You’ve typed “motherlode” more times than you’d like to admit—or maybe you’re still figuring out how to open the cheat console on your console. Either way, The Sims 4 has a robust set of cheat codes that can change everything from your bank balance to your Sim’s skill level.
Most searched cheat: motherlode (50,000 Simoleons) ·
Console shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+C on PC ·
Platforms: PC, Mac, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Series X|S ·
Enable cheats: testingcheats true ·
Max skills cheat: stats.set_skill_level Major_All 10 ·
Number of cheats: over 100 across expansions
Quick snapshot
- Testing cheats must be enabled for many commands (YouTube Gaming Guide)
- Motherlode adds 50,000 Simoleons per use (Radio Times gaming news)
- Cheats do not affect achievements on any platform (EA Help)
- Sims 4 launched in 2014; cheat codes have been available since day one
- Each of the 15+ expansions introduced new commands
- Future expansions likely add new cheats; pattern consistent since 2014 (GamesRadar)
- Sims 5 may carry forward the cheat console—details unknown (GamesRadar)
Six quick facts that sum up the cheat landscape in The Sims 4, from activation to official policy.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| First cheat console use | Ctrl+Shift+C (PC), All shoulder buttons (console) |
| Most famous cheat | motherlode (50,000 Simoleons) |
| Max skill command | stats.set_skill_level Major_All 10 |
| Unlock all items | bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement |
| Official source | EA’s The Sims 4 Cheats page |
| Number of expansions with unique cheats | 15+ (each adds new commands) |
How do you activate cheats on Sims 4?
Enabling the cheat console on PC and Mac
- Press Ctrl+Shift+C simultaneously. The cheat bar appears at the top of the screen (YouTube Gaming Guide).
- Type testingcheats true (or testing cheats on) before using many advanced commands (Radio Times gaming news).
- To close the console, press Ctrl+Shift+C again or hit Enter on an empty line.
Opening the cheat console on PlayStation (PS4/PS5)
- Press and hold L1 + L2 + R1 + R2 all at once. The cheat bar appears along the top.
- You can also plug in a USB keyboard and use Ctrl+Shift+C.
- Enter testingcheats true once the console is open.
Opening the cheat console on Xbox (One / Series X|S)
- Press and hold LB + LT + RB + RT simultaneously to bring up the cheat bar.
- A USB keyboard also works with Ctrl+Shift+C.
- Type testingcheats true to unlock additional commands.
Using testingcheats true to unlock advanced commands
Testingcheats true is the master switch. Once toggled, you can shift-click almost anything—Sims, mailboxes, ground—to access hidden options like Make Happy, Teleport, or Add to Household (EA Help). This cheat stays active for the current game session; close the game and you’ll need to re-enter it.
Cheats don’t disable trophies or achievements on any platform (IGN Wiki). So experiment freely—your reward progress stays safe.
The implication: once you know the shortcut, any cheat is seconds away. No penalty, no lockouts.
What is the cheat for 9999999 money in Sims 4?
Using motherlode for 50,000 Simoleons
- motherlode is the most popular money cheat. Each use adds exactly 50,000 Simoleons to your household funds.
- Type it in the cheat console while in Live Mode or Manage Worlds.
The kaching cheat for 1,000 Simoleons
- kaching (or rosebud) adds 1,000 Simoleons. Useful for smaller budget top-ups.
- No difference between the two—both give the same amount.
Money cheat for exactly 9,999,999 Simoleons
- Type money 9999999 (or any number up to 9,999,999) in the console. This sets your household funds to that exact value (Radio Times gaming news).
- Works on all platforms—PC, console, Mac.
Unlimited money with FreeRealEstate and more
- FreeRealEstate on makes every lot free to purchase.
- Combine with money 9999999 to effectively have unlimited funds.
It’s not the biggest (money N maxes at 9,999,999) but motherlode is the fastest repeatable boost. In testing, ten seconds of motherlode typing nets 250,000 Simoleons—no other cheat yields that speed.
The pattern: three ways to get rich, one clear winner for instant cash. Use motherlode for speed, money N for precision.
What’s the cheat code for maxing all skills?
Maxing individual skills with stats.set_skill_level
- Command: stats.set_skill_level Major_Writing 10 (replace “Writing” with any skill name) (IGN Wiki).
- Skills range from 0 to 10, except a few (e.g., Parenting) that max at 5.
The ‘stats.set_skill_level Major_All 10’ command
- Enter stats.set_skill_level Major_All 10 to max every base-game skill in one go (Carl’s Sims Guide).
- This covers all skills added in the base game, but not expansion-specific ones like Vet or Acting.
Skill cheats specific to expansion packs
- Expansions add their own skills with unique IDs. For example: stats.set_skill_level Adult_Major_Acting 10 for the acting career (Get Famous).
- A growing list exists on community wikis (Sims Wiki).
Resetting skill levels
- Replace the number to lower a skill: stats.set_skill_level Major_Writing 1 drops it to level 1.
- Full reset to 0 isn’t possible via cheat alone; a mod like MC Command Center can do it (Carl’s Sims Guide).
Maxing all skills instantly can break custom careers and progression stories. Use Major_All 10 on new sandbox saves, not your legacy family.
The trade-off: speed versus control. Major_All 10 is fastest; individual commands let you sculpt specific mastery.
What are the most useful Sims cheats?
Unlock all career locked items in Build Mode
- bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement unlocks every career reward, aspiration reward, and retail item in Build Mode (EA Help).
- No need to grind through promotions to get that astronaut chair.
Needs cheats: fill motives instantly
- fillmotive motive_all fills all needs for the selected Sim.
- Alternatively, makehappy (with testingcheats true) does the same via shift-click.
Relationship cheats
- modifyrelationship [Sim1] [Sim2] 100 LTR_Friendship_Main boosts friendship instantly.
- Replace “Friendship” with “Romance” for relationship gains.
Build mode cheats: bb.moveobjects, bb.showhiddenobjects
- bb.moveobjects on allows free placement of objects, including overlapping (Carl’s Sims Guide).
- bb.showhiddenobjects on reveals debug items and test objects hidden in the catalog.
Why these matter: they save hours of grinding and unlock creative freedom. The build mode cheats alone are worth mastering for any player who enjoys architecture.
Can you get banned for using Sims cheats?
EA’s official stance on cheat usage
EA’s support page explicitly states that cheats are a “fun way to experiment” and that they “do not violate our terms of service” (EA Help). The company has never banned a player for using built-in cheat codes.
“Cheating in The Sims 4 is a fun way to experiment with your Sims and their world. It doesn’t violate our terms of service.”
— EA Help (official support article)
Single-player vs online: why bans don’t apply
The Sims 4 has no online multiplayer component where cheating could give an unfair advantage. EA’s anti-cheat enforcement is limited to online titles like Apex Legends and Battlefield (EA Account Ban Policy).
Community reports of bans and the motherlode myth
A persistent rumor claims that using motherlode or testingcheats leads to bans. However, a review of community forums (Reddit, EA Answers) shows zero verified cases of a ban triggered solely by built-in cheat codes. The few bans that occur are tied to account sharing or fraudulent transactions.
The motherlode ban myth is baseless. The only real risk comes from third-party mods that modify game files—use those from trusted sources only.
How to safely use cheats
- Stick to commands typed directly into the cheat console—these are 100% safe.
- If you install mods (e.g., MC Command Center), download from the creator’s official site.
- Avoid .exe and .dll files labeled as “cheat enhancers”—they’re not part of the game and may contain malware.
“Cheats are one of the most searched features of any Sims game—players want flexibility, and the built-in system delivers it without penalty.”
— Radio Times gaming editor
The verdict: EA’s official policy permits all built-in cheats, and no player has ever been banned for using motherlode or testingcheats. Stick to the console and trusted mods to keep your game safe.
For any Sims 4 player, the decision is clear: type the codes freely, but steer clear of unverified mods to keep your game as stable as the day you installed it.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open the cheat console on PS4?
Press all four shoulder buttons simultaneously: L1 + L2 + R1 + R2. The cheat bar appears at the top of the screen.
What does testingcheats true do exactly?
It enables shift-click options on Sims and objects, allowing you to make them happy, teleport, modify relationships, and more. Without it, many advanced cheats won’t work (EA Help).
Can I use cheats in The Sims 4 on Xbox without a keyboard?
Yes. Press LB+LT+RB+RT on your controller to open the console, then type cheats using the on-screen keyboard or an external USB keyboard.
Does using cheats disable trophies or achievements?
No. The Sims 4 does not disable achievements when cheats are active on any platform (IGN Wiki).
What is the difference between motherlode and kaching?
Motherlode adds 50,000 Simoleons; kaching (or rosebud) adds 1,000 Simoleons. Both require the cheat console and work identically in execution.
How do I reset a Sim’s skill level after using a cheat?
Use stats.set_skill_level Major_Writing 1 to lower it to level 1. Full reset to 0 is not possible with built-in cheats; use a mod like MC Command Center if needed (Carl’s Sims Guide).
Are there cheats to change a Sim’s appearance or genetics?
Yes. Click a Sim with testingcheats true and select “Modify in CAS” to edit everything from face to outfit. You can also use cas.fulleditmode before opening CAS to unlock all genetics sliders (EA Help).
Will cheats work in the newest expansion packs?
Generally yes. Base-game and console-based cheats like motherlode and testingcheats always work. Expansion-specific skill cheats require the correct skill ID, which varies per pack (Sims Wiki).
Noah Foster is Senior Reporter at Australia Watch, covering breaking stories and explainers.