The Sims Quick Start Guide

 

Minimum System Requirements

Note: currently, The Sims may not run on some Cyrix and AMD processors.

Installation

Insert the CD. Select Run… from the Start menu. Type d:\setup.exe (replacing "d" with the letter of your CD-ROM drive), and press OK.

Installing DirectX

Many games, including The Sims, rely on DirectX, a Microsoft-released set of functions which allow games to use various hardware configurations. The Sims installation includes DirectX 6, which we recommend you use. However, the game will run with versions as old as DirectX 3.

When the Sims installation completes, the installer checks the DirectX version number on your machine. If it is less than version 6, you are prompted to install DirectX 6. You may cancel the installation at that time. If you proceed, the DirectX installer will make recommendations about individual components based on Microsoft's definition of the safest course of action. Accept or reject the recommendations to move on.

Running The Sims

After you’ve installed, run The Sims by selecting Startà Programsà Maxisà The Sims. Select whichever video setting is optimum for your hardware configuration. The Sims will not automatically change your video resolution but will instead prompt you to change it.

How to Start Playing

The game starts in a neighborhood with various empty lots, houses for sale and some (placeholder) occupied houses.

Four "Modes"

Live Mode. Select the active Sim and view the motive bars to find out what’s driving him or her.

Buy Mode. Buy household furnishings.

Build Mode. Build structures and landscape terrain.

Options Panel. Return to the neighborhood, save or quit a game.

Initiating an Interaction

To direct a character to use an object or interact with a person:

  1. Select the character’s icon in the control panel.
  2. Click with the left mouse button on the object or person you want the character to interact with.
  3. The available interactions will appear in a menu. The active character’s head appears in the middle. Click the interaction you’d like.

Working with Objects

Live Mode Tips

Setting The Game Speed

Scrolling Tips

There are several ways to scroll.

Houses with Multiple Levels

Build Mode Tips

For complete information about how to use individual build tools, hold your cursor over the thumbnail after you’ve clicked it, and you will get a popup. Generally speaking:

Money Cheat

Technical Support

E-mail Kana Ryan, The Sims Producer, at kryan@maxis.com or phone at (925) 927-3685.