Sims 4 Mac players should install TwistedMexi’s ModGuard too. Here’s why

The recent spate of malware in certain Sims 4 Mods available at The Sims Resource, Mod The Sims, LoversLab and CurseForge has been pretty shocking. For a full list of affected Mods, head over to the Answers HQ Mods forum and read the stickied thread here which Luth maintains and keeps updated.

The malicious code was found in script mods, not package files (script mods are the ones that end .ts4script). Thankfully this would not have impacted any Mac users running the game because macOS cannot natively run exe files but don’t let that make you complacent. If you have one of these files in your Mods folder, and copy that Mods folder to a Boot Camped Windows partition, or VM running Windows on your Mac, or share that Mods folder with another user (NEVER a good idea), you are passing the infected Mods on.

The brilliant TwistedMexi has made the ModGuard Mod available for free and immediate download to check for suspicious files – “ModGuard blocks common virus vectors, tracks the mod file that attempted to download it, notifies you, and shares the mod name with our team so compromised modder accounts can be notified as soon as possible.” I STRONGLY suggest that if you are a Mod user, you download and install this Mod, even if you are on a Mac. This protects the wider community, not just yourself.

Sims After Dark are also updating the Simming community here. I would also recommend joining their excellent Discord Server if you are a Mod user.

Sims 4 not loading CC or Mods – storage issues

If your CC/Mods aren’t loading in-game, and you have checked that the CC/Mods are properly installed, it is most likely the same reason as saves not loading, your iCloud Drive settings are pushing data to iCloud because your internal storage is full and you have Optimise Mac Storage enabled in System Preferences > Apple ID/iCloud.

Older documents will be stored only in iCloud when space is needed. If your internal storage is getting full it doesn’t matter how many files you keep adding to the Mods/Saves folder, the older files will be stored only in iCloud where the game cannot access them. If you keep adding files it will in fact push more files to the cloud.

To get round this you need to either disable the Optimise Mac Storage setting or, if you are feeling brave, use a symlink to redirect your Sims 4 folder to an external drive.

Remember CC/Mods must also:

  • be enabled in the in-game options
  • Be unzipped (unless the creator dictates otherwise) in .package or .ts4script format
  • be placed directly in the Mods folder

Sims 4 CC and Mods not showing up in-game

Sometimes there are spikes in this issue being reported and it usually coincides with a game update or macOS update. Game updates can render CC/Mods incompatible so you need to check with the creator that the content you use has been updated to work with the current patch level of the game. When macOS updates are applied this can sometimes change iCloud Drive settings if dialogue windows ask the user to confirm new actions so check the location of your Documents folder in System Preferences.

  1. Are CC and Mods enabled in your game options? If not enable them and restart the game.
  2. Is your game fully patched up to date?
  3. Are the CC and Mods you’re trying to use fully compatible with the latest version of the game? Check on the creator’s website that they are. The good creators will always check their content is compatible after an update and release an updated version if necessary or possible. Check the SimsVIP broken Mods page for updated lists after each patch.
  4. Are the CC/Mods definitely for Sims 4 and not Sims 1, 2 or 3?
  5. Have you unzipped the downloaded CC/Mods so you are only placing .package and/or .ts4script files in your Mods folder?
  6. Do you have iCloud Drive enabled to store your Documents folder in the cloud? If your Mac internal storage is getting full and Optimise Mac Storage is enabled, it will automatically push files to the cloud.
  7. Have you tried repairing your game? Right click on the game in your Origin games library and select repair game.

ItsaprilXD’s fabulous guide to installing CC/Mods on a Mac is also worth a read.