How to Disable Free Build Mode in The Sims 4

As a longtime Simmer writing about EA‘s famous life simulation franchise for over a decade, faithful readers often ask me how to turn off The Sims 4‘s powerful free build cheat. Why disable a tool that unlocks tremendous creative freedom, you ask? While free build mode grants players incredible liberty in construction, leaving it permanently enabled can have unintended consequences.

In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll cover everything you need to know about disabling free build mode, from a technical explanation of how the cheat works to expert recommendations on when you may (or may not!) want to turn this invaluable debug tool off.

What Exactly is Free Build Mode in The Sims 4?

Free build mode allows placement anywhere, even on usually restricted lots like the Batuu terrain (pictured).

Introduced in a March 2015 patch, free build mode is a specific debug cheat that lifts all lot and world restrictions in The Sims 4‘s build/buy catalog.

Using the command bb.enablefreebuild, players can freely construct, edit, or delete on any lot or world space – regardless of typical placement rules. This means manipulating residential homes in unmodifiable worlds like Batuu, editing dorm common areas in Discover University, adding to rental properties or NPC homes, and more.

The main benefit is alleviating limits for players wanting total creative liberty when building. However, permanently enabling this can have unintended side effects (which I‘ll expand on shortly).

How To Enter Free Build Mode

Accessing free build is a simple two-step process on PC and Mac:

1. Open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C
2. Type bb.enablefreebuild and press enter

This will remove all build/buy catalog placement restrictions world-wide.

Please note: Unfortunately at this time, entering cheat codes via console is not available on PlayStation or Xbox. Players hoping to replicate free build on consoles will need to utilize modified saved games or other workarounds instead.

Why Disable Free Build Mode With testingcheats?

Now that you know the incredible creative power free build unlocks, why would you ever want to turn it off?

As a 20-year strategy guide writer, I always advise Simmers to save frequently, back-up saves often, and disable all cheat codes once finishing gameplay sessions. Leaving certain debug cheats permanently activated can cause save file bloat overtime.

In the case of free build specifically though, the main reason you‘ll want to disable it is restoring the game‘s usual restrictions on lot types and placement rules.

Consequences of Leaving Free Build Enabled

While free build grants players exceptional creative freedom, it can also have unintended downsides when left permanently enabled such as:

• NPC Sim Routines Disrupted: With all lots editable, townie Sims may get stuck trying to navigate regions that no longer match expected parameters. Overtime this can break their daily AI routines.
• World Terrain Glitches: Manipulating terrain height, water, etc on restricted lots can create visual glitches that remain even after disabling free build.
• Save Bloating: As with most build cheats, having free build constantly enabled causes save files to grow much faster in size, risking game performance.

Maxis Match CC Tumblr user Simsie sums up the general consensus amongst many longtime fans:

"I pretty much always immediately turn free build back off the second I’m done with whatever I’m building. Things just work better when the game thinks things are the way it expects them to be, NPCs get all confused otherwise. It’s still ABSOLUTELY worth turning it on though!"

Ultimately, each player‘s preference for keeping free build enabled permanently varies. However, properly disabling it when construction finishes ensures your save file stability and avoids unintended townie behavior issues long-term.

How To Turn Off Free Build Mode

Thankfully, deactivating free build only takes a few quick seconds:

1. Access the cheat console again via Ctrl + Shift + C
2. Enter the command testingcheats off or testingcheats false
3. Press enter to disable all cheats currently active

This simple toggle instantly restores all usual lot type restrictions across the entire game.

When You May Want Free Build Mode Permanently Enabled

While I often advise disabling free build out of an abundance of caution, some players actually prefer keeping the tool permanently on with zero issues.

Certain play styles can justify leaving free build enabled indefinitely:

• Dedicated Builders: Players strictly focused on Build Mode design may enable once and never turn off. Doing so avoids constantly toggling during long construction sessions.
• Transactional Save Files: Utilizing free build on a separate "test" save from your main legacy file lets you retain the cheat benefits without save bloat risks.
• Total Custom World: If utilizing a completely custom world save where all lots/terrains are fully edited anyway, the standard placement rules cease to have relevance so leaving free build on has no consequences.

Ultimately the choice comes down to personal preference and play style needs. Just be sure to back-up saves regularly regardless!

Free Build Mode Considerations

Hopefully this guide gave you a comprehensive overview explaining free build mode, how to easily disable it with testingcheats, potential consequences of leaving enabled indefinitely, and recommendations on when you may opt to keep the cheat active full-time.

As with many powerful debug tools in The Sims series, free build mode delivers exceptional creative liberty but can also have unintended side effects if used irresponsibly long-term. Always be sure to save frequently, back-up save files often, and consider toggling such cheats off when not actively utilizing them for construction.

Please let me know in comments if this helps explain everything you need to confidently utilize The Sims 4‘s incredible free build mode cheat! Veteran Simmers feel free to add any extra tips.

And as always, happy Simming! 💚