The Sims 4, a virtual world brimming with possibilities, offers endless hours of entertainment. Whether you’re building your dream mansion, orchestrating intricate social dramas, or guiding your Sims to achieve their life goals, the game provides a sandbox environment ripe for creative expression. But sometimes, you need a little boost, a shortcut to realizing your vision. That’s where cheats come in. This guide provides an in-depth look at how to use Sims 4 cheats on your laptop, unlocking a new level of control and customization.
Enabling the Cheats Console: Your Gateway to Power
Before you can start bending the rules of reality, you need to access the cheats console. This is your direct line to the game’s inner workings.
Opening the Console: A Simple Key Combination
On your laptop, the process is straightforward. Simply press and hold Ctrl + Shift + C simultaneously. A white box will appear at the top of your screen. This is the cheats console, waiting for your commands. If you’re having trouble, make sure you are not accidentally pressing any other keys or have any programs running that might interfere with key input.
Closing the Console: When You’re Done Being a God
When you’re finished using cheats, you can easily close the console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C again. The box will disappear, returning you to your regular gameplay.
The Motherlode of Simoleons: Money Cheats
Money makes the Sim world go round, and having a healthy Simoleon balance opens up a wealth of opportunities. These cheats let you instantly bolster your Sim’s financial standing.
Giving Your Sims a Financial Injection: ‘money X’
The simplest way to add funds is by using the ‘money X’ cheat. Replace ‘X’ with the exact amount of Simoleons you want your household to possess. For example, typing ‘money 50000’ and pressing Enter will instantly credit your Sims with 50,000 Simoleons.
Becoming Rich Instantly: ‘motherlode’ and ‘kaching’
For a quick financial boost, use the cheat ‘motherlode’. This grants your household 50,000 Simoleons. Alternatively, the cheat ‘kaching’ will add 1,000 Simoleons to your household funds. If you need a smaller increment, ‘rosebud’ also grants 1,000 Simoleons.
Reaching the Pinnacle of Wealth: ‘FreeRealEstate On’
Tired of saving up for that dream house? The ‘FreeRealEstate On’ cheat, entered while in the world map, allows you to move your Sims into any house, regardless of its price. After moving in, you can turn off the cheat using ‘FreeRealEstate Off’. Remember to enter the cheat into the cheat console on the neighborhood/world selection screen.
Mastering the Build Mode: Unlock Hidden Potential
Build Mode is where you can truly unleash your creativity, designing and furnishing your Sims’ homes. These cheats expand your options and remove limitations.
Bypassing Placement Restrictions: ‘bb.moveobjects on’
One of the most useful build mode cheats is ‘bb.moveobjects on’. This allows you to place objects anywhere, even overlapping each other. Use this cheat with caution, as placing objects in unusual ways can sometimes lead to unexpected glitches. To disable the cheat, type ‘bb.moveobjects off’.
Unlocking Hidden Items: ‘bb.showhiddenobjects’
The Sims 4 contains many hidden objects, often used in specific careers or events. To access these items in Build Mode, type ‘bb.showhiddenobjects’ and press Enter. You’ll then need to search for the hidden items in the build mode catalog. Make sure to type ‘bb.showhiddenobjects’ again if you are not seeing the hidden objects anymore.
Revealing Debug Items: ‘bb.showliveeditobjects’
Similar to hidden objects, debug items are typically used by the game developers for world-building. To unlock these items, type ‘bb.showliveeditobjects’ and press Enter. These items often include rocks, plants, and other environmental details that can add realism to your builds. Like hidden objects, you’ll need to search for them in the build mode catalog after enabling the cheat. Keep in mind that using these items can affect your game’s performance.
Ignoring Career Restrictions: ‘bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement’
Some objects are locked until your Sim reaches a certain level in their career. To bypass these restrictions, use the cheat ‘bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement’. This will unlock all career-related objects, allowing you to decorate your home with items you haven’t technically earned yet.
Manipulating Your Sims: Skills, Relationships, and Aspirations
These cheats allow you to alter your Sims’ characteristics, relationships, and progress towards their life goals. Proceed with caution, as excessive use can disrupt the game’s balance.
Altering Skill Levels: ‘stats.set_skill_level SkillName X’
You can instantly boost your Sim’s skills using the ‘stats.set_skill_level SkillName X’ cheat. Replace ‘SkillName’ with the name of the skill (e.g., Major_Guitar, Major_Logic, Minor_Fishing) and ‘X’ with the desired skill level (1-10, or 1-5 for minor skills). For example, ‘stats.set_skill_level Major_Guitar 10’ will instantly max out your Sim’s guitar skill.
Remember that the skill names must be exact and case-sensitive. Some common skills include:
- Major_Logic
- Major_Guitar
- Major_Writing
- Major_Gardening
- Major_Fitness
- Major_Cooking
- Major_Baking
- Major_Painting
- Major_Photography
- Major_Programming
- Major_VideoGaming
For toddler skills, the format is slightly different:
- Skill_Toddler_Communication
- Skill_Toddler_Thinking
- Skill_Toddler_Imagination
- Skill_Toddler_Movement
And for children:
- Skill_Child_Creativity
- Skill_Child_Mental
- Skill_Child_Motor
- Skill_Child_Social
Modifying Relationships: ‘modifyrelationship [YourSimFirstName] [YourSimLastName] [TargetSimFirstName] [TargetSimLastName] X LTR_SimReltionship[Type]’
This cheat allows you to adjust the relationship between two Sims. Replace ‘[YourSimFirstName]’ and ‘[YourSimLastName]’ with your Sim’s first and last name, and ‘[TargetSimFirstName]’ and ‘[TargetSimLastName]’ with the target Sim’s name. Replace ‘X’ with the desired relationship level (between -100 and 100) and ‘[Type]’ with either ‘Friendship’ or ‘Romance’. For example, ‘modifyrelationship Bella Goth Mortimer Goth 100 LTR_SimReltionshipFriendship’ will make Bella Goth and Mortimer Goth have a maxed-out friendship. The cheat is case-sensitive.
A negative number will indicate an adversarial relationship.
Completing Aspirations: ‘aspirations.complete_current_milestone’
If your Sim is struggling to achieve their aspiration goals, you can instantly complete the current milestone using the cheat ‘aspirations.complete_current_milestone’. This will advance your Sim to the next stage of their aspiration.
Gameplay Manipulation: Control Time and Sims
These cheats offer control over the game’s flow and the Sims themselves. Use them to fast-forward through tedious tasks or to experiment with your Sims’ behaviors.
Speeding Up Time: ‘speed X’
You can adjust the game’s speed using the ‘speed X’ cheat. Replace ‘X’ with a number between -3 and 3. ‘0’ is normal speed, ‘1’, ‘2’, and ‘3’ increase the speed, and ‘-1’, ‘-2’, and ‘-3’ slow it down. Be careful when using negative speeds as they can sometimes cause glitches.
Resetting a Sim: ‘resetSim [FirstName] [LastName]’
If a Sim gets stuck or is behaving erratically, you can reset them using the cheat ‘resetSim [FirstName] [LastName]’. Replace ‘[FirstName]’ and ‘[LastName]’ with the Sim’s first and last name. This will reset the Sim to a neutral state, often resolving glitches. For example, ‘resetSim Bella Goth’ will reset Bella Goth.
Filling Needs: ‘fillmotive motive_[Need]’
You can fill a Sim’s needs using the cheat ‘fillmotive motive_[Need]’. Replace ‘[Need]’ with the name of the need (e.g., Hunger, Hygiene, Energy, Fun, Social, Bladder). For example, ‘fillmotive motive_Hunger’ will completely fill your Sim’s hunger need.
Maximize all motives: ‘sims.fill_all_commodities’
This cheat will maximize all motives of the selected sim. First, you need to open the cheat console, then type testingcheats true and hit enter. Then select a sim and type sims.fill_all_commodities and hit enter. This cheat will fill all motives of the selected sim.
Advanced Cheats: Testing and Debugging
These cheats are primarily used for testing and debugging purposes. They can have unpredictable effects on your game, so use them with caution.
Enabling Testing Cheats: ‘testingcheats true’
The foundation for many advanced cheats is the ‘testingcheats true’ command. This enables a range of debugging options and unlocks additional interactions within the game. Be sure to enter ‘testingcheats false’ to disable testing cheats mode.
Shift-Clicking for More Options
With ‘testingcheats true’ enabled, you can shift-click on Sims or objects to access a variety of debug options. These options can include:
- Reset Object (Debug): Resets the selected object to its default state.
- Make Dirty/Make Clean: Changes the cleanliness of an object.
- Teleport Sim Here: Instantly teleports the selected Sim to the clicked location.
- Add to Family: Adds the selected Sim to your active household.
- Cheat Need: Allows you to fill or drain a Sim’s needs.
A Word of Caution: Using Cheats Responsibly
While cheats can enhance your Sims 4 experience, it’s important to use them responsibly. Excessive cheating can lead to a loss of challenge and enjoyment. Consider using cheats sparingly, only when you need a little help or want to experiment with different gameplay possibilities. Think of cheats as tools to enhance your storytelling, not as a way to bypass the game’s intended mechanics entirely. Remember to save your game frequently, especially before using potentially game-altering cheats. Happy Simming!
How do I enable cheats in The Sims 4 on my laptop?
To enable cheats in The Sims 4 on your laptop, you first need to open the cheat console. Press Ctrl + Shift + C simultaneously. This will bring up a white text box at the top of your screen. Type “testingcheats true” (without quotes) into the box and press Enter. This activates the cheat engine, allowing you to use various cheats in the game.
If “testingcheats true” doesn’t work immediately, try “testingcheats on” or “testingcheats 1”. After successfully enabling cheats, you’ll receive a notification confirming that cheats are enabled. Remember that you’ll need to re-enable cheats each time you start a new Sims 4 session on your laptop.
What are some of the most useful Sims 4 cheats for building?
For builders, the “bb.moveobjects on” cheat is incredibly useful. It allows you to place objects anywhere, even overlapping each other, which bypasses the game’s standard placement restrictions. This provides much greater creative freedom when decorating your Sims’ homes. Similarly, “bb.showhiddenobjects” unlocks a vast library of debug items, including plants, rocks, and other environmental details that are normally hidden from view.
Another valuable cheat is “bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement.” This unlocks all build mode items that are normally locked behind career progression or specific in-game achievements. It allows you to use all items from the start, making it easier to create the perfect build without needing to grind through gameplay. Using these cheats can drastically improve your building experience and allow for more detailed and unique creations.
How can I use cheats to increase my Sims’ skills quickly?
To rapidly increase your Sims’ skills, you’ll need to use the “stats.set_skill_level [skill name] [skill level]” cheat. First, ensure that testingcheats is enabled. Replace “[skill name]” with the internal name of the skill (e.g., Major_Fishing, Major_Guitar). Then, replace “[skill level]” with the desired skill level, which ranges from 1 to 10. For example, “stats.set_skill_level Major_Fishing 10” will instantly max out your Sim’s fishing skill.
You can find a comprehensive list of skill names online. It is crucial to use the correct skill name as listed in various Sims 4 cheat guides. Remember to double-check the spelling and capitalization as the cheat is case-sensitive. This method allows you to quickly develop your Sims’ abilities without spending hours grinding, enabling them to pursue their aspirations much faster.
Is it safe to use cheats in The Sims 4 on my laptop?
Generally, using cheats in The Sims 4 is safe and won’t harm your game or laptop. The Sims 4 is designed with cheats as an intended feature, and they don’t contain any malicious code. However, using excessive or poorly implemented cheats can sometimes lead to unexpected game behavior or minor glitches. For example, repeatedly using a cheat to give your Sim an extremely large amount of money might occasionally cause visual errors in the UI.
To minimize any potential issues, it’s recommended to save your game before experimenting with new or unfamiliar cheats. This way, if something goes wrong, you can simply reload the saved game and revert to a previous state. Also, ensure that you’re only using cheats from reputable sources to avoid any potential risks from third-party modifications that might masquerade as cheats.
Can I use cheats to get free money in The Sims 4?
Yes, there are several cheats that allow you to get free money in The Sims 4. The most common and straightforward cheat is “money [amount]”. Simply type this into the cheat console, replacing “[amount]” with the desired amount of Simoleons. For instance, “money 100000” will add 100,000 Simoleons to your household’s funds. Another convenient option is “kaching” or “rosebud,” which both grant 1,000 Simoleons.
An alternative, more substantial option is the “motherlode” cheat, which provides 50,000 Simoleons. You can use these money cheats as many times as you need to build your dream home, purchase expensive items, or simply avoid financial struggles for your Sims. Remember to enable testingcheats before using any of these money cheats.
How do I reset a stuck Sim using cheats?
If your Sim gets stuck or encounters a bug that prevents them from performing actions, you can use the “resetSim [First Name] [Last Name]” cheat. Open the cheat console and replace “[First Name]” and “[Last Name]” with your Sim’s actual first and last names. For example, “resetSim Bella Goth” will reset Bella Goth back to a safe, neutral state. This often resolves issues where Sims are unresponsive or trapped in animations.
In situations where the above cheat doesn’t work, or you don’t know the Sim’s name, you can try shift-clicking on the Sim in live mode with testingcheats enabled. This will bring up a menu with the option to “Reset Object (Debug)”. Selecting this option will achieve the same result as the “resetSim” cheat, forcing the Sim to reset their current actions and location, hopefully resolving the issue that caused them to become stuck.
Are there any cheats to influence relationships between Sims?
Yes, you can use cheats to modify relationships between Sims. This is done using the “relationship.introduce_sim_to_sim [Sim A ID] [Sim B ID]” and “modifyrelationship [Sim A Name] [Sim A Last Name] [Sim B Name] [Sim B Last Name] [Amount] [Relationship Type]” cheats. First, you’ll need the Sim IDs, which can be a bit complex to obtain directly. Using the relationship cheat requires knowing the Sim’s ID, which the game does not readily display. This method requires more effort but grants finer control.
A simpler alternative is the “modifyrelationship” cheat. Replace “[Sim A Name]”, “[Sim A Last Name]”, “[Sim B Name]”, and “[Sim B Last Name]” with the names of the Sims involved. Then, “[Amount]” is the desired relationship level (positive for friendship/romance, negative for dislike). Finally, “[Relationship Type]” is either “Friendship_Main” or “Romance_Main”. For example, “modifyrelationship Bella Goth Mortimer Goth 100 Friendship_Main” will max out the friendship between Bella and Mortimer. Ensure testingcheats is enabled before using either method. Experiment with different amounts to achieve the desired relationship dynamic.