Deleting Sims and Starting Over: A Comprehensive Guide for The Sims 4
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Deleting Sims and starting over in The Sims 4 can be achieved in a few different ways, depending on whether you want to remove individual Sims, households, or completely reset your game to its initial state. The quickest way to delete a Sim is via Manage Households by clicking the “x” on the Sim’s photo to delete the Sim from your game. To fully start over, delete The Sims 4 folder in your Documents, or uninstall then reinstall the game.
Understanding Your Options for a Fresh Start
The Sims 4 offers flexibility in how you manage your Sims and game progress. Before you take the plunge, consider what you truly want to achieve:
- Deleting Individual Sims: Perhaps a Sim is no longer relevant to your storyline, or you made a mistake in character creation.
- Deleting Entire Households: Maybe a household has run its course, or you want to clear out space for new Sims.
- Resetting the Current Game: This option retains your overall game setup but removes all current Sims, families, and progress within the loaded save file.
- Starting a Completely New Game: This means wiping all saved data and beginning from scratch, as if you just installed the game.
Step-by-Step Guides to Deleting and Starting Over
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to execute each option:
1. Deleting Individual Sims
This is the least disruptive method, perfect for removing unwanted Sims from your game.
- Locate the household containing the Sim you want to delete. You can do this from the World View by clicking on their house or by going to Manage Households through the main menu (accessed via the Escape key).
- Click on “Manage Household.” This option presents a list of all Sims currently living in the selected household.
- Hover over the Sim’s picture. After a few seconds, an “X” button will appear in the corner of their portrait.
- Click the “X” button and confirm your decision to permanently delete the Sim. Be sure you want to proceed, as this action is irreversible!
2. Deleting Entire Households
Deleting a household is useful when you want to free up space or simply remove a group of Sims. The process is nearly identical to deleting individual Sims.
- Navigate to Manage Households from the main menu.
- Select the household you wish to remove.
- Click the “Delete Household” button (usually represented by a trash can icon).
- Confirm your decision. Again, exercise caution, as this permanently removes the household from your game.
3. Resetting the Current Game (New Game)
This option allows you to start a new game within the same installation, wiping all existing progress in the loaded save file.
- From the main menu, click on the plus sign in the upper right corner. This is where you start a new game.
- This will create a new save file, leaving your existing save files untouched.
4. Starting a Completely New Game (Deleting Saved Data)
This is the most drastic approach, effectively returning your game to its factory settings.
- Locate The Sims 4 folder: This folder is typically found in your Documents folder, within a subfolder named Electronic Arts. The exact path is usually:
DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4. - Delete The Sims 4 folder: Right-click on the folder and select “Delete.”
- Empty your Recycle Bin: This permanently removes the folder and its contents from your system.
- Restart your computer: This ensures that all temporary files related to the game are cleared.
- Launch The Sims 4: The game will recreate a new “The Sims 4” folder with default settings, effectively giving you a completely fresh start. Note that this will delete any custom content and mods that you have installed.
- Uninstall and Reinstall the Game: Another way to completely start over is uninstalling the game through your platform’s client, and reinstalling the game.
5. Using the resetSim Cheat
If you’re experiencing glitches or bugs with a specific Sim, the resetSim cheat can be a lifesaver. It essentially resets the Sim to a neutral state, often resolving minor issues.
- Open the cheat console: Press
Ctrl + Shift + Con your keyboard. - Enter the cheat code: Type
resetSim FirstName LastNameand press Enter. ReplaceFirstNameandLastNamewith the actual name of the Sim you want to reset. For example,resetSim Bella Goth. - For those wanting to reset the whole game and a single Sim just won’t do, enter
resetSim *for all Sims.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will uninstalling and reinstalling The Sims 4 delete my saved games?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling the game will not automatically delete your saved games. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your “The Sims 4” folder (located in Documents/Electronic Arts) before uninstalling. This ensures that you have a copy of your saved games, custom content, and mods, in case anything goes wrong.
2. How do I back up my Sims 4 game files?
Simply copy the entire “The Sims 4” folder from your DocumentsElectronic Arts directory to another location, such as your desktop, an external hard drive, or a USB drive.
3. What happens if I delete files within The Sims 4 folder?
Deleting files within “The Sims 4” folder can have various consequences, depending on which files you delete. In general, the game will recreate any necessary user files (such as options.ini, or Tray files) the next time it starts. However, deleting important files or folders can lead to game instability or loss of saved data. It’s best to avoid deleting individual files unless you know exactly what you’re doing.
4. Can I uninstall and reinstall Origin/EA app without losing my games?
Yes, you can uninstall and reinstall Origin or the EA app without losing your purchased games. Your games are tied to your account, not the installation of the client. However, you’ll need to reinstall your games after reinstalling the client.
5. How do I install The Sims 4 on a new computer?
Download and install the Origin client (for older versions) or the EA app (for newer versions) on your new computer. Log in with your EA account, and you’ll find The Sims 4 in your game library. Download and install the game.
6. Is there a cheat to delete Sims in The Sims 4?
Yes, there are a couple of ways to delete Sims using cheats. One way is to use the cas.fulleditmode cheat. First, open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C) and enter testingcheats true. Then, enter cas.fulleditmode. Now, shift-click on the Sim you want to delete and select “Modify in CAS.” In Create-a-Sim, you can click the “X” button on the Sim’s portrait to delete them.
7. How do I uninstall The Sims 4 but keep my saved games?
Before uninstalling, copy your “The Sims 4” folder (located in DocumentsElectronic Arts) to a safe location. After uninstalling and reinstalling the game, copy the “The Sims 4” folder back to its original location.
8. How do I start a new game with the same Sim in The Sims 4?
You can save your Sim to your library in Create-a-Sim (CAS). Then, when starting a new game, you can find your Sim in your library and add them to your new game.
9. Will I lose my expansion packs if I uninstall and reinstall The Sims 4?
No, you will not lose your expansion packs. Expansion packs are linked to your EA account and will be available for re-download after you reinstall the base game.
10. Does repairing The Sims 4 delete my saved games?
Repairing the game through Origin/EA app should not delete your saved games. However, it’s always recommended to back up your “The Sims 4” folder before performing any major game operations, just in case.
11. How do I delete a Sim without killing them?
Deleting a Sim through Manage Households removes them from the game entirely, without any in-game death or consequences.
12. What does resetting a Sim do?
Resetting a Sim using the resetSim cheat resets their current actions, moodlets, and sometimes resolves glitches. It doesn’t remove them from the game.
13. Can I have multiple saved games in The Sims 4?
Yes, The Sims 4 allows you to have multiple saved games. Each saved game will have its own separate world and progress.
14. Where are Sims 4 screenshots stored?
Screenshots taken in The Sims 4 are stored in the Screenshots folder within “The Sims 4” folder in your Documents.
15. Does modding The Sims 4 void my warranty?
Modding The Sims 4 does not void your warranty, as the game itself allows for modding. However, EA is not responsible for any issues caused by mods. Use mods at your own risk, and always download them from reputable sources. You can learn more about the effects of modding and video games from the Games Learning Society https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
By following these steps and FAQs, you can confidently manage your Sims and game progress in The Sims 4, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.