How to Clone Sims in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide

The Sims 4 offers a plethora of creative options, allowing players to shape their virtual lives in countless ways. One of the more intriguing and often sought-after capabilities is the ability to clone Sims. While there isn’t a straightforward, built-in ‘clone’ button, the game provides several methods to effectively duplicate your Sims, either through gameplay mechanics, mods, or a combination of both. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various ways to clone Sims in The Sims 4, providing detailed steps and instructions to achieve your desired results.

Why Clone Sims?

Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s consider the ‘why.’ Cloning Sims can serve various purposes in your gameplay, such as:

• Creating Twins or Identical Family Members: Perhaps you want a family of identical twins, or you envision a household filled with copies of your favorite Sim.
• Building Armies of Servants or Workers: Imagine a household full of dedicated gardeners, maids, or butlers, all copies of one highly skilled Sim.
• Storytelling and Experimentation: Cloning can open up unique storytelling opportunities, exploring themes of identity, individuality, and the consequences of tampering with nature (or Sim nature, in this case).
• Completing Collections or Tasks Quickly: Certain aspirations or career paths require multiple Sims with specific skills. Cloning can expedite this process.
• Pure Fun and Chaos: Sometimes, the sheer absurdity and chaos of having multiple copies of a Sim running around your world is entertainment enough.

Methods for Cloning Sims

Here are several methods you can use to clone your Sims in The Sims 4. We’ll cover both in-game methods (which are more like creating similar Sims) and methods involving mods, which offer more direct cloning functionalities.

1. Recreating Sims in Create-a-Sim (CAS)

This is the most basic method, but it’s time-consuming and doesn’t create a true clone in terms of skills and relationships. However, it allows you to duplicate your Sim’s appearance. It’s useful for creating twins or siblings.

Steps:

1. Study Your Sim: Carefully observe your Sim’s features in live mode. Take screenshots from various angles, noting their skin tone, eye color, hair style, clothing, and any distinguishing features like moles or scars.
2. Enter Create-a-Sim (CAS): There are several ways to enter CAS:
   • From the Main Menu: Start a new game or load an existing save, then select the “New Game” or “Edit Town” option to access the world map. From there, you can go into CAS by creating a new household.
   • Using a Mirror or Dresser: In live mode, click on a mirror or dresser and select the “Change Sim” option. This allows you to edit the active Sim or household in CAS.
   • Using TestingCheats (for more advanced editing): Enable testing cheats by opening the cheat console (Ctrl+Shift+C) and typing `testingcheats true` then pressing Enter. Then type `cas.fulleditmode` and press Enter. Now, when you click on a Sim and choose “Edit in CAS”, you’ll have access to all editing options, including those usually locked for existing Sims.
3. Recreate the Appearance: Use the CAS tools to replicate your Sim’s appearance as closely as possible:
   • Gender and Age: Select the appropriate gender and age for your clone.
   • Skin Tone: Match the skin tone using the color sliders. This can be tricky, so take your time and compare the clone to your reference screenshots.
   • Facial Features: Carefully sculpt the facial features, paying attention to the shape of the eyes, nose, mouth, and jawline. Use the advanced sculpting options (available when you enable `cas.fulleditmode`) for finer control.
   • Hair and Eye Color: Select the correct hair style and color, as well as the appropriate eye color.
   • Clothing: Choose outfits that match your Sim’s style. You can even copy the exact outfits if you remember which ones you used.
   • Walk Style and Voice: Don’t forget to adjust the walk style and voice to match your Sim’s personality.
4. Personality (Optional): If you want your clone to be similar in personality, choose traits that reflect your original Sim. However, you can also use different traits to create an interesting contrast.
5. Save Your Clone: Once you’re satisfied with the appearance of your clone, save the Sim to your library. You can then add them to your household or place them in the world.

Limitations:

• This method only duplicates the appearance and chosen personality traits. Skills, relationships, and memories will not be copied.
• It can be time-consuming to accurately recreate a Sim, especially with intricate facial features.

2. Using the MCCC (MC Command Center) Mod

The MC Command Center (MCCC) is a powerful mod that offers a wide range of functionalities, including the ability to copy Sims’ appearances and genetics to offspring. While not a direct cloning method, it can be used to create Sims that are very similar to your original Sim, particularly when having children.

Prerequisites:

• Download and Install MCCC: Download the latest version of MCCC from a reputable source (like Deaderpool’s website). Follow the installation instructions provided with the mod. MCCC usually requires you to place the files in your `Mods` folder, typically located in `Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\Mods`.
• Enable Script Mods: Ensure that script mods are enabled in your game settings. Go to Options > Game Options > Other and check the “Enable Custom Content and Mods” and “Script Mods Allowed” boxes. Restart your game after enabling these settings.

Steps:

1. Get Your Sim Pregnant: Have your Sim try for a baby with another Sim.
2. Influence Genetics with MCCC: After the Sim is pregnant, click on the pregnant Sim.
3. Select “MC Command Center” from the pie menu.
4. Choose “MC Pregnancy”.
5. Select “Pregnancy Options”.
6. Look for options related to genetic control. MCCC provides options to influence the gender, number of babies, and genetic inheritance. While it doesn’t directly copy the parent’s genetics, you can manipulate the settings to ensure the child strongly resembles the parent. Look for sliders or options related to “Genetic Similarity” or “Inheritance Influence”. Adjust these settings to maximize the child’s resemblance to the parent you want to clone.
7. Birth and Further Customization: After the baby is born, you can further customize their appearance in CAS (using the `cas.fulleditmode` cheat) to more closely match your original Sim.

Limitations:

• This method relies on having a baby, so it’s not a direct cloning method.
• The genetic control options in MCCC are not perfect, and the child may not be an exact replica of the parent.
• Requires the MCCC mod to be installed and configured correctly.

3. Using the SimCloner Mod (The Most Direct Method)

The SimCloner mod (if you can find a reliable and up-to-date version – mod availability can change) offers the most direct and effective way to clone Sims in The Sims 4. This mod typically adds an interaction that allows you to instantly create a copy of a Sim, including their appearance, skills, traits, and relationships (depending on the mod’s specific features).

Prerequisites:

• Find a Reliable SimCloner Mod: Search for a SimCloner mod on reputable Sims 4 modding websites (like ModTheSims, The Sims Resource, or other trusted sources). Be cautious when downloading mods from unknown sources, as they may contain malware or be incompatible with your game version. Important: Always check the mod’s last update date and user reviews to ensure it’s compatible with the current version of The Sims 4.
• Download and Install the Mod: Follow the installation instructions provided with the mod. Typically, this involves placing the mod files in your `Mods` folder.
• Enable Script Mods: As with MCCC, ensure that script mods are enabled in your game settings.

Steps: (These steps are based on the general functionality of SimCloner mods; the exact steps may vary depending on the specific mod you use.)

1. Locate the Sim you want to Clone: Find the Sim in your game that you want to duplicate.
2. Use the Cloning Interaction: Click on the Sim. The SimCloner mod should add a new interaction to the pie menu, often labeled something like “Clone Sim,” “Create Copy,” or similar. Select this interaction.
3. Confirmation (if required): Some SimCloner mods may ask for confirmation before creating the clone.
4. The Clone Appears: The clone will appear nearby, usually with the same name as the original Sim (you can rename them later in CAS). Depending on the mod, the clone may have all the same skills, traits, relationships, and inventory as the original.

Important Considerations When Using SimCloner Mods:

• Mod Compatibility: Ensure the SimCloner mod you’re using is compatible with the latest version of The Sims 4. Outdated mods can cause errors or game crashes.
• Mod Conflicts: SimCloner mods may conflict with other mods, especially those that modify Sim interactions or genetics. If you experience issues, try removing other mods to see if the conflict is resolved.
• Ethical Considerations: Consider the ethical implications of cloning in your gameplay. Do you want a world overrun with identical Sims? How will it affect your storytelling?
• Relationship Issues: Cloning Sims with existing relationships can lead to unexpected relationship dynamics. For example, a Sim might have romantic feelings for their clone.
• Skill and Career Progression: Be mindful of how cloned Sims affect skill progression and career opportunities in your game. If you have multiple Sims with the same skills, it might make certain tasks too easy.

4. Using the Science Career’s Cloning Machine (Get to Work Expansion Pack)

If you own the Get to Work expansion pack, the Science career offers a legitimate in-game method for cloning Sims, though it’s not a perfect or immediate solution. Your Sim needs to reach a certain level in the Science career to unlock the cloning machine.

Prerequisites:

• Own the Get to Work Expansion Pack: This method requires the Get to Work expansion pack.
• Join the Science Career: Have your Sim join the Science career.
• Advance in the Science Career: Work your way up the Science career ladder until you unlock the cloning machine. This requires performing daily tasks, completing work assignments, and building relevant skills (Logic and Rocket Science).

Steps:

1. Unlock the Cloning Machine: Once your Sim reaches the required level in the Science career, they will unlock the cloning machine (the SimRay can also be upgraded to clone). You can purchase it from the build/buy catalog (usually under the “Activities and Skills” category).
2. Use the Cloning Machine: Place the cloning machine on your Sim’s home lot or at the science lab.
3. Collect DNA Samples: To clone a Sim, you need to collect a DNA sample from them. Use the “Analyze Sample” interaction on the cloning machine, then select the Sim you want to collect the sample from. You may need to interact with the Sim first to gain their trust. The interaction you need is the “Extract DNA Sample” interaction from the SimRay after being upgraded.
4. Create the Clone: Once you have the DNA sample, use the “Clone” interaction on the cloning machine. Select the DNA sample from the available options.
5. The Clone Appears: After a short period, the clone will emerge from the cloning machine.

Limitations:

• Requires the Get to Work expansion pack and significant career progression in the Science career.
• Clones created through the cloning machine may not be perfect replicas of the original Sim. They may have slight differences in appearance or personality.
• The cloning process requires collecting DNA samples, which can be time-consuming.
• The cloning machine can sometimes malfunction, resulting in unexpected outcomes (like creating a ghost clone or a plantSim clone).

5. Using the SimRay to Clone (Get to Work Expansion Pack)

While the cloning machine is the primary cloning device in the Get to Work expansion, the SimRay also allows you to clone, albeit indirectly, through skill manipulation that can *feel* like cloning a skill. This is a less direct form of cloning and more of a skill transfer.

Prerequisites:

• Own the Get to Work Expansion Pack: As before, this requires the Get to Work expansion.
• Reach Level 4 of the Scientist Career: You need to be in the Scientist career to get the SimRay.

Steps:

1. Get the SimRay: Earn the SimRay as part of the Scientist Career.
2. Upgrade the SimRay: You can upgrade the SimRay to “Mind Control” through inventions at the Invention Constructor to increase the SimRay’s function and reliability. The “Extract DNA Sample” upgrade allows true cloning, though.
3. Use “Analyze Sample” and then “Extract DNA Sample”: Target the Sim you want to clone by first analyzing and then extracting their DNA.
4. Clone the Sim: Use the extract on yourself to clone the targeted Sim.

Limitations:

• Relies on career progression.
• Requires upgrading the SimRay.
• Indirect method of cloning skills.

Tips for Successful Sim Cloning

• Take detailed screenshots: When recreating Sims in CAS, having high-quality screenshots from multiple angles is essential for accurate replication.
• Use CAS Cheat Codes: The `cas.fulleditmode` cheat provides access to more advanced sculpting options in CAS, allowing for finer control over facial features.
• Experiment with Mods: Explore different SimCloner mods to find one that best suits your needs and playstyle. Be sure to read user reviews and check for compatibility before installing any mod.
• Backup Your Saves: Before installing any mods or attempting any complex cloning procedures, it’s always a good idea to back up your Sims 4 save files. This will protect your progress in case something goes wrong.
• Consider the Consequences: Think about the potential consequences of cloning on your gameplay. How will it affect your Sim’s relationships, career progression, and overall story?

Conclusion

Cloning Sims in The Sims 4 can be a fun and rewarding experience, opening up new possibilities for storytelling, experimentation, and sheer chaos. Whether you choose to recreate Sims in CAS, use the MCCC mod to influence genetics, install a SimCloner mod for direct cloning, or progress in the Science career to unlock the cloning machine, there are several ways to achieve your desired results. Remember to carefully consider the limitations and potential consequences of each method, and always back up your saves before making any major changes to your game. Happy cloning!