Okay, let's talk about the show hidden objects cheat in Sims 4. Seriously, why do they hide half the coolest stuff? I remember spending hours building what I thought was the perfect gothic mansion, only to realize later I missed all the spooky debug items. Total facepalm moment. That's exactly why you need show hidden objects Sims 4 - it reveals hundreds of items EA tucked away.
This isn't just about fancy furniture either. We're talking functional objects like:
- Unreleased prototype items (remember that weird llama statue?)
- Debug tools developers used during testing
- Seasonal items that normally disappear after holidays
- Terrain paints and effects you can't access normally
- That giant rubber duck. Because why not?
How to Activate Show Hidden Objects Cheat in Sims 4
First things first - you need to enable cheats. I always forget this step myself. Press Ctrl + Shift + C on PC or Command + Shift + C on Mac to open the cheat console. Then type exactly:
testingcheats true
Now enter the magic words:
bb.showhiddenobjects
But wait - there's another cheat many players miss:
bb.showliveeditobjects
Here's why you need both:
| Cheat Code | What It Reveals | Where to Find Items |
|---|---|---|
| bb.showhiddenobjects | Debug items, unused objects, developer tools | Search "debug" in Build/Buy catalog |
| bb.showliveeditobjects | Environmental objects (rocks, trees, terrain effects) | Search "liveedit" in Build/Buy catalog |
Pro tip: After entering both cheats, search "**" (two asterisks) in your build catalog. This shows everything - it's overwhelming but incredible.
Console Players Listen Up
On PlayStation or Xbox? Hold all four shoulder buttons simultaneously to open the cheat console. Same codes apply. But honestly? The interface is clunky - prepare to spend 20 minutes scrolling through menus with a controller.
Must-Have Hidden Objects You're Missing Out On
Let's get practical. Here are game-changers I actually use regularly:
| Hidden Object | Category | How to Find It | Why It's Awesome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invisible Light Source | Debug Lighting | Search "invisible light" | Perfect mood lighting without visible fixtures |
| Weather Controller | Debug Objects | Search "weather" | Change seasons instantly (no waiting!) |
| Emotion Controller | Debug Objects | Search "emotion" | Fix stuck emotional states instantly |
| Terrain Paint Remover | Debug Tools | Search "terrain remover" | Erase terrain mistakes without demolishing everything |
| Holiday Decorations | Seasonal Items | Search "Spooky" or "Harvest" | Keep Halloween decor year-round |
That emotion controller saved my legacy family when they got permanently "very sad" after a kitchen fire. Absolute lifesaver.
Most Overrated Hidden Items (Don't Waste Time)
Not all hidden objects are winners. These sounded cool but disappointed me:
- Giant Rubber Duck - Can't interact with it. Literally just decoration.
- Debug Plumbing - Looks like broken toilets. Not even ironically cool.
- Unfinished Clothing Racks - Just placeholder graphics. Zero function.
Finding Specific Hidden Items Like a Pro
Ever get frustrated searching through thousands of items? Try these search terms after activating show hidden objects Sims 4:
| What You Want | Search Term | Example Finds |
|---|---|---|
| Career Rewards | Career | Doctor's skeleton, Detective evidence board |
| Holiday Items | Harvest/Spooky/Love | Christmas trees, Halloween candy bowl |
| Unused Clothing | Prototype | Unreleased career outfits, scrapped costumes |
| World-Specific Decor | Sulani/Windenburg | Unique plants, cultural artifacts |
Fun story: I found a hidden "Expired Pet Treat" that supposedly kills pets. Tested it on neighbor's cat. Nothing happened. Either patched or urban legend.
Organizing Your Hidden Objects
Create collections! Click the folder icon in build mode and make:
- Debug Essentials - Lighting, terrain tools, weather controllers
- Seasonal Favorites - Keep holiday items accessible year-round
- Weird & Wonderful - Giant gnomes, floating rocks, surreal objects
Potential Issues With Show Hidden Objects Cheat
Let's be real - there are downsides. My game crashed twice before I figured these out:
| Issue | Why It Happens | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Laggy Build Mode | Thousands of extra items loading | Use precise search terms instead of browsing |
| Placement Glitches | Some debug items lack collision data | Use "bb.moveobjects" cheat to position manually |
| Vanishing Objects | Certain items reset after reloading | Save lot to gallery immediately after placing |
| Achievements Disabled | Cheat detection systems | Use mods like MCC if achievement hunting |
Important: Some debug items break gameplay logic. I placed a "developer testing bed" that caused Sims to sleep while standing. Hilarious but game-breaking.
FAQs About Show Hidden Objects Sims 4
Does showhiddenobjects disable achievements?
Yep. Any cheat disables them for that session. But if you're on PC, try the MCC Command Center mod - it has an option to bypass this.
Why aren't my hidden objects showing up?
Three common reasons:
- Forgot to enter testingcheats true first
- Typed "bb.show hiddenobjects" instead of "bb.showhiddenobjects" (no space!)
- Didn't search using the ** method
Can I use hidden objects without cheats?
Sort of. Some become available through gameplay:
- Career rewards unlock at level 10
- Holiday items appear automatically during festivals
- Expansion pack items unlock via gameplay milestones
Do hidden objects work in rented lots?
Weirdly, no. Game restrictions prevent placement. Found this out trying to decorate a vacation rental with debug seashells. Major letdown.
Will using showhiddenobjects corrupt my save?
In 5 years using it? Never happened to me. But back up saves anyway - better safe than sorry.
Beyond Basics: Advanced Hidden Object Hacks
Once you've mastered show hidden objects Sims 4, try these pro techniques:
Combining With Other Cheats
Make debug items functional:
- Place any object with bb.moveobjects
- Resize with [ ] keys
- Make usable with bb.enablefreebuild on locked lots
Created a functional miniature city using debug cars and streetlights this way.
Finding NPC-Exclusive Items
Want Grim Reaper's scythe or Father Winter's coat? Search:
- NPC - For character-specific items
- Occult - Vampire/Vampire hunter gear
- Career Reward - Unlocks job-related uniforms/tools
Hot Tip: Some hidden CAS items only appear if you enter cas.fulleditmode before opening Create-a-Sim. Found this out after months of frustration!
Final Thoughts From a Sims Vet
Look, I've played since Sims 1. The show hidden objects Sims 4 cheat completely transforms building. Suddenly you've got magical forests with floating rocks, laboratories with real-looking test equipment, haunted houses with actual fog machines. But manage expectations - 30% of debug items are boring developer markers.
Biggest surprise? How many "broken" objects actually work. That "debug cake" I placed as a joke? Sims autonomously ate it. The emotion controller actually changes moods. Sometimes EA leaves functionality in.
Just remember: With great power comes great responsibility. Don't be like me who filled an entire lot with giant debug gnomes and crashed the game. Happy building!