs - can now gain skill points and hobby enthusiasm on community lots.
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TEMPERATURE MODS
Temperature Mods by simler90 | No longer protects sims from temperature when inside. There are quite a few to choose from; I personally use the Advanced Version because it is the most realistic for me. If you use this one also, I recommend downloading the ceiling aircon by Inge Jones to place indoors as it maintains sim temperature - this is great since it can be challenging to cool down or warm up sims with the Advanced Version, especially babies and toddlers.
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WANT MODS
Baby Wants Fix by twojeffs | Adopting a child now fulfils the 'Have a Baby' want. Check out the rest of the pack too if you play with LGBTQ+ sims.Greater LTW Variety & Sanity by Pescado | Fixes some minor annoyances around LTWs, as well as allowing sims to have any LTW instead of being limited by their aspiration(s). Basically, LTWs will actually make sense and feel more appropriate to your sim. Needed if you want Uni LTWs (see below).
No LTA Permaplat by kestrellyn | Brings the fun back into fulfilling wants, especially LTWs, by removing the free permaplat given to sims who have maxed out their LTA bar.
Uni Career LTWs | Enables LTWs for the four careers included in University. Needs LTW Variety.
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PROGRAMS AND UTILITIES
Finally, here are some essential and recommended programs/tools for TS2.Clean Installer by Mootilda | Shows custom content included in a Sims2Pack - usually lots or sims - and gives you the choice to categorise, catalogue, or remove the CC.
Color Enable Package (CEP) by Numenor | If you want to download EAxis object recolours, you need this as it allows the custom content to show in game.
Hack Conflict Detector by leefish | As its name suggests, this program checks for mods in your Downloads which may be conflicting with one another.
HoodChecker by Mootilda | Debated putting this in with the critical mods despite it being a program because it is SO fundamental to keeping your hoods healthy. It's easy to use and can be a game saver. I run it after every play session however you can do it as frequently/infrequently as you'd like, though the recommended amount is around once a week. It detects invalid memories, relationships, gossip, and worse (i.e. missing character data, walkabout graves) and attempts to remove them. Much like SimPE, backup your hoods before running the Remove feature; though it is extremely reliable, it does change your hood so it never hurts to do so.
Secondary Aspiration Calculator by Shirley | Created by a Pleasant Sims subscriber named Shirley and shared by Pleasant Sims. I like the secondary aspiration feature and use it for all my sims because it adds more depth and wants diversity. If you do too, then I would really recommend checking this spreadsheet out. It calculates a sim's 'ideal' secondary aspiration based on their interests and while it's given me some... interesting choices, I like it a lot more than randomly picking a secondary aspiration for each sim.
SimPE by Quaxi | A staple of TS2 community. You can do a lot of things with this tool, however you can also break a lot of things in your game if used improperly so make sure you read tutorials and backup your game before you go poking around. I mostly use it to rename sims (typically surnames) and households, use Sim Surgery, and backup my hood, but this is just the surface of what you can do with SimPE. Unfortunately not available on Mac.
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Okay... this took an embarrassingly long time to finish. I hope it is helpful to anyone who happens to find this. If so, I'd love to hear what mods not included in this list other simmers can't play without!
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