Is The Sims 4 multiplayer? Co-op mods, The Sims 5 & more

Is The Sims 4 multiplayer? Co-op mods, The Sims 5 & more
Images via Maxis | EA

Written by 

Kiera Mills

Published 

11th Jul 2023 11:36

Contents

If you're wondering whether is The Sims 4 multiplayer, we've got the answer to that question and more below. Even though The Sims 4 originally launched in 2014, it's still going strong and has since been released across PS4 and Xbox One.

The game has even gone free-to-play and continues to release highly anticipated packs like the upcoming Sims 4: Horse Ranch Expansion Pack.

If you're a fan of The Sims 4 and wish to play it with your friends, read below and we'll give you all the details regarding multiplayer, as well as everything we know so far regarding multiplayer in The Sims 5 and the best multiplayer mods available.

Does The Sims 4 have multiplayer?

The Sims 4 Seasons promotional image
Click to enlarge

Currently, there is no multiplayer system in place in The Sims 4, despite it being a commonly asked question from The Sims fans.

Previous forays into multiplayer for the franchise have included The Sims Online in 2002 and The Sims: Bustin' Out in 2003, both of which had their servers shut down in 2008.

As of writing, no concrete promises have been issued on the matter of multiplayer from developers, Maxis. The franchise seems to be focusing on delivering consistent Expansions and Game Packs as it has for the previous 10 years. 

The Sims 4 multiplayer mod

Sims 4 Eco Living promotional image
Click to enlarge

The Sims 4 multiplayer mod is currently the only way to play The Sims 4 with your friends. Created by S4MP, this mod allows you to play as a Sim in a shared household with your friends online, or via a local connection.

The mod has been in circulation since 2019 and is continually updated to work in tandem with new Sims Packs and Expansions.

To use the mod, you'll first need to:

  • Download the mod
  • Unzip the file if needed and move it to your mods folder via Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods
  • Enable script mods in the game settings menu in The Sims 4
  • Make sure you have the same save file as your friends

While this mod is well established and has featured across many Sims players' channels, as always, use discretion when downloading - as mods can affect gameplay and save files. We'd recommend making sure to back up your saves first to ensure you have something to fall back on.

Will The Sims 5 be multiplayer?

Screenshots of the Project Rene announcement reveal at The Sims Summit
Click to enlarge

We know that The Sims 5 is on the way, codenamed Project Rene. During the Behind The Sims community livestream we received early gameplay footage and further details about the game. Project Rene Game Director, Grant Rodiek, stated:

“Project Rene is not an MMO. It is not this public, shared space where everything you do is always with other people. You can play on your own on your terms and then again, when you want, you can invite others to come and play with you."

This is the strongest indication we've received that The Sims 5 will straddle the lines between single-player and multiplayer, with the option to invite friends to your game if you wish.

Now you know that while The Sims 4 isn't multiplayer by default, you can use a mod to play with friends.

Kiera Mills
About the author
Kiera Mills
Kiera is a former GGRecon Guides Writer.
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