Where to begin..

[wargamer6 0]

Hello!

Just bought SC4 Deluxe after not playing for a few years and found this site.

What plugins do you guys recommend for a newbie?

[masochist 111]

Hey, wargamer6!

First, I have to ask: have you updated your game?  Do you have the [sK1 Update]?  You'll need it before you can get anything.  After you get that, go ahead and grab the [sC4 Update4BAT], which allows custom buildings to have nightlighting.

Once you're done updating your game, the first thing you should grab is the [2009 NAM for Windows].  It's short for Network Addon Mod; it's a modification that reworks the traffic simulator to a more realistic working, as well as providing MANY cosmetic upgrades and options that you won't have otherwise (things like roundabouts, Ground Light Rail, custom freeway interchanges, etc.).  It's become a standard addon; you will not get the full experience of the game if you don't have it.  Along with that, there's the [Rural Highway Mod (RHW)], which allows for a new network of highways of variable width and modular interchanges.

Speaking of mods, you might want to head over to the [Modds and Downloads] section and go down the list of Top 50 Downloads to see if any of those modds interest you.  I'd immediately suggest the [bridge Height Mod] (which allows you to build a bridge at any height without the ramps or inclines) and the [Opera House Fix] (which fixes a bug).  You might also be interested in mods that change the look of the water, land and cliffs in the game via various [water], [terrain] and [rock] mods respectively.  It's not necessary, but it may enhance the experience (note that you can only use one of each at a time).

Hopefully that'll be enough to get you started.  I'm sure other people will probably mention things I've missed, and help you out with suggested BAT's and such, but hopefully I've got most of the basics.  For more help, you might take a look at [this thread], which gives suggestions for new users.  Hope I've helped you out a bit, though.  And welcome to Simtropolis!

[gio10469 24]

Hey wargamer6!

Welcome to Simtropolis...you will find with time that there is endless amounts of great custom content here. It may all be overwhelming at first but you will eventually be able to sort out what you really want.

I would recommend:

The Network Addon Mod 2009

https://www.simtropolis.com/modding/index.cfm?p=details&id=380

Smoncrie's Hole Digging Lots

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=3599

A water mod (Take your Pick)

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=results

The Columbus Terrain Mod (ignore the text about it being obsolete)

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?id=13804

Some new automata spruces up the place

https://www.simtropolis.com/stex/index.cfm?p=results

These are just some that I can recommend...the list goes on...You should also check out custom content from pegasus and simgoober. They have a gret variety to choose from. I hope this helps you as you venture into the world of Simtropolis and the STEX....feel free to call this place home...

[Cockatoo 2,256]

There is a secret search function on the STEX, all you need to do is type 'HK' into the search bar and you'll immediately be presented with a list of the best custom buildings around.

Hahaha...

But seriously, the STEX is a treasure-trove (largest on the internet) of amazing custom buildings, game mods, props / textures and heaps of other stuff you may find useful. Get started, just type something into the search bar, chances are somebody's already made it!

One thing you need to know when browsing the STEX though, if an item is rated say, 7 stars, you may think that it's a very high quality work - wrong! People here on Simtropolis are very polite, too polite sometimes. Anything rated under 8 stars or so is considered poor quality. If you see a mod, rated 7/10 stars, it probably only half works and is totally pointless. A custom building rated 6 stars, it's probably really bad quality, terrible modding and won't fit well with the game. So just keep it in the back of your head, you only want high quality downloads.

Another thing, sometimes creators will list dependencies in their descriptions - these are files you MUST download in order for that item to be able to work. They're usually props and textures, just get into a habit of looking for them, otherwise you'll get into the game and find that half your stuff isn't working.

[borgisme5 0]

I've found the x4 industry mod very help. It makes it so that industrial buildings create x4 jobs and x2 the money. That way you don't need need to have a medium sized city of pure industry to support an equal sized residential city. Basically makes it so that they support the right number of jobs, as huge factories do have several hundred workers unless it's automated.

But if anything, you must get the Network Addon Mod, as it fixes pathfind quite a bit and makes the game more like what it should be.