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Let’s find out how to get out of Build Mode in The Sims 4. The Sims 4 has been out for a long time now, and it has grown in ways that players never thought possible. There are enough mods to change the game and enough stuff and game packs to break even the best computers. Even though the fourth version of the original life simulation game has added a lot of new features, some builders still don’t know how Build (and Buy) Mode really works. There is so much just below the surface that you would never find on purpose.
Nahda Nabiilah made the following changes on July 27, 2024: Building in The Sims 4 is one of the best parts of the game because it lets players use their imaginations to make anything they can think of. In Build or Buy Mode, there are a lot of tips and tricks that Simmers can use to make the house more unique and add a bit of realism to it. Some tricks need certain cheats to work, but the rest can be used right away. Also, some cheats can be used to find hidden items in Build Mode and Buy Mode that can be used to make the house look even better. Here are the steps how to get out of Build Mode in The Sims 4.
How to get out of Build Mode in The Sims 4

- Build mode issue – can’t get out.
- To leave Build Mode, click Live Mode icon (top right).
- If not effective, try fixing this common problem in The Sims 4.
- If clicking button fails, press “F1” on keyboard.
- Back to Live Mode.
- If still not resolved, consider external solution.
- Out-of-date mods can disrupt after updates.
- User interface (UI) mod might affect Build Mode access.
- Remove mods altering interface.
- Delete outdated mods for smooth gameplay.
- Delete ‘localthumbcache.package’ file for faster load.
- Find the file in File Explorer: “This PC/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4.”
Common Issues While Exiting Build Mode and Their Solutions
- Stuck in Build Mode:
- Issue: You might find yourself unable to exit Build Mode, regardless of your actions.
- Solution: Click the Live Mode icon located in the top right corner of your screen. This will switch your game from Build Mode to Live Mode.
- Live Mode Icon Not Working:
- Issue: Clicking the Live Mode icon doesn’t transition you out of Build Mode.
- Solution: Press the “F1” key on your keyboard. This keyboard shortcut is designed to exit Build Mode and return you to Live Mode.
- Persistent Build Mode:
- Issue: Even after trying the above steps, you remain stuck in Build Mode.
- Solution: If the first two methods fail, consider a possible external factor.
- Problematic Mods or Custom Content:
- Issue: Corrupt or outdated mods or custom content could interfere with exiting Build Mode.
- Solution: Remove or update any mods or custom content that might affect the game’s functionality. Especially focus on mods altering the user interface (UI) as they can impact how you access and exit Build Mode. Deleting outdated mods is advisable for a smoother gameplay experience.
What to Do If You Can’t Exit Build Mode
- Click the Live Mode Icon: The easiest way to leave Build Mode is to click the Live Mode icon. Most of the time, this icon is in the top right corner of your screen. It looks like a tiny person, which is how the live gameplay mode is shown. If you click this, you should go from Build Mode to Live Mode without any problems.
- Using Keyboard Shortcut: If clicking the Live Mode icon doesn’t work, you can try another way. Press your keyboard’s “F1” key. This keyboard shortcut is set up to take you back to Live Mode from other modes, like Build Mode.
- Check for Stuck Interactions: Sometimes Sims can get stuck in an interaction that won’t let them move on, which means you can’t leave Build Mode. Make sure that none of your Sims are doing something. Stop any ongoing interactions to make sure the change goes smoothly.
- Using the menu to leave: You can also leave Build Mode by using the menu. Click the Build/Buy button in the lower right corner of the screen. This will bring up a menu where you can choose the option to go back to Live Mode.
- Check for Mods and Custom Content: If the above steps don’t work, the problem might be caused by mods or custom content in your game. Gameplay problems can be caused by mods that are out of date or that conflict with each other. Turn off all add-ons and mods to see if the problem still happens.
About The Sims 4
The Sims 4 is a life simulation game made by Maxis and sold by Electronic Arts. It is the fourth major game in the popular Sims series, which lets players create and control virtual people called “Sims” in many different settings and situations. The game has a lot of ways to change how Sims look, act, and dress. Players can also build and design their own homes and neighborhoods, and there are many ways to interact with other Sims.
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Developer | Maxis |
Publisher | Electronic Arts |
Release date | September 2, 2014 |
Platforms | PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems |
Genre | Simulation |
Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Check Price For Mac/PC |
One of the most important parts of The Sims 4 is the Create-a-Sim tool, which lets players make unique Sims with a wide range of physical and mental traits. With this tool, players can change everything about a Sim, from their face and body to their clothes and accessories.
System Requirements
Requirement | Minimum | Recommended |
---|---|---|
Operating system | Windows 7 (SP1), 8.1, 10 (64-bit versions only) | 64-bit Windows 10 |
Processor | Intel Core i3-3220 (2 cores, 4 threads), AMD Ryzen 3 1200 3.1 GHz (4 cores) | Intel Core i5 (4 cores) or faster, AMD Ryzen 5 or better |
Memory | 4 GB RAM | 8 GB RAM |
Graphics Card | 128 MB of Video RAM and support for Pixel Shader 3.0 | 2 GB of Video RAM and support for Pixel Shader 4.0 |
Storage | At least 50 GB of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games | At least 50 GB of free space with at least 1 GB additional space for custom content and saved games |
Questions and Answers
Getting the game fixed might help. To do this, right-click on the picture of Sims 4 in Origin and then click on “Repair.” Try resetting the folder for your Sims 4 to see if that helps.
When you press Alt+F4 in Sims 4, the game won’t close right away. Instead, a window will pop up and ask if you need to save your progress before you can leave the game. At this point, all you have to do is click “Save and Exit” to end Sims 4 without losing any game data.
Many of the controversial changes to Build Mode on consoles have been undone in The Sims 4, but new complaints have been made about other changes. Back in January, the PlayStation and Xbox versions of the game got an update that made changes to make it easier to use a controller in Build Mode.
In build mode, you may want to put things like windows or furniture in places where the grid won’t let you. To do this, open the cheat console and type “bb.moveobjects on.” Then, select the object you want to move and put it anywhere on your lot.