=SimCity 4 Setup Guide for 2023=

Intent

  • a modern vanilla setup with NAM and bugfixes that don't change the base game
  • plus, region and terrain design

Resources

Short Steps

  1. Install the game, run once to create profile folders, remove XP compatibility if enabled (GOG version), check in-game graphics settings.
  2. Add to game shortcut: -CPUCount:1 -intro:off -f -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32 for fullscreen 1080p.
  3. Apply "large address aware" 4GB patch (also applied during NAM installation).
  4. Ensure video card support for hardware acceleration. (May not be needed.)
  5. Install SC4Fix.
  6. Install other bugfixes:
    • Save Warning
    • Industrial High Tech Missing Jobs
    • Texture Fix of Jenkins Consulting
    • R$$ Traffic Noise Fix
    • UV Map Fix for Maxis Monorail Models
    • Fire Plane UDI mission fix
    • ModPacc Zero City Halls
    • Carpool Incentive Program Ordinance Fix
    • Piggyback Freight Car Fix
    • Space Port Fix Mod
    • HippoTank Demand Fix
    • Opera House Fix
  7. Check for issues using SC4 DataNode.
  8. Install NAM
  9. Install Maxis Buildings
  10. Create maps/regions

Install

  • Just install the GOG or Steam package somewhere.
  • Run once to generate user folders and verify it works.
  • Remove XP compatibility unless it's proven as needed (GOG will often force this setting on games that don't require it)
  • Run game, load a basic city, and adjust graphics settings.

Command Line Options (incl. setting widescreen res)

Essentials

Apply 4GB Patch to the game executable

Enter video card details into config files to allow hardware acceleration (optional)

  • this adds the graphics card to the graphics settings rules files (may not be needed)
  • manually editGraphics Rules.sgr and Video Cards.sgr using the instructions in PCGamingWiki, or see thread below, or use the Graphics Rules Maker application (easier and basically works)
  • SC4 is still a bit of a dog, so consider lowering some in-game graphics options (such as shadow quality or portrayal of sims/vehicles)
  • maybe use a graphics wrapper (see future ideas below)

SC4Fix (Essential Fan Patches)

Other Bugfix patches

To install most of these, open the archive and copy the .dat file to plugins folder. Read the readmes for possible conflicts.

  1. Save Warning
  2. Industrial high-tech (I-H) missing jobs
  3. Texture Fix of Jenkins Consulting
  4. R$$ Traffic Noise Fix V1
  5. UV Map Fix for Maxis Monorail Models
  6. Fire Plane UDI mission fix
  7. ModPacc Zero - All Three City Halls + 1 (1.1 beta)
  8. Carpool Incentive Program Ordinance Fix
  9. Piggyback Freight Car Fix
  10. Space Port Fix Mod
  11. HippoTank Demand Fix
  12. Opera House Fix

NAM (Network Addon Mod)

  • requires (installer)
  • this is the a-number-one recommended mod (or mod collection) for SC4, so it's considered essential
    • no clue which features to select/not select, but it seems harmless to install all of them, even if you're not going to use them
  • complicated, so just use the install instructions (which require a JAVA runtime)
    • the installer basically just copies the "right" files to your plugins directory, plus a few other minor things
  • source: https://www.sc4nam.com/ | https://community.simtropolis.com/files/file/26793-network-addon-mod-nam-cross-platform/

Maxis Landmark Buildings

Resolve any mod collision issues with SC4 DataNode

Create maps

List of random things

Larger Future Ideas

  • ShiftWindow: enables Borderless fullscreen windowed (may increase stability, esp when alt-tabbing): http://grismar.net/shiftwindow/
    • must run the game in a window for it to work, command line is -CPUCount:1 -intro:off -w -CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32
  • SPAM - agriculture overhaul for big & pretty farms, not compatible with CAM (choose one or the other)
    • I'll probably play SPAM first if any
  • CAM Colossus Addon Mod - claims to have slower, more realistic growth model (ok to use with NAM)
  • using a graphics wrapper to (maybe) increase performance or res higher than 1080

Smaller Mods of Interest:

Edit
Pub: 06 Mar 2023 00:24 UTC
Edit: 06 Mar 2023 00:40 UTC
Views: 45