Hey there, Simmers! Ready to dive into the world of apartment living in The Sims 4, even if you're sticking to the base game? Awesome! Building and decorating apartments in the base game can be a super fun challenge, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on how to create your dream living spaces. We're talking about maximizing your space, making your Sims happy, and maybe even stirring up a little drama, all without spending a single Simoleon on extra packs. Let's get started, shall we?

Understanding the Base Game Apartment Basics

Alright, before we get our hands dirty with the Sims 4 base game apartment build, let's chat about what you get with just the base game. Unfortunately, the base game doesn't give you all the bells and whistles that expansion packs and game packs do. You won't have the same level of control over the apartment layout and building options as you would if you had the "City Living" expansion pack, which is the main pack for apartment gameplay. However, don't let that dampen your spirits! You can still design and furnish a fantastic apartment using the existing tools. With some creativity and clever design, you can make some really cool spaces for your Sims to live in. We'll focus on the essential building tools and base game furniture options to make the most of what we have. This means we'll get creative with walls, windows, doors, and all the basic furniture, and then the fun part, decorate the space. Let's start with the lot types: the base game has "residential" and "retail". With the retail lot type, you can build stores or other commercial establishments. You can't actually build apartments directly, as you would if you had the “City Living” pack.

So, to get that apartment feel, we'll need to use some clever tricks. First off, find a large residential lot that is not already occupied by another household, as this will be your blank canvas. The biggest lot is the best option because you can divide it into different units to simulate individual apartments. Using the existing tools and a bit of imagination, you can create the illusion of apartment living. This can be achieved by carefully sectioning off the lot and designing each "apartment" to function as a self-contained unit. The base game offers a decent variety of walls, doors, and windows, which can be combined in many ways to create a multi-unit dwelling. Inside each "apartment", you can design living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, just like a real apartment. Don't forget to add all the furniture and decor that are available in the base game. It includes items such as beds, sofas, tables, and even decorative objects, like plants and paintings. By strategically placing these items, you can define spaces and enhance the living experience. Even though you are limited to the base game, you can achieve a remarkable apartment building that is perfect for your Sims to live in. It's a fun and creative challenge that can bring your Sims' world to life.

Planning Your Base Game Apartment Layout

Before you start, you'll need a solid plan. Think about how many apartments you want in your building and what their layout will be. Do you want a mix of studio apartments, one-bedroom apartments, or something else entirely? Sketch out your ideas on paper or in your head. This initial planning phase will save you a lot of time and potential headaches later on. Consider the overall footprint of your building. This includes the size and shape of the lot. Will your apartment building be a tall, narrow structure or a more sprawling complex? These architectural choices will greatly influence how you divide up the interior spaces. It's always great to optimize the space. Once you have a basic idea of the overall layout, start thinking about how each unit will function. Each unit needs a kitchen, bathroom, living area, and bedroom, even if that means a tiny studio apartment. Consider the flow of traffic within each unit. This includes the placement of doors, windows, and furniture. Think about how your Sims will move through the space and make sure the layout is functional and comfortable. You can make an apartment feel bigger than it is.

Another important thing to consider is the amount of natural light. Place windows strategically to bring light into each apartment. Think about the direction the sun rises and sets, and position your windows to make the most of the sunlight. Natural light makes a huge difference in how the space feels. Using doors to separate the apartment units can also provide privacy. This is important to create a distinct living space. When designing the apartment units, consider the basic needs of your Sims. Ensure there are enough beds, seating, cooking surfaces, and bathroom facilities to suit the number of Sims who will be living there. You can use platforms to change the level of your spaces. This adds a sense of depth and dimension. Also, they can be useful for dividing areas within an open-plan layout. When building and planning your Sims 4 base game apartment, think about the design of the building's exterior. The exterior appearance of the building contributes to the overall aesthetic and will also help to convey its character. Consider how the building's exterior relates to the surrounding environment and create a visually appealing design. You can consider a building with multiple floors. Use the tools to create balconies and patios to add outdoor spaces to the apartments. This will enhance the overall living experience for your Sims and give them a place to relax and enjoy the environment. By carefully planning and utilizing all the resources available in the base game, you can construct a functional and attractive apartment building. This will provide your Sims with a comfortable and enjoyable living experience.

Building Your Apartment in The Sims 4 Base Game

Now comes the fun part: building! Start by placing the walls to define the exterior shape of your building and the interior walls to separate the apartments. Remember, in the base game, you're creating the illusion of apartments, so think about how to divide the space to make it feel like multiple units. Once you've got the basic structure down, it's time to add doors and windows. These aren't just for looks; they're essential for functionality and creating a sense of space. Place doors to separate the units and the rooms within each apartment, and strategically place windows to bring in natural light. Choose windows that complement the overall style of your building. Consider different window shapes and sizes to enhance the design. Select doors that fit the theme of the interior. The base game offers a variety of door and window styles. Don't be afraid to experiment with them. Use the terrain tools to create multiple floors. This will add verticality to your building. You can start by establishing the ground floor, then create additional levels by using the building tools to add floors and stairs. This technique lets you create multi-story apartments and increases the building capacity.

Next, focus on the interior layout of each apartment. Divide the interior spaces of your apartment building to create distinct units, and optimize the use of space. Plan out living rooms, bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms within each apartment. To achieve this, use walls to partition spaces and define the layout of each apartment unit. This process involves careful planning and creative use of the base game tools. Consider the flow of the design within each unit. Position doors and windows to facilitate movement throughout the apartment. Think about furniture placement and how it will influence how your Sims navigate the space. Make sure to include all the essential elements within each apartment unit, such as beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and kitchen appliances. This will provide a comfortable and functional living area for your Sims. Remember to select appropriate furniture, and choose items that match the overall design and theme. Select a variety of base game furniture options to furnish the apartments and enhance their aesthetic appeal.

When designing your Sims 4 base game apartment, consider the decor. The base game includes a variety of decorative objects, such as plants, paintings, and sculptures, that can be used to add personality and visual interest to the apartments. Use these items to personalize the spaces and enhance the ambiance. Don't underestimate the power of paint and wallpaper. Changing the walls and floors can completely transform the look and feel of an apartment. The base game offers a decent selection of paint colors and patterns. Experiment with different combinations to create a unique atmosphere. Lighting is also crucial. Choose lamps, overhead lights, and other lighting fixtures to make your Sims' home both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Also, the base game offers a variety of lighting options. By utilizing different lighting, you can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Always use the move objects cheat (bb.moveobjects) to place items more freely and create custom designs. With this cheat, you can get creative and make unique decor arrangements.

Furnishing Your Base Game Apartments

Furnishing your Sims 4 base game apartment is where the real fun begins! Start by adding the essentials: beds, sofas, tables, chairs, and kitchen appliances. Focus on creating functional and comfortable spaces, starting with the bedrooms. Choose beds that fit the size and style of the room. A well-chosen bed can enhance the overall appeal. Place nightstands and dressers to provide storage and add to the room's functionality. For the living room, select comfortable sofas, chairs, and coffee tables. Position them to facilitate conversation and create a welcoming ambiance. Include a TV, a stereo, and other entertainment options to make the area attractive. In the kitchen, choose countertops, cabinets, and appliances to create a functional cooking and dining area. Include a refrigerator, a stove, and other necessary appliances to equip the space. Place a dining table to provide a spot for meals and social gatherings. Remember, it is important to include essential appliances, such as a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, for basic needs.

Consider storage solutions. The base game provides a variety of cabinets, shelves, and dressers to organize and optimize the space within each apartment. Make use of vertical space to maximize the storage in smaller areas. This can be achieved by utilizing wall-mounted shelves and tall cabinets. Organize your furniture. Place the items thoughtfully to create attractive and functional spaces. Ensure the flow of movement throughout the space. The space should be easy to navigate. You should also consider the overall design and theme. Create distinct areas and add personalized touches. Consider the color schemes and select furniture that suits the theme of the room.

To make your apartments feel cozy and lived-in, add some decor. Include plants, paintings, rugs, and decorative objects to personalize the spaces. Add personal touches. Select decorative items that reflect the Sims' personalities and preferences. Place plants, pictures, and other items to create a sense of belonging. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles. You can experiment with color schemes, textures, and patterns to create unique aesthetics in each apartment. This way, you can create diverse and personalized living spaces. Add rugs to define areas and soften the look of hard floors. Use artwork and mirrors to create visual interest.

Adding the Finishing Touches and Gameplay Considerations

Alright, your Sims 4 base game apartment build is almost complete! Once you've furnished everything, it's time to add those finishing touches that make your apartments feel truly special. Focus on adding details and personalized touches. Decorate the apartments to reflect the different personalities of your Sims. This might include adding specific hobbies, interests, and personal items. Think about the story you want to tell with each apartment and tailor the decor to match. Do your Sims love art? Fill their apartments with paintings and sculptures. Are they into music? Include musical instruments and stereo systems. The small details make a big difference, so take your time and don't rush the process. After furnishing, add plants, artwork, and other decorative objects to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Once you've done all that, consider the gameplay aspects. For your Sims, you can consider things like bills. Your Sims will have bills to pay for their apartment. This will add a layer of realism to the gameplay. You can also explore the social dynamics. If you build multiple apartments, your Sims can interact with neighbors. They can form friendships or rivalries, which adds a lot of fun. If the Sims have kids, design a play area in one of the apartments or in the building common area. This will enrich their lives.

Also, consider how your Sims will interact with each other in the apartment building. The apartment can act as a hub for socializing. Sims can host parties, have dinner with each other, or simply hang out in communal spaces. This will encourage socialization and interactions. Create shared spaces, such as a garden, a gym, or a common room, for your Sims to socialize and build community. This enhances the building's overall appeal. If you want, you can use the outdoor space to your advantage. If the lot allows, create outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, and gardens, for your Sims to enjoy the outside.

Now, your Sims 4 base game apartment is ready to move in! Congratulations! It is the perfect place for your Sims to live, laugh, and perhaps cause a little chaos. Enjoy your apartment building!