Re: [INFO] How to Use Mods and CC
Finding and Downloading Mods/CC
Index
- "What are some good mods?"
- Where Creators Are
- Safe Simming 1: What to Avoid:
- Safe Simming 2: Things to Check Before You Download
- Best Practices for Content Creators: Helping Us Trust You
“Where do I find mods?” and “What are some good mods?” are questions new Simmers often ask. Sims 4 does not have one dominant place mods are found, which makes the first question more complicated. Below, however, you’ll find lists of the most common common places creators post their mods and some places not to get mods (and why).
My tips for finding mods/CC to add to your game:
- Looking for a specific type of mod or CC? Post a WCIF (= “where can I find”) request! Be specific: Your idea of “that enhances gameplay” or “looks good” will be different from someone else’s.
- Search a mod-hosting site (such as Curseforge), sorting by date updated or date added. Why by date? To reduce the chance of ending up with broken mods.
- Use the Broken/Updated Mods list to find creators who are actively supporting their mods, then look at what those creators make.
- Check new articles on “best mods” and “best CC”. Don’t use old articles: They’re more likely to recommend content that’s no longer compatible with the game.
- Check what streamers are playing with. Don’t download the mods/CC from the streamers, though (more on why here).
- Check what’s being used in new Simblr (= Sims-related accounts on Tumblr) gameplay posts. Don’t rely on old posts.
These are some common places Sims 4 creators post their own mods/CC:
- Curseforge – Hosting Sims 4 content from many creators, as an EA partner. CF started hosting Sims content only in 2022, so you’ll find fewer outdated mods here than in older site. They can be downloaded individually or using the Curseforge mod manager. A portion of the ad income goes to creators.
- Patreon – Both CC and mod creators use Patreon; some will offer support on Patreon as well, while others use a Discord server for support. Maxis does not support the requirement that you be a patron in order to download content but does permit limited early access and donations, which many creators use Patreon for.
- Tumblr – Lots of CC creators here, but not all are actively supporting their content; check for recency and comments.
- their own website – Many creators have built their own websites for download hosting and/or instructions.
- Mod the Sims (MTS) – This is a longtime site and hosts mods for older Sims games as well. Be cautious using it, as many, many old mods on it are broken and their creators no longer active. NOTE: Mods hosted only on MTS are not currently covered in Broken/Updated news.
- itchio and Nexus – Only a few Sims 4 creators use these sites – especially Nexus – but if you find a Sims creator on these, you’ve not ended up somewhere weird.
Discord is used by many creators who host mods elsewhere for support, announcements, and community building.
X Folders of Mods/CC Collected by Players
This might seem like a really convenient way to get mods/CC, but it’s also a really convenient way to not know what you’re actually downloading, and a really convenient way to end up with broken mods and duplicates. Download your mods from their original creators.
X Third Parties (rehosting sites, YouTubers, streamers)
Sites that rehost mods are typically doing it to make money off of you. You never need to pay for a Sims 4 mod. Maxis policy allows creators to offer early access for a cost or to accept your donations. Rehosting sites often set themselves up to require money or extensive advertising click-throughs in order to download content you can get for free elsewhere, and it still might actually be outdated, broken content.
YouTubers and streamers will sometimes repost files of CC or mods they’re using. This increases the chance that you’ll end up with outdated/broken content. Instead, find the creators’ own posts.
X Merged Files
Want a great way to end up downloading duplicates, broken content, and things that break more than your Sims save? Download someone else’s merged files! Unless it’s a creator’s own merged file of their own content, don’t do this.
Even if it’s a creator’s own merging, you can end up with other issues, like not being able to find a file that’s been listed as broken. If there’s an option to download either a merged or a separated version, consider separated.
X Sites with Adfly and "Click Here" Ads
Being forced to click through advertising on your way to get mods/CC is a great way to end up with issues later, such as from malware or viruses. Avoid these sites if you can. Keep your antivirus software up to date. If you do end up on an ad-plagued site, don’t click on ads and be suspicious of a clickable “download”.
X Mods That Are Just a Text (.txt) or Similar File with a Link
This is never, ever a legitiimate way to post a mod. Do NOT follow these links. If you do, IMMEDIATELY delete the files you ended up with and run a virus scan.
X Shady Requirements for Access
There is no legitimate reason for a creator to need your email address and send you a file. All legitimate mod/CC access is click-to-download.
X Downloading Everything
There are so many amazing mods out there, and so much gorgeous CC. It makes it really tempting to just download everything you might ever want to use.
Someday, though, you’re going to regret that. That day might be when your Mods folder is too big for your computer to run Sims well. It might be when you have over 250 script files and the game starts producing errors because of it. It might be something in that folder is broken and you have to test thousands of files to find it.
Instead, consider downloading only what you’re going to use now and bookmarking things you might come back for later, or keeping a list with links to those mods/CC.
Things to Check Before You Download
Q: Is the mod still compatible with the game?
- Check known broken mods/CC lists. Not all creators are still active to take down their modsCC, plus there are rehosters out there, so known broken mods are still available online.
- Check the comments. Have people been reporting errors? Is the creator responding to questions?
- Check the last update date: Older mods and CC are more likely to be broken.
Q: Can I actually use it?
- Make sure it’s Sims 4 content, not for a different Sims game. Earlier Sims games also use .package files.
- Check that you have all the packs required to use the mod. Read the creator’s full post to find out what the requirements are. If you don’t have the required packs, a mod might not only just not work — it might cause game errors.
- Check for known conflicts listed in the mod description, especially with other mods that you already use or might prefer. TIP: Don’t rely on “mod conflict detectors” for this! All they tell you is if two mods/CC call on the same piece of game code; they don’t tell you if they do that in a way that will ever cause a problem.
Q: Should I use it? Could it be compromised?
- Learn about recent issues with malicious script mods. Be especially suspicious of:
- ts4script mods that come as part of content that doesn't affect gameplay or Live mode menus
- "updates" of files appearing after the creator has cleared that mod
- unannounced updates from creators who normally announce
- creators or their mods showing up on a site they don't normally post their content to
- any folder of mods from various creators
- new creators showing up with a script mod as their first ever mod
- Check if the creator has listed known issues. Those issues might be enough that you don’t want to use the mod.
- Check if the mod can be easily removed without consequences if it becomes outdated or you don’t want it anymore, and decide your own risk level. For example, with some food/cookbook mods, you need to delete plates and food in-game before deleting the mod, or you could end up unable to load a household in gameplay. Removing some custom careers will produce LEs (last exceptions) when you play Sims who used to have those custom careers. Mods that add worlds generally can’t be deleted without completely breaking a save.
- Check if the creator provides support you can access for free. Decide on your risk level for using a mod without creator support.
Best Practices for Content Creators
Your content is most trustworthy, including by people recommending mods to others, if:
- You post to your own custom site or a site that checked uploads and has been responsive to emerging issues
- You announce new mods and updates in places where Simmers can follow and look for notifications (NOTE: non-members can't read through your X posts)
- You explain why and how a mod has been updated
- You have support available to all Simmers
- You respond to Simmers who post issues and questions on your mod pages or support forums
- You announce if you will be unavailable for support or will no longer be supporting your mods
- You follow the Maxis guidelines for creators, especially concerning monetization