Cheats

In video games, a cheat is a feature, added by the game developers and hidden from normal gameplay that changes the game mechanics. In The Sims series, cheats are typically activated through entering codes into a text window, which can be opened by a key combination (usually ). Cheats may also be in the form of game glitches or bugs, which are purposefully exploited to bring about some benefit not originally intended by the game developers.

Cheats are used mainly to improve gameplay by eliminating certain challenges or obstacles. Cheats can also be activated to aid in story telling, to fix bugs or glitches in the game, or just for the enjoyment of the player. The term "cheat" applies to every use of these hidden codes or features, regardless of whether the cheats give the player an unearned advantage. Thus a player can use cheats without "cheating" the game, though this depends on which cheats are used and how.

Cheat Console
The cheat console is a text box that can be used to enter cheats, and to activate or deactivate cheats. The cheat console is opened during game play by holding down and  and pressing. The cheat can then be typed into the box and activated by pressing. Cheats can be repeated by adding after the code. Ending the code with will repeat the cheat indefinitely until the player either closes the cheat box or removes the semicolon.

Some versions of Windows may have set to another program or function, in which case  may need to be used to open the cheat console instead.

Cheat Shortcuts

 * or, then the cheat, then or
 * Hold all shoulder buttons ( + +  +  for PS2,  +  for GameCube and  +  for Xbox) and type the correct cheat
 * Press the buttons in order to activate a cheat (a sound will be played) and locate the cheat objects
 * Pause the game and hold, , , & (PS3) or , , ,  (Xbox 360)

The Sims 3 Console Games
Pause the game and hold, , &  (PS3) or , , ,  (Xbox 360)

Unlike preceding games of The Sims console games as well as The Sims 3, cheats will now cause a penalty as it disables Challenges and Trophies (PS3) or achievements (Xbox 360). If the player is about to use cheats, the game will warn them by displaying a message as seen below.

Cheat message dialogs
When, , , & (PS3) or , , ,  (Xbox 360) are pressed:
 * The Sims 3

Are you sure you want to enable cheats?

If you save your game with cheats enabled, that game will no longer be able to complete Challenges or Trophies.

If the player selects '''I understand. Let the cheating begin!''', a prompt is displayed asking if the player wants to save:

Would you like to save a copy of your current game without cheats enabled so that you can later resume your cheats-free, Challenges-enabled progress?

The Sims 3 will display an additional message: Cheats are now enabled!

'''Spoot the Magic Llama is now available for free in the Miscellaneous Decor section of Buy Mode. All cheats are available as interactions on the llama. You may place it on your home lot or use it from your inventory at any time.'''

If you want to resume playing without cheats, you must either load a game that does not have cheats enabled or start a new game.


 * The Sims 3 Pets

When, , , & (PS3) or , , ,  (Xbox 360) are pressed:

Are you sure you want to enable Creation Mode?

If you save your game with it enabled, you will no longer be able to complete Challenges or Trophies.

If '''I understand. Let the cheating begin!''' is selected, a dialog is displayed asking if the player wants to save:

Would you like to save a copy of your current game without Creation Mode enabled so that you can later resume your cheats-free, Challenges-enabled progress?

The message is then displayed:

Creation Mode enabled!

By game

 * The Sims
 * The Sims (console)
 * The Sims 2
 * The Sims 2: University
 * The Sims 2: Nightlife
 * The Sims 2: Open for Business
 * The Sims 2: Pets
 * The Sims 2: Seasons
 * The Sims 2: Bon Voyage
 * The Sims 2: FreeTime
 * The Sims 2: Apartment Life
 * The Sims 2: Mansion &amp; Garden Stuff
 * The Sims 2 (console)
 * The Sims 2 (Nintendo DS)
 * The Sims 3
 * The Sims 3: World Adventures
 * The Sims 3 (console)
 * The Sims 4

By type

 * testingcheatsenabled
 * Tombstone of Life and Death
 * Sim Modder
 * Rodney's Death Creator
 * Build Cheats
 * Moveobjects
 * Gameplay Cheats
 * Money cheats
 * Storytelling
 * Neighborhood Cheats
 * Miscellaneous Cheats

Note

 * On The Sims 2 for PS2 cheats might not work on the first try.