Game guide:Which disc is used to start?

The Sims
Players who have The Sims Complete Collection should always use the first CD of that compilation. For those who do not have Complete Collection, the general rule is to use the first CD for the most recently released expansion pack. The expansion packs, in order of release, are:


 * 1)  Livin' Large
 * 2)  House Party
 * 3)  Hot Date
 * 4)  Vacation
 * 5)  Unleashed
 * 6)  Superstar
 * 7)  Makin' Magic

The Sims Deluxe Edition was released after Vacation and before Unleashed. While it is a compilation of the base game and Livin' Large, it also has some attributes of an expansion pack. When determining which disc to use when starting, it is treated as an expansion pack. If Deluxe is installed, and Unleashed, Superstar, or Makin' Magic are not installed, use the first CD of Deluxe to start the game.

The Sims 2
In The Sims 2, the general rule is to start with the first CD of the most recent expansion pack. However, if Mansion & Garden Stuff is installed, it must be used to start. Also, since a stuff pack may have a more recent version of the game engine than the most recent expansion pack, it is sometimes necessary to use the most recently released stuff pack.

The expansion and stuff packs, in order of release are:


 * 1) University
 * 2) Nightlife
 * 3) Holiday Party Pack
 * 4) Open for Business
 * 5) Family Fun Stuff
 * 6) Glamour Life Stuff
 * 7) Pets
 * 8) Happy Holiday Stuff
 * 9) Seasons
 * 10) Celebration! Stuff
 * 11) H&M Fashion Stuff
 * 12) Bon Voyage
 * 13) Teen Style Stuff
 * 14) FreeTime
 * 15) Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff
 * 16) IKEA Home Stuff
 * 17) Apartment Life
 * 18) Mansion & Garden Stuff

According to this thread at Simbology, stuff packs between Family Fun Stuff and H&M Fashion Stuff are based on Open for Business, while stuff packs between Teen Style Stuff and IKEA Home Stuff are based on Pets.

The Sims 2 Store Edition is a special case. If the University Life Collection, Best of Business Collection, or Fun with Pets Collection is used to install it, the DVD for that collection must be used to start.

The Sims 3
The Sims 3 generally follows the same policy as The Sims 2 above, although this time the most recent game is used regardless if it is an expansion pack or a stuff pack. The expansion and stuff packs, in order of release, are:


 * 1) World Adventures
 * 2) High-End Loft
 * 3) Ambitions
 * 4) Fast Lane
 * 5) Late Night
 * 6) Outdoor Living
 * 7) Generations
 * 8) Town Life
 * 9) Pets
 * 10) Master Suite
 * 11) Showtime