The Sims is a popular life simulation video game franchise that first launched in 2000. The first entry in the series has a total of seven expansion packs that add extra content to the base game. While installing the game is relatively easy, things can become more complicated when you start installing the expansion packs. In this guide, we show you the correct way to do it.

Correct Order to Install The Sims Expansion Packs

The Sims expansion packs should be installed in the order they were released for the best results. This ensures you have the correct versions of the game files.

This guide applies to the PC version of The Sims.

The recommended installation order is:

You can install The Sims: Deluxe Edition over the original game and any expansion packs you already have.

  • The Sims or The Sims Deluxe or The Sims Mega Deluxe (base game)The Sims: Livin’ LargeThe Sims: House PartyThe Sims: Hot DateThe Sims: VacationThe Sims: UnleashedThe Sims: SuperstarThe Sims: Makin’ Magic

You don’t have to own all seven expansion packs, but you should install the ones you do have in the order they were released. For example, if you have Livin’ Large, Vacation, and Superstar, install them in that order. If you later buy Hot Date, you should uninstall the expansion packs and reinstall all of them in the correct order.

The Sims Installation Tips

There are two things you should do before installing a The Sims expansion pack. The first is to back up your files. The second is to follow a series of steps you should complete when installing any new game on a Windows computer:

  • Search the hard drive for lost allocation units and cross-linked files and directories using a diagnostic utility program.
  • Put your files in order with Disk Defragmenter.
  • Use Disk CleanUp to delete unneeded files and free up disk space.
  • Close all programs before installing the new game.

Search the hard drive for lost allocation units and cross-linked files and directories using a diagnostic utility program.

Put your files in order with Disk Defragmenter.

Use Disk CleanUp to delete unneeded files and free up disk space.

Close all programs before installing the new game.

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