MC Command Center » Sims 4 PC Controls: Cheats, Hot Keys, Shortcuts (Complete Guide) 2024
Sims 4 Cheat

Sims 4 PC Controls: Cheats, Hot Keys, Shortcuts (Complete Guide) 2024

sims 4 pc controls

Are you tired of fumbling around like a Sim with a low intelligence level while trying to master the Sims 4 PC controls? 

Don’t worry, we’ve got your back. As a seasoned Sims player, I can tell you firsthand that mastering the PC controls can make all the difference in your gameplay experience. 

Whether you’re trying to capture the perfect screenshot or building the mansion of your Sims’ dreams, knowing the right controls can make everything easier.

(and less frustrating)

So, grab a cup of coffee and settle in, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the world of Sims 4 PC controls. And trust me, you’ll want to pay attention because there are some serious shortcuts and hacks that will make your Sims life so much better.

How to Take Screenshots and Record Videos in The Sims 4

How to Take Screenshots and Record Videos in The Sims 4

If you’re a fan of The Sims 4, you’re probably always looking for ways to capture those perfect moments in the game. Luckily, taking screenshots and recording videos is incredibly easy with just a few simple hotkeys on your keyboard. With the press of a button, you can immortalise your Sims’ lives and adventures in high-quality images or videos. 

  • To take a screenshot, simply press the “C” key. 
  • If you want to record a video, just hit “V” to start and stop the recording. 

So don’t miss out on any memorable moments – use these hotkeys to capture them all!

Basic Sims 4 PC Controls for Beginners

The first thing you need to master are the basic controls that will allow you to function in the game smoothly. These controls are a must-know for any new player, and even seasoned veterans can benefit from brushing up on them. Bookmark this page or commit them to memory, because they will be the foundation for all your Sims 4 gameplay.

From navigating your way around your lot to controlling your Sims and accessing cheat codes, these hot keys are your keys to success. And with additional controls like adjusting camera angles, selecting your next Sim, and entering different game modes, you’ll be well on your way to creating the virtual world of your dreams. So let’s get started and master the basic Sims 4 PC controls!

To enhance your gameplay experience, familiarize yourself with these important hotkeys and shortcuts:

Camera Controls:

  • Raise walls: Use the Home key.
  • Lower walls: Utilize the End key.
  • Adjust camera angle: Push down the mouse wheel.
  • Zoom in and out: Scroll the mouse wheel.

Floor Navigation:

  • Move up one floor: Press Page Up.
  • Move down one floor: Press Page Down.

Sim Controls:

  • Locate a specific sim: Click on their picture while controlling.
  • Select the next sim in the household: Press Space.

Modes and Menus:

  • Centre your view on the lot: Hold Shift and press Enter.
  • Close menus: Press Esc.
  • Access cheat box: Press Ctrl + Shift + C.

Modes:

  • Enter live mode: Press F1.
  • Enter build mode: Press F2.

Remember, these shortcuts can significantly streamline your gameplay and improve your efficiency.

Navigating through the Simology Panel

Simology Panel

One of the most important menus in The Sims 4 is the Simology panel, which provides information about your Sims’ traits, skills, relationships, and more. To access it quickly, just hit the Y key on your keyboard in live mode. Once you’re in the panel, you’ll see several tabs at the top that let you switch between different categories of information. 

Here’s a rundown of what each tab does:

  • Overview: Shows your Sim’s age, gender, aspiration, traits, and current mood. 
  • Relationships: Displays your Sim’s current and past relationships with other Sims, including family, friends, and romantic partners. 
  • Skills: Shows your Sim’s progress and level in various skills, such as cooking, logic, and painting. 
  • Career: Provides information about your Sim’s current job, career performance, and work schedule. 
  • Aspirations: Reveals your Sim’s lifetime aspiration and progress towards completing it. 
  • Whims: Displays your Sim’s current whims, which are short-term goals that can earn satisfaction points. 

Navigating through the Simology panel can help you better understand your Sims’ personalities, needs, and goals, and make informed decisions about their actions and interactions.

So don’t be afraid to explore and experiment with different tabs and options, and see what insights you can gain from your Sims’ stories!

Speed Controls

Speed Controls

Are you tired of waiting for your Sims to do their daily routine in real-time? Do you wish there was a way to fast-forward through their mundane tasks and get straight to the good stuff? Well, good news! The Sims 4 has a set of speed controls that allow you to adjust the pace of the game to your liking.

Whether you’re a casual player who prefers a leisurely pace, or a hardcore gamer who wants to rush through everything, there’s a speed setting for you. Just hit the corresponding hot key on your keyboard and watch the magic happen. 

  • Want to go back to normal speed? No problem, just press 1. 
  • More? Press 2
  • Want to speed things up to 3x? Just hit 3. 
  • And if you need a break or want to take a closer look at something, press P to pause the game. 

So go ahead and experiment with these speed controls, and find the pace that works best for you and your Sims.

First Person Mode

First Person Mode

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to see the world from your Sims’ perspective? Well, wonder no more because the Sims 4 now has a first-person mode that allows you to experience the game like never before!

With this update, you can take a walk in your Sims’ shoes and see exactly what they’re seeing. But be warned, this feature might make you feel a little dizzy if you’re not used to it. 

  • To use the first-person mode, all you need to do is press the hotkey combination of Shift + Tab. 
  • And if you want to interact with objects without changing your camera angle, hold down the Shift key. 
  • Plus, you can use the mouse wheel to adjust how much you can see, so you can get the perfect angle on whatever you’re looking at. 

With first-person mode, you can get up close and personal with your Sims and experience their world like never before. It’s a great way to get a fresh perspective on your game and explore all the details that you might have missed before. So, give it a try and see what new adventures you can discover in your Sims’ world!

Build mode in Sims 4

Build mode in Sims 4

Are you a fan of The Sims 4’s build mode? If so, you’re in luck because there are plenty of hot keys that can make building and designing homes a breeze. From enabling different tools to rotating objects and even painting terrain, these controls can help you become a master builder in no time. 

Explore the world of build mode in The Sims 4 with these invaluable hotkeys. Join us as we dive into the essential shortcuts that will make your building endeavors a breeze!

Eyedropper Tool:

  • Press E to activate the Eyedropper Tool, perfect for quickly selecting colors and patterns already used in your build.

Sledgehammer Tool:

  • Utilise the K key to enable the Sledgehammer Tool, allowing you to demolish unwanted walls and objects effortlessly.

Design Tool:

  • Activate the Design Tool by pressing R, enabling you to adjust colors and textures of walls, floors, and objects in your build.

Undo:

  • Made a mistake? Simply press Ctrl + Z to undo your last action.

Grid On/Off:

  • Press G to toggle the grid on or off, offering symmetry and precision or freeing you to place objects more flexibly.

Wall Tool:

  • Use the B key to enable the Wall Tool, essential for adding walls to your build.

Quick Wall Deletion:

  • Hold Ctrl while using the Wall Tool to swiftly delete walls as needed.

Move Item to Household Inventory:

  • Holding Backspace while hovering over an object allows you to remove it from your build and place it in your household inventory instead of selling it.

Rotation:

  • Rotate selected items to the right with the period key (.), or rotate to the left with the comma key (,).

1/4 Floor Tiles:

  • Press Ctrl + F to access 1/4 floor tiles, enabling the creation of intricate floor designs.

Grid-Free Object Placement:

  • Hold Alt while holding an object to place it without any grid limitations, giving you full freedom in object placement.

Lighting Adjustment:

  • Use the L key to cycle through different lighting stages (morning, afternoon, evening, night), allowing you to view your build under various lighting conditions.

Quick Object Deletion:

  • Press Delete while holding an object to swiftly delete it from your build.

Terrain Painting:

  • Adjust brush size while painting terrain by using [ to make it smaller and ] to make it larger.
  • Soften the brush by pressing ; and make it harder by using ‘.

With these powerful hotkeys at your disposal, constructing your dream Sims 4 builds will be a delightful and efficient experience!

Knowing these build mode controls can save you a lot of time and make building your Sims’ dream homes even more fun. Happy building!

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, mastering the PC controls for The Sims 4 is the key to unlocking endless possibilities in the game. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, familiarizing yourself with these hot keys will make your gameplay experience smoother and more enjoyable. 

From navigating through the Simology panel to building your dream home with ease, these controls will help you bring your Sim’s world to life. So don’t be afraid to experiment and play around with them to find what works best for you. 

After all, in the world of The Sims 4, there are no limits to what you can create!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the PC controls for Sims 4?

The PC controls for Sims 4 include a variety of hotkeys and keyboard shortcuts that allow you to navigate through the game more efficiently. These controls can be found in different menus, such as the Build Mode, Live Mode, and Simology Panel. Some of the most useful hotkeys include ‘G’ to open the Aspiration Panel, ‘B’ to enable the Wall Tool, and ‘P’ to pause the game.

How do you control Sims with a keyboard?

To control Sims with a keyboard, you can use a combination of hotkeys and mouse clicks. The hotkeys allow you to perform specific actions, such as moving your Sim, interacting with objects, or accessing different menus. You can also use the arrow keys to move your camera around, and the spacebar to centre the camera on your active Sim.

How do you rotate the screen on Sims 4 on a laptop?

To rotate the screen on Sims 4 on a laptop, you can use the ‘R’ key to enable the Design Tool in Build Mode, and then use the comma and period keys to rotate your selected item to the left or right, respectively. You can also use the mouse wheel to adjust how much you can see in First Person Mode, or hold down the Alt key while using the Wall Tool to place items without grid limitation.

What does Alt F4 do in Sims 4?

Alt F4 is a universal keyboard shortcut that allows you to close the active window or program in Windows. In Sims 4, using Alt F4 will immediately quit the game and close the application. Therefore, it’s important to use this shortcut carefully and only when you want to exit the game.

Can you customise the PC controls in Sims 4?

Yes, you can customise the PC controls in Sims 4 to suit your preferences. To do this, you can go to the Game Options menu, select Controls, and then click on Customise Controls. From there, you can assign different actions to different keys or mouse buttons, or even create your own custom hotkeys.

How do you move objects up and down in Build Mode? 

To move objects up and down in Build Mode, you can hold down the Alt key and use the mouse wheel to adjust the height of the selected item. Alternatively, you can use the Page Up and Page Down keys to move the item up or down one level at a time.

How do you speed up or slow down time in Sims 4?

To speed up or slow down time in Sims 4, you can use the plus (+) and minus (-) keys on your keyboard. Pressing the plus key will speed up time, while pressing the minus key will slow down time. You can also use the ‘1’, ‘2’, and ‘3’ keys to switch between different game speeds.

How do you take screenshots in Sims 4?

To take screenshots in Sims 4, you can use the ‘C’ key to open the Camera Controls menu, and then click on the camera icon to take a screenshot. Alternatively, you can use the ‘Tab’ key to hide the User Interface, and then use a third-party tool, such as Snipping Tool or Greenshot, to capture a screenshot of your game.

About the author

Shubhi Singh

Shubhi is a philosophy major who is passionate about many things, including gaming and computers. She can be found learning the dynamics of the sims world when she's not writing about it. Her love for this life-simulation game, coupled with her amazing writing skills, helps us understand the game's know-how in the best way possible.

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment