I'd also like to know where things are standing with SFS.
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!)
Rb for larger sample size appreciated :)
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.
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
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.
Pinterest Album by Leto_Atreides49
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Master meshes- counter, cabinet, shelf
Slaved meshes - counter left, counter right, island counter, cabinet left, cabinet right, shelf open
Standalone meshes - Bosch stove (full functionally), Bosch ovenµwave (decor), barstool, Bosch cooktop
4 marble and 4 wood swatches, price 1$
This is my first kitchen conversion, so mistakes are possible, sorry
For any questions please contact me
All meshes and textures by @ts4novvvas Special thanks for help @lowedeus and @beautifulnerdkitty
Buy me a coffee
Update 5: added archives section. I think it warrants a reblog (updates aren't showing up on reblogs).
(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.
they claimed to have fix the pink soup…
Female, 30's. Sims 2.Elsewhere: CC Finds Side Blog, Art Reblogs, Dreamwidth (Main Sims Place), GoS, Simblr.cc, Pillowfort, Bluesky, Pinterest.
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