The Sims 4 offers a vast and engaging world where you can control every aspect of your Sims’ lives. One of the most rewarding aspects of the game is watching your Sims develop their skills, from cooking and painting to writing and fitness. However, sometimes you might want to speed up the process or bypass the grind altogether. That’s where cheats come in! This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to use cheats to boost your Sims’ skills, allowing you to tailor your gameplay experience to your preferences.
Understanding Sims 4 Skill Cheats
Skill cheats in The Sims 4 are commands that you enter into the game’s cheat console to instantly increase or decrease a Sim’s skill level. These cheats are a fantastic tool for players who want to focus on other aspects of the game, like building and storytelling, or for those who simply want to experiment with different skill levels without spending hours on repetitive tasks. It’s also beneficial if you are working on a specific scenario and need your Sim to have a particular skill quickly.
Why Use Skill Cheats?
There are many valid reasons to use skill cheats in The Sims 4. Perhaps you want to quickly advance a Sim’s career that requires specific skills. Maybe you’re creating a storyline where a Sim is already a master of a particular skill. Or, maybe you just don’t enjoy the tedious process of leveling up certain skills. Whatever your reason, skill cheats provide a convenient way to customize your game.
Potential Drawbacks
While skill cheats offer numerous benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential drawbacks. Over-reliance on cheats can diminish the sense of accomplishment that comes from legitimately developing your Sim’s skills. It can also make the game feel less challenging and reduce the motivation to engage with the game’s core mechanics. Some players might find that using cheats excessively leads to a less rewarding and immersive experience. Remember to use cheats responsibly and consider the impact they might have on your overall gameplay.
Enabling the Cheat Console
Before you can start using skill cheats, you need to access the cheat console. Here’s how to do it on different platforms:
- PC: Press Ctrl + Shift + C simultaneously.
- Mac: Press Command + Shift + C simultaneously.
- PlayStation 4/5: Press L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 simultaneously.
- Xbox One/Series X/S: Press LB + LT + RB + RT simultaneously.
A text box will appear at the top of the screen. This is where you’ll enter your cheat codes.
TestingCheats True: The Key to Unlocking Cheats
Before you can use most cheats, including skill cheats, you need to enable testing cheats. In the cheat console, type testingcheats true and press Enter. You should see a message confirming that testing cheats are enabled. This command unlocks a wider range of cheat functionalities within the game, allowing you to manipulate various aspects of your Sims’ lives and the game environment. You’ll need to re-enter this cheat each time you start a new game session. Without this activated, most cheats will not work.
The Skill Cheat Format
The basic format for skill cheats in The Sims 4 is:
stats.set_skill_level [Skill ID] [Skill Level]
Let’s break down each part:
- stats.set_skill_level: This is the base command that tells the game you want to set a skill level.
- [Skill ID]: This is the unique identifier for the specific skill you want to modify. Each skill has a different ID.
- [Skill Level]: This is the desired skill level, ranging from 1 to the maximum level for that particular skill (usually 5 or 10, but sometimes varies).
Finding the Correct Skill ID
The Skill ID is crucial for the cheat to work correctly. Here’s a list of common skill IDs:
- Major_Acting: Acting
- Major_Baking: Baking
- Major_Bartending: Mixology
- Major_Comedy: Comedy
- Major_Fishing: Fishing
- Major_Fitness: Fitness
- Major_Gardening: Gardening
- Major_Guitar: Guitar
- Major_Handiness: Handiness
- Major_HomestyleCooking: Cooking
- Major_Logic: Logic
- Major_Painting: Painting
- Major_Photography: Photography
- Major_Piano: Piano
- Major_Programming: Programming
- Major_RocketScience: Rocket Science
- Major_Singing: Singing
- Major_VideoGaming: Video Gaming
- Major_Violin: Violin
- Major_Writing: Writing
- Skill_Child_Creativity: Creativity (Child)
- Skill_Child_Mental: Mental (Child)
- Skill_Child_Motor: Motor (Child)
- Skill_Child_Social: Social (Child)
- Skill_Toddler_Communication: Communication (Toddler)
- Skill_Toddler_Imagination: Imagination (Toddler)
- Skill_Toddler_Movement: Movement (Toddler)
- Skill_Toddler_Potty: Potty (Toddler)
- Skill_Toddler_Thinking: Thinking (Toddler)
Remember to use the exact spelling and capitalization as shown in the list.
Examples of Skill Cheats in Action
Let’s look at some practical examples of how to use skill cheats.
Boosting a Sim’s Cooking Skill
Suppose you want to increase your Sim’s cooking skill to level 10. You would enter the following cheat into the console:
stats.set_skill_level Major_HomestyleCooking 10
This command will instantly set your Sim’s cooking skill to the maximum level.
Improving a Child’s Mental Skill
If you want to boost a child Sim’s mental skill to level 5 (the maximum for children), you would use this cheat:
stats.set_skill_level Skill_Child_Mental 5
Mastering the Guitar
To make your Sim a guitar virtuoso with a skill level of 10, enter this cheat:
stats.set_skill_level Major_Guitar 10
Lowering a Skill Level
You can also use skill cheats to lower a Sim’s skill level. For example, if you want to reduce a Sim’s fitness skill to level 3, you would enter:
stats.set_skill_level Major_Fitness 3
Advanced Skill Cheat Techniques
Beyond simply setting a skill level, there are a few other advanced techniques you can use to fine-tune your skill cheats.
Targeting Specific Sims
By default, skill cheats affect the currently selected Sim. However, you can target a specific Sim by using their Sim ID. This is particularly useful when you have multiple Sims in your household.
- Find the Sim ID: First, you need to find the Sim ID of the Sim you want to target. To do this, enter the cheat sims.get_sim_id_by_name [First Name] [Last Name] (e.g., sims.get_sim_id_by_name Bella Goth). The game will display the Sim’s ID in the cheat console.
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Use the Sim ID in the Cheat: Once you have the Sim ID, you can use it in the skill cheat command. The format is:
stats.set_skill_level [Skill ID] [Skill Level] [Sim ID]
For example, if you want to give Bella Goth (Sim ID: 1234567890) a level 7 painting skill, you would enter:
stats.set_skill_level Major_Painting 7 1234567890
Using Skill Points Instead of Levels
While the stats.set_skill_level command is the most common way to adjust skills, you can also add skill points directly. This is useful if you want to give a Sim a small boost without instantly maxing out their skill. The command is:
stats.give_skill_points [Skill ID] [Number of Points]
For example, to give a Sim 500 skill points in writing, you would enter:
stats.give_skill_points Major_Writing 500
Keep in mind that the number of skill points required to reach each level varies depending on the skill.
Skills from Expansion, Game, and Stuff Packs
Many expansion, game, and stuff packs add new skills to The Sims 4. These skills also have their own unique IDs that you can use with skill cheats. Here are some examples:
- Major_Wellness: Wellness (Spa Day Game Pack)
- Major_Herbalism: Herbalism (Outdoor Retreat Game Pack)
- Major_Parenting: Parenting (Parenthood Game Pack)
- Minor_Media: Media Production (Get Famous Expansion Pack)
- Hidden_Skating: Skating (Seasons Expansion Pack)
- Major_FlowerArranging: Flower Arranging (Seasons Expansion Pack)
- Major_Archaeology: Archaeology (Jungle Adventure Game Pack)
- Major_ SelvadoradianCulture: Selvadoradian Culture (Jungle Adventure Game Pack)
- Major_Robotics: Robotics (Discover University Expansion Pack)
- Major_ResearchDebate: Research and Debate (Discover University Expansion Pack)
- Major_Fabrication: Fabrication (Eco Lifestyle Expansion Pack)
- Major_JuiceFizzing: Juice Fizzing (Eco Lifestyle Expansion Pack)
Remember to replace “[Skill ID]” with the correct ID from the list above and “[Skill Level]” with the desired skill level. For example, to give your Sim a level 5 Wellness skill, you would enter:
stats.set_skill_level Major_Wellness 5
Troubleshooting Skill Cheats
Sometimes, skill cheats may not work as expected. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Double-Check the Cheat: Make sure you’ve typed the cheat correctly, paying attention to spelling, capitalization, and spaces. Even a small error can prevent the cheat from working.
- Ensure Testing Cheats Are Enabled: As mentioned earlier, you need to enable testing cheats by typing testingcheats true in the cheat console before using skill cheats.
- Verify the Skill ID: Ensure you’re using the correct Skill ID for the skill you want to modify. Refer to the list of Skill IDs provided in this guide.
- Check for Mod Conflicts: If you’re using mods, they might be interfering with the cheat functionality. Try disabling your mods one by one to see if that resolves the issue.
- Update Your Game: Make sure your game is up to date with the latest patches and updates. Sometimes, older versions of the game may have compatibility issues with certain cheats.
By following these troubleshooting tips, you can usually resolve most issues with skill cheats.
Alternative Methods to Level Up Skills
While skill cheats are a quick and easy way to boost your Sims’ skills, there are also legitimate ways to level up skills within the game. These methods can be more rewarding in the long run, as they provide a sense of accomplishment and allow you to engage with the game’s core mechanics.
- Practice Regularly: The most straightforward way to improve a skill is to practice it regularly. For example, if you want to improve your Sim’s cooking skill, have them cook meals frequently.
- Take Classes: Some skills can be learned by taking classes. These classes provide a structured learning environment and can help your Sim level up their skills more quickly.
- Read Skill Books: Skill books are a great way to improve your Sim’s knowledge and understanding of a particular skill. You can purchase skill books from the bookstore or order them online.
- Use Skill-Boosting Objects: Certain objects in the game can help your Sim level up their skills faster. For example, an easel can help improve a Sim’s painting skill, while a treadmill can help improve their fitness skill.
- Join a Career: Many careers require specific skills. By joining a career that aligns with your Sim’s interests, you can level up their skills while also earning money.
By combining these methods with skill cheats, you can create a balanced and enjoyable gameplay experience.
What is the most basic cheat to enable skill cheating in Sims 4?
The foundational cheat you need to unlock the ability to manipulate skill levels in The Sims 4 is “testingcheats true”. Open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl+Shift+C on PC or Cmd+Shift+C on Mac. Then, type in “testingcheats true” (without the quotes) and press Enter. This enables a broader range of cheat functionalities, including those used for skill adjustments.
Without activating testingcheats, any subsequent skill-related cheats will not function correctly. It’s like flipping the switch to allow the game to accept and process these commands. Always remember to re-enter “testingcheats true” if you reload your game, as the effects are not persistent across sessions.
How can I instantly maximize a specific skill using cheats?
To instantly maximize a skill, use the “stats.set_skill_level” cheat command. The complete syntax is “stats.set_skill_level [SkillName] [SkillLevel]”. Replace “[SkillName]” with the internal name of the skill (e.g., Major_Guitar, Major_Logic) and “[SkillLevel]” with the desired skill level, usually 1 to 10 for most skills. For example, to max the Guitar skill, you’d enter “stats.set_skill_level Major_Guitar 10”.
Remember that the skill name must be precise; incorrect spelling or capitalization will render the cheat ineffective. Skill names can usually be found by searching online Sims 4 cheat lists. Once you’ve entered the cheat correctly, your Sim’s skill level will immediately jump to the specified level, saving you hours of in-game practice.
Are there skill cheats that affect child and toddler skills?
Yes, skill cheats work on child and toddler skills too, but they use different skill names and levels. For child skills, the cheat command structure remains the same: “stats.set_skill_level [SkillName] [SkillLevel]”. However, the skill names will reflect the child skill (e.g., Skill_Child_Creativity, Skill_Child_Motor) and the skill level usually ranges from 1 to 10.
For toddlers, the skill names are different, and the maximum level is lower, usually 5. Examples include “stats.set_skill_level Skill_Toddler_Communication 5” for maxing the Communication skill, or “stats.set_skill_level Skill_Toddler_Thinking 5” for the Thinking skill. Finding a reliable list of toddler and child skill names is essential for accurate cheat application.
What happens if I try to set a skill level higher than its maximum?
If you attempt to set a skill level beyond its maximum value using the “stats.set_skill_level” cheat, the game will generally cap the skill at its maximum level. For instance, if you try to set a Major skill to level 12 when the maximum is 10, the skill will simply be set to level 10.
The game is programmed to recognize these limits and prevent the skill level from exceeding them. This means you don’t need to worry about causing errors or breaking the game by accidentally entering too high of a number. The cheat will simply adjust the skill to its highest possible level.
Can I use skill cheats to remove skill points instead of adding them?
Yes, you can effectively remove skill points by using the “stats.set_skill_level” cheat to lower a skill level. Instead of entering a high number, enter a lower one. For example, if your Sim’s Cooking skill is at level 7 and you want to reduce it to level 3, you would enter “stats.set_skill_level Major_HomestyleCooking 3”.
This allows you to finely tune your Sim’s skill levels, making them more challenging or reflecting a period of disuse. You can even set a skill level to 0 to effectively remove all progress in that area. This provides a way to simulate skill regression or to reset a skill for gameplay purposes.
Are there any risks associated with using skill cheats in Sims 4?
While skill cheats are generally safe to use in The Sims 4, there are a few potential drawbacks. Over-reliance on cheats can diminish the sense of accomplishment that comes from legitimately developing skills. The game’s intended progression and challenges can be bypassed, potentially leading to a less engaging experience.
Also, using cheats excessively might reveal glitches or unexpected behaviors in the game, especially if used in conjunction with mods. It’s wise to save your game before using cheats extensively, providing a rollback point if any unforeseen issues arise. Use them judiciously to enhance, not replace, the gameplay.
Where can I find a complete list of all skill names to use with skill cheats?
The most reliable way to find a complete list of all skill names for use with skill cheats is to search online Sims 4 cheat websites and forums. Several dedicated Sims 4 community websites maintain up-to-date lists of skill names, often categorized by age group (toddler, child, adult) and skill type (major, minor).
Be sure to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy, as some lists may be outdated or incomplete. Look for resources that provide the exact skill names as they are recognized by the game engine, including proper capitalization and underscores. These lists are invaluable for efficient and accurate skill cheating.