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SimCity 4

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Sequel to SimCity 3000 (1999).

Issues and Fixes

Poor Performance on Modern Systems

Some newer, modern systems may suffer performance issues if using Windows 7/Windows Vista, using multi-core CPUs, or recently released GPUs.

To try and fix this you can do the following:

  1. Run Sim City 4.
  2. Go to the settings menu.
  3. Under "Renderer", check "Software".
  4. Restart Sim City 4.

IH Missing Jobs

There is a bug within the game where almost every IH lot in the game doesn't offer any high wealth jobs even though it creates a demand for high wealth residents. IH Missing Jobs Fix takes care of that and will have people filling up those IH jobs, allowing your lots to prosper and grow.

Unresolved Issues

Integer Overflow

An integer overflow bug is also present in the game. Under certain conditions, the Junior Sports Program and Parks and Recreation expense items will be a negative value - thus adding to the end of month balance instead of reducing it.

Intel Macintoshes

The game has major flaws when operating on computers by Apple using Intel processors. Aspyr released a beta of a patch to fix the problems in 2007, but the patch was never finalized and many bugs remain. Some have a serious impact on playability, including frequent crashes if a city exceeds 95,000 population, flawed display of the water surface, frequent blurring or replacement of objects with random other objects, and an inability to significantly accelerate the vehicle in driving mode that prevents many gameplay features from being unlocked.

Graphical Tweaks

Custom resolutions

Custom resolutions are possible, with caveats, as explained at Widescreen Gaming Wiki. The simplest way is to put -CustomResolution:enabled -rXResolutionxYResolutionx32 in the launch options through Steam.

Multimonitor Support

There is no multimonitor support according to Widescreen Gaming Forum.

Antialiasing

The game doesn't support any form of antialiasing.

Anisotropic Filtering

There is no anisotropic filtering option available in the game.

Mods

This section is originally based on this reddit thread by remixof1983, used here with permission.

Please keep in mind that some mods may require dependencies. Dependencies are files essential for properly running the mod and must be downloaded. The dependencies for each mod are listed on the respective mod's page. Also, the sites on which you will find these mods require that you create a free account in order to actually download the content.

Some of these mods, and many others, can be found on the site Simtropolis.

  • NAM: Network Addon Mod includes transportation related fixes such as better path-finding accuracy and performance. It also includes many improvements and additions to the existing network tools: roundabouts, turning lanes, intersections, new overpasses, a ground lightrail network, and much more.
  • SAM: Street Addon Mod gives you a lot more variety when it comes to streets and roads. Gravel streets, dirt roads, parking lots, and much more. Make sure you read the instructions before trying to use this mod because placing these can be a little bit tricky at first due to the starter pieces.
  • NMW: Network Widening Mod is an addition to NAM that adds a wide variety of surface networks. It provides multiple-lane avenues which are sure to come in handy when the traffic in your city becomes overbearing.
  • RealHighway Mod is another optional addon for NAM. It gives you a wide variety of options when creating realistic highways including a double-decker highway.
  • SPAM: SimPeg Agricultural Mod is an awesome mod that completely replaces the game's default farming system. Most players consider SimCity to be all about creating a thriving metropolis and the in-game farming system was actually unfinished at the time of the game's release. This mod changes how farms look and play and makes them a viable part of any city. you can create maps in your region dedicated to just agriculture or implement them into your larger cities as well. there is also a ton of SPAM addons that take things even further with buildings, roads, etc, dedicated to getting even more out of your farm cities.
  • Paeng's Parks gives you the power to create truly beautiful parks in your city. This and this are two examples of the amazing parks you will be able to create with this mod.
  • Paeng's Free Waters allows you to beautify your lakes and rivers. If you want to get more in depth, look up Paeng's Turbulences Vol. 1, Paeng's Turbulences Vol. 2 and PEG Ponds and Streams which includes waterfalls. Here is an example of what you can do with the Free Waters and the Turbulences mods.
  • MAPP: Modular Amusement Parks Pack allows you to create amusement parks within your city and includes a wide variety of rides and coasters.
  • rivit's Coastal Mod allows you to change the color of the water and beaches in your regions/cities. There are several choices of color for both the water and the shores, giving you a variety to mix and match.
  • Beach Extend Mod gives you bigger beaches, making your beaches a lot more realistic by simple extending them slightly further onto the land.
  • RMIP: Runway Making Improvement Project allows for the creation of unique airports. Although it won't be out for quite a while, the team behind this are already working on the next mod in this series which you can follow here: [RMIP-3 Large Airport Edition](http://sc4devotion.com/forums/index.php?topic=6985.0).
  • JRJ Sidewalk Mod is an older mod that allows you to change the sidewalks from the maxis default in your cities. There are several styles to choose from.
  • CDK3: Marina is a part of the Coastal Development Kit, which is a series of mods and lots to liven up your coasts. This is a part of the CDK collection which includes seaports, seaport villages and boardwalks (OWW2: Old Wooden Waterfronts). They give you an entirely new marina for your game and allow you to actually expend the marina along the entire coast with additional buildings such as boat storage, a yacht club, a sport fishing club, a marina parking lot, and more. This image shows you what you can create with a combination of the CDK3: Marina and the OWW2.
  • CDK3: OWW2: Old Wooden Waterfront is a part of the aforementioned Coastal Development Kit. Not only does this feature boardwalks and tons of accessories for them (piers, plazas, parking lots, food courts, fisherman's wharf, and more) but it also features a Beach Development Kit which lets you create cool realistic beaches in place of the standard dull beaches the game provides.
  • MTP: Mountain Theme Pack will allow you to create entire communities in the mountains and forests, with many unique lots and buildings, such as trails, a lumber yard, a saw mill, unique roads, parking lots, and parks for your new community, lodges, cabins, and much, much more. This mod comes from PEG, the same crew behind CDK3, Ponds and Streams, and several other mods.
  • the industry doubler gives you industry zones more jobs per lot so that you don't have to clutter your city with these buildings.
  • Radius Doubler Mod increases the coverage of your in game services. All the schools, police stations, fire departments along with the clinic and hospital will have increased coverage. Allows for lower density cities.
  • Toll Booth Boster V2.0 increases the capacity of your toll booths, letting traffic flow smoothly through your toll booths. Optionally, you can also have higher toll booth charges for some extra income.
  • there are several slope mods which create smoother transitions when it comes to building networks and cities on a slope.
  • PEG Snow Mods allow you to create a winter wonderland! Allows the building of ski resorts.
  • BSC Canals is one of many canal sets available, featuring a lot of different pieces to play with. Additionally, BSC Brick Canals Bridge Pack, Urban Canal Set and BSC Canals Narrow Set give you some more choices when building your canal network. Also, check out simgoober's page on the LEX for more custom bats and lots.
  • PEG CSK: Channel Stream Kit is another canal mod, this one has some cool addons like restaurants, water taxi, docks, and more.
  • oppie's Canal Set is just what it sounds like. yet another set of canals for your Simcity.

Content

  • CAM: Colossus Addon Mod allows you to use CAMeLots, which completely redefine the look of the game. If you're tired of the same old buildings popping up in your city, CAM alters the stage growth of in-game buildings for better development. The lots spice up the game by adding a ton of new buildings. With this mod, you can create an entirely different look and feel for your city. note: lots of dependencies will be needed in order access all the lots!
  • mattb235's bats and lots features wide variety of beautiful buildings to download here essential for building nice suburbs, including mansions.

Visual

Graphical overhauls, etc.

Third Party Software

Is there a fan-made utility that makes the game just that much easier to work with? Something that's simply too cool to not use? That would go here.

Save Game Data

Folder Location

  • Windows 7:
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\Documents\SimCity 4\Regions\
  • Mac OSX: unknown

System Requirements

Template:SysReq

Useful Links

See Also