Installing TS2 on Linux by Niam_h (Tumblr/PBK)

What this tutorial does:

- Explains how to install The Sims 2 on Linux Ubuntu using OSAB’s installation file and Lutris.
Note that while I use the Ubuntu distro, these instructions will probably (maybe) work with
other Linux distros
- Will hopefully get TS2 running well without the pink soup that plagues Windows 10

What this tutorial does not do:

- Explains how to install Linux or set up a Linux partition on your Windows machine
- Explains how to get other associated TS2 programs, such as Clean Installer, SimPE, Lot
Adjuster etc. to run on Linux. I haven’t had any luck getting these programs working on
Linux, nor have other Linux Simmers that I know of (but if you know how to get them
working, please let me know!)
- Explains how to install TS2 UC via Origin or disc versions, although installation is likely very
similar
- Does not guarantee no pink soup… Unfortunately, one Simmer has found that pink soup has
infiltrated their TS2 game on Linux Ubuntu, which is disappointing. They are using a
partition on a Windows machine, so I’m not sure if that makes a difference. I have been
playing a game with 20GB CC and haven’t seen any pink soup thus far

A note before we start:

After being inundated by pink soup in my heavily modded TS2 game, I decided to install Linux
Ubuntu on a brand-new desktop computer. I spent months researching Linux and speaking with
other Simmers about getting TS2 running on Linux before I finally made the leap. I have a straight
Linux Ubuntu install on my newly build mini-PC, so am not using a partition. I chose Ubuntu as my
distro mainly because it was what was offered through the place that built my PC. I’d also read that
it is one of the most user-friendly distros for people coming across from Windows, so that was a
bonus.

There is lots of information floating around on the internet regarding playing TS2 on Linux… a Google
search will bring up multiple threads on Reddit and Mod the Sims. They are all worth a read.

Other information that I found helpful was:

- This post by CindySim on Tumblr, which links to several other guides:

https://cindysimblr.tumblr.com/post/692483018841079808/equinoxts2-i-used-this-tutorial-
to-dual-boot
- TannisRoot at Lutris – Discord Server – He literally walked me through every stage of the set-
up process and wrote the Lutris install for OSAB’s TS2 Starter Pack specifically for me
- OSAB at TS2 Community – Discord Server

Other Simmers who are also playing TS2 on Linux are:

 - Mortia: https://mortia.tumblr.com/
- CindySim: https://cindysimblr.tumblr.com/
- EquinoxTS2: https://equinoxts2.tumblr.com/

Step 1- Install Lutris

I was recommended to install it via the Lutris website, rather than the Software Manager. I got it
from here: https://lutris.net/downloads
You'll need to use the correct version for your distro, I'm using Ubuntu, so typed the following into
the terminal:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:lutris-team/lutris [enter]
sudo apt update [enter]
sudo apt install lutris [enter]
If you're using a distro other than Ubuntu, you'll need to follow the terminal commands for that one

Step 2- Install Wine

This one is fine to install via the Software Manager.

Step 3- Download TS2 installation file

I used the OSAB installation file, mainly because it comes packaged with Lazy Duchess' RPC launcher,
and I was reluctant to go back to $15 recolours and Maxis lot imposters! You can get the install file
(TS2StarterPack.WebInstaller-v7.exe) here: https://github.com/voicemxil/TS2-Starter-
Pack/releases/tag/v7. I saved it to my Files -> Documents folder.

Step 4- Install via Lutris

Install TS2 via the Lutris website: https://lutris.net/games/the-sims-2/. Use the second option, the
OSAB version. The installer should pop up. Unselect DXVK and Shadow Fix in components during
install, as well as cancel installation of Graphics Rules maker, C++ runtime and other components, as
all of that is already handled by Lutris itself. The game should install the base game and EPs/SPs (it is
a version of Ultimate Collection, so the file system will look a bit different if you are used to the DVD
version. This is the first time I've used UC). You then need to follow the prompts to install the RPC
launcher.

Step 5- Check to make everything installed properly

You can open up Lutris (I have added it to my favourites, so it shows on the left side of my screen in
my dock). TS2 should show up in your games. Right click on the picture and select 'Browse
Files'. My files are located in Files -> Games -> the-sims-2 -> drive_c -> Program Files (x86) -> The
Sims 2 Starter Pack. The files should contain the following:
Apartment Life- Single install, TS Data only
Best of Business- EP3, SP5, SP7, VP6
Bon Voyage- Single install, TS Data only
Double Deluxe- Base, EP2, SP4
Free Time- Single install, TS Data only
Fun with Pets- EP4, SP1, SP9, Support
Glamour Life Stuff- Single install, TS Data only
Seasons- Single install, TS Data only
University Life- EP1, SP6, SP8, VP6
(And a couple of other files/folders).
When I installed the first time, I lost internet for a bit and the base game didn't install. I just ran the
installer again, and everything worked the second time. I did end up with two TS2 games in Lutris,
but I could remove the older one.
Your 'documents' folder is located here: Files -> Games -> the-sims-2 -> drive_c -> users -> [name] ->
Documents -> EA Games -> The Sims™ 2 Ultimate Collection. this is where your collections,
neighbourhoods, downloads etc. will go. Not all of the folders will be generated until you run the
game for the first time, and I had to manually add in a Downloads folder.
You can 'star' the folders so they are more easily found in your files. I have starred the 'The Sims 2
Starter Pack' folder and the 'The Sims™ 2 Ultimate Collection' folder. You basically right click the
folder, and there is an option down the bottom to 'Star'. Then, when you're wanting to find the
folder quickly, open up your files and the second option on the left is 'Starred'.

Step 6- Ensure the .exe file path is correct

I didn't have a problem with this, but another Simmer did. To ensure the correct file path, open
Lutris and right click on TS2 picture. Click on 'Configure', then open the tab for 'Game options'.
The Executable should be /home/[NAME]/Games/the-sims-2/drive_c/Program Files (x86)/The Sims
2 Starter Pack/Fun with Pets/SP9/TSBin/Sims2RPC.exe.

Step 7- Configure RPC settings

The game is unable to be launched by the RPC Settings .exe or the RPC Launcher itself, you need to
run the game via Lutris. But, you can change the RPC settings and they do stick in-game.
The RPC files are located in Files -> Games -> the-sims-2 -> drive_c -> Program Files (x86) -> The Sims
2 Starter Pack -> Fun with Pets -> SP9 -> TSBin
The RPC settings is Sims2RPCSettings.exe. To open the file, right click and select 'Open with
rundll32' (Wine). The RPC settings program will then launch. I've selected 'Unrestrict Zodiac Sign',
changed the design tool cost to $0, chosen to run the game in full screen, and then under Advanced,
checked 'Apply 4GB Patch' and 'Automatically Clean Cache'. Click on 'Save Settings' at the bottom. If
you click 'Save and Play', you'll return a Direct3D error.
[EDITED TO ADD]: I have found now that I can launch the game from the RPC Settings, if I open the
RPC Settings via the Lutris app. I managed to do this by using the ‘Add game’ option is Lutris, but
can’t quite remember what I did from there (something along the lines of directing it to set up from
the .exe file, I think)

Step 8- Open the game

Open up Lutris, and right click on TS2 picture. Select 'Play'. Hopefully the game will launch
correctly. I pop into one of the Maxis 'hoods to change my graphics/performance settings and game
options.

Step 9- Customise the game

The difficult part... installing custom cameras, clean and empty templates, disabling the stealth
'hoods, installing Clean UI, removing the intro movie, custom music, all that fun stuff! I was able to
move across my ‘Documents’ folder from my Win10 machine, which meant all my CC,
userStartup.cheat and Collections were all intact. The only issue is that my Scriptorium files didn’t
work properly. I ended up installing Scriptorium manually, and all was well.

Where to from here:

- I was able to get Body Shop installed via the Lutris app by using the ‘Add Game’ option. It
runs well and I’ve had no issues thus far
- I frequently use programs such as SimPE, Clean Installer, Lot Adjuster, etc., but haven’t been
able to figure them out. I have an identical install on my Win10 laptop, so just move files
between the two machines as required. It’s clunky, but it works
- I’ve had to change up the programs I use for things like Screen Capturing, so not only getting
used to a new distro, but other new programs as well
If you have any questions, I’m happy to help. But I’m very much a novice Linux Ubuntu user and
most of what I know, I have learnt through Googling.

Good luck and may the plague of pink soup be forever vanquished!