Want to give your Sims a more proportional and aesthetically pleasing look? A long neck can sometimes throw off the entire aesthetic. This guide will walk you through the quickest and easiest methods to shorten your Sim's neck in Sims 4, without resorting to complicated mods or extensive sculpting.
Understanding the Limitations
Before we dive in, it's important to understand that directly "shortening" a Sim's neck isn't a feature built into the base game. We'll be working with existing sliders and techniques to achieve the desired effect. The results depend on your Sim's existing facial structure and the extent of the neck lengthening you want to correct.
Method 1: Adjusting the Chin and Jawline
This method subtly alters the overall appearance, creating the illusion of a shorter neck.
Steps:
- Open CAS (Create a Sim): Load your Sim into Create-a-Sim.
- Focus on the Chin and Jaw: Carefully adjust the chin length and jaw width sliders. A slightly more pronounced chin and a wider jawline can visually balance a longer neck. Experiment with small adjustments; drastic changes can look unnatural.
- Neck Slider (Subtle Adjustments): While we aren't aiming for a massive neck reduction, a very slight upward adjustment of the neck slider can sometimes help, but be mindful not to overdo it.
- Check from Different Angles: Rotate your Sim to view the changes from different angles. This will help you avoid unintended consequences.
- Save and Play: Once satisfied, save your Sim and return to your game.
Method 2: Hair and Clothing Choices
Strategic use of hairstyles and clothing can effectively minimize the appearance of a long neck.
Steps:
- High Necklines: Choose clothing with high necklines or turtlenecks to visually break up the length of the neck.
- Layered Hairstyles: Hairstyles that frame the face and cover part of the neck, particularly those with bangs or layers around the face, can be incredibly effective. Avoid hairstyles that pull the hair tightly back, which can accentuate a long neck.
- Accessories: Large earrings or necklaces can draw the eye away from the neck itself.
Method 3: Using Custom Content (Mods - Advanced)
Caution: This method requires downloading and installing custom content (mods). Always download from reputable sources to avoid harming your game files. Proceed with caution.
This option involves using mods that offer more granular control over Sim's facial features, often providing sliders specifically for neck length adjustment. However, this requires more technical expertise and carries the risk of incompatibility issues with future game updates.
Optimizing Your Sim's Appearance: Beyond Neck Length
Remember, a balanced and attractive Sim isn't solely about neck length. Consider these factors too:
- Facial Proportions: Ensure your Sim's eyes, nose, and mouth are proportionally balanced.
- Body Shape: Experiment with different body shapes to see what complements your Sim's overall appearance.
- Makeup and Skin Details: The right makeup and skin details can add a significant enhancement.
By using these techniques, you can achieve a more aesthetically pleasing look for your Sims, even if direct neck-length adjustment isn't directly available within the base game. Remember, patience and experimentation are key!
