The Sims is one of the most famous life simulation franchises, allowing players to create their Sims and direct their lives, giving the careers and families. However, one of the games most popular features is not the simulation but the games' ability to create life like builds ranging from vets, shops, cafes and bars to houses and apartments.
Although building was a feature in previous Sims games, The Sims 4 offers players much more freedom when building, better graphics and easier building tools, meaning it has become one of the most popular features of the game. However, with so many aspects of building, all the features cane become confusing or overwhelming for new players. These are some beginner tips for players wanting to create beautiful builds in The Sims 4.
10 Build Mode Cheats
One of the best ways of enhancing build's in The Sims 4 is by using the in game cheats, the most important being bb.moveobjects. To open the cheat box, players must click the control, shift and C keys all at once. On console this can be done by holding down all four triggers at once. Players can the insert cheats to assist them in their game. The cheat bb.moveobjects on allows players to freely move and place objects without the grid which allows for more room in builds and for the creation of more realistic builds.
This cheat is especially good for creating clutter in homes given them a more lived in and realistic feel. Some other great cheats include bb.showhiddenobjects and bb.showliveeditobjects which both unlock hidden items and allow players to use many more items.
9 Landscaping
Another key tip for creating any lot is to use landscaping. Surrounding a lot with flowers, shrubs, trees and bushes given a more natural feel and adds an element of detail. This tip goes great with the bb.moveobjects cheat as it allows players to place plants closer to builds and fences, again adding realism.
Likewise, using the terrain tool is a great way of adding depth and realism to builds. Adding different paths underneath landscaping, builds and paths makes the cut between the object and ground feel much more natural and in a way elevates the build.
8 Adding Squares And Rectangles
A great simple tip is to add square or rectangular rooms sticking out of a square build. This adds a sense of realism and depth to the build by making the shape of the build less basic. Adding roofs and decoration finishes the new rooms off nicely.
Alternatively, players can try building the builds floor plan first opposed to creating the outside first as this means the exterior will have an interesting shape and the floor plan will have an efficient layout.
7 Look For Inspiration
Tying in with the previous tip, a way of adding realism dimension to builds is by looking at real life floor plans and building and copying them. This allows players to use realistic proportions and avoids any parts of the build looking off.
It is also a great way of helping players get around creative block as well as giving them a better understanding on how real life floor planning and building works, in turn, improving their ability to recreate it in game. There are also plenty of builds in the gallery and online that players can use for inspiration.
6 Custom Cabinets
In terms of decorating rooms, specifically kitchens, there is a hand trick which gives players more freedom, and kitchens a neat, polished look. When in the kitchen section of build mode, players should select the upper cabinets and beside them, they will find a cog icon which will allow them to adjust the shape, length and design of cabinets giving them a more built-in look.
This can also be done with the lower cabinets and islands within the game. This is a simple yet effective way to elevate an interior design in game.
5 Using Style Filters
Another tip for players looking to improve on designing interiors is to filter item's. Having a set style makes builds look constant and like the rooms flow well with one another. This can easily be done by selecting the filter tab on the bottom right of the lower panel in build mode. This feature often gets missed by players, however can be an incredible helpful tool.
Once the tab has been selected, gamers can choose to filter items by style, game pack, expansion pack, stuff pack, kit, color and by unlockable or debug items. This makes the huge catalog of items easier to browse and makes for a much more consistent in game build.
4 Use CTRL To Delete
One common issue players find with build mode is just how time-consuming building, decorating and completing a lot can be. However, there are faster ways of doing key things such as placing rooms. Rooms, walls, fences and pools can all actually be deleted by holding CTRL and dragging the cursor over the desired object players would like to delete.
Unfortunately, there is no equivalent as the CTRL option for delete walls in the console version of the game, however, items can also be deleted by using the sledgehammer tool on any object or simply undo.
3 Use ALT To Freely Place & Rotate Objects
In The Sims 4, objects automatically only rotate in 8 directions. However, being able to fully rotate objects allows for players to create a sense of realism by having furniture slightly out of place and clutter scattered in homes as it would often be in real life. There is away for players to rotate objects a full 360 degrees when the bb.moveobjects cheat is enabled.
Once players have typed in the bb.moveobjects on cheat, they must select the Sims 3 camera option at the top right of the screen. Objects can then be fully rotated once clicked on, although gamers should note that this will only work on The Sims 3 Camera option.
2 Raising And Lowering Objects
Another tip for players to use is the option to raise and lower objects. When an object is selected, gamers can raise or lower said object by pressing 0 to lower the object and 9 to raise the object or up and down on the D-pad for console players.
When the bb.moveobjects cheat is enabled, this trick allows players to raise objects onto shelves, bookcases, stairs and even fridges. This is another great way for players to elevate their builds.
1 Utilizing Roofing Controls
Roofing is notoriously difficult in the game, with many players expressing struggle in trying to create roofs on their lots. However, there is an option for more advanced roofing that may be lesser known.
Once players have placed a roof they must click onto said roof so that it is selected. Once the roof is selected, players should press the Shift and C keys simultaneously. This will allow for more roofing options to appear, thus allowing players more creative freedom and the ability to create roofs with ease. This can be done on PS4 by holding the square button whilst adjusting the roof.
The Sims 4 is available now on the EA app for PC players, Origin on Mac and on the Playstation and Xbox stores for console players.