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How do you change max household members in Sims 4?

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Changing Your Sim Family Size: A Guide to Expanding (or Shrinking!) Your Household in The Sims 4

So, you’re itching to expand your Sim family beyond the game’s initial limitations, or perhaps you’ve decided a smaller, more manageable household is more your speed? The Sims 4, while offering a delightful base experience, does restrict the maximum household size. But fear not, Simmers! There are several ways to circumvent these restrictions and craft the perfect family dynamic you’ve always dreamed of.

The most direct answer to the question: How do you change max household members in Sims 4? boils down to three main methods:

  1. Using Cheats: This is the simplest and quickest method for players on all platforms (PC, Mac, PlayStation, and Xbox).
  2. Using Mods (PC/Mac Only): Mods offer more permanent and customizable solutions.
  3. In-Game Actions (Limited): Certain gameplay mechanics allow you to add Sims to your household organically, albeit within tighter constraints than the other two methods.

Let’s delve into each of these methods in detail.

Method 1: Embracing the Power of Cheats

Ah, cheats! The backbone of many a Simmer’s gameplay. To manipulate your household size, you’ll need to open the cheat console. Here’s how:

  • PC/Mac: Press Ctrl + Shift + C
  • PlayStation 4/5: Press L1 + R1 + L2 + R2
  • Xbox One/Series X/S: Press LB + RB + LT + RT

Once the console appears (a white box at the top of your screen), type in the following cheat code, ensuring you type it exactly as it appears, including the spaces:

testingcheats true

Press Enter. You should see a message confirming that cheats are enabled. Now, you can use the magic phrase:

cas.fulleditmode

Press Enter again. This unlocks all the features of Create-a-Sim (CAS) directly within the game.

Now, shift-click on a Sim in your active household. A menu will pop up. Select “Edit in CAS.” This will take you to Create-a-Sim with your selected Sim.

From here, you can add new Sims to your household, up to the soft limit. This soft limit depends on whether you have mods that increase the max household size installed. If you add sims to a household without a mod, you may still encounter issues once you exceed the limit. While in CAS, you can fully customize your new Sims – their appearance, personality, skills, aspirations, and relationships.

Important Note: Exceeding the game’s intended household limit (typically 8 Sims without mods) can sometimes lead to glitches and performance issues. Save frequently and be prepared for potential oddities. These issues may include, but not limited to, lag, UI problems, and Sim behavior irregularities.

Method 2: Modding Your Way to Sim-Sized Paradise (PC/Mac Only)

For those who prefer a more permanent and less cheat-dependent solution, mods are your best friend. Numerous mods exist that allow you to increase the household limit in The Sims 4.

Popular Mods:

  • MC Command Center (MCCC): This is a comprehensive mod with a vast array of features, including the ability to adjust the maximum household size. It’s a must-have for serious Simmers who want fine-grained control over their game.
  • More Sims in Household Mod: This mod is specifically designed to increase the number of Sims you can have in a household. It’s usually a lighter and simpler option compared to MCCC.

Installing Mods:

  1. Download the Mod: Obtain the mod files from a reputable source. Ensure the mod is compatible with the current version of your game.
  2. Extract the Files: Most mods come in .zip or .rar archives. Extract the files using a program like WinRAR or 7-Zip.
  3. Place the Files in the Mods Folder: The Mods folder is located in your The Sims 4 user data folder. The path is typically: DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4Mods.
  4. Enable Mods in Game Options: Launch The Sims 4, go to Options > Game Options > Other, and check the boxes for “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed.”
  5. Restart the Game: For the changes to take effect, you must restart The Sims 4.

Using the Mods:

Once the mod is installed, the process varies depending on the mod you’ve chosen.

  • MCCC: After installing, you can usually click on a computer in the game to access the MCCC menu. Look for options related to “Game Settings” or “Population” and then adjust the “Maximum Household Size.”
  • More Sims in Household Mod: This mod usually works automatically, simply allowing you to add more Sims in Create-a-Sim or through adoption/marriage.

Important Note: Always ensure that your mods are updated to the latest version to maintain compatibility with the game. Outdated mods can cause crashes or other issues. Also, be mindful of mod conflicts. If you’re experiencing problems, try removing mods one by one to identify the culprit. The Games Learning Society provides some interesting background on the intersection of games and learning which can be helpful when troubleshooting issues with mods. You can find out more at their website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Method 3: Utilizing In-Game Mechanics (Limited Expansion)

While not as powerful as cheats or mods, the base game offers some limited ways to expand your household without resorting to external tools.

  • Marriage: Your Sims can marry other Sims, adding them to your household.
  • Adoption: Sims can adopt children, expanding their family.
  • Pregnancy: Sims can have children, obviously increasing the household size.
  • Ask to Move In: If your Sim has a high relationship with another Sim (even a roommate), they can “Ask to Move In,” merging the other Sim into your household.

These methods are constrained by the game’s default household limit. Once you reach that limit, you cannot use these mechanics to add more Sims without first employing cheats or mods to increase the cap. This method is more about organic growth, and it is not as reliable as the other methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process of changing the maximum household size in The Sims 4:

  1. What is the default maximum household size in The Sims 4? The default maximum household size is 8 Sims.

  2. Can I exceed the household limit without using cheats or mods? No, you cannot. You must use cheats or mods to go beyond the default limit.

  3. Will increasing the household size affect my game’s performance? Yes, potentially. Larger households require more processing power, which can lead to lag and slower performance, especially on lower-end computers.

  4. Is it safe to use cheats in The Sims 4? Yes, using cheats is generally safe. However, be cautious when using cheats you find online, as some may be malicious or cause unexpected issues.

  5. Do mods disable achievements in The Sims 4? By default, yes. However, there are mods that re-enable achievements even with custom content installed.

  6. How do I remove a Sim from my household? You can remove a Sim by having them move out, dying, or becoming a ghost and not sticking around as a playable character.

  7. Can I merge two households together in The Sims 4? Yes, you can use the “Manage Worlds” option to move Sims into the same household. You might need to adjust the household funds accordingly.

  8. What happens if I try to add a Sim to a household that is already at the limit? The game will prevent you from doing so, unless you’re using cheats or mods that bypass the limit.

  9. Can I adjust the household size limit after I’ve already started playing a save file? Yes, you can use cheats or mods to adjust the limit at any time.

  10. Are there any specific risks associated with increasing the household size limit significantly? Yes, as mentioned before, significantly increasing the household size can lead to performance issues, graphical glitches, and unusual Sim behavior.

  11. Do expansion packs affect the household size limit? No, expansion packs do not change the default household size limit.

  12. Can I use cheats or mods on the console versions of The Sims 4? Cheats are available on console, but mods are typically not supported on PlayStation or Xbox.

  13. Where can I find reliable mods for The Sims 4? Reputable sources include ModTheSims, CurseForge, and Patreon pages of trusted mod creators. Always read reviews and descriptions before downloading.

  14. What if a mod is causing issues in my game? Remove the mod from your Mods folder and restart the game. If the problem is resolved, the mod was the culprit. You can try updating the mod or contacting the creator for assistance.

  15. Is it possible to decrease the household size limit using mods? Yes, some mods allow you to set a lower household size limit than the default.

By utilizing these methods and keeping these FAQs in mind, you can customize your Sim families to your heart’s content, creating the diverse and engaging stories you’ve always envisioned. Remember to save frequently and be prepared for potential quirks, especially when pushing the limits of the game’s intended design. Happy Simming!

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