Old games are wonderful because they evoke nostalgia, can run on low-end PCs or laptops, and hold the soul and effort of developers who were just starting their journey. One such game is The Sims 2. Personally, I believe this is the best installment of the life simulator, as it contains many realistic, small details that are missing in the third + fourth versions.

the sims 2Image: theamusetech.com

However, since The Sims 2 is considered old, it lacks new mechanics, interesting items. There are also some aspects that either irritate or prevent enjoyment of the gameplay. All of this can be resolved with the help of modifications. In this article, I have compiled the 20 best mods for The Sims 2.

Special Painting

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims 

There are many different paintings in the game that a character can hang on the wall, but we suggest you install the best one. What's the secret of this item? By clicking on it, the virtual person can become a vampire, werewolf, robot, and so on. Now you don't have to build a relationship with a bloodsucker to become a monster. Simply purchase this interior item to change the hero's life once and for all.

Turn Off Annoying Radio

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims

It personally annoys me when guests come over and turn on salsa in my family's house, then leave the irritating music on. It’s even more annoying that my Sim has to go through five floors, get stuck in textures, glitch halfway, get distracted, and sit at the computer without turning off the radio, which is on the first (or last) floor. With this mod, the character can turn off the music from any place on the lot. Silence, peace are guaranteed (until the guests arrive, ha-ha).

Regulate Body Temperature

the sims 2 modImage: simscommunity.info

Download: modthesims

Summer is hot, winter is cold, eat soup — hot again. If you don't keep an eye on Sim, they either get heatstroke or freeze to death. I'm tired of it! It's easier to install this mod to keep the body temperature always within the green indicator. Characters feel good, and you feel even better.

No More Newspapers

the sims 2 modImage: sims.fandom.com

Download: modthesims

Do you get spammed with newspapers that nobody needs? They end up accumulating as rotten trash. I was even happy when some Sim stole my paper clutter, but still, every morning brought genuine irritation. Everything changed when I installed a mod that stops the delivery person from bringing it. No more constantly throwing it away or finding the rotten version around the house that ruined the entire ambiance.

No More Digging Dogs

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims

I love dogs, but I don't love them in The Sims 2 because they constantly dig holes. My beautiful backyard with lovely flowers and neat bushes was always ruined when my pet or a stray started digging. Now, with this mod, animals are prohibited from such actions. The yard will always look beautiful, and the mood will always be good.

Job Board

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims

You've decided that Sim will be a chef or a top athlete, but there's no suitable job in the newspaper or on the PC. Days pass, bills come that you can't pay, all the windows in the house are sold. Then a collector comes and takes the TV or the computer, and you still believe that the right job will show up. With the job board, players won't suffer anymore, because it displays absolutely all job offers (even custom careers).

Guest Marriage

the sims 2 modImage: reddit.com

Download: Tumblr

Sharing a bed, listening to snoring, cleaning up after a partner — why deal with all these difficulties? In reality, some couples agree to a guest marriage, so why not do the same in a life simulator? Now, after getting married, Sims can love each other, be officially together, but live in separate spaces. Remember, comfort comes first!

Expanded CAS

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims

You want to create a perfectly beautiful character, but half of the face is obscured during creation. This is very annoying, but this improvement can solve the problem. CAS expands, giving players more space and convenience.

Shared Showering

the sims 2 modImage: picknmixmods.com

After installing this mod, a special shower cabin appears in the game, allowing partners to shower together. It also includes an 18+ feature. Shared life will become a little more interesting and exciting.

Functional Vacuum Cleaner

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

The Sims 2 lacks some household details present in the fourth installment. You might want to have a cleaning day for the characters so they can relax in bed and read a book in the evening. Adding a functional vacuum cleaner will help diversify the characters' lives. Of course, the process won't affect the ambiance, but the extra mechanic won't hurt the game. After using the item, it will end up in the Sim's inventory.

Book of Talent

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

Download: modthesims

It's annoying to constantly sit with books to max out cleaning skills. It's frustrating to stay on the treadmill. Your Sim's legs will fall off before they become an athlete with maximum skill. But what's even more annoying is a new cashier slowing down the line due to inexperience and slowness. I understand the customers' desire to hit the worker. But with the Book of Talent, all these inconveniences disappear in an instant, as you can max out all the character's skills and talents in seconds.

Plumpad Sketchpad

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

Creative people want to expand the boundaries of the possible. With this mod, they get what they desire. The game adds a Sketchpad, allowing characters to improve their creative skills. Additionally, the item increases comfort, fun levels. After a while, the drawing will be ready, and the artist can sell their masterpiece. Another advantage is that children can also use the Sketchpad.

Wooden Flooring

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

I love wooden flooring because it makes the house look cozier and more solid. If you love it too, I recommend downloading this collection. Several paint options and high-quality work.

Foosball Table

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

A great option to entertain your Sims. The Foosball Table can be placed at home or on a community lot, such as a bar, so that characters can play with each other, have a good time, or even end up arguing over a loss.

Cocktails

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

I like this mod for the ability to make alcoholic cocktails, allowing a Sim to relax at home after work or simply enjoy a tasty drink. There are no side effects, just a feeling of satisfaction. To make a few cocktails, the Sim has to pay a small amount of money. This amount lasts a long time, but eventually, the character will need to pay again to enjoy the refreshing drinks. The tray can be found in the buy mode.

Smart Dogs

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

There's another problem with dogs — they need to be walked, but there isn't always time. A Sim might be at work or school, or have low needs. If you don't walk your pet in time, it will make a mess in the house or yard. To solve this problem, simply install the mod with a so-called mat, where dogs can go to the bathroom. It works like a cat litter box.

Beer Barrel

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

The bars in the towns lack realism, like a beer barrel. Just place this item to transform the surroundings. It's also a functional item. Sims can drink either dark or light beer.

Air Fryers

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

Just like in real life, you don't always feel like cooking. People buy special items to make kitchen life easier. Why not buy something useful for your virtual family, like Air Fryers? Cooking won't take much time, and the game will also introduce new dishes, which is a big plus.

Oil Diffuser

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Download: Tumblr

Another interior item that will create more coziness and even satisfy characters' needs. Just place an Oil Diffuser in the room, and the Sim's needs will gradually improve near it. This item can also be placed in a spa for more realism.

Cool PC

the sims 2 modImage: pinterest.it 

Download: insimenator.org

I love this mod, which has truly transformed the lives of my Sims. The mod adds a computer to the game, allowing characters to earn money by writing articles, making donations, setting up bank accounts, and shopping online.

Book Cover Customization

the sims 2 modImage: episims.tumblr.com

Standard book covers have become dull. You want some interior changes and variety, otherwise, it feels like Sims have been reading the same book for generations and just can’t finish it.

With this mod, each book genre will now randomly select one of three different covers. However, note that this mod conflicts with any default book replacements.

Turning People into Toads and Frogs

the sims 2 modImage: jellymeduza.tumblr.com

Honestly, I never really liked the witch mechanics in The Sims 2. They felt a bit boring—I wanted something more interesting. And then I found this fantastic mod! If you play as an evil witch, you can now turn virtual people into toads and frogs. Isn’t that awesome?

However, you must have at least three magic skill points. To cast the spell, your Sim's inventory must contain one bottle of snake venom and one jar of newt eyes.

The higher the magic skill, the higher the chance of a successful transformation. If the curse fails, the Sim has a 50% chance of cursing themselves instead.

The curse lasts for 12 hours, and the cursed Sim will be furious with the spellcaster for 26 hours.

Nintendo Switch Console

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

Let’s be honest, the consoles in The Sims 2 are outdated. They need an upgrade, so why not bring the Nintendo Switch into the game? The best part—it’s functional, not just a decorative accessory! I think this little detail will enhance the gameplay experience for many players.

Sims No Longer Eat Spoiled Food

the sims 2 modImage: modthesims.info

It used to drive me crazy that my Sims would just grab and eat a piece of spoiled food. That’s disgusting, to say the least! And you can’t always keep an eye on them since it's impossible to focus on just one Sim all the time.

This mod allows you to relax a bit, as Sims will no longer eat food that has long since expired.

New Underground Items

the sims 2 modImage:creesims.tumblr.com

Playing as a homeless Sim just got even more interesting because they can now find various objects underground and sell them to survive. Unfortunately, without mods, the selection of buried items isn’t that great—but that can be changed!

Now, you can dig up enough furniture for a starter home. There are two versions of this mod: a completely CC-free one and an expanded version that allows you to dig up 130 additional objects from CC packs. You’ll need to download them separately—links below:

Skincare Routine

the sims 2 modImage: jacky93sims.tumblr.com

I really missed this feature, but now facial masks have finally been added to the game! Thanks to this mod, Sims can take care of their skin.

There are five face masks and two patches available. They also increase both comfort and hygiene levels.

Morning Sickness During Pregnancy

the sims 2 modImage: tumblr.com

With this mod, morning sickness can last the entire day. I think it makes the game more realistic, so now you can make your Sims’ lives even harder.

Literacy Levels

the sims 2 modImage: mortia.tumblr.com

Now you can decide whether your virtual Sim is literate or not. This is especially great for historical roleplay, like the medieval era!

Lower-class Sims won’t be able to interact with bookshelves or books at all, except to put them away if they’re lying on the floor.

Candle-Making

the sims 2 modImage: episims.tumblr.com

Now, Sims can make their own candles in The Sims 2! How cool is that? They burn, function properly, and look amazing.

Another great hobby for Sims—and a way to earn money! This is a fantastic mod that many players will love.

Dangerous Radioactive Barrel

the sims 2 modImage: crispsandkerosene.tumblr.com

Be careful—prolonged exposure to toxic fumes will kill your Sims. They will also feel nauseous and start thinking about radiation, just like in the preview image.

The green fumes above the barrel indicate that the harmful effect is active. The sound effect is from the base game.

This is a perfect addition if you want to roleplay a post-apocalyptic scenario!


There are countless mods for The Sims 2. I could even compile a top 100 list. Maybe this list will expand to such an enormous number in the future.

Main image: ensigame.com