Game Help:Sims 2 Cheats

	This article is written for The Sims 2. For the equivalent Sims 3 article, click here.

Cheats

• Help: I can't place objects diagonal/45 degrees/tilted!

See allow45DegreeAngleOfRotation

• Help: I can't place doors or windows!

See snapObjectsToGrid

• Help: Cheat console/cheat box won't appear

See: Game Help:Cheat Box Won't Appear

Sims 2 Cheats
Author	HystericalParoxysm

To Use Cheats

First, bring up the cheat console by holding down the CTRL, SHIFT, and C keys on your keyboard at the same time.

This will bring a small white box up at the top of your screen. This little white box is generally called the "cheat box" or the "cheat console." Type the cheats in there and hit ENTER.

If you don't get the cheat box when you do CTRL, SHIFT, C, then see: Game Help:Cheat Box Won't Appear

Cheats may be case sensitive, so make sure you enter the cheats with the capital letters as shown. Don't enter the brackets around the variables when you enter the cheat.

Example of entering a cheat

Let's say you want to use the 45 degree angle cheat listed below. You'll see that it's listed as:

boolProp allow45DegreeAngleOfRotation [true/false]

The [ ] brackets mean that you pick one option - in this case true or false. So, to enable the cheat you would actually type:

boolProp allow45DegreeAngleOfRotation true

Remember that you never type the [ ] brackets and only choose one option within them. You should always type the bold text prior to the brackets, including any boolProp, etc.

Expansions Required

Some cheats are expansion-pack specific, and you must have the expansion pack that cheat was released in (or any expansion pack released afterward) for it to work in your game. The icon(s) with each cheat denote which EPs that cheat is included in. If a cheat just has an icon for the base game (original), it will work even if you just have the base game installed, and will work with any and all EPs.

Enabling Cheats Automatically

If you would like to make a user startup cheat file (so you don't have to enter certain cheats every time you play) you can do so by following this guide: Game Help:Userstartup.cheat.

Build Cheats

Cheats that are helpful in building on lots. For specific tutorials on using these cheats to create your dream lot, see: Tutorials:Build Mode Tutorials.

apartmentBuildBuyRestrictions [on/off]
Enables the locked build and buy tools in apartment lots.

boolProp aptBaseLotSpecificToolsDisabled [true/false] or boolProp aptSubLotSpecificToolsDisabled [true/false]
Set on false this enables the locked build and buy tools in apartment lots. Make sure you are in live mode (not build or buy mode) when you enter either cheat code.

changeLotClassification [low/middle/high]
Changes the classification of the lot.

clearLotClassValue
Clears any 'changeLotClassification' cheat used on the lot and resets the lot class to the correct calculated value.

boolProp allow45DegreeAngleOfRotation [true/false]
Allows users to rotate any object in 45 degree increments. Use the < and > (, and .) keys to rotate the objects; clicking and dragging to rotate will only rotate in 90 degree increments.
Sims may have problems using some objects placed at a 45 degree angle, like televisions and appliances. Plan for objects placed at an angle to be purely decorative.

boolProp snapObjectsToGrid [true/false]
Toggles the ability to fine-tune the placement of items, instead of being limited to just placing them at certain spots on the grid.
If you find you can't place windows and doors because they won't snap properly onto walls, disable this cheat (and/or remove it from your user startup.cheat file) and try again.

deleteAllFences
Remove all fences from the lot. You must be in build mode to use this cheat.

deleteAllWalls
Remove all walls from the lot. You must be in build mode to use this cheat.

deleteAllHalfWalls
Remove all half-walls from the lot. You must be in build mode to use this cheat.

deleteAllAwnings
Remove all awnings from the lot. You must be in build mode to use this cheat.

deleteAllObjects [Doors/Windows/Stairs]
Removes all build mode objects of the chosen type from the lot. You must be in build mode to use this cheat.

individualRoofSlopeAngle [15-75]
Similar to the roofSlopeAngle cheat from Nightlife, this cheat allows you to change individual pieces of roof, separate from the other roof parts. To use, first build the roof. Then enter the cheat. Acceptable values are 15-75 (degrees). While the roof tool is still selected, hold down CTRL and ALT and click on the the section of roof that you want to change. The roof will change angles.
This cheat was broken when Pets shipped - you could change the angle but it would not save with the lot. You must download and install the Pets Patch for it to save properly.

Multi-placement on walls (not entered into the cheat console - see description)
Press the CTRL + ALT keys while trying to place an object on a wall. Placement rules on walls will be removed, and you will be able to place any wall object on a wall already occupied by another object.

roofSlopeAngle [15-75]
Adjust angle of all roofs on the lot. Acceptable values are 15-75, which seem to equate to the angle in degrees.

changeLotZoning [residential/community/greek/dorm/secretsociety/apartmentbase/secretwitchlot/hotel]

Changes the zoning type of the lot. Before rezoning a lot using this cheat, make sure there are no Sims currently living in the lot. To use this cheat, enter the lot that you would like to rezone, and then enter the cheat, choosing one of these zoning options. Note that zoning a beach lot into an apartment lot will severely corrupt the ocean and lot terrain and is strongly not recommended. Save and exit to neighborhood and re-enter the lot. More specific information on using this cheat can be found at: Game Help:Change Lot Zoning.

boolProp dormSpecificToolsDisabled [true/false]
Enables build/buy mode tools that would normally be disabled when in a dorm lot. This will also allow you to enable build/buy mode when on a community lot, though your changes will not save with the lot. This function works even if you do not have University.

setHighestAllowedLevel [number]
Sets the amount of floors allowed (so you can build higher). You cannot go higher than 16 or the game will crash.
The Dormer Trick: If you do not have any expansions (you only own the base game) OR if this cheat does not function for you (it appears to work only occasionally or not at all in later expansions) then you can try the following trick: Build up to the highest level you can. On that top level, place a dormer (they're in with the roofs and such). This will let you build one more level up. Put a wall or something up on that next level. Remove the dormer (ctrl-click and drag with the wall tool, remove roofs). Continue building on your new level.

boolProp lotTerrainPaints [true/false]
Set to false to turn off viewing terrain paints (ground cover) on the lot. This cheat does not appear to remove them, just makes them invisible.

boolProp lotWater [true/false]
Set to false to remove water (ponds) on the lot.

boolProp lockTiles [true/false]
Set to false to place floor tiles at the very edge of the lot and to change the tiles of the road and sidewalks.

moveObjects [on/off]
Allows you to move and delete objects in build mode that you cannot normally move or delete. Mainly used in building to overlap objects to create interesting effects.
Use with caution: deleting certain items such as the mailbox, trashcan, and community phone can cause problems with a lot. Deleting a sim living on your lot, saving, and exiting will result in that sim being restored and standing at the mailbox when you re-enter the lot, which can be useful if they're stuck or otherwise bugged.

boolProp constrainFloorElevation [true/false]
Toggles the ability to change the elevation of floor tiles in areas that already have walls, floors, and foundations on them.

setQuarterTilePlacement [on/off]
Allows objects to be placed in quarter tile increments. Enabled by pressing Ctrl+F.

Movie/Picture Cheats

These cheats may be of use to you if you are taking pictures, creating stories with the game, making movies (machinima), or otherwise trying to create a nicer appearance. If you are looking for more items that may be helpful in this area, see: Content List: Hacks and Hacked Objects: Pictures, Movies, Stories, and Poses.

Plumbbobtoggle [on/off]
Toggles display of the plumbbob. Will not work in a userstartup.cheat file; must be entered in-game.

showHeadlines [on/off]
Removes thought and speech balloons as well as relationship gain/loss graphics. Will not work in a user startup cheat file; must be entered in-game.

setLotLightingFile [filename]
Allows the player to create a new lighting file with specific lot lighting values. Used to make special light settings per lot.

slowMotion [0-8]
Use to slow down the game speed to aid in capturing a picture at just the right moment. 0 is normal speed, 8 is slowest.

boolProp objectShadows [true/false]
Toggles display of shadows from objects outside the house.

boolProp guob [true/false]
Toggles display of shadows from objects inside the house.

boolProp simShadows [true/false]
Toggles display of shadows from sims.

floatprop particleDensity [0-15]
Changes the amount of stink in green clouds in the game. 1 is default, 0 is no visible stink cloud at all. The game will allow very high numbers but there isn't really a visible difference past 10.

boolProp enablePostProcessing [true/false]
Enables the use of postprocessing cheats. You must have a video card that can handle pixel shaders in order to successfully use this cheat. If you use the cheats and you don't have pixel shaders, the screen will most likely go partially dark, and will not come back until you turn off enablePostProcessing. If you turn on postprocessing, and you turn on cinematics, and a cinematic plays, you may also experience unwanted graphical glitches.
This cheat will immediately degrade graphical performance when enabled, even if you do not add any of the further postprocessing cheats. A sudden and dramatically-reduced framerate when enabling this cheat is normal.

bloom [R G B X]
Adds a blur effect, like a sitcom flashback moment, with a tint if you so choose. Acceptable values are from 0.0 - 1.0. To calculate RGB value, divide each number by 255. X is the amount of bloom. Must have entered boolProp enablePostProcessing true for this cheat to work.

vignette [centerX centerY X]
Adds a blur effect from the specified center. Using "vignette 0.5 0.5 0.5" should put some blurry bits at the edge of the screen. "vignette 0.5 0.5 1.0" will give the maximum edge blurryness. Acceptable values are from 0.0 - 1.0. X is the amount of vignetting effect to apply. Must have entered boolProp enablePostProcessing true for this cheat to work.

filmGrain [amount]
This cheat makes the screen grainy. Acceptable values are from 0.0 - 1.0. Must have entered boolProp enablePostProcessing true for this cheat to work.

letterBox [amount]
Adds a letterbox effect to the view. Acceptable values are from 0.0 - 1.0. Must have entered boolProp enablePostProcessing true for this cheat to work.

Neighborhood Cheats

Cheats which must be applied at neighborhood view, or change the neighborhood view.

familyFunds [familyname] [amount]

Sets the chosen family's funds to the given level (does not add the amount given, but sets it. Addition and subtraction of the desired amount is achieved by placing + or - before the amount). If the family name has a space in it, you can put it in quotes - i.e. to set the di Marco family's funds to 30000 you'd do: familyFunds "di Marco" 300000 and to add 10000 to the di Marco family's funds, you'd enter: familyFunds "di Marco" +10000

terrainType [Desert/Temperate/Dirt/Concrete]
Change the neighborhood's terrain type. You will have to exit the neighborhood (by entering another one) and return to it before your changes will be visible. Only seems to work for the whole neighborhood when changing to desert. Entering any other type reverts to grass except for lots themselves, but not the neighborhood terrain.

modifyNeighborhoodTerrain [on/off]
Edit the neighbourhood terrain. Put your curser over the area you want to lower or raise (click and drag for a larger area), and press [ or ] to lower or raise by one click. Press \ to level the terrain. To smooth terrain, highlight the target area and press P.

changeNeighborhoodType [primary/university/downtown/suburb/asia/mountains/tropics]
Changes the type of the neighborhood or subhood.
You must have the EP associated with a type of subhood to change to that type. You will get an error if you try to change a primary neighborhood with an attached subhood to any kind of subhood. The game must be booted in debug mode. You must create a file named userStartup.cheat in your "Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Config" folder, which contains the line: "boolProp testingCheatsEnabled true".

loadLot [lotName] [optional: family name]
Loads a lot and optionally moves a family into the lot.
The game must be booted in debug mode. You must create a file named userStartup.cheat in your "Documents\EA Games\The Sims 2\Config" folder, which contains the line: "boolProp testingCheatsEnabled true".

boolProp lotTerrainLighting [true/false]
Toggle lots lighting up when selected.

boolProp displayNeighborhoodRoadsWithModel [true/false]
Toggle bridges showing up in neighborhood.

boolProp displayLotImposters [true/false]
Toggles buildings showing up in neighborhood.

boolprop displayNeighborhoodWater [true/false]
Toggles display of water in neighborhood.

boolProp displayNeighborhoodFlora [true/false]
Toggles display of trees and plants in neighborhood.

boolProp displayNeighborhoodRoads [true/false]
Toggles display of roads in neighborhood.

boolProp displayNeighborhoodProps [true/false]
Toggles display of neighborhood props like rocks and towers in neighborhood.

boolprop nhoodWaterReflection [true/false]
Toggles reflection on water in neighborhood view.

boolProp CameraDriftCamEnabled [true/false]
Toggles camera movement when idle in neighborhood view.

boolProp carsCompact [true/false]
Toggles detail level of cars in neighborhood.

boolProp carsOnRight [true/false]
Toggles cars driving on left/right in neighborhood view.

boolProp lotInfoAdvancedMode [true/false]
Toggles display of lot information in neighborhood. Didn't seem to do anything during testing.

boolprop ShowLotPackageFilename [true/false]
Toggles display of lot's filename when lot is highlighted in neighborhood.

deleteAllCharacters [true/false]
Deletes all sims including NPCs and townies from the neighborhood. Useful if you have new facial defaults and replacement townie names you would like to apply to everyone in a new neighborhood to regenerate all prettier townies with better names at once.
Not for use on played, inhabited neighborhoods! It has also been reported that this cheat causes problems with later expansions. If you would like to create a new, clean neighborhood, use the method described here instead: Creating a Clean Custom Neighborhood

Gameplay Cheats

Cheats that make the game easier, or change the way you play somehow.

bugJarTimeDecay [on/off]
Set to off to make fireflies and butterflies captured in jars live forever. If you use this cheat in your Userstartup.cheat, make sure it the last cheat entered. Doing otherwise will break your userstartup.cheat.

boolProp petActionCancel [true/false]
Allows the user to cancel pet actions in the queue.

boolProp ControlPets [on/off]
Control your pets and assign them actions the way you do with sims.

boolprop DisablePuppyKittenAging [true/false]
Toggle aging for puppies and kittens. Does not work on adult animals.

boolprop PetsFreeWill [true/false]
Toggle free will for pets.

addneighborToFamilyCheat [on/off]
Enables an interaction on non-controllable Sims to add them to your family.

forceTwins
When a Sim is pregnant, this Sim has to be selected and the cheat entered. The Sim will automatically deliver twins when they give birth.

setHour [0 - 23]
Sets the hour of the day.

unlockCareerRewards
For the currently selected sim, they immediately gain access to all career reward objects in the catalog.

maxMotives
Maxes the motive bars of all sims currently on the lot (controllable and uncontrollable). Not useful for business owners, especially restaurant owners (who wants customers that aren't hungry?).

motiveDecay [on/off]
Stops/Starts motive decay for all sims currently on the lot.

lockAspiration [on/off]
Stops aspiration decay/gain.

aspirationPoints [amount]
Assigns the chosen aspiration points to the currently selected sim to buy aspiration reward objects. Does not effect the sim's aspiration level.

aspirationLevel [0-5]
Effects the currently selected sim's aspiration level. 0 will drop them into the red, 5 will put them in platinum. Does not effect their pool of aspiration points to buy aspiration reward objects.

agesimscheat [on/off]
Enables "Set Age" when clicking on a sim, which will let you easily change their age group (and allow you to de-age them as well) The "Set Age" interaction will also appear on all objects until you turn off the cheat.

aging [on/off]
Disables aging for all sims on the lot, including children and babies. Also pauses any current pregnancies.

intProp censorGridSize 0
This cheat will remove the censor blur that covers a sim's body when they are naked or using the washroom. This cheat is functional in the base game and University if you have not applied the patch. If you patch University or have later expansions this cheat is disabled. For how to disable the blur in those cases, see: Game Help:Disable Censor Blur.

kaching
Add 1000 simoleons to the current family's funds.

motherlode
Add 50,000 simoleons to the current family's funds.

intProp maxNumOfVisitingSims [number]
Allows you to have a decent-sized party, instead of just being able to invite two sims. You may have to leave and re-enter the lot or enter this cheat in the neighborhood screen before entering the lot to be able to invite more party guests.

Miscellaneous Cheats

These are cheats that didn't fit into any other category.

help
Displays a partial list of cheats with descriptions in the cheat console.

help [cheatname]
Displays information about a cheat.

exit, or the ESC key
Closes the cheat window.

expand
Expand the cheat window so you can see more lines. Typing it again will shrink the window again.

clear
Clears the cheat log from the expanded cheat window. Any cheats entered will still be in effect.

autoPatch [on/off]
This cheat lets you enable notification of when there is a game update available for The Sims 2.
To check for a patch, set to "on" and go to the Custom Content Browser (the little snowflake or * symbol button on the User Control Panel in the neighborhood view). If there's an update available you'll be asked whether you want to download it.

boolProp ShowCatalogePFlags [true/false]
Will show you from which EP/SP objects etc in the buy/build catalog came from.

boolProp renderSelectedSimLevel [true/false]
Set to true and walls will no longer cut away from selected sim.

boolProp renderInsideObjectOnlyOnSelectedSimLevel [true/false]
Toggle showing objects only on the level the currently selected sim is on (similar to object hiding in the game's graphical options).

boolProp displayPaths [true/false]
Set to true to see the path where the selected sim walks to.

boolProp displayLookAtBoxes [true/false]
Set to true and blocks appear on sims faces and on parts where sims are looking.

boolProp allObjectLightsOn
Set to true to light up objects continuously instead of only when used.

vsync [on/off]
Set to off to slightly improve graphics performance, but you may experience graphics glitches.

boolProp useShaders [true/false]

Toggles the use of graphics shaders. This is required to view bump mapping, and also controls other graphical options in the game including visible fish in the fish tank and in ponds (with EP5: Seasons) and clearer/prettier pool water effects. Turning it off can also help the nVidia blue screen issue. For more information, see: Bump Maps and Shaders. Some graphics cards cannot handle this option - turn it back off if you have problems.

boolProp bumpMapping [true/false]
Toggles the use of bump maps, a graphics effect that can add details to many items in the game, including walls, floors, clothing, and more. For more information, see: Bump Maps and Shaders. Some graphics cards cannot handle this option - turn it back off if you have problems.

boolprop reflectionWithExtraViewer [true/false]
Toggle reflection on mirrors.

stretchSkeleton [value]
Use to stretch or squash your sims to change their height. Acceptable values are from 0.0 - 2.0. 1 is normal. Sims will revert to their default heights upon exiting the lot.
This cheat is fairly limited in usefulness. It's okay if you would like shorter or taller sims, but you cannot change anyone too much or the animations will start to look wrong. Try values of 0.8 or 0.9 for a short sim, and values of 1.1 or 1.2 for a tall sim - much more in either direction and things will start to look weird when sims interact with each other and objects."0.7=toddler,0.8=child,0.9=teen,1.0=Young adult or adult,1.1 adult You must use SimPE to make their height changes permanent. Information on doing so can be found [1]. "Works" on pets in that it does stretch their skeleton, but it breaks their tongues. Don't use on pets unless you want them to look really weird till you reload the lot.

faceBlendLimits [on/off]
Toggles facial bounding limitations. Set to off to remove the normal corrections the game will make for two parents with very different facial structures.

floatProp tvVolume [number]
Allows you to change the volume of the television. Acceptable values are 0.0 - 1.0 (a good low level is 0.2).

*Advanced*

Warning! This cheat is for advanced users, and improper use of it may cause problems in the game. Use at your own risk!!!

boolProp testingCheatsEnabled [true/false]
Used by Maxis for testing certain aspects of the game. This cheat has many, MANY uses, not all of them useful for the player, and some of them potentially harmful. If you must use the testingCheatsEnabled cheat, only enable it for exactly as long as you need to use it, then turn it back off. You will likely experience errors if you leave this cheat on - the cheat itself does not cause errors, but shows you errors that were happening anyway. If you do get errors, click CANCEL or RESET on them.
A guide to the testing cheats is available at: Game Help:Testing Cheats.

Related Links

• Game Help:Cheat Box Won't Appear
• Game Help:Userstartup.cheat