Custom content - is it safe?

I honestly couldn't play without custom content. It was mostly clothes and hair for The Sims 2 but I found I needed even more than that for The Sims 3. So far I'm not playing with nearly as much for The Sims 4 but I anticipate that will change. EA's clothing style is very opposite mine same with hairstyles. So I'll most likely be downloading more custom stuff for the game.

Custom Content is only dangerous and game breaking if you're not paying attention. I've never had a virus or anything like that from custom content. Granted I only get stuff from trusted sources that I've had good experiences with and never the gallery or back in the day the exchange. I never use the download system given by EA. I've heard way too many bad things about it.

But as long as you pay attention to what you're downloading and where you're downloading it from you should be fine.

Anytime you rely on a third party to add things into a game, you're taking a risk. I don't use CC or mods in Sims 4, though I did use a couple of Twallan's mods in 3. Never used them in 2. I have used mods in other games. The thing is, you unless you know that creator and they have a really good reputation, I wouldn't try it. Even then, things can go wrong unintentionally. And like @Catmando830 said above, the creator can also go MIA and not be available to fix things. Keep in mind, some of those creators could be 13 year old kids or anyone who is just dabbling and doesn't have a clue.

On the other hand, there are long time simmers here who do create good stuff and have solid experience and reputations.

As far as downloading from the Gallery, I'd only go for those that say there is no CC in their lots or creations. It doesn't always mean they're telling the truth, and it doesn't always mean that if it doesn't say there's no CC that there is any. Theoretically, they're screened somewhat ofr it. It's a craphshoot, really. I have used lots from the gallery with good results. That's probably your best bet. But again, it's a risk and things have gotten through. Caveat Emptor.

No site is guaranteed to be completely safe to use CC in your game. However, I use CC from TheSimsResource and ModtheSims. I've been downloading stuff from their sites since sims 2 and have only run into 2 or 3 bad files. Luckily, all I had to do was the delete the bad CC file from my game and everything went back to normal. Most of the time, though, I don't have any problems with those two sites.

I make mine for ts2 and ts3 and they are always safe.

I make CC and I donwloaded for each of sims generation game more than 5 Gb, usually no problem. But take them out before patch. Make folders to keep your mod file organized. Watch out for mods that change behavior of the game, they can break your game when you update.

But in general, if you have a good antivirus and know the source of download is trustworthy, imo is usually safe. I don't have any breaking game problems with them and I like creating and using CC. Is basically half of the reason I like Sims lol

depends of where you get the files. I have about 1k cc's files and have no single problem (and all of they are maxis match, not that aberrations like sims skins that looks like porcelain)

I'm sorry but what does mod mean?? I must be really out the loop! :)

I never play with CC. I don't like the way CC creators are making the Sims look, mainly. So called 'realistic' CC looks instead hyper-realistic, as in airbrushed "perfect" Barbie models. Not interested.

"RachelRosebud;13530527" wrote:
I never play with CC. I don't like the way CC creators are making the Sims look, mainly. So called 'realistic' CC looks instead hyper-realistic, as in airbrushed "perfect" Barbie models. Not interested.

I don't care for that either but there have always been CC creators who don't do that too.

@AimeeD In TS3 I had a plethora of custom content (CC). I really liked how I could use the in-game tool to change the fabric type, color wheel for colors, etc. Although I downloaded a TON of content, I never had any issues, though I'm sure there are plenty of mischievous people out there who might insert a virus. I do keep my virus scanner up to date. Originally I decided I probably wouldn't get CC for TS4, but without the color wheel from TS3 and the customizing tool where I could use different fabrics for furniture and clothes, I've found myself quite bored with the selection. I now have almost a gig of CC for TS4, but I carefully organize it and review it. I get most everything from TSR (the Sims Resource). I haven't had any issues yet, but I sure do enjoy using all the custom colors and different clothes.

One of my favorite things to do in this game is create unique, efficient houses. With the in-game content, it's hard to make them unique AND look good if you're making more than a couple houses. I like them to be distinct. So CC is a must for me at this point.

If you decide to use CC, my advice is to keep your virus scanner up to date, review every download, keep a special folder outside your Sims game where you keep it all organized and in folders so you can easily find and remove things you don't like or that look funny, etc. Copy what you want into your Sims mods folder and then be sure to remove the mods during patching time. CC is such a huge part of the game for me. I would be bored without all the extra colors, hairstyles, etc.