For over three decades, SimCity forums have been the heart of the franchise. These communities connect fans, provide technical support, preserve mods, and showcase the creativity of players. If you’ve ever wanted to share your city, fix stubborn bugs, or download game-changing mods, chances are you’ll end up on one of these forums.
This guide will give you the most comprehensive overview of SimCity forums available online. You’ll learn where to go, what to expect, and how to make the most of your time in the community.
What Is a SimCity Forum?
A SimCity forum (sometimes spelled “simp city forum” informally) is an online gathering space where players:
- Discuss strategies for building and managing cities.
- Share screenshots, stories, and City Journals.
- Troubleshoot technical issues across all SimCity versions.
- Upload and download custom mods, lots, and assets.
- Stay up-to-date with community challenges and EA announcements.
While some are official (EA-run), most of the best ones are fan-driven, preserving the game’s history and helping new players.
Why Join a SimCity Forum?
If you’re playing SimCity alone, you’re missing out. Here’s why you should join:
- Download Mods & Assets
- From skyscrapers to highways, forums host the Network Addon Mod (NAM) and thousands of buildings.
- Solve Technical Issues
- SC4 running slow on Windows 11? BuildIt crashing on your phone? Forums often have step-by-step guides.
- Get Inspired
- Browse City Journals (CJs) and learn professional-level design.
- Share Your Progress
- Showcase your own cities and get constructive feedback.
- Compete in Challenges
- Simtropolis runs seasonal competitions and awards (like the Trixies).
- Stay Connected
- Whether you play SC4, SimCity 2013, or BuildIt, there’s an active community to join.
Popular SimCity Forums You Should Visit
1. Simtropolis
The largest and most active fan-run community for SimCity and other city-builders.
- Best for: SimCity 4 mods, tutorials, City Journals.
- Strengths:
- STEX (Simtropolis Exchange): one of the largest mod repositories ever.
- City Journals: creative storytelling with screenshots and narratives.
- Challenges & Awards: seasonal competitions that encourage creativity.
- Why it matters: Simtropolis is still the modding capital of SC4 in 2025.
2. Reddit (r/SimCity)
The modern, fast-paced hub for SimCity fans.
- Best for: Quick Q&A, casual discussions, screenshots.
- Strengths:
- Fast responses from thousands of users.
- Active memes, discussions, and cross-posts.
- Covers every SimCity edition from SC2000 to BuildIt.
- Weakness: Posts move quickly, so valuable guides can get buried.
3. SC4Devotion (Archive) → SC4Evermore
- SC4Devotion was once the most detailed forum for SimCity 4, featuring “Mayor Diaries” and the LEX (Lot Exchange) mod hub.
- In 2023, it went into archival (read-only) mode, preserved as a “museum.”
- SC4Evermore now hosts those mods and files safely.
- Best for: Accessing historic guides, preserved mods, and downloading curated files.
4. SimCity BuildIt Forum (EA)
For mobile players, the official EA BuildIt forum is the go-to.
- Best for: Troubleshooting, bug reports, and trading tips.
- Strengths:
- EA staff sometimes reply directly.
- Updated with event news and Contest of Mayors info.
- Weakness: Focused only on BuildIt.
5. Discord Servers & Clubs
- SC4Evermore Discord: A growing server for real-time discussions.
- Simtropolis Clubs: Topic-focused groups for SC2000, SC3000, and special interests.
- Strength: Instant answers, trading, and collaborative region-building.
- Weakness: Info isn’t archived well; easy to lose track of discussions.
Forum Comparison Table
| Forum / Community | Best For | Strengths | Weaknesses | Active Users (Est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simtropolis | SC4 mods, City Journals, challenges | Huge mod library (STEX), advanced tutorials, strong SC4 focus | Some content overwhelming for beginners | 50k+ active/month |
| Reddit (r/SimCity) | Casual Q&A, screenshots, news | Quick feedback, modern interface, mixed content (all SimCity titles) | Posts get buried fast, lacks structured archives | 100k+ members |
| SC4Devotion (Archive) | Legacy guides, historic CJs | Immense historic value, preserved knowledge | Read-only, no new posts | N/A |
| SC4Evermore | Safe mod downloads (LEX replacement) | File hosting, curated mod packs, Discord server | Fewer forums, focused on downloads not discussion | Growing |
| EA BuildIt Forum | SimCity BuildIt mobile players | Official support, event updates, bug reporting | Mobile only, slower replies, heavily moderated | 20k+ |
| Discord Servers | Fast chat, collaborative play | Real-time help, trading tips, active modders | Info gets lost in chat scroll, not always archived | 5k+ (varies) |
Key Topics Discussed on SimCity Forums
1. City Design Strategies
- Traffic optimization with NAM.
- Balanced zoning (residential, commercial, industrial).
- Regional planning with multiple cities.
- Tutorials for realistic highway interchanges.
2. Modding & Custom Content
- Network Addon Mod (NAM): pathfinding overhaul, highways, rail.
- BAT (Building Architect Tool): creating custom skyscrapers.
- Lot Editor: customizing props and textures.
- Plugin Management: folder organization, Cleanitol scans, dependency checks.
3. Technical Support
- SC4 on Windows 11: use compatibility settings, CPU affinity.
- 4GB Patch: prevents memory crashes.
- BuildIt App Fixes: clearing cache, reinstalling, lowering graphics.
4. News & Updates
- Forum announcements (Simtropolis events, EA BuildIt contests).
- Modding updates (NAM releases).
- Preservation of SC4 content on SC4Evermore.
5. Challenges & Competitions
- Simtropolis Challenges: themed builds, city-building contests.
- City Journal Awards (Trixies): community-voted honors.
- Collaborative Regions: shared map projects with multiple mayors.
How to Make the Most of Your Forum Experience
- Set Up Your Profile
- Add an avatar, signature, and bio.
- Read forum rules before posting.
- Find Mods Safely
- Start with NAM and basic fixes.
- Only download from trusted hosts (Simtropolis, SC4Evermore).
- Ask Smart Questions
- Include game version, OS, installed mods.
- Attach screenshots or error messages.
- Start a City Journal (CJ)
- Share screenshots + narrative.
- Be consistent with formatting.
- Join Events
- Enter competitions, vote in challenges.
- Helps build reputation in the community.
- Stay Respectful
- Credit mod creators.
- Avoid re-uploading content without permission.
Beginner City Journal Template
1. Introduction
- Title your city.
- Add a fictional backstory.
2. Regional Overview
- Include a map screenshot.
- Share your goals.
3. First Updates
- Show zoning, roads, and transit.
- Share early challenges.
4. Mods Used
- List NAM, BAT, terrain packs.
5. Storytelling
- Write from the mayor’s perspective.
6. Community Interaction
- Ask readers for feedback.
- Run polls for decisions.
7. Ongoing Updates
- Label as Update 1, Update 2, etc.
- End with a teaser.
Troubleshooting Checklist
SimCity 4 (PC)
- ✅ Install 4GB patch.
- ✅ Use CPUCount:1 for stability.
- ✅ Enable widescreen:
-CustomResolution:enabled -r1920x1080x32. - ✅ Organize plugins, avoid duplicates.
- ✅ Run in XP compatibility mode if needed.
SimCity BuildIt (Mobile)
- ✅ Clear app cache or reinstall.
- ✅ Sync with EA/Google/Facebook account.
- ✅ Lower graphics for smoother play.
- ✅ Check EA BuildIt forum for ongoing bug reports.
State of the Community (2025)
- SC4Devotion is archived, but its knowledge is preserved.
- SC4Evermore is now the main file host for mods.
- Simtropolis remains the modding and journaling hub.
- Reddit thrives for casual players.
- EA BuildIt forum supports mobile mayors.
FAQs About SimCity Forums
1. Where can I safely download SimCity 4 mods now?
Use Simtropolis STEX and SC4Evermore. Both are trusted and actively maintained.
2. Is SC4Devotion still active?
No, it is archived. But it’s preserved as a read-only resource.
3. Which forum is best for beginners?
Reddit is easiest for quick help. For mods, Simtropolis is best.
4. How do I fix SC4 crashes on Windows 10/11?
Apply the 4GB patch, use CPU affinity, and launch with command-line flags.
5. Can I still get official help for SimCity 2013?
No, but community support exists on Reddit and Simtropolis.
6. Where do I report SimCity BuildIt bugs?
On the EA Answers forum under the BuildIt section.
7. What is a City Journal (CJ)?
A CJ is a player-made story combining screenshots, updates, and narrative to showcase cities.
Conclusion
The SimCity community isn’t just alive—it’s thriving. Whether you’re a modder, storyteller, or casual mayor, there’s a forum for you:
- Simtropolis for mods & City Journals.
- Reddit (r/SimCity) for fast, casual help.
- SC4Evermore for safe downloads.
- EA BuildIt Forum for mobile support.
Joining a forum connects you with fellow mayors, helps you build better cities, and keeps the spirit of SimCity alive for years to come.