How to Enable Mods on Sims 4 After Update

So, your Sims 4 game just updated, and suddenly your favorite mods are MIA? This is a common frustration for many Simmers. The good news is that getting your mods working again is usually a straightforward process. The key is to understand that game updates often disable mods automatically to prevent conflicts with new game content. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to re-enable your beloved mods and get back to your customized gameplay.

The direct answer to “How do I enable mods on Sims 4 after an update?” is: You’ll need to manually re-enable mods through the game’s settings. After an update, the game will automatically disable all mods. You’ll need to:

1. Launch The Sims 4.
2. Click on the “Options” button, usually represented by three dots or a gear icon in the main menu.
3. Select “Game Options.”
4. Navigate to the “Other” tab.
5. Check the boxes next to both “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed.”
6. Click on “Apply Changes.”
7. Restart your game. This is crucial to ensure the changes take effect.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your mods should be working again. If they’re not, it indicates a possible mod conflict, so continue reading for troubleshooting tips.

Understanding Why Updates Disable Mods

Before diving into further troubleshooting, it’s important to understand why game updates cause mods to stop working. EA releases patches and updates for The Sims 4 frequently. These updates introduce new content, bug fixes, and performance improvements. However, they can sometimes conflict with existing mods due to changes in game code. To prevent the game from crashing or experiencing errors, the game automatically disables all mods after an update. This gives players a chance to update their mods or remove conflicting ones.

Troubleshooting Common Mod Issues

Re-enabling mods might not always be enough. Here are a few common issues you might encounter after an update and how to resolve them:

Outdated or Conflicting Mods

• The Problem: Some mods may become incompatible with the latest game version. This can cause crashes, glitches, or simply prevent the mod from working.
• The Solution: Check for updates for all your mods on the sites where you downloaded them. Look for patches and updated versions. The mod creator usually will announce updates when the game gets a new patch. Remove or disable older mods that are not updated. Also, ensure that any mods that interact with each other are updated to work correctly together.

Incorrect Mod Folder Structure

• The Problem: The game looks for script mods (those with a .ts4script extension) only one folder deep within the Mods folder. If these mods are buried in multiple subfolders, they won’t be recognized.
• The Solution: Check that your script mods are in the primary Mods folder or in a single subfolder, not nested deeper. For instance, DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4ModsMyScriptMod.ts4script is correct, but DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4ModsSubfolderAnotherSubfolderMyScriptMod.ts4script is not.

Corrupted Game Files

• The Problem: Sometimes the game files themselves become corrupted during the update process.
• The Solution: Use the “Repair” function in the EA app (formerly Origin) to resolve any issues with corrupted game files. To do this, open the EA app, navigate to your game library, right-click on The Sims 4 icon, and select “Repair.”

Cache Problems

• The Problem: The game and its cache can sometimes cause problems that can interfere with mods.
• The Solution: Clear the game’s cache by deleting the localthumbcache.package file located in your Sims 4 user data folder (Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4). Deleting this file ensures that the game will generate a new cache and eliminate any corrupted cache data.

Other General Troubleshooting Steps

1. Test Without Mods: Start the game with no mods to confirm that the issue isn’t with the game itself. If the game works fine without mods, you know the issue is within your mods.
2. Check the Community: Many Sims 4 communities like forums and social media groups are great resources for troubleshooting. Often other players are experiencing the same issues and have found solutions.
3. Move your Mods Folder: To ensure mods are the issue, you can move your entire Mods folder to your Desktop. Then, start the game. If the game runs without errors, the problem is definitely in your mods.
4. Delete and Reinstall: In rare instances a mod may be causing serious issues that can’t be solved by the other methods. Delete the mod and completely reinstall it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 FAQs to help address common concerns and queries about enabling and troubleshooting mods in The Sims 4:

1. Where is the Sims 4 Mods folder located?

The Mods folder is usually found in Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods. If it doesn’t exist, create it.

2. Why do my Sims 4 mods get disabled after every update?

Sims 4 automatically disables mods after an update to prevent conflicts with new game content.

3. Can I undo a Sims 4 update to keep my mods working?

Unfortunately, you cannot revert to an older version of The Sims 4.

4. Are paid mods for The Sims 4 allowed?

The official stance is that you cannot have permanently paywalled mods. Early access on platforms like Patreon is allowed, but mods have to be made available for free eventually.

5. Why aren’t my script mods working?

Check that script mods are enabled in Game Options > Other. Also, ensure that they are in the correct location within your Mods folder, no more than one subfolder deep.

6. What is CC?

CC stands for custom content. CC is not an official content for the game, but it does enhance gameplay. This often includes items like clothing, furniture, hair, and more that add more options to the game.

7. How do I enable cheats in Sims 4?

Press Ctrl + Shift + C (or Cmd + Shift + C on Mac) to open the cheat console. Enter the cheat and press Enter. Some cheats require the command testingCheats true first.

8. Will reinstalling Sims 4 remove my mods?

No, your mods are kept in your user data folder. However, to be safe you can back up the entire The Sims 4 folder before uninstalling.

9. Why is my custom content not showing up in game?

Make sure you’ve enabled mods in the game options, and you have placed the custom content .package files in your Mods folder. Additionally, outdated or corrupt CC can be the issue, so update or remove it.

10. How do I update my mods?

Go to the source where you originally downloaded your mods and look for updated versions. Mod creators will usually indicate when a mod is updated and is compatible with the latest game version.

11. Is there a limit to how many mods I can use?

While there is technically no hard limit, using too many mods can affect the game’s performance. Try to avoid too many at a time.

12. Can I use mods from unofficial sources?

While you can, it’s best practice to only download mods from reputable sources to minimize the risk of malware and poorly developed mods.

13. Why does build mode not work in my game?

Mods can often interfere with the build mode. Try testing by removing all your mods and then adding them back one by one to identify the culprit.

14. What if I can’t figure out which mod is causing problems?

Use the 50/50 method: move half of your mods out and see if the problem is resolved, then narrow it down. You can also use tools that help manage your mods.

15. Do I need to enable mods every time I play the game?

No, you only need to enable mods after each update. Once enabled, they will remain so unless another update occurs.

Conclusion

Re-enabling mods after a Sims 4 update is a necessary step for any player who enjoys customizing their gameplay. By following the steps outlined above and understanding common mod issues, you can quickly restore your mods and get back to enjoying your unique Sims world. Remember to always update your mods after game patches, keep your script mods in the correct folder structure, clear your cache regularly, and never be afraid to ask for help in the Sims 4 community. Happy Simming!