A guide on how to install mods in The Sims 4 on PC. Instructions on how to use mod managers such as CurseForge's Mod Manager are also included!
This guide is focused on Windows users, but some concepts can be adapted for Linux with tools like Steam Proton or Lutris!
View Guide On TMC (Recommended Due To Better Formatting)
The Sims 4 is highly moddable and offers thousands of mods for custom gameplay, CAS (Create-A-Sim), furniture, UI tweaks, and more. This guide will help you get started safely and efficiently!
- Requirements
- Game Version Notes
- Backup Your Game Files!
- Where To Download Sims 4 Mods
- Installing Mods Manually
- Installing Mods With CurseForge Manager
- How To Enable Mods In-Game
- Notes
- Conclusion
- See Also
- The Sims 4 installed on your PC (Steam, EA App, or Origin)
- A free ModTheSims or CurseForge account (optional but recommended)
- 7-Zip or any archive extraction software
- Basic understanding of navigating Windows folders
The Sims 4 is generally the same across all PC launchers:
Version | Moddable | Notes |
---|---|---|
EA App / Origin | Yes | Official PC release, fully moddable |
Steam | Yes | Generally same instructions as EA version |
Console (PS/Xbox) | Mods are not supported |
NOTE - Some mods break after game updates or patches. Make sure the mod supports the latest game version!
Before installing mods, it's smart to back up your saves and mods folder.
-
Navigate to your Sims 4 folder.
Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4
-
Copy and paste the following folders to a backup location.
Mods
Saves
Tray
(for saved lots and Sims)
This ensures you can revert changes if a mod crashes your game or potentially corrupts your installation.
Here are a few websites you can download mods from.
- ModTheSims
- The Sims Resource
- Lumpinou Mods (generally for story mods)
- Sims 4 Studio Forums
- CurseForge
TIP - Always download from trusted creators and avoid sketchy ad sites or paywalled mods.
- Download the
.zip
or.rar
file for the mod. - Use 7-Zip or WinRAR to extract the files.
- Place the
.package
,.ts4script
, or folders into the following folder.Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods
WARNING - Do not go deeper than one folder inside Mods
. Files buried too deep may not load.
TIP - Organize your mods by category (e.g. CAS
, Furniture
, Gameplay
) for easier management.
There are two main types of mods for The Sims 4.
- Most common format (clothing, hair, furniture, etc.)
- Can be placed directly into the
Mods
folder or one subfolder deep.
- Used for advanced script mods (e.g. UI mods, gameplay systems, etc.)
- Must be directly inside the
Mods
folder or one subfolder deep. - Only enable these if you trust the mod author!
NOTE - After game updates, script mods are often disabled automatically.
CurseForge now supports The Sims 4 in their mod manager, making it easier to install and update mods:
- Download and install the CurseForge App.
- Select The Sims 4 from the supported games list.
- Browse and install mods directly from the manager.
- The manager handles installation and folder placement automatically.
This is great for casual modders or those overwhelmed by manual installations!
Mods won't work until you enable them in-game. To do so, perform the following steps.
- Launch The Sims 4.
- Navigate to
Options
>Game Options
>Other
. - Enable the following settings.
- ✅ "Enable Custom Content and Mods"
- ✅ "Script Mods Allowed"
- Click the
Apply Changes
button and restart the game.
After restarting, your mods and CC (custom content) should be active.
To stay organized and avoid crashes.
- Delete outdated or broken mods after game patches.
- Read each mod description to check for updates or compatibility notes.
- Use Sims 4 Mod Manager for light-weight mod sorting (optional).
- If you're using a large mod pack, I recommend testing it on a fresh save first.
By now, you should know how to install mods in The Sims 4! Additionally, you should know the following.
- Back up your Sims 4 data
- Download and install mods manually or via CurseForge
- Enable custom content and script mods in-game
- Organize and troubleshoot your mod setup
With an awesome community and endless customization, modding The Sims 4 can give you a whole new experience!
- Sims 4 Modding Community on Reddit
- CurseForge - Sims 4 Mods
- The Sims Resource
- ModTheSims
- Lumpinou Mod List
- Sims 4 Studio
This guide is a work-in-progress and updated over time. If you have suggestions or corrections, let us know!