Changing Seasons in The Sims 4 offers a dynamic twist to the game, introducing weather patterns, seasonal activities, and holidays with the Seasons Expansion Pack. Whether you’re someone who wants to skip waiting for seasons to change naturally, aim for specific in-game weather, or adjust gameplay to better suit your storylines, there are multiple ways to manipulate seasons. With cheats, devices, settings adjustments, and even mods, you can fully customize your Sims’ experiences. This guide takes an in-depth look at how to change seasons in The Sims 4, covering cheat codes, gameplay tools, advanced settings, and mods.

Overview – Why Change Seasons in The Sims 4?

The introduction of seasons in The Sims 4 takes the simulation experience to a whole new level. Seasonal changes affect everything in your Sim’s world, from the weather and activities to holidays and gardening. However, there may be times when you want more control, such as skipping the long winter or diving straight into a colorful autumn. Luckily, The Sims 4 offers several options to override natural seasonal progression. Whether you choose to use cheat codes, utilize special in-game devices, or tweak gameplay settings, you can make seasons work in your favor and craft the perfect story.

How to Change Seasons with Cheats

Step 1 – Enable Cheats

Before you can use season-specific cheat codes in The Sims 4, you need to enable cheats in your game. Follow these steps:

  • On PC/Mac: Press Ctrl + Shift + C to open the cheat console.
  • On console devices: Press all shoulder buttons simultaneously.
  • Type testingcheats true into the console and hit Enter.

Once the message “Cheats are enabled” appears, you’re ready to enter season-oriented cheats!

Step 2 – Use Season-Specific Cheat Codes

After enabling cheats, you can set the season of your choice by entering one of the following commands into the cheat console:

  • seasons.set_season 0 – Changes the season to Summer.
  • seasons.set_season 1 – Changes the season to Fall/Autumn.
  • seasons.set_season 2 – Changes the season to Winter.
  • seasons.set_season 3 – Changes the season to Spring.

Want to skip forward to the next season instead of specifying one? Use seasons.advance_season to naturally transition through the seasonal order.

Using Dr. June’s Weather Control Device

What is Dr. June’s Weather Control Device?

An alternative to cheats is Dr. June’s Weather Control Device, a purchasable item in the Build/Buy catalog for 1,500 Simoleons. This versatile gadget does more than change the weather—it can also alter seasons, provided your Sim is skilled enough in Handiness.

How to Use the Weather Control Device

  1. Purchase the device from the Build/Buy catalog.
  2. Place it on your lot and have your Sim interact with it.
  3. Choose a weather setting such as rain, sun, or snow—or, for advanced users, opt to change the current season.

Note: To successfully alter seasons with this device, your Sim needs a high Handiness skill (level 8 or above). Low-level Sims risk electrocution or failure when attempting season-specific changes.

Weather Control Device Features

The device offers eight weather manipulation options, including sunny skies, thunderstorms, and snow blizzards. With proper upgrades, it becomes a powerful tool for Sim weather and season customization.

Adjusting Seasons via Game Settings

Changing Season Lengths

If you prefer a more gradual or expedited seasonal progression, tweaking your game settings might be your best option. Here’s how:

  • Pause the game and go to Game Options in the menu.
  • Navigate to the Seasons tab under Gameplay Settings.
  • Adjust the duration of each season. Options include 7, 14, or 28 days per season.

By shortening the length of seasons, you can speed up their natural transitions without relying on cheats or devices.

Disabling Certain Seasons

Do you prefer a perpetual summer or a permanent winter wonderland? Here’s how you can disable specific seasons:

  • Open Game Options and select the Environmental Settings tab.
  • Uncheck the unwanted seasons (e.g., Winter, Spring, Fall).
  • Save your changes to lock the game into continuous cycles of your selected seasons.

Seasonal Mods for Customization

For players who crave additional customization, mods offer expanded functionality that goes beyond the base game and expansion packs. Here are some popular mods you can consider:

Seasons Tuner Mod

The Seasons Tuner Mod grants granular control over seasonal elements such as weather, plant growth, and even visual changes like fall leaves or snow coverage.

Evergreen Plants Mod

Hate seeing your plants fade or go dormant in colder seasons? The Evergreen Plants Mod keeps your gardens vibrant year-round, ignoring seasonal restrictions.

How to Install Mods

Installing mods is straightforward:

  1. Download the desired mod from a trusted source.
  2. Extract the files (if zipped) into your Mods folder (Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/Mods).
  3. Enable custom content in the game settings and restart.

How-To Guide – Mastering Season Changes in The Sims 4

Here’s your step-by-step guide to mastering season changes in The Sims 4:

  • Step 1: Decide on your method (cheats, device, settings, or mods).
  • Step 2: Prepare your Sim by leveling up their Handiness skill or enabling cheats.
  • Step 3: Alter the seasons using your chosen method.
  • Step 4: Customize further with mods or environmental settings for a perfect gameplay experience.

FAQs – Common Questions About Changing Seasons

Can I Change Seasons Without Cheat Codes?

Yes, you can change seasons using Dr. June’s Weather Control Device or by adjusting your game settings under the Seasons tab.

What Happens if My Sim Fails to Use the Weather Control Device?

Your Sim could get electrocuted, feel dazed, or experience other negative moodlets if their Handiness skill isn’t high enough.

How Do I Enable Mods for Seasonal Changes?

Go to Game Options > Other, enable “Custom Content and Mods,” and place the mod files in your Mods folder.

Can I Make Every In-Game Day a Different Season?

Not directly, but you can use cheats or mods to manually switch the season each day.

Does Changing the Season Impact Holidays?

Yes, changing the season may alter pre-existing holidays, especially if they are tied to specific times of the year.

Can I Reverse a Cheat Code’s Effects?

Yes, simply use another cheat code to set the season back to its original state.

Are There Mods That Randomize Seasons?

Yes, certain mods allow for randomized or non-linear seasonal changes, adding more unpredictability to gameplay.

Do Seasons Affect Gardening?

Yes, some plants are seasonal and will only grow during their assigned season unless you use mods to override this.

Will Weather Differences Impact My Sims’ Energy or Mood?

Yes, extreme weather conditions like heatwaves or blizzards affect Sims’ moodlets and energy levels.

Is the Seasons Expansion Pack Required for These Features?

Yes, the Seasons Expansion Pack is necessary to activate seasonal changes and related features.

Conclusion

Mastering seasonal changes in The Sims 4 unlocks an additional layer of storytelling and gameplay depth. With cheats, game settings, devices like the Weather Controller, and advanced mods, you gain the freedom to shape your Sims’ environment to match your vision. Whether you’re creating a perpetual winter wonderland or fast-forwarding to summer beach weather, this guide equips you with all the tools you need to optimize the seasonal experience. Dive into the possibilities and enjoy full creative control over your Sims’ lives!