Table of Contents

Can You Buy an Extra Lot on Sims 4? The Definitive Guide

The world of The Sims 4 is one of endless possibilities, from building your dream home to crafting intricate stories for your Sims. A common question among Simmers, especially those with grand ambitions, is: Can you buy an extra lot on Sims 4? The short answer is: No, you can’t directly “buy” an extra lot in the traditional sense. However, this doesn’t mean your Sims are limited to a single property.

The game operates on a system of pre-determined lots within each world. You can’t magically create new plots of land. Instead, you work within the existing framework. You can move your Sims to a different lot, effectively “buying” a new property. This involves selling their current home (or keeping it furnished to rent out with the For Rent Expansion Pack!) and choosing an unoccupied lot from the Manage Worlds screen.

While you can’t add new lots, you can modify the existing ones. This includes changing lot types, bulldozing existing structures, and completely reshaping the landscape within the boundaries of the lot. Let’s dive deeper into how you can maximize your real estate options in The Sims 4.

Understanding Lot Management in The Sims 4

The Manage Worlds screen is your hub for all things related to lots. It’s accessible from the main menu or through the in-game menu. Here, you can view all available worlds, their neighborhoods, and the individual lots within each neighborhood.

Moving Between Lots

Moving is a key aspect of expanding your Sims’ horizons. To move, select the household you want to relocate and choose the “Move Household” option. You’ll then be presented with a map of the world, showing available lots. Occupied lots will display the current residents, while empty lots are available for purchase.

When choosing a new lot, consider the following:

Lot Size: Ensure the lot is large enough to accommodate your building plans.
Location: Different neighborhoods offer different vibes and amenities.
Lot Type: Consider the initial lot type (residential, park, museum, etc.) as it may influence your initial building options.
Cost: The cost of the lot will be deducted from your household funds.

Lot Types and Customization

The Sims 4 offers a variety of lot types, each with its own unique features and gameplay mechanics. These include:

Residential: Standard lots for building homes.
Generic: Open lots that can be customized for various purposes.
Park: Public spaces with outdoor activities.
Museum: Venues for displaying art and artifacts.
Library: Places for Sims to read and research.
Bar: Social venues for drinks and entertainment.
Gym: Facilities for Sims to exercise and stay fit.
Nightclub: Locations for dancing and socializing.
Lounge: Relaxing environments for Sims to unwind.
Retail: Lots specifically designed for running a business (requires the Get to Work Expansion Pack).
Restaurant: Venues for dining and socializing (requires the Dine Out Game Pack).
Vet Clinic: Locations for treating animals (requires the Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack).
Rental: Properties that Sims can rent out and manage (requires the For Rent Expansion Pack).

You can change the lot type of most lots to suit your needs. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and engaging gameplay experiences. For example, you could transform a generic lot into a custom park, a retail store, or even a private library for your bookworm Sim.

Building on Different Lot Sizes

The Sims 4 offers a range of lot sizes to accommodate different building styles and gameplay preferences. Here are some of the most common lot sizes:

20×15: Small lots, perfect for starter homes.
20×20: A step up in size, allowing for more creativity.
30×20: A good balance between space and affordability.
30×30: Provides ample room for larger homes and gardens.
40×30: Offers even more space for elaborate designs.
40×40: Ideal for grand estates and sprawling landscapes.
50×50: A very large lot, suitable for ambitious building projects.
64×64: The largest lot size available, allowing for truly massive creations.

When choosing a lot size, consider the following:

Your Budget: Larger lots are more expensive.
Your Building Style: Some building styles require more space than others.
Your Gameplay Goals: Do you want a large family? A sprawling garden? Choose a lot size that supports your vision.

Maximizing Your Real Estate Potential

While you can’t directly add new lots, you can creatively manage the existing ones to achieve your desired gameplay experience.

Renovate and Redecorate: Transform existing homes to suit your Sims’ evolving needs and tastes.
Change Lot Types: Experiment with different lot types to create unique venues and experiences.
Download Lots from the Gallery: Access a vast library of player-created lots and homes to populate your worlds.
Utilize Empty Lots: Build your own custom homes and venues on empty lots.
Explore Different Worlds: Each world offers unique environments, lot sizes, and themes.

The Games Learning Society and Creative Gameplay

Understanding the mechanics of The Sims 4, including lot management, can enhance your creative gameplay. It allows you to build more engaging stories and experiment with different lifestyles for your Sims. Platforms like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore how games can be used for learning and creativity, further emphasizing the potential of games like The Sims 4 as tools for self-expression and storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I add more neighborhoods to The Sims 4?

No, you cannot add entirely new neighborhoods. The existing neighborhoods within each world are fixed.

2. How do I change the lot type of a lot?

Enter Build Mode, click on the house icon in the top left corner to open the Venue Info panel, and select the desired lot type from the dropdown menu.

3. What is the largest lot size in The Sims 4?

The largest lot size is 64×64.

4. Can I move a house to a different lot without rebuilding it?

Yes! Save the house to your library, then place it on a new lot from the Manage Worlds screen.

5. What is the build limit in The Sims 4?

You can build up to 4 levels above ground and 2 levels underground (basements).

6. Can Sims move into a generic lot?

Yes, Sims can visit and interact with generic lots. You can also modify them to suit various purposes.

7. How do I move my whole house in The Sims 4?

In Build Mode, use the “Move House” tool (found under the four arrows icon) to pick up and relocate your entire building.

8. What is the money cheat for unlimited Simoleons in The Sims 4?

Open the cheat console (Ctrl+Shift+C) and type “money 9999999” to set your household funds to the maximum amount.

9. Can you buy a new house in The Sims 4 while still owning your current one?

With the For Rent Expansion Pack, Sims can buy and manage rental properties. Without it, generally, you will be moving and replacing your current lot.

10. Where is the secret lot in The Sims 4?

There are several secret lots depending on the expansion packs you own. One example is Mt. Komorebi Peak in the Snowy Escape Expansion Pack.

11. Why is Newcrest completely empty in my game?

Newcrest is designed to be a blank canvas for you to build your own town. It’s intentionally empty.

12. Can my Sims have multiple girlfriends or boyfriends?

The base game doesn’t support polygamy. You’ll need mods to enable multiple romantic partners.

13. Can Sims change their gender in The Sims 4?

Yes, you can change a Sim’s gender in Create-A-Sim (CAS) once they reach the Teen stage.

14. How do I duplicate a house in The Sims 4?

Save the house to your library, then place it on a different lot.

15. How do I get triplets in The Sims 4?

Use the cheat “pregnancy.forceoffspringcount (Sim ID)(3)” to force triplets. You’ll need to know the Sim’s ID, which can be found using other cheats.

While The Sims 4 doesn’t allow you to simply add more lots, the game offers enough tools and features to create diverse, rich, and interesting worlds. By mastering lot management, exploring different lot types, and utilizing the game’s robust building tools, you can unlock endless possibilities for your Sims’ stories. Enjoy building, Simmers!