Using The Sims 4 Build Mode as a Box of Building Blocks

Hi, I’m Jason Sterling and this is the second in a series of Sims 4 build articles outlining build tips and tricks within the new world of Forgotten Hollow in the Sims 4. I’ll start this article with the “Sims Builder’s Three Best Friends” in-game cheats.

• bb.IgnoreGamePlayUnlocksEntitlement (IGUE) Unlocks all items tied to in game advancement from the start.
• bb.ShowHiddenObjects (SHO) Displays all hidden objects for use in building such as ponds, dishes, bottles ect.
• bb.MoveObjects  (MOO) Allows build/buy items to be freely moved around within the build and activates the height slider that raises objects up and down in the air and on the walls using the number 9 for up and the number 0 for going back down.

If you are new to the Sims 4 or just new to building in the Sims 4, press CTRL/SHIFT/C to open the command box within your game and enter each of the cheats above should you wish to access their features. Now on with the article.

My first thought when I see something new in a Sims 4 pack is WOW, this is cool BUT my second thought is-

How Can I Use This in a Way That’s Not Intended?

There are many items within the Sims 4 Build Mode that give you the opportunity to combine them through the BB.MoveObjects cheat into something entirely different from what they originally were. Much like a box of building blocks that you can combine in different ways to create different things. One set of objects that I love to use this way are the kitchen cabinets. Following, you’ll see one particularly novel use. I will outline turning them into wall paneling for the construction of a two-side, see through fireplace in the style of Colonial America.

Start by first by turning on the BB.Moveobjects (MOO) cheat. Then, assemble the five items above. These are what I have used for this particular look. However, I encourage you to pursue your own look and ideas.

• Cargeaux Counter Island (Base Game Item)
• The Immaculate (Base Game Wall Shelf)
• Load-bearing Pillar (City Living Item)
• Rocks of Fire (Outdoor Retreat Item)
• The Travers (Dine Out Décor Item)

Position the first cabinet with the back side is facing out. (Grid Picture #1) Raise it by using the number “9” on your keyboard until you reach your desired height. Here I slide the cabinet to the door to decide proportionately the best height. Although, I often change it as I play test the design. Re-center the cabinet on the grid after testing the height. (Grid Picture #2) Bring your next cabinet into place with the first cabinet as shown. (Grid Picture #3) Continue placing the cabinets until the space is filled. (Grid Picture #4) It’s helpful here to have a sim “living” in the build as you work, allowing you to switch into live mode. Once there, press the “TAB” button, angle the camera upward and press the “Page Up” button to view how the cabinetry intersects the ceiling. Make adjustments up/down to meet the ceiling properly.

Merging the cabinets creates a substantial amount of “MOO Graphical Stutter”. To cover the stutter we’ll use The Immaculate shelf. First, double the size of the shelf by pressing  the “ ] “ button once while holding the shelf. (Grid Picture #1) Then lift the shelf into position as above with the cabinets. (Grid Picture #2) Place another shelf in the same fashion next to it. (Grid Picture #3) Then, place shelves in the same manner on the second tier of cabinets. Lastly, I take one last shelf and enlarge it by pressing the “ ] ” three times, then sliding it up to rest on top of the structure. (Grid Picture #4) This last piece is hidden in the ceiling when you view the room in “TAB” mode. It’s purpose is to disguise stutter on top which can be distracting during regular play.

Lastly we’ll set the cosmetic touches. Fire rings in a manner as shown (Grid Picture #1)- Columns (Grid Picture #2)- Decorative Art (Grid Picture #3)- And the walls on the sides and front (Grid Picture #4). On the front I’ve used the lowest height “half wall” selection. Your sims will still use the fire rings in this build. The lowest height makes more visual sense. Then paint the new walls, along with the half wall shelf trim, to match the existing structure or use your own design sensibilities. One option would be to paint the interior of the fireplace with a brick design matching the chimney on the outside of the house if you’ve custom built one. Repeat the above on the reverse side and the project is done.

I’ll finish here with a few shots showing alternate design ideas within this technique. First, instead of using an enlarged shelf to help disguise stutter, you can simply place an additional layer of cabinets on top without any other intersecting objects. This works when you have a chimney stack that rises through the entire house and therefore disguises the extra layer of cabinetry. (Grid Picture #1) Second, a shot of another fireplace within this build done in a much smaller fashion for the family room. This utilizes a deep mantle area. Two of the “Not do Invisible Shelves” from Get Together hide stutter and create an interesting crown molding effect on top. (Grid Picture #2) Third and Fourth, are two shots of the fireplaces in the Manor House of this build series. (Grid Pictures #3 and #4).

I hope you’ve found this build article helpful and even more so I hope you’ll be inspired to take the everyday things in your game and “use them as they were not intended.” My next article will deal with building your sim’s house for your sim. In that article we will be extensively visiting my Apothecary’s House from Forgotten Hollow.

You can see this tutorial in video form on my Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/IlW3lhYBNME

If you like this build and would like to see it’s fully completed form it’s available on the Gallery: https://www.thesims.com/en_GB/gallery/5C0C0901F6D211E68443C0A5F03BDD40?category=lots&searchtype=item_name&sortby=newest&time=all&searchquery=&max=50&maxis=false

See additional pictures of the completed build here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/MyWorldofSims/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1190273261088096