How to Split Households in Sims 4 (2023): A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’ve got a sprawling Sims 4 household and need to separate some Sims into their own digs? Whether it’s a teenager striking out on their own, a divorce tearing a family apart, or just a desire to explore different storylines, splitting households is a fundamental skill for any serious Sims 4 player. Here’s the definitive guide on how to split households in Sims 4, updated for 2023.

The process is straightforward, but there are a few nuances to understand. Here’s the core method:

1. Enter the Manage Worlds Screen: This is your starting point. Look for the world icon in the bottom left corner when you’re in live mode.
2. Access Manage Households: Once in the Manage Worlds screen, locate the “Manage Households” icon in the upper right corner. It looks like two Sim silhouettes.
3. Find the Household to Split: Browse through the “My Households” and “Other Households” tabs to find the family you want to divide. “My Households” are the ones you’ve actively played, while “Other Households” are the ones existing in your world that you haven’t controlled (yet!).
4. Select the Household: Click on the household’s portrait to select it.
5. Choose “Transfer Sims Between Households”: In the household’s information panel, look for the icon that depicts two arrows pointing in opposite directions. Hovering over the icon should reveal the “Transfer Sims Between Households” tooltip. Click this icon.
6. Create the New Household: You’ll now be presented with a screen where you can move Sims between the original household (on the left) and a new or existing household (on the right).
   • To create a new household, ensure the right side of the screen is empty. Then, click on the portraits of the Sims you want to move out of the original household and drag them to the empty side.
   • To move Sims into an existing household, select that household from the list on the right side of the screen. Then, drag the Sims you want to move from the original household to the existing one.
7. Manage Funds: You’ll have the opportunity to transfer funds between the households. Decide how much money each household will receive. Remember to consider their future living expenses!
8. Confirm the Split: Once you’re happy with the Sim distribution and fund allocation, click the checkmark in the bottom right corner to confirm the split.
9. Choose a Home (or Not): If you’ve created a new household, the game will prompt you to choose a home for them. You can either move them into an existing lot in your world or leave them homeless, ready to be placed later.

That’s it! You’ve successfully split a household in Sims 4. Now, let’s dive into some common questions to refine your household management skills.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Splitting Households in Sims 4

Why can’t I split my household?

There are a few reasons why the “Transfer Sims Between Households” option might be unavailable.

• Active Action: Make sure all Sims in the household are idle. If a Sim is performing an action, even something simple, the option might be grayed out.
• Household Size Limit: Ensure that splitting the household won’t result in either household exceeding the maximum of eight Sims.
• Game Glitch: Sometimes, the game just glitches out. Save and restart the game, and the option should reappear. Also, try deleting the localthumbcache.package file in your Sims 4 folder (found in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4).

Can I split a household and immediately merge it with another?

Yes! The “Transfer Sims Between Households” screen allows you to move Sims between any two households in your game, including splitting one and merging parts of it into another.

What happens to relationships when I split a household?

Relationships between Sims within the same household are maintained. However, relationships between Sims who are moved into different households might require some rebuilding, especially if they are romantic relationships. The game attempts to maintain family ties, but you might need to manually adjust relationships using cheats or gameplay.

How do I split a household using cheats?

While there isn’t a direct cheat to instantly split a household, you can use cheats to modify relationships and finances after manually splitting the household through the “Manage Households” interface. The most useful cheats are:

• testingcheats true: Enables cheats.
• cas.fulleditmode: Allows you to edit almost every aspect of a Sim in Create-A-Sim (CAS), including relationships. Shift+Click on a Sim and select “Modify in CAS” to use this.
• Money X: Replaces the household’s current funds with the amount specified by X.

Can I choose which lot the new household moves into?

Yes, after confirming the split, the game prompts you to select a lot for the new household. You can choose any available lot in any world that you own. You also have the option to leave them homeless, allowing you to place them in a lot later or move them into an existing household.

What happens to the original household’s lot when I split the household?

The original household retains their lot. Only the Sims you move out will be relocated.

How do I move a Sim out without splitting the entire household?

The process is effectively the same as splitting the household, except you only move the single Sim you want to relocate.

Can I move a Sim out and keep their belongings?

Yes, when splitting the household, you can transfer funds to the new household to allow them to purchase new furniture and belongings. You cannot directly transfer individual items from the inventory of one Sim to another during the split. However, you can use the “testingcheats true” followed by “bb.showhiddenobjects” cheats to purchase identical items in build/buy mode for the new household and then sell the original items.

What if I accidentally split a household?

Don’t panic! Simply use the “Transfer Sims Between Households” option again to merge the Sims back together.

Can I split a household while playing on a console (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S)?

Yes! The process for splitting households is identical on consoles as it is on PC and Mac.

How does splitting a household affect my game’s save file?

Splitting a household doesn’t significantly impact your save file. The game creates a new household entity and adjusts the relationships and finances accordingly. Always save your game before making major changes like splitting households, just in case.

Is there a limit to how many households I can create by splitting?

There isn’t a hard limit to the number of households you can create. However, having too many households can impact your game’s performance, especially on lower-end computers or older consoles.

Can I split a household with pets?

Yes, pets are treated like any other Sim and can be moved between households during the splitting process.

Can I use mods to enhance the household splitting process?

Yes, several mods can enhance household management in Sims 4. Some popular mods include those that allow you to transfer items directly between Sims or offer more granular control over relationship management. Always ensure that mods are up-to-date and compatible with the latest version of the game.

Where can I learn more about advanced Sims 4 gameplay strategies?

For deeper dives into Sims 4 strategies, consider exploring online forums, community websites, and educational resources focused on gaming. You may also learn more at Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to the intersection of games and learning, at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Splitting households in Sims 4 is a simple yet essential skill that opens up a world of storytelling possibilities. By mastering this technique, you can create diverse narratives, explore different Sim personalities, and build a vibrant and dynamic game world. Happy Simming!