The Sims series offers a wide range of gameplay options, including the ability to download custom content (CC).
Custom Content (CC) has been around since the series began, offering a wide range of options from simple clothing changes to complex modifications that allow for extensive world management.
I really enjoy CC. I can’t imagine playing without it now. In my opinion, it improves the game and makes things more enjoyable.
Any aspects of the game that you find bothersome have probably been modified to enhance them. Do you feel like there aren’t sufficient traits to select from?
Can you please add more? Dislike the mosaic effect when your Sims shower? Please remove it! Are you tired of your Sim constantly moving around during Create a Sim?
There is also a mod available for that! There is a mod available for almost everything, which enhances the game experience for me.
For a while, I refrained from using CC, not because I was a purist who believed it affected the gameplay, but because I didn’t know how to download it.
If you are new to CC and have never attempted to download it before, there’s no need to worry. It’s quite simple and can be quite captivating once you get the hang of it.
Guide To Adding Custom Content
Before anything else, ensure that mods are enabled in your game.
It’s simple to do: just launch your game, click on the options menu located in the top right corner, and select “Game options.” Opt for the final choice, “Other,” and ensure that the boxes for “Enabled Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed” are checked. Make sure to implement the changes, save your progress, and exit the game.
Before anything else, ensure that mods are enabled in your game.
It’s a breeze to do: simply launch your game, then click on the options menu located in the top right corner and select “Game options.”
Select the final option labeled “Other,” and ensure that the boxes for “Enabled Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed” are checked. Make the changes, save your progress, and exit the game.
Once you locate a piece of CC that interests you, download it and go to your downloads folder.
Extract the file to access your CC. Make sure the extracted file is in .package format. If it’s in RAR format, use a RAR extractor.
Next, find your mods folder. When using a PC, your file extension should resemble the one I have:
The path to Electronic Arts documents is located in the specified directory.Explore The Sims 4\Mods directory.
Make sure to create a folder for your recently downloaded files.
This is of utmost importance. Make sure to keep your CC well-organized and neat. Otherwise, it can quickly become chaotic, leaving you clueless about the contents of your folder.
It’s important to be cautious if you’ve downloaded corrupted CC!
If you are unsure about what caused your game to break and your naming conventions are not well-organized, you are in trouble.
Return to your downloads folder (I typically open 2 file explorer windows simultaneously to switch between them easily).
Make sure to select all the files in your extracted folder and use the keyboard shortcuts to copy and paste them into your new folder.
Does Custom Content Come at No Cost?
Personalized content should always be available at no cost.
If you encounter a request for payment for CC, I strongly advise you to seek an alternative option.
There’s a distinction between a modder providing free content with a voluntary donation option and one who constantly locks their content behind a paywall.
This topic stirs up strong opinions within the Simming community due to its legal and ethical implications.
A website has been created to distribute charged CCs for free. I won’t elaborate further, but I stand by my initial statement: custom content should always be free.
Here are Some Great Websites to Download Custom Content
When downloading custom content onto your computer, it’s important to exercise caution. This page on the answers.ea website provides valuable information on safely using mods and CC.
Here are the top spots to download CC for The Sims 4:
AroundtheSims:
As a preteen, I used to eagerly browse TS1 content that I couldn’t download at that time.
I recall visiting Around the Sims for top-notch CC even back then, nearly two decades ago! ATS offers a wide range of high-quality products, many of which are themed.
As you browse through their selection, you may discover items that you never knew you wanted!
Modthesims:
This site has been a reliable choice for me ever since The Sims 2 days.
The game features high-quality modifications that enhance the gameplay experience, all available for free. There is also an active forum where you can ask questions about specific custom content.
MCCC:
This mod is absolutely crucial for my Sims 4 experience. You have full control over almost every aspect of the game.
You have the power to adjust the world time, alter your Sims’ emotions, customize population settings, and explore numerous other options that may seem endless.
MCCC also has a sister site for individuals over 18, but I won’t provide the link here. If you’re interested, you can search for “Wicked whims” on Google. (For individuals 18 years and older!)
Lana CC Finds:
I recommend using this one carefully as it essentially functions as a comprehensive database of all things CC.
The platform offers a wide range of content, with some possibly requiring a subscription to access. However, a good portion of it isn’t, so it can be unpredictable.
I can tell you this much though, I won’t download anything that requires payment. I have discovered and downloaded a plethora of high-quality content from Lana’s.