Many The Sims 4 players want to modify the game further, both when accessing the “Create-a-Sim” mode or creating buildings. User-generated customized content brings new content to the game, but you may experience problems with the download process. This wikiHow teaches you how to install customized content on The Sims 4.
Step
Step 1. Locate the “Mods” folder
Close the game and open File Explorer (Windows) or Finder (Mac). If you installed the game in the main/default directory, the “Mods” folder can be found at the following directory address:
[User] > Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods
-
There is a file named
Resource.cfg
in the "Mods" folder. Don't delete this file. If you delete it, the customized content cannot appear in the game.
Tip:
Sims characters and customization fields cannot be added to the “Mods” folder. You need to add the files to the folder
The Sims 4 > Tray
Step 2. Download a program like 7-Zip or The Unarchiver
Most of the customized content is compressed into RAR and ZIP files which you will need to extract before the files can be added to the game.
Step 3. Look for customization content for The Sims 4
You can find customized content sites by searching for them through a search engine. Some popular customization content websites include Mod The Sims and The Sims Resource. Some users also share The Sims 4 customized content on blogging platforms like Tumblr.
- Some sites allow you to access specific categories of content (eg makeup or study furniture). You can also search for specific content types through search engines using phrases such as "sims 4 custom hairstyles".
- If you're looking for a great customized (CC) content creator, ask people on The Sims 4 forums or social media sites about their favorite creators. You can get interesting recommendations!
Tip:
Install ad-blocking add-ons (eg uBlock Origin or Adblock Plus) before visiting customized content websites. Some sites display deceptive or malicious advertisements that actually add malware to the computer.
Step 4. Find out the requirements needed
Some content requires you to have certain programs or elements in order for the content to work (eg game packs or mesh). In addition, some content also cannot be used on certain patches or game releases. Creators usually mention these terms in their content descriptions so make sure you read them first.
- Some sites like Mod The Sims allow you to filter out content that requires game packs that you don't have or display game pack icons that the content requires.
- Make sure the selected content is content for The Sims 4 before you download it. Content for The Sims 3 and The Sims 2 also comes as a.package file extension. However, adding content files for The Sims 3 or The Sims 3 in the game will not work and can actually slow down the performance of the game.
Step 5. Look for the content download link or button
Custom content-only sites usually display a "Download" button on their pages. If content is available on blogs or other sites not specifically dedicated to The Sims 4 content, you may need to find links to download sites. Most independent creators store files of their content on sites like Sim File Share, Box, OneDrive, or MediaFire.
- The Sims Resource site requires you to wait 10 seconds before continuing, unless you have a paid VIP membership. If you try to pass the waiting period, you will be redirected to The Sims 4 download page. Therefore, stay on the same tab for 10 seconds.
- Some content requires you to wait on the adFly ad site for 5 seconds. Do not click on existing ads because most of these ads are viruses. When the "Skip" button appears in the upper right corner of the screen, click the button and look for the download link for the customized content.
Step 6. Extract the content file if the file has a.rar or.zip extension
If the customized content is available as a RAR or ZIP file, you will need to extract the contents first. Content files must have the.package format or extension. Adding RAR or ZIP files to the “Mods” folder will not give the desired result.
- On a Windows computer: Right-click the file. If the file is a ZIP archive, select “Extract to /*”. If the file is a RAR archive, look for another decompression program option (eg 7-Zip) and select “Extract” or “Extract to /*”.
- On Mac computers: Double-click the file or right-click the file and select “Open with… > The Unarchiver”.
- Once the content is extracted, you can delete the RAR or ZIP files.
Tip:
Do not extract multiple archives at once. Sometimes, files are not grouped into folders and the process of extracting multiple files at once can make the folder messy and difficult to organize.
Step 7. Move the customized contents to the “Mods” folder
Select the.package file. You can drag and drop it to the “The Sims 4” > “Mods” folder, or right-click the file, choose Cut, open the “Mods” folder, and click Paste.
You need to group the contents into subfolders in order to distinguish them from each other. However, keep in mind that mod scripts cannot be added to subfolders
Step 8. Enable the in-game customization content feature if necessary
If the game does not automatically activate the mod, go to the “Settings” menu and click Other. Check the "Enable Custom Content and Mods" and "Script Mods Allowed" boxes, then click Apply Changes to enable them.
Tip:
Patches or game releases will automatically disable all customization or mod content if at any time the mod or content is no longer compatible with the game.
Tips
- Make sure all mods or customized content are updated following the latest game patches or releases. Outdated content can cause problems with the game, from graphics errors to games that won't run.
- Content labeled "default replacement" or "default" will overwrite the game version of the corresponding content. For example, the Maxis default skin color option will be replaced by a customized skin color option. You can delete the original content if you don't want it. However, don't save more than one main content at the same time. Otherwise, you will experience an error in the game.
- “alpha” customized content is content that looks more realistic (e.g. shiny hair or a more detailed eye look). This content is intended for users with more sophisticated computer performance because it usually requires very high graphics settings. "Maxis Match" content (often abbreviated as MM) is content that most closely resembles the original cartoon appearance of a typical game and usually doesn't require high graphics settings.
