Expand Your Home Below Ground: A Guide to Making Basements in The Sims 4

August 30, 2023
basements The Sims 4
Images via Electronic Arts

Basements serve as hidden gems beneath your Sims’ living quarters, offering both solace and practicality. Whether you seek extra storage or an oasis for relaxation, basements provide versatile options for customization. Here’s a step-by-step exploration of how to create and utilize basements in The Sims 4.

The Sims 4 Guide – How to Make Your Own Basements

Basements can be created through one of two primary approaches.

Method 1: Building from the Lowest Level

  1. If you’re starting on an empty lot, construct a house or import one from the Gallery.
  2. Navigate to the lowest level of your home lot.
  3. Build a room on the lowest level and position a staircase within the room.
  4. Let your creativity flow as you decorate the basement to your liking.
  5. Remember, you can rearrange the staircase if needed, as long as it doesn’t collide with walls or furniture.

Method 2: Utilizing the Basement Tool

  1. Access the Build mode by clicking the top right icon or pressing the F2 key.
  2. Locate the basement tool, which is situated next to the Build Room Tool.
  3. Select the basement tool to initiate the construction of your basement.
  4. Follow the green-colored outline to ensure a smooth building process.
  5. Utilize the page-down button to survey the basement’s placement.
  6. Once the basement is situated, it functions like any other room in your home, allowing for wall adjustments and repositioning.

Once the basement space is formed, finish it off with walls, flooring, lighting and other details as desired. For access, install a staircase connected to the ground level. Place it carefully so Sims can easily move between floors.

Basement Basics and Beyond

Basements in The Sims 4 function akin to their above-ground counterparts. You can infuse your basement with furniture and decorations, using styled rooms for quick beautification. If you’ve embraced the Horse Ranch expansion, basements can even expedite nectar aging, a boon for those aspiring to become Expert Nectar Makers.

Fret not about flooding or natural disasters; unless you’ve introduced weather-altering mods, your basement remains safe. However, be cautious about fire hazards, as accidents during cooking or toilet usage can still occur.