The Sims 4 has had a variety of different updates since its release to add features to the base game at no additional cost to players. This is unique to only this iteration of the franchise, and some updates have been well-received, like pools or much anticipated toddlers, while others have not gone over so well, like the added items for Hispanic Heritage month. The most recent update before the newest expansion pack, Snowy Escape, saw The Sims 4 add something that no other Sims game has had—platforms.

Initially, there was some confusion that platforms would only be included with the Snowy Escape expansion pack, but that was quickly debunked. Platforms were added to The Sims 4 base game on November 11 in the routine patch that releases before any new DLC. Many players found their game would crash after the patch, and EA soon released a follow up patch in an effort to stop the crashes. Despite its rocky introduction, players have been using platforms in a variety of fun and creative ways.

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Bunk Beds

Sims 4 players have been extremely vocal about wanting bunk beds added to the game, especially because they were included in The Sims 3: Generations expansion pack. The Sims released a statement before the release of Snowy Escape that stated many highly requested items would not be coming to The Sims 4, including bunk beds, much to the disappointment of many players.

However, players who have gotten acquainted with the platform tool have been able to make usable bunk beds without needing to download Custom Content (CC). To make a functional bunk bed in the game, players need to have the cheat “bb.moveobjects on” in order to place the beds on top of each other, and then raise the second bed to the same level as the platform. By creating bunk beds this way, players also avoid the odd animations that would come with CC bunk beds.

Spiral Staircases

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This build feature is another highly requested item, which was originally introduced in The Sims 2: Apartment Life expansion and included in The Sims 3: Generations. Spiral staircases not only added a cool aesthetic to builds but also took up less space than normal staircases. While the spiral staircases made with platforms may not look as sleek as the ones from previous titles, it was still undoubtedly a creative interpretation of using the platform tool.

One user, Ellabellab0, has put their spiral staircase creation on the Gallery so all Sims 4 players can download it if they want. These stairs are fully functional, so Sims will climb them with ease. Plus, just like bunk beds, using an item like this circumvents the need for downloading CC and seeing animations that don’t quite match the object.

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Split-Level Rooms

This is one of the most basic, starter ways to use platforms, but when it’s done right, it can look incredible. Players have used platforms to create things like elevated bathtubs all the way to fully functional lofted studios. Putting bathtubs on platforms as a focal point for a room is an interesting choice that can add extra flair to a typical run-of-the-mill Sims bathroom. The lofted studio is great for Sims with a small amount of starting money, but can be especially beneficial for players with The Sims 4: Tiny Living stuff pack.

One of the most interesting aspects of platforms is that only certain Sims can access them depending on their height. So, for example, players have made spaces that are only available to toddlers or children and will put things like their beds or their toys at the top of the platform. Adult Sims cannot access the area, so it becomes a “kids only” zone, which can be great for storytelling within the game.

The addition of platforms to The Sims 4 is one of the most advanced building tools players have seen in quite some time. Though they had a rocky start at introduction, the innovative ways Sims players use them will only continue to grow.

The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.

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