You just got the Sims 4 base game and you’re thinking about getting into this game modding thing you keep hearing about, but you don’t know where to start!
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place! I’ve compiled a list of my top 3 mods that I absolutely cannot sim without. Jump to List >>
What are Mods?
Before we jump into my choices, you may be wondering what exactly mods even are! Sims 4 mods are user-created modifications or additions to The Sims 4 game that can alter or enhance the gameplay experience. Mods can range from small cosmetic changes to major overhauls of the game mechanics
Some popular types of Sims 4 mods include:
- Custom Content (CC): These mods add new clothing, hairstyles, makeup, furniture, and other items to the game, allowing players to customize their Sims’ appearance and environment.
- Gameplay Mods: These mods can alter the way the game is played, such as adding new careers, skills, traits, or changing the way Sims interact with each other.
- Script Mods: These mods use custom scripts to add new functionality to the game, such as automatic saving, improved camera controls, or the ability to use certain objects in new ways.
- Overhaul Mods: These mods make significant changes to the game’s mechanics, such as completely revamping the way aging works or adding new gameplay systems.
How do I Install a Mod?
To install mods on your PC for The Sims 4, follow these steps:
First, find a website that offers Sims 4 mods, such as Mod The Sims, The Sims Resource, Nexus Mods, or an individual mod creator’s website/blog.
Download the mod file you want to install. The file will usually be in .zip or .rar format, so you’ll need to extract it using a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
Open the “Mods” folder in your Sims 4 game files. This folder can be found by navigating to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods.
Copy the extracted mod file into the Mods folder. Make sure to place it directly in the Mods folder and not in a subfolder (script files will not run if more than 2 folders deep).
Launch The Sims 4 game and go to the “Game Options” menu. Make sure the “Enable Custom Content and Mods” option is checked.
Restart the game, and the mod should now be installed and ready to use.
It’s important to note that not all mods are created equal, and some may not be compatible with each other or with the latest version of The Sims 4. Always read the mod description and any installation instructions carefully before installing it to avoid any issues.
* When EA releases an update or patch to the game, you will have to go back to where you originally found your mods to redownload updated versions *
My 3 Must Have Mods
1. MC Command Center by Deaderpool
This is the one that almost every Sims 4 modder can agree is the quintessential gameplay modifier. The MC Command Center mod is a powerful tool that allows you to customize and control many aspects of your Sims 4 gameplay experience. Some of the mods main features include:
- Population control: This feature allows you to control the number of Sims in your game and adjust their lifespan, pregnancy settings, and more.
- Story Progression: With this feature, you can control the progression of your Sims’ lives and their relationships with each other. You can also adjust settings related to career progression, skills, and more.
- Sim Commands: The mod also includes a variety of commands that allow you to interact with your Sims in new ways, such as changing their outfits, adjusting their skills, and more.
- Cheats: The MC Command Center mod includes a variety of cheats that can make it easier to progress through the game, such as adding money to your household or unlocking hidden items.
It comes with A LOT of controls to make your Sims world exactly what you want it to be. All of the controls can look overwhelming at first if you’re not sure what you are looking at. Check out my MC Command Center Guide to help you make the most of this mod.
2. UI Cheats Extension by weerbesu
This may be the mod that I am most reliant on…no more typing in the cheats bar for every single cheat! This mod makes my most used cheats as simple as clicking or right clicking the game interface. For example, adjusting your sims needs is as easy as clicking on their needs status bar exactly where you want it to fill. The creator of this mod lists every single feature and where to click to use it, but here are some of my most used features of this mod:
- Right click on a sim in your relationship panel to set friendship and romance values
- Right click a moodlet to remove it
- Right click an aspiration goal to fufill it
- Right click the skills progress bar to set your level for that skill
- Right click the job icon to set career level (or right click on work tasks to complete them)
- Left click on the money counter to gain $1000.
Sometimes cheating is necessary to progress the story you’re telling for your sims and this makes it sooo easy!
3. Slice of Life Mods by KawaiiStacie
This is another popular mod that gives your sims more personality and realism. You can choose to download the whole slice of life mod with all of its separate features as one, or you can download different features individually. This is each feature or package, and what they do:
- My Memories – Allows sims to remember special moments and talk about them.
- My Personality – Allows sims to have more personality.
- My Appearance – Allows sims to have tears, dark circles, and blush.
- My Alcohol – Allows sims to get drunk from drinking alcoholic beverages.
- My Beauty – Allows sims to wear makeup and perfume.
- Self Woohoo – Allows sims to woohoo with themselves.
- My Social Life – Allows sims to call friends and family and even make group calls.
- My Cycle – Allows sims to have menstrual cycles.
- My Health – Allows sims to have realistic sicknesses and health conditions.
- My Party – Throw & get invited to parties.