There will come a time where you will want to back up or reset neighborhoods inThe Sims 2. Unlike other entries in the series,TS2does not use standard multiple saved games. Each neighborhood is meant to be ongoing, with choices being permanent.TS2: Legacy Collectionlacks quality-of-life features, meaning that you must rely on the same methods from 20 years ago. This involves moving files and folders in Windows instead of in-game.
Resetting a world is a good idea if you are unsatisfied with how a storyline played out. At first glance, some families might not seem related or interesting. However, looking at memories and family trees, it is possible to find links tocharacters returning fromThe Sims 1. A prime example is Brandi Broke, who looks like another new Sim if met at a public lot. Only by playing as the Brokes does it become more clear that she is the daughter of Bob and Betty Newbie fromTS1’s tutorial.
Saving Existing Neighborhoods
Only One Version Can Exist
If you want to preserve aTS2game state, this is done out of the game viaWindows File Explorer, typically accessible on your desktop, or by searching via the Task Bar. Once open, navigate to the following folder:
N004 and greater
Riverblossom Hills
TS2: Seasons
Now, copy the corresponding folder andsave it to another easily recallable location. This can even be a newly created subfolder in the current location. This is the current method for backing up data inTS2: Legacy Collection, butEA has already addressed patching the game. It may be possible that an easier process will eventually be updated.
Replacing A Neighborhood With The Maxis Default
Original Data Is Based On Store And Expansion
Fully restoring neighborhoods inThe Sims 2can also be counter-intuitive. You will need to copy stored data based on where youpurchased theSims 2 Legacy Collection. Going back into Windows File Explorer, navigate to the following folders for the digital storefront:
Every Pack Included In The Sims 2: Legacy Collection
The Sims 2: Legacy Collection brings the base game and most packs to Windows 10 and 11. But, some content is missing and glitches are still present.
Next, open the folder corresponding to the neighborhood’s expansion. All base game files are inBase.TS2: SeasonsisEP5,TS2: FreeTimeisEP7, andTS2: Apartment LifeisEP8. Now, you will need to go down a few more folder layers to reach the correct one to copy:
Copy the desired neighborhood folder (N001, E001, etc.) and then paste it back into the “Documents\ EA Games\The Sims 2 Legacy Collection\Neighborhoods” folder to override. For those coming fromTS4orTS3, note that the Family Bin is linked to the Characters subfolder inside, andthis reset will delete all of your creations. There is no universal Gallery in The Sims 2, and it only saves Sims as a generic string of numbers; for example, your created Sim might be N003_User01020.package. Identifying them in Windows is difficult, with only Date Modified being a possible clue.
