How do you get upgrade parts in The Sims 4? If you’ve ever marveled at a neighbor’s self-cleaning toilet or wished your fridge would magically stop breaking, you’ve probably wondered about this too. The answer is simple: you can purchase upgrade parts from a computer, find them after repairing broken objects, or get creative with a few other in-game tricks. Whether your Sim is an aspiring handyman or just wants to future-proof their home, upgrade parts are key to making everyday life a little less… chaotic. Ready to boost your Sims’ household tech? Let’s dive in.
What Are Upgrade Parts and Why Do You Need Them?
Upgrade parts are the nuts and bolts—sometimes literally—Behind the sims 4’s robust upgrade system. These items allow your Sims to improve household objects, making them more efficient, less prone to breakdowns, or even adding funky new features. Ever wondered how to keep your shower sparkling clean, or your oven cooking extra-fast? That’s right: it’s all about those upgrade parts.
There are different types of upgrade parts, including Common, Kitchen, Electronic, Plumbing, and Rare Upgrade Parts. Plus, if you have certain expansions, even more specialized parts are available. While upgrading isn’t essential for every Sim, it’s a great way to add layers of comfort, convenience, and safety to their daily routines.
The Easiest Way: Buying Upgrade Parts on a Computer
For many players, convenience is king. The most direct and reliable method for obtaining upgrade parts is simply to order them using any in-game computer. Here’s how:
- Click a computer in your Sim’s home (or use any public computer at the library).
- Select “Order,” then “Purchase Upgrade Parts.”
- Browse the list and buy as many parts as you need. Each part has its own price in Simoleons.
This approach is quick, straightforward, and scalable—no fiddling with wrenches or waiting for things to break. One thing to keep in mind: certain types of upgrade parts may only be available to purchase if your Sim has a high enough Handiness skill. Up the skill, and more options unlock. For a deeper dive into skill requirements and pricing, check out this helpful Sims 4 Upgrade Parts Guide.
DIY Approach: Salvaging Upgrade Parts from Repairs
If you’re the hands-on type (or just trying to save Simoleons), repairing broken objects offers a steady trickle of parts at zero cost. Here’s how it works:
- Wait for something to break (anything from a sink to a stereo can do the trick).
- Have your Sim repair the item. A certain Handiness level is required, higher for advanced objects.
- After the repair, you’ll notice a pile of trash on the floor. Click and select “Scavenge for Parts.”
Your Sim will dig through the debris and find one or more random upgrade parts. The type depends on the object repaired—microwaves yield Electronic Parts, sinks cough up Plumbing Parts, and so on. Sometimes, you’ll also find compostable matter or a little trash, so don’t forget to clean up!
College Life: Dorms Are Upgrade Part Paradise
If you have the Discover University expansion, there’s another clever trick: live in a dorm! Dorms are infamous for their high-traffic bathrooms, overloaded kitchens, and electronics that seem to break every day.
Volunteer as your dorm’s unofficial handyman. Regularly fixing everything in sight will set you up with a mountain of upgrade parts—sometimes more than you’ll need for your university career. This approach is perfect for Sims working through the Academic or Handiness aspirations. Plus, you’ll become very popular (or at least indispensable) among your fellow students.
Clever Shortcuts: Using the Debug Menu
You might be surprised to learn there’s a secret way to grab upgrade parts straight from Build/Buy mode—with a little creative cheating. If you’re not opposed to bending the rules:
- Press Ctrl+Shift+C to open the cheat window.
- Type bb.showhiddenobjects and hit Enter.
- In Build/Buy mode, search for “upgrade” in the search box.
This will reveal all upgrade parts. Drag and drop as many as you want onto your lot (great for building challenges or creative saves), but keep in mind that using cheats disables some achievements and might affect your sense of accomplishment.
Everyday Upgrades: How to Use Your Parts
Now that you have upgrade parts, what should you do next? Here’s a classic real-life comparison: collecting tools is satisfying, but what really matters is the home improvements you make. In The Sims 4, you use upgrade parts along with the Handiness skill to make everyday objects more functional. Here are just a few popular upgrades:
- Fridges – Add an auto-defrost or make them unbreakable.
- Toilets and Sinks – Install self-cleaning or eco-friendly flush upgrades.
- Stoves – Boost energy efficiency or fireproof them.
- Showers and Tubs – Reduce water consumption or make cleaning easier.
- Fire Alarms – Improve reliability for a safer home.
Higher-level upgrades usually require more advanced parts and better skills. The ideal upgrade? It all depends on your Sim’s lifestyle. Love to entertain? Upgrade the kitchen. Have toddlers? Child-proof those appliances first.
Mix-Ups, Misconceptions, and Fun Tips
One common mistake new players make: clicking “Repair” but forgetting to scavenge for parts afterward. Next time an appliance sputters out, don’t let that trash pile go to waste! On the flip side, hardcore players sometimes hoard hundreds of upgrade parts, only to find they rarely use them all. If you’ve got stacks of extra parts, consider selling them for a tidy profit, or gifting them to a neighbor Sim in need.
Still puzzled about the nuts and bolts of upgrades? Want to see the process in action? There are plenty of guides and forums packed with advice. One player on the official EA forums even shared their troubleshooting tips for ordering parts online, which can be handy if you run into technical snags.
FAQ: Your Upgrade Part Questions Answered
What’s the fastest method to get upgrade parts?
Purchasing parts from a computer is by far the fastest and most reliable way, especially if your Sim has high Handiness. It avoids the wait for things to break, and you’ll never be short of parts when you want them. Just make sure you have enough Simoleons for the order.
Can I sell unused upgrade parts?
Absolutely! If you’re swimming in upgrade parts and need some quick cash, drag them from your inventory into the sell box. It’s not as lucrative as other money-making methods, but it beats letting those parts gather dust.
My Sim can’t upgrade certain objects—why?
Some upgrades are locked until your Sim reaches higher Handiness skill levels. Specialized upgrades might also require parts you haven’t collected yet, or belong to an expansion pack you don’t own. Double-check skill requirements, and make sure you have all the needed upgrade parts in your Sim’s inventory.
Do children or teens get upgrade parts from repairs?
Good question! Children can’t repair objects or scavenge for parts, but teens can, as long as they have some Handiness skill. So, if you want to start a tradition of DIY geniuses in your Sim household, get your teens started with repairs early.
Are there any hidden or rare upgrade parts in The Sims 4?
There are a few rare types, like those connected to special objects or expansion packs. For most base game upgrades, you’ll use Common, Kitchen, Electronic, and Plumbing parts. But if you have certain expansions, you might see parts for robotic or eco upgrades pop up, too. For a full breakdown, check out this Steam Community thread with user tips and discoveries.
Can I transfer upgrade parts between Sims?
Yes—you can drag-and-drop upgrade parts between household members using their personal inventories. If you want to give parts to a non-household Sim, use the “Give Gift” social interaction (from Seasons or later updates) and choose “Friendly Gift.” It’s a great way to build relationships, too!
In summary, getting upgrade parts in The Sims 4 is almost as flexible as the game itself. Whether you’re ordering on the computer, rummaging through broken debris, or harnessing a little creative cheat code magic, there’s always a way to make your Sim’s life smoother. Happy upgrading!
