How to Install Sims 4 Mods Step by Step

If you just want the short version: download the mod, extract it if it came in a .zip, move the .package or .ts4script file into your Mods folder, enable mods in The Sims 4 settings, and restart the game completely. That is the full install flow for most Sims 4 mods.

Quick answer

1. Download the mod file.
2. If the download is zipped, extract it first.
3. Move the mod into Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods.
4. Open Game Options -> Other in The Sims 4.
5. Turn on Enable Custom Content and Mods.
6. Turn on Script Mods Allowed if the mod includes script files.
7. Restart the game.

If you are brand new to modding, keep the file directly inside the main Mods folder for your first install. It makes troubleshooting much easier.

Where is the Sims 4 Mods folder?

On Windows, the default path is:

Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods

On Mac, the default path is:

Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods

If you do not see a Mods folder yet, launch The Sims 4 once and the game should create it automatically.

How to install Sims 4 mods step by step

1. Download the mod

Most Sims 4 creators distribute mods as .package files, .ts4script files, or a .zip that contains one or both. A .package file is the most common format for custom content, overrides, and map replacements.

2. Extract the download if needed

If the download came as a .zip, open it and extract the files first. Do not leave the mod inside the archive. The Sims 4 cannot read a mod while it is still zipped.

3. Move the mod into the Mods folder

Drag the .package or .ts4script file into your Mods folder. For a clean first install, avoid burying it in lots of subfolders. Keeping the file easy to find will save time later when you update or remove it.

4. Enable mods in the game

Open The Sims 4 and go to Game Options -> Other.

Turn on:

• Enable Custom Content and Mods
• Script Mods Allowed if your download includes script files

Click Apply Changes.

5. Restart the game completely

The Sims 4 needs a full restart before newly installed mods appear. Closing back to the main menu is not enough. Exit the game and open it again.

6. Check the startup mod list

When the game launches, The Sims 4 usually shows a list of installed custom content and script mods. That is a quick way to confirm the files were detected.

How to install Chatelain map replacements

Chatelain map replacements are simple .package mods, so the process is even easier:

1. Download the map replacement.
2. Move the .package file into your Sims 4 Mods folder.
3. Make sure custom content is enabled in-game.
4. Restart The Sims 4.
5. Open the world map and the new version should appear automatically.

You do not need a new save for a map replacement. Existing saves work fine.

If you are updating one of our maps, remove the old file before adding the new one. Keeping two versions of the same replacement in Mods is one of the most common reasons a visual mod does not update correctly.

If you want a quick place to browse them, the full library lives on the Chatelain map gallery.

Common problems when Sims 4 mods do not work

The mod is not showing up in the game

Check these first:

• The file is extracted and is not still inside a .zip
• The file is inside Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods
• Enable Custom Content and Mods is turned on
• You fully restarted the game after installing
• You do not have an old version of the same mod still sitting in Mods

The game turned my mods off after an update

This happens a lot after official Sims 4 patches. Open Game Options -> Other, turn the mod settings back on, then restart again.

The mod conflicts with something else

Two mods that edit the same feature can clash. If something breaks right after a new install, remove the newest mod first and test again. For map replacements, you should only keep one replacement per world.

The file downloaded but my browser warned me about it

Some browsers treat .package files as unfamiliar downloads. That warning does not automatically mean the file is dangerous. If you trust the creator and source, you can usually keep the file and continue.

I updated a mod and it still looks old in game

Delete the previous version from the Mods folder, add the new one, and restart. If the old behavior still appears, clear localthumbcache.package in your main The Sims 4 folder and relaunch.

Best practices before installing lots of mods

• Back up your saves before large mod changes.
• Add new mods in small batches instead of fifty at once.
• Keep file names readable so you know what belongs to what.
• Remove outdated versions when you update a mod.
• Read the creator's notes in case a mod needs an extra dependency.

That last point matters most for gameplay mods. Visual overrides and map replacements are usually much simpler to install than full systems mods.

Frequently asked questions

Can I install Sims 4 mods on Mac?

Yes. The process is the same on Mac: download the files, move them into Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods, enable mods in the game settings, and restart The Sims 4.

Do I need to enable Script Mods Allowed for every mod?

No. Pure .package content such as clothing, build items, overrides, and most map replacements usually only need Enable Custom Content and Mods. You only need Script Mods Allowed when the mod includes script functionality.

Do Sims 4 mods break saves?

Most mods do not destroy saves by themselves, but large gameplay mods can leave behind missing interactions or objects if you remove them carelessly. If a save matters to you, make a backup before major mod changes.

Can I install more than one mod at the same time?

Yes. Most players use many mods together. The only real issue is compatibility: two mods that try to change the same thing can conflict with each other.

Can I use Chatelain map replacements in old saves?

Yes. Our map replacements work in existing saves and new saves alike. They are visual replacements, so the new map appears the next time you open that world.

How do I update a Sims 4 mod safely?

Delete the old version first, add the new files after that, then restart the game. If the creator includes special update steps, follow those too.

Where should beginners start?

Start with one simple mod, ideally a visual override or map replacement, so you can confirm your folder and settings are correct before installing heavier gameplay mods.

If you are looking for that kind of easy first install, browse the Chatelain collection or keep the more detailed help page handy while you set everything up.