Top Tips and Hacks for Build Mode

For most players, cheat codes might initially seem to rob a game of its genuine charm, and developers often tuck them away, acting as if using them erodes a game’s core essence. Yet, for The Sims 4, cheats are practically baked into its DNA, offering players a richer, more whimsical experience.

Gamer culture has long been divided over cheats, but EA, the company behind The Sims, bucks this trend by embracing them fully. They even provide a cheat list on their website, showcasing those that help players design their dream homes with unparalleled freedom. For Sims architects or anyone looking to expand their house-building horizons in The Sims 4, these are the essential cheats you need to know.

With an update penned by Ashley Claudino, as of November 26, 2024, this detailed guide now includes every possible build mode cheat. To enhance navigation, a table at the end consolidates all mentioned cheats, simplifying your cheat-using experience in The Sims 4.

1. Turn On Cheats

One Cheat to Rule Them All

Before diving into the myriad cheats that The Sims 4 offers, you’ll need to unlock the gateway by typing in testingcheats true or testingcheats on. This is your golden ticket, allowing cheats in any game mode, entered via Ctrl + Shift + C on PC. Console gamers aren’t left out; pressing and holding all four shoulder buttons will pop up the dialogue box. Once your fun is had, close it with the same steps you used to bring it up.

2. Free Real Estate

Don’t Let a Budget Stop You

After setting up your Sim, their next need is a cozy abode. Typically, you’ll start with 20,000 Simoleons, enough for modest digs unless you tweak this with the CAS Stories function. But for the more ambitious, the freerealestate on cheat turns every lot into a cost-free opportunity. Your Sims keep all their cash, ready for decorating. When you wish to revert the prices, simply type freerealestate off.

3. Set Household Funds

Specify Sims’ Simoleons

Take control of your financial destiny with the Money cheat. Post testingcheats true, you dictate exactly how many Simoleons your household holds by typing Money followed by the desired amount. It’s perfect for completing challenges or adding a touch of luxury to your builds.

4. Get Instant Money

Money, Money, Money

From the original Sims game, money cheats have been a staple. The rosebud or kaching code grants 1,000 Simoleons each time you enter it, while motherlode rewards a generous 50,000 Simoleons. These classic Sims cheats remain beloved tools for enhancing game play.

5. Move Objects Freely

Freedom of Movement

Placement rules in The Sims can be restrictive, but not with the bb.moveobjects on cheat. It lets you position items more flexibly, perfect for layering decor. Once finished, disable it with bb.moveobjects off. Holding the alt key as you move objects unlocks even greater design possibilities.

Struggling with item placement when cluttering counters? Relocate the counter, place your item, then move it back. This ensures decorations stay put, even when they don’t initially slot properly.

6. Quarter and Half Tile Placement

Change Tile Size and Shape

Flooring doesn’t have to be strictly uniform. With Ctrl + F, tiles shrink to quarter size, allowing for creative patterns. To rotate tiles, use the < and > keys, offering endless pattern designs for your floors.

7. Raise/Lower Objects

Clutter Those Counters

Clutter breathes life into Sims builds, but placement can be tricky. Activate bb.moveobjects, then use 9 to raise or 0 to lower items, ensuring they fit perfectly on surfaces by viewing from various angles.

8. Increase/Decrease Object Size

Size Does Matter

Manipulate the size of any object in-game using shift + [ to enlarge or shift + ] to shrink. No need for a cheat bar, this key combo is great for hiding objects within others while maintaining their functionality.

9. Unlock Debug Items

Decorative Items Galore

Hidden from regular play, debug items become available with bb.showhiddenobjects and bb.showliveeditobjects. This cheat unlocks neighborhood decor and environment pieces to add flair to your builds.

10. Unlock Career Exclusive Items

Get the Rewards Without the Career

Some fabulous items remain locked behind career achievements—unless you use the bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement cheat. Instantly access these special pieces and expand your design options with just one command.

11. Edit Locked Lots

Rebuild the Whole World

Perfect your Sims’ worlds by editing even locked lots with bb.enablefreebuild. From secret areas to career-specific buildings, this cheat opens up a plethora of customization opportunities across the game’s universes.

Cheat Table

The Sims 4 stands as a testament to creativity, giving players nearly unlimited control over their digital playground. By embracing these cheat codes, you unlock a tapestry of possibilities, turning your in-game visions into reality.