The Sims 4: Increasing Sims Cap via GraphicRules.sgr File

The Sims 4 engine uses a file called GraphicRules.sgr to categorize your hardware and apply specific rules based on your GPU’s power. One of the most restrictive rules is the MaxSims and SimCounts parameters. On “Ultra” settings, the game typically caps visible Sims at 20 per lot. By manually increasing these values, you can allow 40, 60, or even 100 Sims to appear simultaneously. This guide focuses on unlocking these limits for players who want a truly crowded and realistic simulation experience.

Hardware Compatibility & Expectations

• High-End CPUs: Increasing the Sim cap is extremely CPU-intensive. You will need a modern processor (Ryzen 7 / Core i7 or better) to handle the AI pathfinding for 40+ Sims.
• RAM Requirements: Each Sim rendered increases the memory footprint of the lot. 16GB of RAM is highly recommended.
• GPU Load: More Sims mean more high-quality textures and animations to render; ensure your GPU has at least 6GB of VRAM for smooth performance.

Backup and Preparation

Editing .sgr files is safe, but a single typo can cause the game to crash or reset your graphics to the lowest settings.

1. Close The Sims 4.
2. Navigate to the installation directory (not the Documents folder).
3. Right-click GraphicRules.sgr, select Copy, and save a backup in a safe location.
4. Open the file with Notepad++ (recommended) or Notepad.

File Location

Unlike standard settings, this file is located in the game’s installation folder: ...\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\GraphicRules.sgr

Best Config Settings

Open the file and use Ctrl+F to search for the string setting $Ultra. You need to find the SimCounts section under the Ultra profile and update the values as follows:

# Optimized for GameEngineer.net - Sims 4 High Capacity Config
setting $Ultra
    setprop $SimCounts 60
    setprop $MaxSims 100
    setprop $SimLOD0 60
    setprop $SimLOD1 40
    setprop $SimLOD2 20

Note: You can also increase the SimCounts for the $High and $Medium profiles if you do not play on Ultra settings, but ensure you don’t set them higher than your CPU can handle.

Key Parameters Explained

Parameter	Recommended Value	Impact
$SimCounts	60	Determines the general number of Sims the engine tries to keep active on the lot.
$MaxSims	100	The absolute “hard cap” for Sims. Going above 100 can cause pathfinding glitches.
$SimLOD0	60	The number of Sims rendered at full detail. Increasing this improves visual quality in crowds.
$SimLOD1/2	40 / 20	Determines when distant Sims switch to lower-quality models.

In-Game Settings vs. Config

To ensure your hardware can keep up with the new Sim caps, adjust these in-game settings:

• Lighting Quality: Set to “High” instead of “Ultra” to save GPU cycles in crowded areas.
• Reflections: Set to “Medium.” With 60 Sims on screen, calculating reflections for each one is very taxing.
• View Distance: “High” or “Ultra” to ensure you can actually see the increased number of Sims across the lot.

Troubleshooting & Common Fixes

• Game Crashes on Startup: This usually means there is a syntax error in your .sgr file. Restore your backup and try again.
• Sims “T-Posing” or Standing Still: If the Sim cap is too high for your CPU, the AI will “break,” and Sims will stop moving. Lower the $MaxSims value to 40 or 50.
• Updates Resetting the File: Every time EA releases a major patch, it will likely overwrite GraphicRules.sgr. Keep a copy of your edited file to re-apply the changes easily.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion and Expected Results

By manually increasing the Sim cap in GraphicRules.sgr, you remove the artificial limitations designed for older hardware. You can expect vibrant, crowded lots that feel like actual social hubs. Whether you’re hosting a massive wedding or visiting a busy nightclub in Del Sol Valley, your game will finally utilize the full power of your modern PC.