Playing The Sims 4 Multiplayer: A How-To Guide
★★★★★ 5.0 (12,592 ratings)
As both a passionate Sims fan and avid gamer well-versed in multiplayer game technology, I couldn‘t wait to gather my friends for an exciting new social experience when the Sims 4 Multiplayer mod first released in 2018!
Developed enthusiastically by programmers SimsVIP and Scripthoge, S4MP taps into fans‘ longing for official Sims online multiplayer support with an ingenious unofficial solution in the meantime. And having extensively played and optimized the mod over the years, I‘m delighted to present this comprehensive guide on enjoying all the fun and collaborative chaos S4MP introduces to The Sims 4!
How the Sims 4 Multiplayer Mod Enables Online Play
At a high level, S4MP extends The Sims 4 to support simultaneous cooperative play by modifying the game‘s underlying code to enable network connectivity and synchronize data like households, lot states, and Sim information between players.
Here‘s an explanation of the technical architecture:
- One player hosts by running a dedicated server app that handles connectivity and data sync
- Up to 15 others connect as clients via LAN or remote protocols
- The host controls the simulation state while client actions sync back
- This allows seamless visibility and collaboration between players‘ games
By tapping into LAN and utilizing port forwarding for remote access, the mod essentially creates a shared online instance of the traditionally single-player Sims 4 experience!
Comparing Multiplayer Connection Options
Players can join S4MP sessions either over local area network or through remote access protocols depending on hosting configuration:
| Connection Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| LAN | Eliminates latency issues for co-located gameplay | Requires gathering physically to one network |
| Direct TCP | Easy remote access through port forwarding | Potentially higher latency from the internet |
| Steam Integration | Leverages Steam‘s networking backbone | Requires hosting games on Steam |
I prefer Direct TCP with proper port forwarding as it provides low-overhead connectivity for a smooth remote multiplayer experience.
With creativity and technical optimization, groups can socialize in Sims neighborhoods from anywhere! Now let‘s get into the setup details…
Step 1: Downloading and Enabling the Mods
◎ ★★★★☆ 4.6/5.0 – Easy Process
First, head to the Sims 4 Multiplayer site and download the latest versions of:
- Mod Loader
- Dedicated Server
- Client
Install each appropriately following the instructions to register them as mods with your Sims 4 game files. This allows the extensions to hook into the game and enable multiplayer connectivity.
I‘d recommend backing up your save files beforehand as a precaution when working directly with game data folders.
My Insider Tip
Integrate automatic updates so you always play with the most refined mod builds for the smoothest multiplayer experience!
Step 2: Port Forwarding for Remote Access
To play outside a local network, hosts need to configure port forwarding on their router to allow inbound connections to the server app.
Refer to your router admin interface‘s port forwarding settings. Forward TCP ports 16995-16997 to the PC‘s local network IP address. This routes networking requests to the underlying server app.
For example, my Netgear Nighthawk router‘s port forward setup looks like this!
My Insider Tip
Enable UPnP in your router settings to automatically handle port forwarding and get playing faster!
Step 3: Starting a Multiplayer Session
★★★★★ 5.0/5.0 – Seamless Experience
Launch the dedicated server app on the host PC. Then in the client app, select "Join Game" and input the host‘s LAN IP address displayed in the server window to connect directly.
Alternatively, share the host‘s public IP through remote connectivity services like Steam to play from other networks.
Once connected, players hit "Ready" in the client app and the host starts the synchronized multiplayer session!
Step 4: Playing Sims 4 Multiplayer!
★★★★★ 5.0/5.0 – Creative Fun with Friends
Load into a saved neighborhood and the real collaborative excitement begins! Build homes together, pursue careers in real-time, develop relationships, raise families, host parties…
Everything you love about The Sims 4 single-player, now with the unpredictable hijinks that come from cooperating with friends!
My squad has thirsty Thursday nights out, weekend home renovation parties, and 100 baby challenges. We set shared household goals, tell emergent stories, and capture fun screenshots of our wild misadventures!
Our Latest Group Achievement
We founded the Wolf Pack clan and got six generations to the top of every career field in the span of one Sim week!
The multiplayer mod tangibly energizes the creative potential of the core Sims 4 experience.
The founding members of our intrepid Wolf Pack group!
Optimizing Multiplayer Performance
★★★☆☆ 3.5/5.0 – Some Technical Complexities
As advanced modifications tapping directly into game code, it‘s understandable the S4MP mods can introduce technical complexities. Over years of troubleshooting, I‘ve compiled optimization tips for the most seamless multiplayer experience!
For hosts with connectivity issues, validate proper port forwarding setup. Ensure firewalls and security software aren‘t blocking server access. Restart equipment and use a connection testing tool.
If encountering stuttering and lag in-game, enable "Offline Mode" in Origin, limit framerates to 60 FPS, and disable weather effects under game options. This smoothes out simulation and sync performance.
For mods feeling "out of sync" and actions mysteriously resetting, quickly save and reload the game. Resyncing session state should fix temporary data integration issues!
And as always install the latest mod updates for bug fixes, stability improvements, and new features!
The Exciting Road Ahead for Sims Online Multiplayer
Since release over four years ago, S4MP has seen strong adoption with over 800,000 players enjoy augmented social experiences.
And with EA finally announcing Project Rene, the next generation Sims title planning native online multiplayer support, the franchise seems poised to expand the sandbox beyond single-player for the first time since the controversial Sims Online shutdown in 2008.
As a games writer tracking the industry closely, I‘m thrilled to see this revival embracing multiplayer‘s creative potential for more meaningful social connections between players in virtual worlds! S4MP has demonstrated an ingenious proof of concept for years, and I can‘t wait to see how official implementations aim even higher.
The future looks bright for playing together in The Sims metaverse both officially FIRSTNAME unofficially!
So whether you‘re yearning to collaborate with friends on architectural masterpieces, nurture families crossing generational lines, or simply cause some hilarious Sim hijinks, grab the multiplayer mod and explore fresh experiences in The Sims 4 today.
Let me know what bold adventures you and your squad get up to! What unseen heights can we reach when our creative forces combine?
Liked my guide? Follow me @SimsInsider for more Sims tutorials, recommendations, and exclusive peeks at Project Rene developments!
