The Sims 2 has a setting that allows you to disable custom content in-game, so please make sure custom content is enabled in your game settings in order to make the downloads show up.
Files download as zip files. For more information on extracting compressed (zipped) files, please see zipping and unzipping files by Microsoft.
There are two types of Sims 2 download formats:
- Sims2Pack files
- package files
Sims2Pack Files
These files are ready to install. Simply double-click to Install.
Package Files
Put package file(s) in the following directory:
-
For Windows Users:
- Users\(Your User Account)\Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Downloads\
-
For Mac Users:
- Users\(Your User Account)\Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Downloads\
What if I don't have a Downloads folder?
Sometimes the Sims 2 installation doesn't create a downloads folder. Thankfully this is easily fixed; just follow those simple steps:
- Run the game for the first time. This usually creates the folder for you
- If not, go to your Documents folder
- Double click on EA Games to open that folder, once there double click The Sims 2 to open that folder - ok we're in the right place!
- Click on File -> New -> Folder in the folder menu (or right-click inside the folder).
- The folder should be highlighted by default, so let's name it Downloads (just type it in). If the folder isn't highlighted, click on it to select the folder, then click File -> Rename and type in Downloads.
- The folder has been created! The final path to the new folder is now: Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Downloads
In the game you recognize the custom content by the bubbly star.
Enabling your content
Some custom content in The Sims 2 requires a special 3rd party file in order to work.