Simoleons Savvy: Mastering Money in The Sims 2 and Sims 4 (and Maybe Even the DS Version)
In The Sims, money matters. Simoleons are vital. Without them, your digital life falters. Whether you’re building homes or managing relationships, financial success is your goal. Let’s explore money-making strategies in The Sims 2, Sims 4, and the DS version.
1. Getting More Money on Sims 2 DS: Risky Business and Legit Hustles
The Nintendo DS brings a unique Sims experience. In The Sims 2 DS, you have ways to earn Simoleons.
The Money Making Machine: Tread Carefully, Simmer!
Strangetown Hotel features a device called the Money Making Machine. It’s hidden in The Vault. This machine can produce 10 Simoleons at a time. But beware! It’s illegal in Strangetown and can land your Sim in jail.
If caught, bail is set at 200 Simoleons. So, consider this risk before using the machine. A mere 10 Simoleons might not be worth a jail sentence. Treat it like a high-risk game for low reward. Learn more about the Money Making Machine here.
The Honest (and Less Risky) Grind in Sims 2 DS
If you prefer legal methods, Sims 2 DS has options.
- Hotel Hospitality: Run a hotel. Each guest brings in cash. More attraction equals more income.
- Games of Chance: Try games in Strangetown for cash. Keelhaulin’, Slot Machines, and Lottery Machines offer payouts but don’t lose sight of the odds.
- Collectible Commerce: Collectibles can be sold for Simoleons. Explore to find hidden treasures that can turn a profit.
- Artful Earnings: Create art if your Sim is crafty. Selling art can lead to significant earnings.
- Musical Money: Play music on the Music Mixer for income. Music can be profitable.
- Vacuuming Ventures: Vacuum to uncover hidden items that can be sold for cash.
- Metal Detecting Riches: Use a Metal Detector on your Sim’s journey to uncover valuable items.
Sims 2 DS offers various pathways to earn Simoleons without risking jail. Choose your strategy wisely.
2. Cheat Codes for Money: The Digital Sugar Rush (Sims 2 & 4 PC/Console)
Cheat codes provide quick financial solutions or total control over bank accounts. They function like finding cash in old pockets—exciting and instant gratification.
Sims 2 (PC) Money Cheats: Classic Simoleon Spells
The Sims 2 on PC introduced iconic cheat codes. Here’s what you need to know:
- `kaching`: Entering `kaching` gives you 1,000 Simoleons. A quick and effective money boost.
- `motherlode`: Activate `motherlode` for 50,000 Simoleons. Ideal for fund expansion or unique purchases.
- `familyFunds [last name] [#]`: This allows helpful funds management for households. Change `[last name]` and `[ #]` to update finances accurately. Check more Sims 2 cheats at GamesRadar+ or consult the IGN guide.
Sims 4 (PC/Console) Money Cheats: Simoleon Sorcery for the Modern Age
The Sims 4 preserves cheat codes with innovative tweaks. Here’s your cheat code toolbox:
- `kaching` / `rosebud`: Both give instantaneous 1,000 Simoleons. Choose your favorite.
- `motherlode`: Still awarding an impressive 50,000 Simoleons, `motherlode` remains a fan favorite.
- `money X`: Use `money X` to set your funds exactly where you want them. For instance, `money 9999999` grants you a small fortune instantly.
Unlocking the Cheat Console: Your Gateway to Simoleon Riches
Before using cheat codes, access the cheat console.
Sims 2 & 4 (PC): The Classic Ctrl+Shift+C Combo
Pressing Ctrl + Shift + C opens the cheat console on PC versions. Type your desired codes here.
Sims 4 (Console – PS4/PS5/Xbox): Trigger Button Tango
For console players, press and hold all four trigger buttons. On PlayStation, that’s L1, L2, R1, R2; Xbox uses similar buttons. Once open, enter codes just like on PC.
The “testingcheats true” Gatekeeper: Enabling Advanced Cheats
Some cheats in Sims 4 need `testingcheats`. To enable it, access the cheat console and type `testingcheats true`. A confirmation will show when it’s activated. With cheats enabled, explore financial cheats for your Sims!
`motherlode`, `money X`, and other high-level cheats exist. Enable `testingcheats true` once per session. It remains active until you close the game.
Troubleshooting Cheat Code Blues: When Simoleons Refuse to Appear
Sometimes, codes and button presses fail. Don’t panic, Simmer! Here’s a quick checklist for common issues:
- Enable “testingcheats true”: This is essential for most Sims 4 cheats. Type `testingcheats true` and confirm it before using money cheats like `motherlode` or `money X`.
- Live Mode is Key: Cheats work in Live Mode only. Build Mode is not for cheat codes. Stay in an active household in Live Mode for money cheats.
- Typos Matter: Cheat codes do not case-sensitive, but spelling matters! Check if you’ve typed the cheat code correctly, especially `motherlode` and `testingcheats true`. Typos break cheats.
- Game Focus: Ensure The Sims 4 game window is active. Clicking away might prevent the cheat console from registering your input. Click back into the game window before typing.
- Correct Console Buttons: For console players, check that you’re pressing four trigger buttons at once. It may take practice.
- Restart if Necessary: Sometimes, glitches obstruct cheat functionality. If all else fails, saving and restarting The Sims 4 may fix it.
With these tips, you’ll conquer cheat challenges and master Simoleon generation!
3. Earning Money Without Cheats in Sims 4: The Honest Simoleon Hustle
Cheats are fun, but building wealth the “legitimate” way has satisfaction (mostly legitimate). Sims 4 offers many ways to earn Simoleons sans console commands. Here are effective methods:
- Freelance Gigs and Skill Careers: Sims 4 rewards skill development greatly. Level skills like Painting, Writing, Programming, Gardening, and more for profit. Painters sell masterpieces; writers publish books; programmers freelance coding; gardeners sell produce; chefs prepare fancy meals. Many options exist! Skill careers offer a steady income and progress your Sims’ abilities.
- Music for Tips: Got a musically talented Sim? Let them perform! Singing and playing instruments in public earn tips. Better music skills yield impressive performances and larger tips. It’s busking, Sim-style!
- The Lottery: A Simoleon Gamble: Feeling lucky? The Lottery recurs in Sims 4 with a chance for big Simoleon wins. Buy a ticket and hope. Winners can see significant payouts, providing sudden financial windfall. Don’t risk everything on it.
- Beachcombing for Bucks: Relaxing and profitable! Send your Sims to the beach for seashells. Collect and sell ocean treasures for Simoleons. A low-effort, low-risk income generator, especially in coastal areas. Beach therapy can pay!
- Digging for Collectibles: The Sims 4 world hides collectible treasures. Dig sites, marked by dirt mounds, are everywhere. Digging reveals fossils, crystals, metals, and valuable items to sell or display. It’s virtual archaeology with Simoleon rewards.
- Flea Market Entrepreneurship: Love a bargain? The Flea Market in San Myshuno is your entrepreneurial playground. Sell your Sims’ creations – paintings, crafts, collectibles! Haggle with customers to maximize profits and become a mogul.
- Asking Other Sims for Money: Dive into less reputable territory. Sims can ask others for money. Success depends on your relationship and their generosity. This income stream is not reliable, but in desperate times…
- DIY Side Hustles: Start a DIY project! Sims can make items – woodworking, knitting, floral arrangements. Develop skills like Handiness, Knitting, Flower Arranging, and sell for profit. Turn hobbies into side hustles or a major career.
- The Shady Route: Stealing: Here’s morally questionable territory. Sims with the Mischief skill can “borrow” items from others’ homes. This is stealing. Success snags valuable objects to sell, but getting caught leads to negative consequences. It’s not ethical, yet sometimes Sims need resources.
Thus, many ways exist to become a Simoleon tycoon without cheats. From artistic endeavors to entrepreneurial ventures and questionable borrowing practices, Sims 4 offers a diverse economic landscape.
4. Troubleshooting Money Cheats (Sims 4): Cheat Code CPR
We addressed troubleshooting code issues earlier. Let’s dive into specific money cheat malfunctions, like the dreaded “Motherlode Not Working”.
“Motherlode” Meltdown: When 50,000 Simoleons Go MIA
The “motherlode” cheat is classic, yet it can refuse to provide funds. Here’s a diagnostic checklist:
- “testingcheats true” – The Golden Key: This causes motherlode issues. Most times, motherlode fails because testingcheats isn’t enabled. Open the cheat console, enter `testingcheats true`, hit Enter, and then try `motherlode`. Problem might resolve.
- Live Mode Required: Trying to summon Simoleons in Build Mode? Motherlode only functions in Live Mode. Switch to an active household and try again.
- Typo Check: Double-check spelling of “motherlode”. It’s unusual; typos are easy. A single letter typo can ruin the cheat. Type it slowly.
- Active Household Needed: Select an active household while using motherlode. The cheat adds Simoleons to the active household’s funds. If managing households, it won’t work.
General Cheat Code Glitches: General Issues Beyond Motherlode
If cheats in general fail, revisit these troubleshooting steps:
- Cheat Console Correctness: Ensure proper console opening for your platform (Ctrl+Shift+C on PC, all four triggers on console). If the input box isn’t visible, you haven’t opened the console properly.
- “testingcheats true” (Once More): Yes, enabling `testingcheats true` remains critical. Activate it!
- Game Focus (Again!): Is The Sims 4 window active? Return to the game to ensure focus before trying cheats.
- Restart for Reset: If all else fails, restarting the game can clear underlying glitches interrupting cheats. Save your game, restart The Sims 4, and try again.
By systematically using these troubleshooting steps, you can resolve most cheat code issues and return to your Simoleon-fueled adventures.
5. Other Relevant
Game Aspects (Sims 2 and Sims 4): Beyond the Simoleons
Money matters in The Sims, but it isn’t everything. Let’s explore some key aspects of Sims 2 and Sims 4 gameplay that add depth and variety to the experience.
WooHoo: The Sims’ Delicate Dance of Romance
WooHoo is the Sims’ term for adult intimacy. This feature is vital for building relationships and growing families. Here are some details:
- Relationship Requirements: To WooHoo, Sims need a high relationship score. Sims 2 requires a score of 70 or more with “love” status. Sims 4 is less strict but still needs a strong romantic connection.
- WooHoo Locations: Beds are classic WooHoo spots. In Sims 2, adventurous Sims can also WooHoo in showers and hot tubs. Sims 4 widens the options to closets and bushes for the daring.
- “Try for Baby”: The Next Step: After WooHoo, “Try for Baby” becomes an option if Sims are suitable age-wise. Selecting it starts the pregnancy process. In Sims 2, listen for a subtle lullaby if conception succeeds!
Pregnancy: The Pitter-Patter of Tiny Sim Feet
Pregnancy adds new layers to gameplay, from morning sickness to sleepless nights. Key pregnancy points include:
- Conception and Care: After WooHoo, “Try for Baby” leads to pregnancy. Pregnant Sims need extra care. They must rest, eat healthy, and avoid heavy activities.
- Twins and Triplets: Luck (and Maybe Mods) of the Draw: Want more baby chaos? Twins and triplets can happen, but are rare naturally. In Sims 4, a pregnant Sim watching the Kids Network increases the chances of multiples. Mods can also help.
- No “Forced” Twins (Without Cheats/Mods): You can favor twins in Sims 4, but can’t guarantee them without cheats or mods in either game. It’s a roll of the dice.
Relationships: The Social Sim Web
Relationships form the backbone of Sims gameplay. Building friendships and romances enriches a Sim’s life. Note on BFFs:
- BFF Status in Sims 2: To earn “BFF” status, cultivate strong friendships. Reach the “Best Friend” level on the meter. If both Sims are teens, the option appears when interacting. Click it to establish their bond.
Aging: Time Marches On (Unless You Stop It)
Sims age through life stages, from babies to elders. Want to freeze time? Both games let you control aging:
- Disabling Aging (Sims 2 & 4): To stop aging in both games, open the cheat console. Type: `aging off` or `aging -off` in Sims 2. Press Enter. This stops the aging process. To enable aging again, use `aging on` or `aging -on`.
Jail: Sim Justice (Sort Of)
Sims can face legal issues, though results differ:
- Sims 2 (GBA) Jail Time: In The Sims 2 for Game Boy Advance, committing crimes leads to arrest and jail time.
- Sims 2 (DS) Fine and Release: The Sims 2 DS offers a lighter touch. Instead of jail time, caught Sims face a 200 Simoleon fine. A gentle slap on the wrist.
Careers: Climbing the Sim Ladder
Careers are vital for income and growth in The Sims. Sims 2 has lucrative paths:
- High-Paying Sims 2 Careers: To maximize your Simoleon earnings, consider careers like Natural Science, Music, or Journalism. These options offer high salaries and advancement potential.
So while Simoleons matter, remember that The Sims is more than just money. It’s about relationships, family, life phases, and the chaotic fun of virtual life. Go forth, Simmer. Build your legacies – financial empires optional!
