The Sims 4 features an advanced gallery system that allows players to seamlessly access and download a wide array of user-created content directly within the game. Players can download houses through the gallery by checking required packs and utilizing icons to save them to their Library. Alternatively, houses can be downloaded using Tray files, which need to be extracted and placed in the appropriate folder on the device before launching the game to access the content.
Summary
- The Gallery in The Sims 4
- How to Download Houses in The Sims 4?
- Using the Gallery
- Using Tray Files
The Gallery in The Sims 4
One of the standout features that sets The Sims 4 apart from earlier versions is its innovative gallery system. This concept was previously touched upon in The Sims 3 through The Exchange, a platform where players could not only buy official content, such as additional worlds or functional object packs but also download creations made by other players for free. However, to access this content, users had to download items manually and use The Sims 3 launcher to install them, a process that could often be tedious and unreliable.
In contrast, The Sims 4 enhances player interaction by integrating a sophisticated exchange system directly into the gameplay. By clicking on the gallery icon located at the top right corner of your screen (or on the right side of the main menu), you gain access to a vast library of content that can be filtered by households, lots, rooms, and popularity. You can even choose whether to include custom content in your search. With hundreds of thousands of creations available, it’s nearly impossible not to find something that suits your taste. Plus, you can search using an EA account ID to discover items shared by your favorite creators. However, it’s essential to note that not all players utilize the gallery, leading to the question: how can you download houses without it?
How to Download Houses in The Sims 4?
Using the Gallery
Downloading a house from the gallery is a straightforward process. Once you’ve discovered your dream home, simply click on it to check for any required packs. If everything is in order, look at the bottom left of the window where you’ll find four icons. Click on the first icon to download the house, which will then be saved in your Library for easy access later. Don’t forget to click on the heart icon to favorite the lot and show appreciation to the creator!
Using Tray Files
If you prefer not to use the gallery to download houses, there is an alternative method involving Tray files. These files can be obtained for the lot, room, or household you wish to download. While not all creators share Tray files, you may find links in the descriptions of building videos on YouTube or on a creator’s Patreon page.
Once you have the Tray files, navigate to ‘This PC > My Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4’ or the applicable directory on your device. Within this folder, locate the ‘Tray’ folder where you’ll need to place the downloaded rooms, houses, and households. Usually, these files come in archived formats like .zip or .rar. Ensure you extract them to access file types like .blueprint or .bpi for proper functionality.
After extracting all necessary files into the ‘Tray’ folder, launch the game, and you’ll find everything you downloaded waiting for you in your Library.