This post is ever evolving as I find new creators that I love and adore. Check back frequently or bookmark this page so you can always return and stay up to date.
Before I began creating and sharing my own content, I was a regular Sims player first! Quite dedicated to the series (for the last 20+ years), I’ve played every single one of the life simulations. The Sims 2 is when my love for the game really blossomed – then it was probably an addiction from that point on thanks to the discovery of mods and custom content!
The Sims 4 is by far my most favorite of all- with such a large community of creators and players, the endless amount of mods and custom content out there for everyone to enjoy, and of course, the freedom to create within the Sims 4 is probably my most favorite aspect of all. With that said, the Sims 4 is now 10 years old and while the series has grown significantly over the years, there are still some limitations in the base structure of the game. Most of the mods I use really break those barriers and open new doors to more creative possibilities!
So enough of my rambling, let’s break down what I use in my mods folder. I’ll also touch a little on my organization method. You can also click here for my guide to managing your mod’s folder.
Essential Mods and Utilities
There is a selection of mods that are pretty essential to have, especially if you’re going to use mods. These mods are generally all script mods which are also used to support other mods by other creators. Always check the requirements for a mod you want to use in your game and make sure you have any required files as well.
Scumbumbo’s XMLInjector
This is probably the most essential mod of all- as I and many other creators use this for most of our mods. You will only need one copy of this file in your mods folder regardless of how many mods you use that require it. You can download it here from their website.
Lot51 Core Library & Custom Channel Injector
If you are familiar with my Custom TV Channels, then you might already know these are two of the required mods to use the channels. I keep these around because other modders use them as well for injecting their mods. As mentioned above for the XML Injector, you only need one copy of these files in your mods folder.
Chingyu’s Smarter Self Care
I have some complaints from time to time about the system of needs in the Sims 4. With the Smarter Self Care mod, your sims needs will decline at a more appropriate rate. Yes it does make it a little easier to maintain your sims needs, but it also allows you to get the most out of your sim’s day without dying of starvation because they missed their second breakfast or they didn’t shower three times today.
Mod Guard
A newer, yet absolutely essential mod is TwistedMexi’s Mod Guard which provides a nice touch of safety and security to ensure your mods don’t contain anything dangerous to your PC. I’ll be covering some more of TwistedMexi’s mods as well which can all be found for download on his website here.
Better Exceptions
Another great utility mod and must have is TwistedMexi’s Better Exceptions. This mod will scan your mods folder and find anything that may be incompatible, broken, or have errors. This is perfect for after you update the game which it will prompt you to automatically scan your folder for any issues. This mod will also catch any last exceptions which can be used to troubleshoot any issues you may come across with your mods. This file is necessary if you are seeking any help with your mods. Modders use this file to find the issues and tell you how to fix it- or it tells us what we need to fix with more details.
MC Command Center
Deader-pool created this mod which is another essential for changing settings within the Sims 4 that you cannot do otherwise. You can do an array of things with this mod, and I use it for numerous things. It’s more of a mod used for story progression within Live mode, but it also catches last exceptions like Better Exceptions, but with less detail. If you don’t use Better Exceptions, at least use MCCC so modders can help you troubleshoot any issues you come across. Download it here.
Lumpinou’s Toolbox & Mood Pack
This is a required for mod for some of Lumpinou’s mods which I will talk about in more detail in gameplay mods, but as a utility it is very essential for their mods to function properly in game.
Now that we’ve covered essential utility mods, let’s look at my favorite CAS, building, and gameplay mods. These mods and creators are my favorite picks that I always have in my mods folder and are all compatible from my experience as long as you keep them updated and use the correct utility files.
Custom Content, Building, and Gameplay Mods
As you may know there are 3 main modes you can deeply engage with in the Sims 4: Create-a-Sim, Build Mode, and Live Mode. I love to play them all; they all offer great experiences for your play style whether you’re into creating unique characters, building, or just playing out their lives and watching chaos ensue (possibly my favorite). These mods add layers of depth and more options for creative expression and storytelling.
I spend most of my play time building to relax and destress, but when I really want to get into something deep, I love creating new Sims and playing out their lives in Live Mode.
Create-a-Sim
Create-a-Sim custom content and mods expands the horizon of all you can do in CAS. Here I will touch on some mods to amplify your Create-a-Sim experience allowing you to have more diverse and unique sims as part of your story, and I will share some of my favorite CC creators that I always keep in my mods folder.
Custom Traits & Aspirations
I can’t refrain from sharing my opinion that there are not enough diverse traits and aspirations within the Sims 4. This is partially why I created a few of my own. I like a variety of sims in my worlds to interact with and would prefer that no two sims are too much alike. Here’s a few of my favorites that I use often
Traits by Plumlace
Plumlace has made some fun traits that I absolutely love to play with in my game, adding more unique personalities and layers on layers of new gameplay interactions. These traits include the Needy Trait, Sugar baby mod, and Trophy Spouse. Grab them here! Also, be sure to check out her other mods too, because I’m going to talk about them more later on so you may as well grab them too.
traits by m0therx0fxcha0s
Having more custom traits in my game was the original inspiration to create my own mods, so I began with some traits that include the Gold Digger Trait, Barbie Girl Trait, and the True Crime Junkie Trait.
Aspirations by Ilkavelle
Ilkavelle has a large selection of aspirations that I really like in my game, especially for children and teens. I’m a mom so naturally I have to have children at some point in my game, therefore, I really need more aspirations for them! Children in the sims are, in my opinion, cut short on gameplay and features. These mods really expand those options a little more, and you can also use their teen aspirations as well for that next life stage. Check them out here.
traits & aspirations by Boseeladytv
BosseLadyTV has a ton of traits and aspirations you can add to your game and experience all new challenges of many kinds. I love add hers to my game so I have many more options when creating my own sims to fill my worlds. *hint hint*
In addition to traits, she also has made several aspirations that are both inspired by previous generations of the Sims and also new ones that are a must. Check out all her amazing mods here!
Traits & Aspirations by kiarasims4mods
Okay so you can actually get a lot of great mods from KiaraSims4Mods, but I’m going to focus on her traits and aspirations right now. (I also love her careers). She has so many to choose from, that honestly fill up the options that much more. While I don’t use all of them, there’s a few that I love such as Honor Student and Quality of Life. Download everything here.
Sliders
Sliders in CAS expand the limitations on how you can morph and shape your sim’s physical features. I have always been disappointed in EA’s limits with their sliders so these mods are definitely a must have if you want more unique looking sims.
Miiko’s Sliders
Miiko actually has several face sliders, including chin, eyebrow, and lip sliders, most of which I use and rely on to avoid “same-face-syndrome” among all my sims. You can find all their sliders on their Patreon page here.
Custom Content Favorites
Truly I could not list every single piece of custom content I use for CAS. I have an obsession with having a ton of hairstyles and shoes, and I am guilty of downloading every piece of CC made by some of my favorite creators. There is also not a single category of CAS that I don’t have some kind of custom content for. I have to say of everything there is, my favorites are hair and shoes. I use A LOT of them.
I’ll list some of my favorites and what type of content they offer. Almost every creator I list here is a Maxis-Match style of content, but occasionally I do like a little Alpha quality so you may notice the difference. Since everyone has a different taste and style, I can’t assume everyone will like what I like- but these creators have a big variety of high quality content for free.
twistedcat
Maxis Match content, variety of ages and styles.
I actually use all their custom content which includes:
- hair
- makeup
- eyebrows
- lashes
- clothing
- eyes and skins
- accessories
PowLuna
Maxis match, lots of infant to children content but also teen and up as well.
Content includes:
- clothing
- accessories
- shoes
Miiko
Adorable Maxis Match and a little of everything including some build/buy sets. Most used content here includes:
- sliders
- skins and presets
- makeup
- hair
JIUS
Retired in June 2024, but my most favorite CC shoe creator of all times. I will truly miss your content Jius! (I safe guard this collection of content with my soul)
Jius content was specifically focused on shoes but you will find some other accessories as well.
Sentate
Luxury style-Maxis Match as I like to call it. Not really alpha, but some pieces are a little in my opinion. Lots of clothing, shoes, and accessories to choose from with a range of styles.
Boschiana
Gorgeous Maxis Match clothing and accessories. There is a small selection of Alpha content as well.
Daylifesims
Tons of Maxis-Match hair. (I wasn’t lying about being obsessed with custom hair).
KiaraZurk
Maxis-Match hair (again) and some lashes and female clothing as well.
BackTrack
Alpha-style content mostly feminine but has some masculine content as well.
- clothing
- accessories
- shoes
Christopher067
Beautiful Maxis-Mix content. Mostly alpha style content but blends well with Maxis and Maxis-Match content as well.
- masculine and feminine clothing
- accessories and jewerly
- cosmetics
- feminine hair
- feminine shoes
Dogsill
Gorgeous Maxis-Match feminine hair, include the afro/wavy/curly textures.
ArethaBee
Feminine Maxis-Match content including:
- hair
- shoes
- jewerly
- clothing
Rusty
A great variety of Maxis-Match clothing for both masculine and feminine sims. You will find a variety of styles here as well so definitely check them out!
Trillyke
A large variety of various CC from shoes, accessories, clothing and more. You will find both masculine and feminine items and all in various styles with lots of palettes.
Greenllamas
I love Greenllamas masculine CC from facial hair to clothing, this is my favorite maxis match for males. They also have a lot of feminine CC as well so be sure to grab some of their CC!
Ravesim
PralineSims
Cee
ThatOneGreenLeaf
Joliebean
Build Mode
There’s a couple mods I always use for building, and there’s so much custom content I love, love, love to have in my game to create a wider variety of homes, lots, and experiences for my sims. Decorating is so much fun for me and relaxing, so I do keep a pretty big folder of build/buy objects in my mods folder too.
Building Mods
Remember how I’ve mentioned TwistedMexi’s mods earlier? Okay well go back to his website because I’m going to give you a few more must haves if you really want to push the limits of building.
Better Build Buy
This one is the most important. With this mod you can expand your catalog view, enable or disable live edit and debug objects, hide custom content or maxis content, and so much more. It’s a staple- BUT read the directions carefully and be mindful when updating this mod in the future that you don’t delete your settings. TM’s post details all of this for you.
Costal Basements & Pools
Another essential mod especially if you want more building capabilities on water lots in Island Living.
More Rentals
If you have the For Rent pack, then you need this most as well so you will be able to have more rental properties in your save. EA has a limit of a very small amount which makes it very difficult to have several rental properties if wanted (which that’s what I want and you may too).
T.O.O.L.
This mod is also great for those who really want to push their limits with building. T.O.O.L. means Take Objects Off Lot, and that’s exactly what this mod lets you do, plus a whole lot more like rotating objects on different axis and changes sizes and position of objects.
Build/Buy Custom Content Favorites
I’ve fallen in love with all the Maxis-Match creators, especially with build mode items. Whether it’s furniture, clutter, or doors, windows, and more, I am in love with building more and more unique lots with these items. This list could potentially get longer and longer over time so be sure to check back frequently for all my favorites.
SixamCC
Peacemaker
MAX20
PandaSama
HeyHarrie
LittleDica
Ravasheen
SurelySims
Pierisim
Myshunosun
Marvell
Amoebae
Gameplay
I think I saved the best for last, because gameplay is the most immersive experience in the Sims 4 you can have, AND these mods only amplify that experience by a million. I’ve listed only my essentials that give a strong foundation of added gameplay, most of which are base game compatible! This is important to note and pay attention to, as some mods will require functions only provided in specific DLC packs that not everyone finds a reason to purchase.
Remember to pay close attention to the download instructions and requirements for each of these mods!
Plumlace’s Mods
Be sure to check out Plumlace if you haven’t yet! My bestie creates some of the most enjoyable mods out there to enhance your gameplay. From from interactive traits, Like in her Baby Drama and Sugar Baby mod, to having your own Personal Assistant, these are some of my top Must Have mods in game. Pregnancy Cravings is also one of my favorites. That’s one major thing the game lacked in terms of the pregnancy experience. Another of hers that is among my most favorites is Mental Wellness, where mental health really matters! I love experiencing the real truth of mental health in the game, as that is something I personally have struggled with too.
Lumpinou’s Mods
Experience more milestones, enhanced relationship dynamics, and a more realistic pregnancy experiences with many of Lumpinou’s mods. My favorite of all is RPO- Relationship and Pregnancy Overhaul. I’ve had the pleasure of testing and using this massive mod that gives my game such a great enhancement in these areas. You can also explore more relationship related mods from Lumpinou including First Impressions, Open Love Life, and No Strings Attached.
SimRealist Mods
SimRealist is an incredible modder who has brought many of life’s realism into the game with mods focused on bills, banking, real estate, hair growth, and more! The best thing about their mods is you can also download the entire experience all in one, for free!
m0therx0fxcha0s 