A Beginners Guide to The Sims 4 Custom Content

For those of us who play The Sims 4, it can be frustrating to rely on paid DLC for additional content, as it can quickly become expensive. Fortunately, custom content (CC) and mods offer a great alternative. However, console players are unable to mod their games, which is unfortunate. If you're on PC, ensure you do your research on modding to do it safely. Modding is an excellent way to stay on trend in-game and create your own styles and lookbooks in Create-A-Sim (CAS) and your own buildings in Build/Buy mode.

Quick Disclaimer!

Please browse at your own risk and be vigilant when downloading any CC and mods. While most content is safe, there have been instances where malicious software has been hidden in Sims mods, with the most recent case occurring in February this year. Use an ad blocker while CC shopping to avoid intrusive ads, and ensure you have a reliable antivirus or malware defender for extra safety. It's advisable to download TwistedMexi’s Modguard, which helps detect any malicious mods (Modguard). Remember, mods may break after game patches, so keep them updated with new versions as modders release them. There's nothing more frustrating than troubleshooting your game after a patch update.

Maxis Match VS Alpha CC - Which Is Best?

You may have heard people discussing Maxis Match (MM) and Alpha CC and wondered what they mean. MM is a style of custom content that aligns with the aesthetic established by Maxis in The Sims 4. It is more cartoonish and blends seamlessly with the rest of the game when you're in live mode. This is exactly what you'd expect CC to be—content made for The Sims 4 that looks like The Sims 4!On the other hand, Alpha CC represents realism at its best. It moves away from the cartoon style into what some might call the "uncanny valley." Alpha CC allows for a more lifelike appearance with extra details in clothing and hair, creating a more stylised and realistic feel for the characters. One downside is that the surrounding town may not match this style, which can be jarring at times. Some dedicated Alpha fans address this by changing every townie in the game to fit the Alpha aesthetic. However, this style can sometimes look less appealing in live mode, as high details may turn into low textures.Maxis Mix is a combination of both styles! If you want detailed facial features but prefer Maxis-style hair, this is the style for you. You get the best of both worlds and have access to a wider variety of CC to download. This approach allows for greater creativity, enabling you to craft a Sim that fits your vision perfectly.

Popular Websites

If you’re wondering where to start, these websites are excellent for building your collection. Personally tested, all of these sites are user-friendly and will definitely provide what you’re after.

The Sims Resource (TSR): This is likely the largest standalone resource for downloadable content. You can create an account or download without one, though you will need to verify that you’re human before you begin shopping. Non-VIP users may experience a brief wait time before downloads, but it's manageable.

Tumblr: While navigating Tumblr can be tricky and less safe, it remains one of the most popular platforms for finding CC. Many dedicated pages list a variety of items, from clothing to furniture. It can be overwhelming initially, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a treasure trove of content. Recommended blogs include 'CC Emily Finds,' 'Maxis Match CC World,' and 'Sims 4 CC's The Best.'

Patreon

Although it can be more challenging to find creators on Patreon, I prefer this method for downloading CC because it allows direct downloads from creators, enhancing safety. Search for “Patreon The Sims 4 CC” to discover various creators. Many creators release their CC to the public after a certain period, so you can filter for public content easily.

CurseForge

This platform allows you to download mods directly into your Mods folder, simplifying the process for beginners or those less tech-savvy. EA has partnered with Overwolf to ensure quality control, making it a reliable choice.

Celebrated CC Creators

Custom content creators are highly respected in the Sims community for giving players what they want when EA might not. Referred to as the ‘backbone of The Sims 4’, CC creators truly do level-up a players’ gaming experience with their unique and beautifully designed assets. Here are some of my personal favourites and some most popular. I urge you to support them if you can and like what they do but make sure to always follow the creators’ TOU (Terms Of Use) which will be on their blog or website.

Ebonix

After collaborating with EA on The Sims game itself as well as other brands like FarFetch, Ebonix has officially secured herself as a name known in the digital gaming sphere. With the release of The Sims 4 in 2014, it was seriously lacking representation for people of colour—this is where Ebonix came in and took it upon herself to make black hairstyles and fashion easily accessible for players when the game didn’t.

PralineSims

Base-game compatible, PralineSims’ content is free for anyone to download unless in early access. The designs are a mix of each style, but most of her items are suited for both Alpha and Maxis and can be mixed and matched. All beginners should start here to ensure their game is filled with amazing CC that will look good in-game and is less likely to break.

House Of Harlix

If you’re more of a builder, Felixandre and Harrie are two of the renowned creators in the modding community. They joined forces to create some of the most well-made sets to date. Downloading these collections will completely transform your game and give you what your game has been lacking without you even realising.

Crypticsim

Makeup enthusiasts, don’t worry—Crypticsim has you covered. The Sims 4 is severely lacking in the makeup department, but with Crypticsim’s creations, your game will feel brand new. The customisability is amazing, and there is something for everyone. He has also recreated actual brands like R.E.M. Beauty, Fenty Beauty, and Nomad Cosmetics, which brings a bit of reality into your game that you didn't know was missing.

Guide to downloading CC and mods

1. Locate Your Mods Folder: Navigate to /Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods. Do not place Sims or Lots in this folder; they belong in the Tray folder.
2. Unzip Content: If necessary, unzip any downloaded content before copying it into your Mods folder.
3. Organise Your Mods: You can organise your mods by type (e.g., Hair, Accessories, Furniture), but avoid creating subfolders deeper than five levels, as this can cause issues.
4. Enable Mods in the Game: Start The Sims 4, go to ‘Options’, then ‘Game Options’, and select ‘Other’. Check the boxes for ‘Enable Custom Content and Mods’ and, if applicable, ‘Script Mods Allowed’. Restart the game to apply changes.
5. Optimise Startup Time: For a faster startup, untick the ‘Show At Startup’ checkbox on the Mods pop-up.

Have fun playing your personalised Sims 4 game! Don't forget to tag us on X or Instagram so we can see your creations in-game!