25 Best Sims 4 Mods to Download in 2024: Expand Your Experience

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The Sims 4 is a popular social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts. It has a lot of content for players to discover, both created by the studio and by the community through mods.

Mods are short for modifications and are third-party software that alter or add to a game. These can be minor additions or complete overhauls of the game’s mechanics. There are a lot of mods for Sim 4 out there, and it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you.

Techopedia presents a comprehensive guide on the best Sims 4 mods to play and how to download them without putting yourself at risk.

Key Takeaways

  • Mods add or change gameplay elements in The Sims 4.
  • Mods like SNBank expand mechanics to make the game more realistic.
  • Hair swatches and 100 base game traits allow for further customization.
  • MC Command Center and Slice of Life are amongst the best Sims 4 mods.
  • Mods can vary gameplay but often have performance and compatibility issues.

The Best Sims 4 Mods

There are a plethora of Sims 4 mods to download, from graphical updates to gameplay features. These mods change and elevate your experience to ensure you’re living your best life in Sims 4.

25. Storytelling Career Megapack

The Storytelling Career mega pack features a bundle of career mods
The Storytelling Career mega pack features a bundle of career mods. Source: ItsKatato
  • Highlights: Additional careers, multiple mods, convenience
  • Developer: ItsKatato
  • Price: Free
  • Download: itskatato.wixsite.com

The Storytelling Career Mega Pack is one of the best Sims 4 career mods available, featuring over 50 single-level careers to keep your Sims occupied. These jobs can range from mathematicians, lawyers, dentists and more.

24. SNBank

SNBank mod makes managing finances more akin to real life
SNBank mod makes managing finances more akin to real life. Source: SimRealist
  • Highlights: Extensive financial system, new features, realism
  • Developer: SimRealist
  • Price: Free (optional donation)
  • Download: SimRealist (itch.io)

SNBank is a Sims 4 realistic mod that adds debit cards, account history, and new direct deposit options to the game’s finance system. The mod can also be downloaded alongside the SNBank Bills mod to bring the financial nightmare of real life to the game.

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23. Madlen Ultimate Pack

The Madlen ultimate pack includes 100 items to customize characters
The Madlen ultimate pack includes 100 items to customize characters. Source: Madlen
  • Highlights: Extensive customization, over 100 items, a variety of styles
  • Developer: Madlen
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: Madlen Ultimate Pack | Patreon

Madlen is an independent creator with a portfolio of Sims 4 clothes mods to ensure you play with style. The Madlen ultimate pack features 100 items across two packs, including clothing, footwear, and accessories for your Sims.

22. After School Activities

After School Activities add new gameplay opportunities in Sims 4
After School Activities add new gameplay opportunities in Sims 4. Source: Electronic Arts

After School Activities bundle is a solid Sims 4 gameplay mod for players looking to expand Sims systems. The bundle includes 6 new activities to participate in, which influence Sims by altering performance and providing new buffs.

21. Hair-swatches Updated

A mass bundle of hairstyles, accessories, and colors
A mass bundle of hairstyles, accessories, and colors. Source: Miiko

The Hair-swatches updated collection features mods from July 2020 to August 2022 and is one of the biggest selections of Sims 4 hair mods available. This is but one example of the many mods online surrounding hair, with creators constantly releasing new styles to further customize characters.

20. Meaningful Stories

A mod that changes the Sims 4 mood and emotions system
A mod that changes the Sims 4 mood and emotions system. Source: roBurky
  • Highlights: Quality, varied gameplay, free
  • Developer: roBurky
  • Price: Free
  • Download: roBurky (itch.io)

Among the best free Sims 4 mods, Meaningful Stories is a well-known mod that lives up to its namesake. The scenarios are driven by its Meaningful Moods system, which makes the Sims’ emotions and actions more impactful and challenging to overcome.

19. My Grocery Shopping List

Cooking now requires the necessary ingredients to make food
Cooking now requires the necessary ingredients to make food. Source: Insimnia

There are loads of Sims 4 food mods available, from new dishes to cooking appliances and more. My Grocery Shopping List is our top pick because of how it strives to make cooking in the game emulate real life, making players keep track of missing ingredients in order to cook.

18. Full-Time Careers Bundle

The mod gives you eight full-time careers for your sims
The mod gives you eight full-time careers for your sims. Source: BosseLadyTV

The Full-Time Careers Bundle is the ideal Sims 4 jobs mod to download. It offers eight jobs from previous Sims games, including alchemist, ballet dancer, circus, medical, paranormal, private investigator, show business, and sports.

17. Family Gameplay

The mod adds events, traits, and relationships surrounding family
The mod adds events, traits, and relationships surrounding family. Source: Wicked Pixxel
  • Highlights: Progression, variety, character relationships
  • Developer: Wicked Pixxel
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: FAMILY GAMEPLAY MOD | Patreon

Spend quality time with relatives in Family Gameplay by Wicked Pixxel, a popular Sims 4 family mod that introduces all the fun and drama that comes with families. New events allow for interactions between family members, allowing for new traits to be developed, skills to be leveled up, and aspirations to form.

16. Vampire Career

A mod that turns you into a vampire as a job
A mod that turns you into a vampire as a job. Source:  TlaraM

For those looking to get into the Halloween spirit this October, Vampire Career is a Sims 4 vampire mod that lets you sink your teeth into new careers and branches. Become a master vampire, or join the Hellsing organization and get paid for being a creature of the night.

15. Lovestruck: Teens’ Cupid’s Corner

Lovestruck expansion mod focusing on teen romance
Lovestruck expansion mod focusing on teen romance. Source: Electronic Arts

The Lovestruck expansion focused on developing romantic relationships between Sims, and with it came the launch of the in-game dating app Cupid’s Corner. The Sims 4 relationship mod allows teens to meet with other teens on the app.

14. Dark Mode UI

Adds a black background to the menu in the game for visibility
Adds a black background to the menu in the game for visibility. Source: Dskecht

Sims 4 is a constantly developing game, and players will most likely return frequently and spend long hours keeping track of events. Sims 4 UI mods allow for easier navigation of the menus, and dark mode is a must-have feature to prevent straining your eyes.

13. Ultimate Mods Folder – Maxis Match Edition

A list of furniture sets from a variety of designs across different categories
A list of furniture sets from a variety of designs across different categories. Source: DeeSims

Sims 4 furniture mods can be difficult to choose from, but the ultimate mods folder from DeeSims offers a curated selection from a variety of creators. From Oak Houses by PierSims to Brownstones by HeyHarrie, there is a set for every kind of taste.

12. Farm Animal Set

The Farm Animal Set features 15 new animals
The Farm Animal Set features 15 new animals. Source: Electronic Arts

The farm animal set is one of the best Sims 4 horse mods available, allowing you to expand your equestrian adventures in the horse ranch expansion with new farm animals. Animals range from horses, donkeys, ducks, alpacas, goats and more.

11. More Serving Options

The More Serving Options mod makes cooking more efficient
The More Serving Options mod makes cooking more efficient. Source: Xbox

The More Serving Option adds a minor change to gameplay but an essential one for players that have a large number of active sims. The Sims 4 cooking mod allows you to cook for multiple people in one session rather than painstakingly having to cook each serving individually.

10. More Traits

More Traits adds 21 new traits for your sims in the base game
More Traits adds 21 new traits for your sims in the base game. Source: maplebell
  • Highlights: new traits, seamless integration
  • Developer: maplebell
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: More Traits | Patreon

More Traits by maplebell is the Sims 4 traits mod to download and play, featuring over 21 traits that naturally integrate into the game with minimal technical issues. Traits include serious, logical, shy, cunning, pompous and more.

9. Medieval Widenburg

A complete overhaul of the map with a medieval setting
A complete overhaul of the map with a medieval setting. Source: TheSenseMedieval

Medieval Widenburg is a fantastic mod for anyone looking for a change of scenery. It redesigns the Sims 4 world to take place in a medieval setting. For an authentic experience, we recommend downloading this alongside other Sims 4 medieval mods, such as Medieval Activities by Mirai and Medieval Interactions by MizoreYuki.

8. Paris World

Change the world of sims and start a new adventure in Paris
Change the world of sims and start a new adventure in Paris. Source: LIJOUE
  • Highlights: New world, visual aesthetics
  • Developer: LIJOUE
  • Price: Free (additional payments via Patreon)
  • Download: Paris World mod | Patreon

Much like Medieval Widenburg, Paris World completely overhauls the sims setting to take place in the sparkling city of Paris, France. It is one of the best Sims 4 world mods due to its attention to detail, from the remodeled buildings, streets, and the iconic Eiffel Tower.

7. 100 Base Game Traits Pack v2

Over 100 traits allow for more varied gameplay and sim interactions.
Over 100 traits allow for more varied gameplay and sim interactions. Source: Chingyu1023

Whoever said quality over quantity never tested out the 100 Base Game Traits Pack v2, which solidified as one of the best Sims 4 personality mods in recent years. With its extensive library of traits, players will see drastic changes in sim behavior and gameplay.

6. UI Cheats Extension

An addition that makes using cheats more convenient
An addition that makes using cheats more convenient. Source: weerbesu
  • Highlights: Convenience, versatility, accessible
  • Developer: werbesu
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: UI Cheats Extension | Patreon

Cheat codes have long existed since the first Sims game back on February 4, 2000. The UI cheats extension is a must-have Sims 4 mod that allows cheats to be accessed through the game UI as opposed to manually typing in the command box. For more, we recommend checking out the best Sims 4 cheat codes to use with this mod.

5. Better BuildBuy

Better BuildBuy offers more freedom for building and customizing houses
Better BuildBuy offers more freedom for building and customizing houses. Source: Electronic Arts
  • Highlights: More building options and customization
  • Developer: TwistedMexi
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: Better BuildBuy | Patreon

Better BuildBuy is a staple addition to Sims 4 and remains a popular Sims 4 mod to this day. The mod allows you to access parts usually locked behind certain skills and career paths, allowing greater customization freedom without tedious restraints.

4. Become a Sorcerer

Become a Sorcerer allows you to cast spells depending on alignment
Become a Sorcerer allows you to cast spells depending on alignment. Source: Triplis

Become a Sorcerer is a fun Sims 4 mod that adds some magic to the game. Find a lump of clay on the ground and emerge with the ability to cast spells and specialize in rituals, all of which can be influenced by whether you choose a good or evil alignment.

3. Zombie Apocalypse: Last Escape

A mod that adds a survival horror experience to the social game
A mod that adds a survival horror experience to the social game. Source: SACRIFICIAL

The Resident Evil-inspired zombie apocalypse mod is a top Sims 4 mod that significantly changes how Sims interact with each other and the world. Sims in the world will undergo zombification, and players will need to survive and take down Nemesis.

2. Slice of Life

A solid experience that builds upon the core game mechanics of Sims 4
A solid experience that builds upon the core game mechanics of Sims 4. Source: KawaiiStacie
  • Highlights: Challenge, gameplay depth, realistic features
  • Developer: KawaiiStacie
  • Price: Free (additional payments on Patreon)
  • Download: Slice of Life Mod | Patreon

Slice of Life is an essential Sims 4 mod for more experienced players. It brings more realistic features and events to the game. Additional mechanics, such as the ability to recall memories and make more noticeable visual changes according to character emotions, emulate real life more closely.

1. MC Command Center

The MC Command Center offers more accessibility and control in the main menu
The MC Command Center offers more accessibility and control in the main menu. Source: Xbox

The MC Command Center is the best Sims 4 mod. It allows players to customize and tailor the game experience to their preferences and actions. It also adds additional features to the game’s functionality and overall progression. Its versatility means any mod or cheat can benefit from it.

How to Install Sims 4 Mods

Our step-by-step guide on how to install Sims 4 mods on PC.

  1. Find your desired mod or CC and download it.
  2. If it is a .zip/.rar file, right-click the file and select Extract All.
  3. Move contents to the games mods folder, then open The Sims 4.
  4. Open Options and select game options, then select Other.
  5. Ensure enable custom contents and mods is on.

Here is how to download Sims 4 mods on Mac.

  1. Download the mod of choice and unzip it.
  2. Navigate to Electronic Arts folder in Documents.
  3. Place the download in The Sims 4 mods folder.
  4. Launch the game.
  5. Check enable custom contents and mods is on.

Some mods will require additional downloads in order to function, such as the XML Injector.

Sims 4 mods cannot be run on consoles such as Xbox or PlayStation.

Should you Download Sims 4 Mods?

Downloading mods for Sim 4 can be an exciting way to change or improve the game, but it can also benefit some and frustrate others. We recommend researching where the mods are coming from and their compatibility with the latest version of the game.

There are many pros and cons to downloading Sim 4 mods that you need to be aware of.

Pros
  • Customization
  • Creative freedom
  • Address core game design flaws
  • Free additional content
Cons
  • Performance issues
  • Security risks
  • Compatibility with updates
  • No official support

The Bottom Line

The best Sims 4 mods elevate and change how players approach the social simulation game, whether by adding realism or a sense of challenge to its core gameplay mechanics.

What mods are considered the best depends entirely on what players wish to get out of the game: to relax in a calming environment as characters go about their day or to experience surprising twists and developments in a captivating story.

FAQs

What is the most popular Sims 4 mod?

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References

  1. Storytelling Career Mega Pack (Itskatato.wixsite)
  2. (Public) SNBank by SimRealist, roBurky (Simrealist.itch)
  3. (Public) SNB – Bills by SimRealist (Simrealist.itch)
  4. Madlen Ultimate Pack (Patreon)
  5. Afterschool Activities Bundle1 (Patreon)
  6. Hair-swatches updated ~ Bulk download (Patreon)
  7. Meaningful Stories for The Sims 4 by roBurky (Roburky.itch)
  8. My Grocery Shopping List Mod (Patreon)
  9. Full-Time Careers Bundle (Curseforge)
  10. FAMILY GAMEPLAY MOD – DOWNLOAD (Patreon)
  11. Mod The Sims – Darkside Vampire Career (Mod The Sims)
  12. [Mod] Lovestruck: Teens’ Cupid’s Corner – for Teen Sims to meet other Teen Sims, make friends, find romance (Patreon)
  13. Mod The Sims – Dark Mode UI | The Sims 4 (Mod The Sims)
  14. Ultimate Mods Folder // ⭐Build & Buy💚Maxis Match Edition (Patreon)
  15. Farm Animal Set (Curseforge)
  16. More Servings Options – More Servings Part (Legacy.curseforge)
  17. More Traits (Patreon)
  18. TheSenseMedieval – Medieval Windenburg Mod (TheSenseMedieval.tumblr)
  19. Medieval Activities (Patreon)
  20. Mod: Medieval Interactions (Patreon)
  21. world mod ✧ | Collection from LIJOUE | 2 posts (Patreon)
  22. Vicky Sims 💯 chingyu1023 : 100 Base Game Traits Pack v2 (Chingyu1023vick.tumblr)
  23. UI Cheats Extension v1.43 (Patreon)
  24. Better BuildBuy v3.2.9: The Reaper Rewards Update (Patreon)
  25. Become a Sorcerer Mod – Triplis Sims 4 Mods (Triplis.github)
  26. The Sims 4 Zombie Apocalypse -MOD- V 2.2 Last Escape Release (Patreon)
  27. Slice of Life Mod🍓 (Patreon)
  28. The MC Command Center (Deaderpool-mccc)
  29. XML Injector — SCUMBUMBO (Scumbumbomods)
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Joey Morris
Gaming Writer
Joey Morris
Gaming Writer

Joey Morris is a Gaming Writer for Techopedia. He has spent several years writing on his own blog site and for other creative publications. He has written reviews, features, and even a digital magazine. He has also produced podcasts, video essays, and held interviews with various experts in the gaming industry. He enjoys playing video games as both a profession and passion.