Deluxe Edition V11640 Patch Link ((new)) — Simcity 4
SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition v1.1.640 patch (commonly known as the BAT Nightlight Update
) is the final official update for the retail disc version of the game. It is essential if you want custom buildings from the community to display night lighting correctly. SC4 Devotion Download Links
Because official Maxis servers are no longer active, the community hosts these files for preservation: Simtropolis - Maxis Files : A reliable community source for the SC4Update4BAT.exe (v1.1.640) and the preceding EP1 update (v1.1.638). SC4Evermore - Nightlights Update
: A modern hosting of the update specifically for those with original CD-ROM copies. Critical Compatibility Note Digital Versions (Steam/GOG) : If you bought the game on need this patch. These versions come pre-patched to , which already includes all fixes from the 640 update. Origin (EA App) Version
: Be aware that the version sold on the EA App (formerly Origin) is often unpatched (v1.1.610) and is notoriously difficult or impossible to patch manually. SC4 Devotion Installation Order
To successfully reach version 1.1.640 on a retail disc copy, you must follow this specific sequence: Install the EP1 Update (v1.1.638) first. This is a prerequisite for most major mods like the Network Addon Mod (NAM) Run the v1.1.640 Update ( SC4Update4BAT.exe simcity 4 deluxe edition v11640 patch link
. This final step enables the nightlight textures for custom 3D models (BATs). to see if you actually need the patch? Patch 1.1.640 - SC4 Devotion
In the world of SimCity 4 Deluxe , version 1.1.640 (often called the "BAT Update" or "Nightlighting Patch") is the legendary milestone that brought light to the darkness—literally.
For years, mayors who built their cities from the original CD-ROMs faced a frustrating mystery: while their skyscrapers looked great by day, custom-made buildings from the community would stay pitch-black at night. This patch was the official fix from Maxis, enabling those intricate "nightlighting" effects to glow as intended. The Patching "Quest"
Getting to 1.1.640 is a two-step journey for those using the physical disc version:
The Foundation: You must first apply the EP1 Update (Version 1.1.638). Without this core expansion patch, the nightlighting update will fail. SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition v1
The Glow-Up: Once the EP1 fix is in place, you apply the Update4BAT executable to reach version 1.1.640. Where to Find the Files
Since the original Maxis site is long gone, the community has preserved these essential files on veteran fan sites:
Simtropolis Maxis Files: A reliable vault for both the EP1 (638) and BAT (640) updates.
SC4 Devotion: Another cornerstone site where the 640 patch is hosted in the "EA Support" or "BAT" section. The Modern Shortcut
If you are playing on a modern digital platform like Steam or GOG, you can skip the manual patching entirely. These versions typically come pre-patched to v1.1.641, which includes everything from the 640 update and more. I can't install EP1 Update 1 patcher for SimCity 4 Deluxe. Physical CD/DVD Copy: Yes, absolutely
Do You Even Need It? (Steam vs. GOG vs. Disc)
- Physical CD/DVD Copy: Yes, absolutely. You need this patch.
- Steam Version: The default Steam version is v111. You need v11640 for stability.
- GOG Version: GOG ships with a modified v115. It’s better than stock but missing the 4GB patch. You can still apply v11640 on top of it.
Step 3: Set CPU Affinity (Optional but recommended)
- Right-click your Taskbar > Task Manager > Details.
- Find
SimCity 4.exe> Set Affinity. - Uncheck CPU 0. Leave only 1, 2, and 3 checked. This prevents the "single-core stutter."
Step-by-Step Installation Guide
Once you have acquired the patch via the community links, follow this exact sequence to avoid breaking your game:
What is the v1.1.640 Patch?
The v1.1.640.0 patch (often shortened to v1.1.640 or just 640) is the final official patch for SimCity 4 Deluxe Edition (which includes the Rush Hour expansion). It is also sometimes called the “Nighttime Patch” because it fixed a major bug where cities would remain dark after a certain in-game date.
Key fixes in v1.1.640:
- Fixes the “permanent nighttime” bug.
- Improves stability on Windows XP (and later OS versions).
- Addresses various crash bugs related to pathfinding and U-Drive-It missions.
- Updates the game’s DRM (SafeDisc) – note: this can cause issues on Windows 10/11 (see notes below).
2. Official Download Link
Because the official EA servers for SimCity 4 patches have been deprecated for many years, the most reliable source for the official patch is Simtropolis, the largest remaining SimCity 4 community.
- Source: Simtropolis Omni-Central
- Direct Link: SimCity 4 Deluxe Official Patch v1.1.640
(Note: This requires a free Simtropolis account to download. It is the safest and most archived source for the file.)
Conclusion
- SimCity 4 Deluxe remains supported by an active community; official patches and community fixes together sustain playability.
- Use only lawful sources for game files and patches; rely on community guides for modern compatibility.