this guide is specifically for my friend mel <3 but of course anyone is free to reference it x
𖡡 you've downloaded the game, played around a little bit, and now you're looking to add mods and custom content (cc) into your game
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this game is basically nothing without mod and cc creators, so all credit and love to them ♡
step 01: setting up your mods folder
open file explorer, go to documents, and find the folder labeled electronic arts. then click on the sims 4.
you'll see a folder labeled mods - pin it to quick access [this will make accessing it easier]
step 02: downloading mods and cc
you can find cc and mods so many ways!! tumblr, youtube, pinterest, instagram, etc. there are a lot of blogs on tumblr specifically for cc finds too
make sure you're downloading things from a reliable source. for example - a creator's patreon/tumblr or website, simfileshare.net [often linked as sfs], google docs, curseforge, itch.io, and *unanimously hated* thesimsresource.com → the sims resource is hated because of all of the fucking ads lmaooo
you'll be downloading package files and zip files. you'll find them in your downloads in file explorer
step 03: installing mods and cc
navigate to downloads in file explorer
package files can be simply dragged into the mods folder
zip files need to be extracted, then you can drag and drop the unzipped folder into your mods folder → whatever you put into your mods folder can only be one extra folder deep or it won't show up in your game
when it comes to mods [not cc], creators will often have instructions for you. follow those exactly
step 04: mods + game updates
sometimes mods break when there's a game update. it's just a very annoying part of the game at this point lol
some mods will have a pop-up in the game letting you know it needs to be updated. but if it doesn't and you notice something is fucked up, you can google 'broken mods' and usually someone else will be having the same problem and can let you know to update it
if a mod is broken, remove it from your mods folder and go download the new version from the creator → a lot of mod creators update very quickly [like the same day or within a couple days] but sometimes they don't. just be patient and check for updates periodically
recommended: the sims 4 mod manager // dl here → the mod manager will allow you to see and deactivate or remove mods and cc from your game [it's automatically connected to your mods folder and can be helpful when you can't find broken mods or cc]
gameplay mods i recommend
mccc by @deaderpoolmc // dl here ✧ gives a you a lot of control of your game
tool by @twistedmexi // dl here ✧ place and size things however you want
better build/buy by @twistedmexi // dl here ✧ gives you easier access to things in build/buy that you'd normally have to use cheats for
relationship and pregnancy overhaul by lumpinou // dl here ✧ more realistic gameplay [this one is essential!!]
lgbtqia+ by lumpinou // dl here ✧ gender identity, gender affirmation and transition, self-discovery, coming out, dating apps and lot traits [i love this mod so much!!]
healthcare redux by adeepindigo // dl here ✧ adds illness, injury, chronic conditions, allergies, medical emergencies, etc
childbirth mod by @pandasamacc // dl here ✧ good for family gameplay
snbills by @simrealist // dl here ✧ bank accounts
also want to mention milk thistle & sunblind by @softerhaze ✧ the lighting with these mods is *essential* pls check them out!!
create-a-sim [cas] mods i recommend
cas backgrounds // i love vyxated ✧ these are just extra fun!! you can find a lot on tumblr or youtube to download. it's a super easy drag and drop into your mods folder. but when you want to change it, make sure you remove the current one or it won't work!!
gentle cas lighting by northerin siberia winds // dl here ✧ replaces the ea lighting in cas with a softer glow and shadows
any cas lighting by helgatisha // dl here ✧ i like the colors they have!!
custom content [let's make your sims hot!!]
cc creators i love: @kumikya @dogsill @aladdin-the-simmer @arethabee @imvikai @jius-sims @northernsiberiawinds @oakiyo @its-adrienpastel @daylifesims @twisted-cat @madlensims @miikocc @obscurus-sims @evoxyr @powluna @pralinesims @simandy @sentate @simstrouble @christopher067 @aharris00finds @bluecravingcc @crypticsim @gorillax3-cc @gegesimmer @frzrbunny @greenllamas @lisatrait @joshseoh @liyahsim @thatonegreenleaf @trillyke @waterlily0210 @clumsyalienn @johnnysimmer @lamatisse
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anyways mel, i really enjoyed making this for you and i hope you enjoy the game!! <3