The Sims 4: Getting Started Guide

Creating Your First Sim#

Welcome to The Sims 4! You’re probably excited to dive in and start shaping your virtual life. Before you start building and managing your dream home, you’ll need to create your first Sim. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

Step 1: Choose Your Sim’s Gender and Age#

When you fire up The Sims 4 and get into Create-A-Sim (CAS) mode, the first thing you’ll do is choose your Sim’s gender and age. You have a few options here:

Gender: Male or Female
Age: All the way from Toddler to Elder

Remember, each age group has its own unique characteristics and abilities. Young Adults and Adults are the sweet spot for maximum interactions and career choices.

Step 2: Personalize Physical Appearance#

Next, it’s time to get creative with your Sim’s look! The customization tools in Sims 4 are super detailed and lots of fun to play with.

Face and Hair#

Face: Click on different facial features like the nose, eyes, or mouth to customize them. You can choose preset designs or manually adjust each part.
Hair: Pick a hairstyle and color. There are tons of options ranging from sleek ponytails to wild curls.

Body#

Body Type: You can adjust your Sim’s body size and muscle tone by dragging sliders.
Skin Tone: Choose from natural skin tones or go wild with fantasy colors like blue or green.

Step 3: Pick Traits and Aspirations#

Your Sim needs personality! Traits and aspirations shape how your Sim interacts with the world and what they desire in life.

Traits#

You get to choose three traits for your Sim from various categories like Emotional, Hobby, and Lifestyle traits. Here’s a quick peek:

Emotional Traits: Cheerful, Gloomy
Hobby Traits: Bookworm, Music Lover
Lifestyle Traits: Loves the Outdoors, Ambitious

Pick traits that complement each other or create interesting conflicts!

Aspirations#

An aspiration is like your Sim’s lifetime goal. It gives them direction and unlocks special rewards as they achieve their milestones. There are several categories like:

Athletic: Be the next sports star!
Creativity: Aim to be a world-renowned artist or author.
Family: Dream of raising a happy family.

Choose one that fits the story you want to tell with your Sim.

Step 4: Style Your Sim#

Your Sim’s style says a lot about their personality. You can dress them up for different occasions:

Everyday: What they’ll wear most of the time.
Formal: Fancy outfits for special events.
Athletic: Cool gear for working out.
Sleepwear: Something comfy for bedtime.
Party: Dress to impress!
Swimwear: Fun bathing suits for pool days.

There are lots of clothing items and accessories to choose from. Mix and match until you find the perfect look.

Step 5: Name Your Sim#

Every Sim needs a good name. Be creative and pick something that fits their personality. You can even randomize if you’re feeling stuck.

Step 6: Final Touches#

Before you finalize, don’t forget to handle the little details:

Voice: Pick a voice type and adjust the pitch.
Walk Style: You can choose fun walk styles like Perky, Snooty, or Sluggish.

Ready, Set, Go#

When you’re happy with everything, click the checkmark, and you’re ready to start playing! Your first Sim is now ready to explore, make friends, and live their life. Enjoy crafting their story and watch how they evolve in your game.

Creating your first Sim is just the beginning. There’s a whole world out there waiting for you. Have fun and happy Simming!

Understanding Basic Controls#

Welcome to the life of Sim management! Before you dive headfirst into building epic mansions and crafting perfect Sim lives, you’ve gotta get the hang of the basic controls. Don’t worry; it’s as easy as pie. Let’s break it down.

Camera Controls#

First things first, you need to know how to navigate your world.

Zoom In/Out: Use the scroll wheel on your mouse. Scrolling up zooms in, while scrolling down zooms out. If you’re on a trackpad, pinch in and out as you would on a smartphone.
Rotate View: Hold down the middle mouse button or press and hold the right mouse button, then move your mouse to rotate the camera angle. This helps you get a full view of your Sim’s environment.
Pan Camera: For a horizontal or vertical view shift, just hold down the left mouse button and drag. Alternatively, use the arrow keys or W, A, S, and D to move the camera around.

Interacting with Your Sim#

Your Sim is the heart of the game. Here’s how you control them:

Select a Sim: Simply left-click on the Sim you want to control. Their portrait will be highlighted in the bottom left corner.
Give Commands: Right-click on objects or other Sims to bring up interaction options. For instance, right-click on the fridge and choose to cook a meal.

Building and Buying#

Half the fun in The Sims 4 is building and buying. Enter Build/Buy mode with ease:

Enter Build/Buy Mode: Press F2, click the hammer and wrench icon, or simply press the “B” key if you’re in Live Mode.
Placing Objects: Navigate using the same camera controls mentioned earlier. Click on an object from your catalog, then left-click to place it where you want. Use the mouse wheel to rotate objects before placing them.
Adjust Walls: Click and drag walls to resize rooms. It’s super intuitive and lets you design to your heart’s content.
Sell Objects: Right-click on objects you want to get rid of, then select the ‘Sell’ option.

Managing Time#

Time is fluid in The Sims 4. Speed up or slow down life as you please:

Pause: Press the “0” key or click the pause button.
Play: Hit the “1” key to return to normal speed.
Speed Up: Hit the “2” key for faster gameplay, or “3” for ultra-speed. It’s great for getting through dull moments, like when your Sim is sleeping or at work.

Need to Know Shortcuts#

Mastering some handy keyboard shortcuts can make your Sim life even easier:

Escape (Esc): Opens the main menu. Crucial if you need to save quickly.
Tab: Enter and exit first-person camera mode. It’s like living in your Sim’s shoes!
M: Opens the map view, so you can travel to different community lots or neighborhoods.
G: Show/hide grid in Build/Buy mode. This is gold for precise object placement.

Multitasking Like a Pro#

Your Sims can do more than one thing at a time! Encourage them to chat while cooking or watch TV while snacking. Just queue up tasks by holding down the “Shift” key while selecting actions. Your Sim will take it from there, seamlessly transitioning between tasks.

Now you’re equipped with the basic controls for The Sims 4. With a little practice, you’ll be designing homes, managing Sim households, and shaping their destinies like a pro! Happy Sim-ing!

Navigating the Game World#

So, you’ve jumped into the colorful and chaotic world of The Sims 4 and are ready to start exploring. Welcome! Before you start building mansions or throwing wild parties, let’s break down how to get around. Navigating the game world is key to mastering The Sims 4, and we’ve got all the tips you need!

Moving the Camera#

First things first, you need to get comfortable with the camera controls:

Arrow Keys/WASD: Use these keys to move the camera left, right, up, and down.
Mouse Drag: Click and hold the right mouse button to drag the camera around.
Edge Scrolling: Move your cursor to the edge of the screen to scroll in that direction. You can turn this on/off in the game settings if it’s not your thing.
Zoom In/Out: Scroll the mouse wheel up to zoom in and down to zoom out.
Rotation: Hold down the middle mouse button (or press Ctrl + Arrow keys) to rotate the camera.

Sim Controls#

Getting your Sims to go where you want can be a breeze:

Click to Move: Left-click on the spot you want your Sim to visit, and they’ll head right there. Easy peasy.
Action Queue: Click on objects or other Sims to queue up actions. You can stack multiple actions, and your Sim will go through them one by one.
Cancel Actions: If you need to stop your Sim from doing something, just click on the action in the queue (bottom left corner) and hit the “X.”

Map View#

Want to scope out a bigger area? Hop into Map View:

M Key: Quickly tap the M key on your keyboard to access Map View.
Navigate Neighborhoods: Click on different lots to visit them. You can also see where your Sims and their friends live.
Travel: Select your Sim and then click on a lot to travel there. You’ll get a loading screen, and then they’ll appear at the new location.

The world of The Sims 4 is divided into different neighborhoods and lots. Moving between them is super straightforward:

World Selection: When you start a new game or move households, you’ll choose from several worlds, each with its neighborhoods.
Switching Lots: From Map View, click on any available lot to visit or move your household.
Public Spaces: Remember, public lots like parks, libraries, and gyms are great for meeting new people and having fun!

Visiting Neighbors#

One of the joys of The Sims 4 is the social aspect. Here’s how you can mingle with other Sims:

Visit a Neighbor: Click on a neighbor’s house in Map View and select “Visit.” Your Sim will walk over or take a short trip if it’s in another neighborhood.
Invite Over: Want company? Click on your cell phone in the Sim’s action menu and select “Invite to Hangout at Current Lot.”
Community Lots: Go to places like the gym, bar, or park to meet other Sims. These spots are bustling with activity, making it easy to make new friends.

Managing Multiple Sims#

If you’re running a household with multiple Sims, things can get a bit chaotic:

Switch Active Sim: Click on the portrait of the Sim you want to control (bottom left corner).
Control Sim Actions: Each Sim has their own action queue. You can set tasks for one while controlling another.
Keeping Tabs on Needs: Keep an eye on each Sim’s needs and moodlets. Happy Sims are easier to manage and more fun to play!

Quick Travel Tips#

Go Home Button: Use the “Go Home” button (house icon) on the Sim’s portrait to send them back to their house quickly.
Work & School: Sims will automatically leave for work or school, but you can manually send them by clicking on their job/school icon.
Vacation Spots: Don’t forget expansion packs! Places like Granite Falls or Sulani offer awesome vacation escapes.

Final Thoughts#

Mastering the navigation in The Sims 4 sets the stage for all your wild, imaginative adventures. Whether you’re throwing a house party, exploring new worlds, or managing a big family, knowing how to get around will make your simming life a whole lot easier. Dive in, and happy simming!

Building Your First House#

Ready to build your first house in The Sims 4? Let’s dive into some handy tips to help you create a cozy and functional home for your Sims. Whether you’re aiming for a minimalist starter home or a luxurious mansion, these steps will have you covered.

Step 1: Choose a Lot#

First things first, you need a piece of land. Go to “Build Mode” by clicking the hammer and wrench icon on the top right of your screen. Here, you can either select an empty lot or bulldoze an existing one. Don’t worry about the size too much at this point, just pick a lot that fits your budget.

Step 2: Lay the Foundation#

Start with basic walls. Think about the number of rooms you want—kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and living room are essentials. Use the “Wall Tool” to draw the perimeter of your house. Don’t go overboard; a simple rectangle or square is perfect for a first house.

Step 3: Adding a Roof#

Time to keep the rain out! Click on the “Roof Tool” and pick a style you like. Drag it over the top of your walls; you can adjust the pitch to vary the slope. If you’re feeling adventurous, try combining different roof styles—just don’t get too complicated.

Step 4: Windows and Doors#

Your Sims need a way to get in and out, plus some natural light. Go to the “Doors” and “Windows” section. Place a basic front door and add some windows to each room. Remember to add a back door if you plan on having a backyard or garden.

Step 5: Interior Layout#

Inside the house, start dividing the space into rooms. Use the “Wall Tool” again to create the interiors:

Bedroom: Keep it simple with enough space for a bed and some side tables.
Bathroom: Fit a toilet, sink, and shower. Small bathrooms work fine and save space.
Kitchen: Place counters, a fridge, and a stove. The “Room Tool” can help pre-design kitchens if you need inspiration.
Living Room: Add a couch and a TV. A coffee table is a nice touch but not required.

Step 6: Furnishing#

Now for the fun part—buying furniture! Start with the basics:

Beds: Better comfort means better sleep.
Couches and TV: For the living room, to keep Sims entertained.
Dining Table and Chairs: If your Sims have space to eat together, they’ll build relationships faster.
Toilet, Sink, and Shower: Don’t forget these essentials to keep Sims clean and happy.

Step 7: Flooring and Wallpaper#

Make your house look homely with flooring and wallpapers. There are tons of styles to choose from. Pick something cohesive:

Carpet for bedrooms.
Tile for bathrooms and kitchens, since they’re easier to clean.
Wood or Laminate for living areas to add a touch of class.

Step 8: Landscaping#

Don’t forget the outside! Add some trees, shrubs, and a path leading to your front door. If you have the budget, a garden or small porch can make the house feel extra inviting.

Final Tips#

Save Often: Building can be a bit of trial and error, so save your progress frequently.
Budget Wisely: Don’t blow all your Simoleons on expensive furniture right away.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you build, the better you’ll get. Don’t get discouraged if your first house isn’t perfect.

Congrats! You’ve just built your first house. Enjoy tweaking and improving it as your Sims grow and gather more resources. Happy Simming!

If you have any more questions or need advice, leave a comment below or check our other detailed guides.

Tips for New Players#

Jumping into the world of The Sims 4 for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry—here are some tips to help you get started and enjoy your virtual world to the fullest!

1. Use the Tutorial#

Before diving in head-first, take advantage of the in-game tutorial. It walks you through the basics like building a house, creating a Sim, and managing their daily needs. It’s super helpful for learning the ropes and making sure you don’t miss out on any cool features.

2. Start Simple#

Create a single Sim or a small family to begin with. Managing a huge household can be tricky when you’re just starting out. Focusing on one or two characters helps you get the hang of their needs and routines without feeling overwhelmed.

3. Keep an Eye on Needs#

Your Sim’s needs are shown in the bottom-right corner of the screen. Hunger, energy, hygiene, and social are just a few of the needs you’ll need to keep an eye on. Ignoring these can lead to unhappy Sims—or worse, they might meet an untimely end!

4. Plan Your Budget#

Money doesn’t grow on trees, even in The Sims. When you’re building your first house, avoid splurging on expensive items right away. Make sure you have enough Simoleons left over to cover essentials like a bed, fridge, shower, and toilet. You can always upgrade your house and furniture later.

5. Get a Job#

Jobs are the main way your Sims earn money. Each career has its own growth path and pay. You can find a job by clicking on your Sim’s phone or computer. Try different jobs to see what fits your Sim’s traits and aspirations best.

6. Build Skills#

Encourage your Sims to develop new skills by using different objects and performing activities. For example, cooking meals will improve the Cooking skill, while playing the guitar boosts the Music skill. Higher skills can unlock new opportunities and career advancements.

7. Socialize#

Sims are social beings! Make sure your Sim interacts with others to build relationships and improve their social need. You can chat with neighbors, throw a party, or even visit community lots. Friendships and romantic relationships can boost your Sim’s happiness and provide new storytelling opportunities.

8. Use Cheats (If You Want)#

If you’re finding things a bit tough or just want to experiment, you can use cheats to make things easier. Press Ctrl + Shift + C to open the cheat console and type in “motherlode” for a quick cash injection, or “bb.moveobjects” to place items more freely in Build Mode. Remember, it’s your game—play it your way!

9. Try Different Aspirations#

Aspirations are long-term goals for your Sims. Completing these gives you Satisfaction Points, which you can use to buy Rewards that make your Sim’s life easier. Choose aspirations that match your Sim’s traits and interests to keep things fun and rewarding.

10. Save Often#

Nobody likes losing progress. Save your game frequently to avoid any mishaps like power outages or unexpected crashes. You can create multiple save files if you want to explore different storylines or outcomes.

11. Explore Expansion Packs#

Once you’ve gotten the hang of the base game, consider adding some expansion packs. They add tons of new content—from pets to seasons to university life—which can make your game even more exciting and immersive.

Welcome to the world of The Sims 4! Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to play—it’s all about having fun and creating your unique stories.