Townie Sexual Orientation: Fix & Diversity
If you have spent any time in The Sims 4 world, you know the frustration of sending your Sim to a bar or gym only to find that every potential partner is aromantic and asexual. This was not a design choice; it was a bug introduced with the High School Years patch. The Townie Sexual Orientation: Fix & Diversity mod addresses this head-on, giving you control over how new townies are generated. Whether you want a realistic spread of orientations or a world where everyone is open to romance, this mod has a version for you.
Understanding the Townie Orientation Bug
When the sexual orientation feature was added, EA included a hidden switch in the game's code. This switch was designed to unlock diverse orientation settings, but it only activated if your played Sims initiated at least two same-sex relationships. For everyone else, the game defaulted to a bugged state where new random townies were overwhelmingly generated as aromantic and asexual. This made finding partners for your Sims incredibly difficult and broke the core gameplay loop for many.
The Three Versions Explained
The mod comes in three distinct versions, and you should use ONLY ONE file at a time. Each version changes how new townies are generated after installation. Existing townies created before the High School Years patch are generally fine, but any new ones will follow the rules of your chosen mod.
- TownieSexualOrientationFix: This is the original fix. It makes new random townies generate as pansexual, ensuring there is always a potential partner for your Sim regardless of their orientation.
- TownieSexualOrientationDiversity: This version unlocks the hidden diverse settings that EA kept locked. It provides a realistic spread of 67% heterosexual, 17% homosexual, 8% bi, and 8% neither, regardless of your play style.
- TownieSexualOrientationAlwaysPansexual: This disables the hidden switch entirely, meaning all new townies will be pansexual, no matter what kind of relationships you have initiated in your save file.
Which Version is Right for Your Playstyle?
Choosing the right version depends on how you play. If you only initiate heterosexual relationships or none at all, the game will keep the diverse settings locked. In this case, the Fix version is your best bet for a playable game. If you want the full spectrum of orientations without any bugs, the Diversity version is ideal. For those who simply want a world where everyone is open to any relationship, the AlwaysPansexual version is the simplest choice.
Compatibility and Game Versions
It is crucial to note that the original bug was patched by EA in the Infant Update. If you have updated your game to version 1.96.365.1030 or later, you should remove this mod as it is no longer necessary. The mod only overrides a single file, but it will conflict with any other mod that changes how sexual orientation is configured. Always check your mod folder for conflicts after updating The Sims 4.
How to Install the Mod
Installation is straightforward. First, download Townie Sexual Orientation: Fix & Diversity from a trusted source. Once downloaded, unzip the file. You will see three package files inside. Choose the one that fits your playstyle and drag it into your Sims 4 Mods directory. This is typically located in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Mods. Ensure that "Script Mods" and "Custom Content" are enabled in your game settings before launching.
For players who want a more streamlined experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install for Townie Sexual Orientation: Fix & Diversity. The launcher automatically places the correct file into your Mods folder and checks for version compatibility, saving you the hassle of manual installation. It also tracks updates for this add-on, so you will know immediately if a new patch from EA makes the mod obsolete.
What the Mod Does Not Change
It is important to remember that this mod only affects new random townies. Townies that are part of a pre-existing couple may still be generated as straight, as the game changes their orientation to match their partner. The mod does not alter the orientation of any Sims already in your world. If you want to change existing Sims, you will need to use the in-game CAS tools.
Final Thoughts on Townie Diversity
The Townie Sexual Orientation: Fix & Diversity mod is an essential tool for any player who wants a functional and diverse world. It fixes a frustrating bug and gives you the power to choose how your townies behave. Whether you prefer the realistic spread of the Diversity version or the simple pansexual default of the Fix version, this mod ensures that your Sims will never run out of potential partners again. Just remember to remove it if you update your game past the Infant Patch, as EA finally fixed the underlying issue.