Summary

  • Traits in The Sims 4 define a Sim's personality needs and wants, offering deep gameplay customization and variety for players.
  • Expansion packs unlock exclusive traits, but high prices may steer players towards free mods that enhance gameplay without added costs.
  • New trait mods like emotional traits, hobby traits, and child-exclusive traits offer exciting opportunities to personalize and deepen Sim interactions.

Traits in The Sims 4 are core personality traits that make up a Sim's wants, needs, and desires. While there's a good amount of variety regarding base game traits, many are only accessible to players who purchase specific expansion packs. Now that the game is free-to-play, potential players might be wary of spending money to get a few more personality traits.

sims 4 popular expansion packs
All Expansion Packs in The Sims 4

The Sims 4 has plenty of great expansion packs; some of them really enhance the gameplay, while others fall just short of expectations.

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With the cost of expansion packs so high, many will turn to the avid modding community to enhance their game for the low, low price of absolutely nothing. For these mods, in particular, Simmers will want to ensure they enable script mods in the game settings. Once that's been taken care of, players can use the best The Sims 4 trait mods to fine-tune a Sim's personality.

Updated on March 18, 2025, by Jenna Amore: Creating unique Sims is no easy feat, especially if players use the same limited set of traits over and over again. Reusing traits can make Sims feel too similar, leading to repetitive gameplay. That’s were the modding community has stepped in, expanding personality options for Sims of all ages — and even pets. Those who are looking for brand-new traits or tweaks that enhance the existing system should look into these mods, which offer endless possibilities for crafting Sims with depth, individuality, and richer storytelling.

1 Infant Traits

Four Additional Ways to Build Personality Development

Four new Infant Traits in The Sims 4 create-a-sim: observing, snuggly, dreamy, and messy

Artemissy's Infant Traits mod introduces four new personality traits specifically designed for infants in The Sims 4, providing players with a more nuanced approach to shaping their Sims from the earliest stages of life. These customizable traits enable players to delve deeper into character development and growth, influencing autonomous behavior, needs, and skill development.

The four traits — Observing, Snuggly, Dreamy, and Messy — can be assigned in Create-A-Sim, adding layers to infants' temperaments and behavior. Whether players are looking to create a curious observer or a cuddly, affectionate baby, these traits offer a refreshing way to tailor infants' personalities from the start, setting the stage for their future growth.

2 Unhidden Traits

Reveals Hidden Traits From the Game

Unhidden Traits that can be added to the reward store with the Unhidden Traits mod

The Unhidden Traits mod, from the ever-popular trait modder Vicky Sims, unlocks hidden traits that are typically gained through gameplay. Instead, they are available for purchase in the reward store using satisfaction points. Players can now easily assign traits that often remain out of reach, such as those related to birth origins, political leanings, or even movie genre preferences.

With this mod, these once-elusive traits can be added to a Sim's personality arsenal, offering even greater customization and depth. Fine-tune Sims’ backgrounds or expand their tastes using the Unhidden Traits mod to ensure that all traits are accessible and ready to shape stories from the start.

3 Illness Traits Bundle

Traits That Reflect Illnesses And Ailments

New traits and moodlet buffs from the Illness Traits Bundle mod

The Illness Traits Bundle mod introduces two new traits — Chronically Ill and Immunocompromised — bringing added depth to health and wellness gameplay. Sims with the Chronically Ill trait will experience long-term health challenges, causing headaches and drowsiness. Sims with the Immunocompromised trait are more vulnerable to sickness due to their weakened immune system.

Best Technology And Gadgets Mods
The Sims 4: 12 Best Technology & Gadget Mods

Players who want more tech and gadgets to tinker with in The Sims 4 don't have to look much further than the following mods.

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To manage their conditions, Sims with these traits can visit the clinic by using their phones to consult with a doctor. The doctor will provide medicine that offers temporary relief to sickly Sims. This mod adds a much-needed layer of realism to the game, focusing on the challenges of managing chronic illness and compromised immunity by using traits.

4 Medieval Traits

Step into the Past with Traits Fit for a Kingdom

Medieval Traits mod

For players who love historical gameplay or the Decades Challenge, the Medieval Traits mod brings a touch of the Middle Ages to your Sims. This mod introduces three distinct personalities: Knights, the noble protectors known for their strength, patience, and kindness; Bards, the artistic souls who fill the world with music and charm; and Jokers, the lively tricksters who thrive on humor and socializing.

Each trait influences a Sim’s behavior, shaping their skills, interactions, and aspirations to fit a medieval-inspired life. For creating gallant warriors, charismatic performers, or mischievous entertainers, these traits are perfect for storytelling. Best of all, it’s fully base game compatible and available for Sims of all ages, making it easy to bring the medieval spirit into any save.

5 Princess Traits

Live out Fairytales with Traits Inspired by Iconic Princesses

Princess Traits mod

For Simmers diving into the Disney Princess Challenge or simply looking to recreate classic fairytales, the Princess Traits mod introduces three enchanting personalities. Snowsim White is a kind-hearted soul who bakes with joy, befriends everyone (even gnomes), and rarely loses their temper.

Simderella thrives in a tidy home, has a soft spot for small critters, and possesses a natural talent for singing and knitting. Sleeping Sim is a hopeless romantic with an irresistible charm, though they struggle to stay awake and form friendships easily. Each trait enhances storytelling with unique moodlet buffs, interactions, and circumstances, making Sim’s fairytale destiny feel more magical than ever.

6 Must Have Traits

Essential Personality Traits to Make Sims Feel Even More Unique

Must Have Traits mod
  • Created by Snowiii95
  • Requires: Cats & Dogs (or My First Pet Stuff) and Spa Day
  • Download Here (Patreon)

Sometimes, the base game just doesn’t offer enough variety when it comes to personality, and that’s where the Must Have Traits mod comes in. This mod introduces four well-rounded traits that seamlessly blend into any playstyle. Animal Lover Sims form strong bonds with pets and develop the veterinary skill faster, making them perfect for animal enthusiasts.

Three Sims in Create-a-Sim representing the Best CAS Mods
The Sims 4: 12 Best Mods For Create-A-Sim

Designing a Sim is one of the best parts of playing The Sims 4, and these Create-A-Sim mods enhance the customization options available in the game.

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Excitable Sims bring an infectious energy to every situation, frequently feeling playful or energized. Those with the Shy trait prefer solitude or the company of a few close friends, making social interactions more meaningful. Finally, the Yogi trait is ideal for Sims dedicated to inner peace, allowing them to master the wellness skill more efficiently.

7 Five New Traits

Five Traits, Five Ways to Reflect Personality

The Sims 4 5 New Trait Mods
  • Created by jessienebulous
  • Requires: The Sims 4: Get To Work (only for the Dramatic trait)
  • Download Here (Mod The Sims)

Players can get five traits in jessienebulous's trait pack mod. The traits include Charming, Dramatic, Gearheart, Space Cadet, and Insightful. Players can use all of these traits with the base game except for Dramatic, which requires the Get To Work expansion pack.

Many of these traits will affect a Sim's interests and hobbies. Gearheart is a fun one, as it gives depth to Sims who want to be mechanics or builders. All the traits give Sims a boost in certain skills and have unique buffs and whims associated with them.

8 Teen Pack Part 4

Give Teen Sims the Individuality They Deserve

Teen Trait Pack mod

Teen Sims often feel like underdeveloped versions of adults, but the Teen Traits Pack brings more personality to this life stage with seven distinct traits. Imaginative Sims are lost in their own world, constantly inspired and drawn to creative endeavors. Cute Sims attract attention effortlessly, making friends with ease—even if they don’t always want the spotlight.

Those with the Girly trait adore shopping, fashion, and gossip, forming relationships quickly but losing them just as fast. From thrill-seeking Dare Devils to academically focused Nerds, each trait enhances storytelling by shaping social interactions, moods, and daily activities in a way that feels true to teen life.

9 Cottagecore Traits

Adds Traits, Interactions, and Moodlets

New traits, interactions, and moodlet buffs from the Cottagecore Traits mod

The Cottagecore Traits mod by Bloomberry introduces eight charming traits that capture the cozy spirit of cottage life while offering unique personalities for Sims. Traits like Fizz the Town for nectar and juice enthusiasts and Sugarcakes for gentle village bakers bring specialized interests to Sims. Kindhearted social butterflies would fit the Dreamboat and Ranch My Heart traits.

Three different Sims couples and romantic interactions from the best romance mods
The Sims 4: 20 Best Romance Mods

These Romance mods for The Sims 4 unlock dozens of new options for Sim relationships, attractions, romance, and WooHoo.

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These traits can also enhance skill-building, especially those with The Knitting Sim and Fisherman traits. Add the Chatterbox trait to Sims who live for gossip or the Deluded City Sim trait to urban dwellers with a love for technology and reading. These traits breathe life into the game, perfect for creating Sims who thrive in pastoral settings, enhancing the gameplay for those who adore storytelling with a rustic twist.

10 Parenting Styles Mod

Shape the Way Sims Raise the Next Generation

Parenting Styles Mod

Parenting in The Sims 4 just got a major upgrade with the Parenting Styles mod, which introduces eight traits that define how Sims raise their children. Whether they’re a Perfect Parent who follows every rule, a Fitness Parent who encourages an active lifestyle, or a Creative Parent who fosters artistic expression, each trait influences interactions, moods, and family dynamics.

Sims with these traits gain exclusive social interactions, attend unique rabbithole activities, and engage in themed outings with their kids, from art workshops to sports events. A Crunchy Parent might take their child on peaceful nature walks, while a Career Loving Parent balances work ambitions with structured family time. With more ways to personalize family gameplay, this mod makes parenting in The Sims 4 feel more immersive than ever.