User:K6ka/The Sims 2 recommended CC

This is a personal list of recommended DLC for The Sims 2. A few important notes:
 * Need help with installing custom content? See here or here.
 * While I do use a large majority of items listed here, I don't use all of them. Don't ask why, just personal preference. This is mainly to list annoyance fixing mods that other people might benefit from.
 * If a download link here is broken, contact me.
 * Always read the mod description page. If a mod gives you specific instructions on a special place to install it, or some "Do's and Don'ts", read them. Please don't come running to me complaining about how a mod broke your game because you didn't read the documentation, because it's not my fault that you didn't read instructions. Some downloads may come with a "Readme" or "RTFM" text file - read that as well!
 * SimWardrobe doesn't allow direct links to individual pages. All links simply redirect to the main page. I will usually post directions on how to get to the mod, usually in the form of "The Sims 2>Fixes>Seasons fixes", as an example.
 * Many of Cyjon's mods require his Smarter EP Check mod. Many of BoilingOil's mods do too. I recommend you get this mod now so you don't have to remember which mod needs it or not, and just leave it in your Downloads folder. It won't affect your gameplay in any way or form, so you won't lose or gain anything just by having it.
 * Many of J.M. Pescado's mods are available in his Director's Cut. I may link to it occasionally. The complete list of mods inside the director's cut can be found here (just unzip the RAR file and extract the .doc file). Note: You do NOT have to install all the mods inside the Director's Cut! Only install what you want to install. Hack descriptions are available here.
 * This list may contain links to the Paysites Must Be Destroyed website. No, they're not illegal. In fact, EA's Terms of Use says that it is illegal to charge money to distribute custom content for any of their products. Any custom content you make for the game must be made available for free. Paysites like what used to be The Sims Resource and Simslice are illegal, pretty much. The EULA is cited on the website's home page, and it makes it pretty clear that paysites are illegal. By now I hope you will put away any complaints about how these links to freely obtained content that originally had to be paid for are illegal, because it's the other way around.
 * Some hacks may conflict with other hacks. Hack conflicts are not the end of the world, usually. The game usually loads mods in alphabetical order, so mods that are closer to "A" will load first, and mods closer to "Z" will load last. Code that loads last will overwrite code that loaded first, so usually the coding in the mod closer to "Z" will override earlier mods. More information on load order here and here. The Hack Conflict Detection Utility created by SimWardrobe can locate possible hack conflicts and lists them. The HCDU lists hack conflicts by load order, so the mod closer to the bottom of the list is usually the "dominant" one.
 * Anyway, the point I'm trying to make here is that I will usually list mod conflicts if they conflict with another mod that's also on this list, and I will usually provide a fix for it.
 * This is my own personal list, not someone else's.

Enjoy!

"Must have" mods
Listed here because they really can save your life, or at least the life of your game. Really.

The InSIMenator/Sim Blender/Sim Manipulator
These get a section of their own... because they are so unique. These objects will allow you to do things like adjust a Sim's personality points, motives, relationships, age, predestined hobby, etc., all without the need of quitting your game to open up SimPE. Have fun!

All three of the above have their own advantages and disadvantages. I use all three of them in my game. The choice is yours.