Toy Making Bench
The Toy Making Bench is a delightful and fully functional add-on that brings a beloved memory from The Sims 2 into the modern world of The Sims 4. This isn't just a simple decorative piece; it is a complete gameplay experience, introducing a brand-new custom skill, a vast array of craftable items, and innovative methods to turn your Sim's hobby into a profitable business. Whether you are a veteran player seeking nostalgia or a newcomer looking for fresh content, this bench offers hours of engaging and creative gameplay.
What is the Toy Making Bench?
This mod adds a single, highly detailed object to your game, but its impact is substantial. You can find the Toy Making Bench by typing "Toy Making" in the search bar or by navigating to Indoor Activities > Hobbies > Activities (Creative) in Build Mode. It costs a modest 725 Simoleons and comes in two distinct color options. The bench is also fully functional Off-The-Grid and is unbreakable, making it a reliable addition to any household, regardless of their lifestyle or lot challenges.
Core Features and Interactions
The bench is not just a static object; it is a hub of activity. Your Sims can interact with it to craft a variety of toys or simply admire their new purchase. The primary interaction is crafting, which is tied to the new custom skill. The animations used for crafting are the same as the woodworking table, providing a familiar and satisfying visual feedback as your Sim works on their latest project.
Here is a quick breakdown of the bench's key features:
- Functional Object: Usable by all ages (children can play with the finished toys).
- Two Color Options: Choose the one that best fits your Sim's aesthetic.
- Off-The-Grid Compatible: Works without a power or water connection.
- Unbreakable: No need to worry about repairs or maintenance.
The New Toy Making Skill
The heart of this add-on is the new custom Toy Making skill. This skill features 10 distinct levels, providing a long-term goal for your Sim to work towards. Your Sim can gain skill points by reading skill books, which can be purchased from a bookshelf or a computer, and by actively crafting items on the Toy Making Bench. The skill comes with its own custom icon and unique thought bubbles when your Sim reads the skill books, adding a layer of polish and immersion.
Skill Progression and Unlocks
As your Sim levels up, they unlock new crafting recipes and interactions. This progression system keeps the gameplay fresh and rewarding. At level 5, a new interaction becomes available on your crafted products: "Sell To Toys Collector." At level 10, you unlock the more lucrative "Sell To Toys Store" interaction. This gives you a clear path from a hobbyist to a professional toy mogul. For players with the Get Together expansion, Toy Making can also be selected as a Club Activity. If you have the Seasons expansion, it can be integrated into holiday traditions as well.
Furthermore, you can set a custom preference for your Sim in Create-A-Sim under the Hobby category, allowing them to have a natural affinity for this craft from the start.
Craftable Items and Materials
The Toy Making Bench truly shines with its impressive catalog of 40 different craftables. This collection is a mix of original designs, conversions from The Sims 2 and 3, and a few licensed designs from Sketchfab. Each item requires a specific skill level and, in some cases, an optional ingredient to produce. These ingredients can include Cottage Living Wool, My Cotton Yarns, or Mirai's Logs, adding a layer of resource management to the process.
A Look at the Crafting List
Here is a sample of the items you can create, organized by skill level:
- Level 1: Small wooden toys
- Level 3: Woven toys
- Level 4: Plush toys
- Level 5: Hanoi Tower, Teddy Bear
- Level 7: Commercial Toys
- Level 8: Play Phone, Xylophones and Drums
- Level 9: Rocking Horses, Toy Kitchen and Large Dollhouse
- Level 10: Spring Horses
Once your Sim finishes crafting an item, it will go directly into their inventory. Items that require pandasama's tuning will be placed in the household inventory. You can then drag them out and place them anywhere you like. All toys are fully functional, so children can play with them, making them perfect for decorating a child's room.
Selling Your Creations
There are multiple ways to profit from your Sim's handiwork. You can list most products on Plopsy, the in-game online marketplace. Additionally, you can use the custom "Sell To" interactions added by this mod. A script has been added to allow you to sell toys that require pandasama's tuning as well, ensuring that no product is left unsold. Note that the sell option will appear on all items that contain this specific tuning, not just those from the crafting station, since the interaction is injected into the tuning ID itself.
Requirements and Installation
The Toy Making Bench for The Sims 4 is a base game compatible mod, which is fantastic for all players. However, to craft the complete set of toys, you will need to download pandasama's rocking horse, telephone, xylophone, rock-a-stack, and play kitchen, as 12 of the toys rely on their tuning. To download Toy Making Bench, you will need to extract the files from the archive and place them in your Mods folder, which is typically located in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4. The process is straightforward, and there are many guides on how to install mods if you are unfamiliar. The mod is designed to work with the latest game patches, but as with any custom content, it is always wise to check for updates after a major game update.
For players looking for a seamless experience, the foxygame.net launcher offers a one-click install feature that automatically places the Toy Making Bench files in the correct directory, saving you the hassle of manual installation. This launcher also maintains a catalog of add-ons, making it easy to manage your mods and ensure version compatibility with your current game build. Its auto-update functionality can be a lifesaver, as it will notify you when a new version of the Toy Making Bench is available, preventing potential conflicts with new game patches.
Known Issues and Final Thoughts
There is one known issue with the large plush bear: it cannot be placed inside a lot without using the "bb.moveobjects" cheat, as it may clip into the floor or ceiling. This is a minor inconvenience that is easily solved with a quick cheat command. The Toy Making Bench is a fantastic addition to The Sims 4, offering a rich and rewarding crafting experience that pays homage to the series' past while providing fresh, modern gameplay. It is a must-have for any Simmer who enjoys the creative and entrepreneurial aspects of the game.