What are included with SC4 patches?

[former_member 638788 0]

I want to know what the patches fix or add. Is there a log to that? Also do you need to install anything besides the patches?

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Welcome to Simtropolis!  (We need a banner or picture saying that...)

 

If you downloaded SimCity 4 off of the internet, e.g. Steam or Origin or whatever, then you don't need anything.  If you have discs, then you need:

 

The EP1 Update

The BAT Night Light update (it's the second download down on that page)

 

Other than that, you don't need to install anything, but there's a whole exchange with 17,000 files that looks really enticing if you're interested.   Just be sure to read the new members info about downloading things, dependencies, compatibility, crashing problems, etc, etc.

[Cyclone Boom 16,829]

Welcome to Simtropolis!
 
For SimCity 4 RH / Deluxe, there have been two patches released, which are:
 

1. EP1 Update  (version 1.1.638.0)

• Numerous bug fixes and performance improvements. (See the link above, and scroll down to view the full changelog).

2. SimCity 4 Buildings Update  (version 1.1.640.0)

• A compatibility fix, enabling night lighting on custom BAT buildings to be displayed in the game.

 

 
For them to be correctly applied, they must be installed in the order above.

It's worth noting that the patches are only required for the CD version of the game. The digital (download) version will come fully patched and ready to play, and is therefore recommended. This can be obtained from vendors such as GamersGate or Amazon. The Origin version does change the game's installation structure, which may create problems with custom content tools (such as the BAT). So it's not the preferred option, if you can avoid it.

 

 

EDIT: Ha, now that's what you call a duplicate post.

[simcity1999 34]

Welcome to Simtropolis!

 

For SimCity 4 RH / Deluxe, there have been two patches released, which are:

 

1. EP1 Update  (version 1.1.638.0)

• Numerous bug fixes and performance improvements. (See the link above, and scroll down to view the full changelog).

2. SimCity 4 Buildings Update  (version 1.1.640.0)

• A compatibility fix, enabling night lighting on custom BAT buildings to be displayed in the game.

 

 

For them to be correctly applied, they must be installed in the order above.

It's worth noting that the patches are only required for the CD version of the game. The digital (download) version will come fully patched and ready to play, and is therefore recommended. This can be obtained from vendors such as GamersGate or Amazon. The Steam version does change the game's installation structure, which may create problems with custom content tools (such as the BAT). So it's not the preferred option, if you can avoid it,

 

 

EDIT: Ha, now that's what you call a duplicate post.

 

 

And it is a very old game, so downloading won't be a problem for most (except dial up or quota).

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The two patches were both published by Maxis before it took EAs shilling.

[former_member 638788 0]

Is there any special tweaks for it to work on Windows 8? Also can you get it on Origin if you have the cd?

[MandelSoft 2,769]

I wouldn't get it on Origin if you have the CD. You have to pay twice then.

SimCity 4 runs fine under Windows 8, I can tell you

[Cyclone Boom 16,829]

In terms of compatibility with legacy software, the difference between Win 7 & 8 is negligible. So generally, most of the tweaks and fixes for Windows 7 should work with 8. These include -CPUcount:1 , and other commands which can be added to your game's target shortcut. A list of these can be found here.

 

As most modern PCs have more than one processor core, running the game on a single core can help with stability. Forcing the game to run using software rendering (-d:software) may also help with performance. I recommended to test some of the commends and see what works best for your machine. Some trial and error is required, as in the end, it all depends on your hardware.
 
For example, my target shortcut is:
"C:\Program Files (x86)\Maxis\SimCity 4 Deluxe\Apps\SimCity 4.exe" -intro:off -CustomResolution:enabled -r1600x900x32 -CPUcount:1

[former_member 638788 0]

Is there a key somewhere on the package to download it online.

[Cyclone Boom 16,829]

Is there a key somewhere on the package to download it online.

 

No, the CD and the digital versions are completely separate. In actual fact, the digital (download) version was first released well after the CD, so they don't contain any reference to each other. As MandelSoft said, if you have the disk already, there's no real advantage of using the digital version. Though if you wish to, you'll have to purchase and download it from an online vendor (GamersGate or Amazon are recommended).

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

The digital download deluxe version has some advantages and can usually be got from GamersGate or Amazon on sale for around $5.

 

1. Advantages include version 1,1,641 with all published patches applied and no disk required to run.

2. If you save the installation structure after you download it, you can reinstall in about five minutes.

[former_member 638788 0]

I heard around the internet that there is a code to activate online at https://activate.ea.com/gameactivation.do is that true?

[z1 566]

That certainly looks legitimate.  However, note that it says, "Available for the latest PC games from EA...", so I don't know if SC4 is covered.

[former_member 638788 0]

That certainly looks legitimate.  However, note that it says, "Available for the latest PC games from EA...", so I don't know if SC4 is covered.

That page is no longer updated since the copyright is 2009.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

If you have the digital download of Deluxe there is no activation required.

[former_member 638788 0]

If you have the digital download of Deluxe there is no activation required.

Do you have to activate the CD version?

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Yes.  It has to be registered, not activated.  You can choose to do it by mail.  However, if you have the CD version without a valid key, it won't install.

[simcity1999 34]

I have a legit (non pirated) version of SC4, and I only activate it but not register, and it can run properly without demo error messages and I also don't use crack, keygen, or other illegal ways.

[Indiana Joe 1,750]

Yes.  It has to be registered, not activated.  You can choose to do it by mail.  However, if you have the CD version without a valid key, it won't install.

 

All CD versions come with activation and registration codes in the box.  You don't need to do anything.

 

This is pretty much true of all PC games I've ever bought...

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

True.  The DRM disease is very recent.

[simcity1999 34]

True.  The DRM disease is very recent.

I bought SC4 on 2009.

[A Nonny Moose 8,261]

Recent to me means any time this century.  I have a very long outlook.

[Metalpuritan 160]

Perhaps this might seem cold and callous....Just get them and install them, what does it matter what is in them.  The ONLY exception to this would be if you got the Steam version.