Filling the Void: Your Ultimate Guide to Populating Lots in The Sims 4

So, you’ve got a pristine, empty lot in The Sims 4, and the possibilities are endless! But how do you actually fill that space with a family, a fabulous build, or the perfect community space? Here’s the definitive guide to populating your Sim worlds.

The core of filling a lot in The Sims 4 comes down to two main actions: moving in Sims and building (or placing) a structure.

1. Moving Sims In:

• Create-a-Sim (CAS): The most direct route is to create a brand new Sim (or an entire family!) via Create-a-Sim. Once you’re done customizing your Sims, you can choose to move them into an empty lot during the family selection process.

• Merging Existing Households: You can merge existing households by inviting a Sim from another household to join your active family. This will move them into your lot. Note that this only works if you have available spaces in your household (up to 8 Sims total).

• Moving Sims from the Gallery: The Gallery is a treasure trove! You can download Sims created by other players (or your own previously saved Sims) and move them into your empty lot just like you would with Sims from CAS.

2. Building or Placing a Structure:

• Building from Scratch: Unleash your inner architect! Enter build mode and construct your dream home, community space, or quirky creation. The possibilities are truly limitless.

• Placing a Pre-Built Structure from the Gallery: Don’t have the time or inclination to build? No problem! The Gallery is overflowing with pre-built houses, parks, businesses, and more. Simply download your chosen lot and place it onto your empty space.

• Changing Lot Type: One often-overlooked way to “fill” a lot is to change its lot type. If you want to build a house on a lot that isn’t initially residential, you can change it via build mode. This allows for greater flexibility in world customization.

Tips for Seamless Lot Population:

• Consider Lot Size: Before you build or download, make sure the lot size matches your needs. A sprawling mansion won’t fit on a tiny lot, and a small cottage might look lost on a huge one.

• Check Lot Requirements: Certain lot types have specific requirements. For example, a retail lot requires a cash register, and a restaurant needs a chef station. The game will alert you if these requirements aren’t met.

• Utilize the “Bulldoze” Tool: If you want a completely blank canvas, use the “Bulldoze” tool in build mode to clear any existing structures or landscaping from the lot.

• Plan Your World: Before you start filling every lot, consider how you want your world to function. Do you want a bustling city center? A quiet suburban neighborhood? A rural escape? Planning ahead will make your world feel more cohesive.

• Embrace Mods & CC (Custom Content): For even more customization, explore the world of mods and custom content. These add a wealth of new objects, clothing, and gameplay options. Be aware that the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) supports safe gaming practices, so research any CC creators before downloading their content.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions and answers about filling lots in The Sims 4:

How do I stop Sims from automatically moving into empty houses?

The most straightforward solution is to go to Game Options -> Gameplay and uncheck the “Fill Empty Homes” option. Additionally, a quirky trick is to remove the fridge from an empty house in build mode. The game logic prevents Sims from moving into houses without refrigerators.

Why is Newcrest completely empty?

Newcrest is intentionally designed to be an empty world. It’s a blank canvas for players to build their own towns and cities. It allows you to create your own narratives and download builds from the Gallery.

Can I add more lots to a neighborhood in The Sims 4?

Unfortunately, you cannot add new lots to existing neighborhoods in The Sims 4. However, you can change the lot type of existing lots to suit your needs.

Why are Sims just walking into my house uninvited?

Several factors can contribute to this. Check the relationships of all Sims in your household with the uninvited Sim. If there’s a high friendship level, they may feel welcome. Also, if you have a roommate, they might be inviting people over autonomously. Finally, check your active neighborhood’s active Neighborhood Action Plan (NAP). If the “Sharing is Caring” NAP has been enacted, Sims can freely take items from other sims lots!

How do I download a lot from the Gallery?

In Build Mode, click the Gallery button (top right). Select “Lots” under Category. Find the lot you want and click on it, then click “Place Lot” in the bottom right corner.

My Sims world feels empty, what can I do?

Ensure that the “Fill Empty Homes” option is enabled in the game settings. As well, use the tips listed previously in this article to populate the worlds.

How do I edit lots that are normally locked, like the hospital or police station?

Use the “bb.enablefreebuild” cheat in the cheat console. This allows you to edit normally restricted lots in Build Mode.

Can I buy a second residential lot in The Sims 4?

No, you cannot own a second residential lot unless it’s related to a specific career or gameplay element (like owning a retail store with the Get To Work expansion). You can only live on one residential lot at a time.

How do I fulfill all my Sims’ needs instantly?

Open the cheat console (Ctrl+Shift+C), type “testingcheats true”, then type “sims.fillallcommodities” and press Enter. If you want to only affect one sim, shift+click on the sim with “testingcheats true” enabled, then select “Make Happy”. You can also use the mailbox on your property and select “Fill Needs”.

Why are my Sims dying of hunger so quickly?

Sometimes, bugs or glitches can cause needs to decay faster than usual. Ensure your game is up to date with the latest patches. Try resetting the Sim or the entire lot. Mods can also interfere with need decay, so testing without them could help. As well, certain traits and situations may cause hunger needs to deplete faster.

Why is there a ghost in my Sims’ house?

If a Sim died on your lot, their urn or gravestone is likely still present. Ghosts will appear near their resting place. You can release the ghost to the netherworld to prevent them from appearing, or befriend the ghost and invite them to join your household!

Why are Sims stealing my furniture?

This could be related to a Neighborhood Action Plan (NAP). If the “Sharing is Caring” NAP is active in your neighborhood, Sims will autonomously take items from other households. You can repeal the NAP through gameplay or disable Neighborhood Stories in the game settings.

What should I put in my Sims 4 Tray folder?

The Tray folder contains all the saved lots, Sims, and rooms that you have placed in your library. Anything you download from the Gallery or create yourself and save to your library will be stored there.

Which world is best for builders in Sims 4?

This depends on preference! Newcrest is ideal as it’s entirely empty. Many builders also find inspiration in the varying landscapes of Oasis Springs, Willow Creek, and Henford-on-Bagley.

How do I unlock hidden lots in The Sims 4?

Hidden lots are typically unlocked through specific actions. For example, Sylvan Glades is accessed by interacting with a large tree in Willow Creek and performing certain actions like viewing it, watering it, and discussing nature.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to transform those empty lots into vibrant and bustling spaces, making your Sims 4 world truly your own! You’ll have the world of your dreams in no time.