Exchange

The Sims 3 Guide - Mod Guide

Exchange

The Exchange is full of items that are in the main Sims 3 game, but have been customised by players. You can use Create-a-Style to fine tune many aspects of the game's items, though nothing in the Exchange is actually unique or hand crafted – you could create the same item using the in-game tools. Nonetheless, it's a nice feature to get some attractive items from skilled creators. Perhaps its chief advantage is for getting brilliantly-designed houses and celebrity look-alike Sims!

Main: This page lists all the highlights from The Sims 3 Exchange.

Objects: Using this link allows you to search for a Buy or Build Mode object of your choice. You can either use the search box provided or check the box in the Build or Buy category and pick from the list. There is also an Advanced Search mode, though this is hardly more advanced – you can however choose to allow objects in any language, which broadens your possibilities.

Sims: Much like the Objects tab, here you can search using keywords or specify Age, Gender, Skin, Weight and Build parameters to pick from. Again, advanced options are available. Try searching for your favourite celebrity – chances are someone has created them and uploaded the Sim for everyone else to use!

A fitting tribute?

Lots: This is perhaps the most useful part of the Exchange, as creating detailed and impressive houses is both difficult and time consuming. You can select the type of Lot (Commercial or Residential), the Number of Residents and the Size of the Lot. Some of the Commercial lots are just mind-blowing – it really will inspire you to experiment with the game more than before.

TIP: You will probably have to make space in your town for any new lots, so consider that when making your choice.

Households: This is a collection of Sims, complete with stories to go with them. You can pick the number of Sims in the household as well as the funds available to them. In effect you are downloading scenarios to make your game more interesting. Some of the most popular ones right now include a married couple living with the Grim Reaper, the Obama family, and a couple with 82 newborn babies.

Clothing: People are able to be a bit more creative with Clothing, as this is one of the areas that Create-a-Style really comes into play. You can search by Gender, Age, Category (e.g. Everyday, Formal) and Type (e.g. Tops, Bottoms).

Hair Colour: Again, hair colour allows many different types of patterns, not only colours. The options aren't endless, but there are a few worthy downloads in there. There are no search criteria here – just look through the database.

Some of the lots are just incredible.

Accessories: These come largely in the form of shoes, jewellery, socks etc. and the list can be limited by Age, Gender and Type of accessory.

Patterns: The bulk of The Sims 3's Create-a-Style feature is made up of patterns. You can use them on upholstery, objects, wallpaper, carpets – generally you could apply these patterns to pretty much anything in the game. Use the Type box to pick which sort of texture you want the pattern to be associated with.

TIP: To the top right of the screen you can ‘Sort By Recommendations’, which ensures only the most popular items are shown to you – this is a great way to get the best of the Exchange quickly.