Building in The Sims 4 is one of the game’s most creative and rewarding features. Players have the freedom to design everything from simple starter homes to extravagant mansions. But like any creative tool, the build mode comes with its limitations — unless you know how to “cheat the build.”

In this context, “cheating the build” doesn’t mean breaking the game. It means using in-game commands, shortcuts, and advanced tools to bypass restrictions, unlock hidden features, and elevate your designs beyond what’s possible through standard gameplay.

Here are the most common and powerful ways players cheat the build in The Sims 4:

1. MoveObjects Cheat

Code: bb.moveobjects

This cheat allows you to place objects anywhere, ignoring the grid and spacing limitations. Want to overlap furniture? Stack decor? Tuck items into tight corners or float them midair? This is your go-to cheat. It unlocks endless creative potential by removing object placement rules.

2. Unlock Hidden Items

Code:
bb.showhiddenobjects
bb.showliveeditobjects

These two cheats unlock a wealth of items typically hidden in the game’s catalog — from debug items like street signs and clutter, to landscaping pieces, cars, fences, and more. These assets are used in pre-built lots and environments but aren’t normally available to players. Once unlocked, they can bring a unique, lived-in look to your builds.

3. Scale Objects

Hold Shift + ] to make an object bigger, or Shift + [ to make it smaller. This cheat is essential for customizing proportions — making plants more dramatic, making clutter pieces fit tight spaces, or creating visual variety with decor items.

4. Elevate or Lower Objects

Hold Ctrl + 9 to raise an object, or Ctrl + 0 to lower it. This cheat is especially helpful when combined with bb.moveobjects. It lets you place items on shelves, stack objects, or float lights and plants at custom heights — adding dimension to your space.

5. Ignore Unlock Requirements

Code: bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement

This cheat unlocks all career and reward-based items that would otherwise require gameplay milestones. For builders, this is essential for accessing unique furniture and decor without grinding through in-game achievements.

6. Free Real Estate

Code: freerealestate on

While not technically a build cheat, this code allows you to move your Sims into any lot regardless of cost. It’s a useful way to test or play in your dream builds without budget limitations.

7. Use the Terrain Tool Creatively

The terrain manipulation tools can be used to sculpt hills, create raised platforms, or fake basements and sunken gardens. While not a cheat code, mastering this tool feels like cheating the game’s visual limitations and allows for more dramatic landscaping and lot design.

8. Custom Camera Controls

Use the TAB key to enter free camera mode in Build/Buy. This gives you full control of the viewing angle and is especially helpful when placing items in tight or vertical spaces. It also helps you take cleaner screenshots of your builds.

9. Room Cloning and Blueprint Tricks

Copy entire rooms and use them as templates throughout your build. Save frequently used layouts to your gallery. This doesn’t break any rules, but it significantly speeds up the creative process and can feel like a shortcut when used skillfully.

The Balance of Creative Freedom

Cheating the build in The Sims 4 isn’t about undermining the game — it’s about unlocking its full creative potential. These tools and commands give players the ability to design without limits, bringing more realism, imagination, and personality to each build.

When used thoughtfully, these cheats turn you from a player into a designer. And once you learn how to cheat the build, you’ll never go back to playing by the default rules again.