High vs. Low Poly CC: What It Means for The Sims 4 Gameplay

When downloading custom content (CC) for The Sims 4, you might have come across the term “polycount.” But what exactly does it mean, and do you really need a powerful computer to run high-poly items? Let’s break it down.

What is Polycount?

Every 3D object in The Sims 4—from hairstyles to sofas—is built from polygons, which are flat shapes that form the model. The number of these shapes is called the polycount.

• Low poly: fewer polygons, simpler models, faster to render.
• High poly: more polygons, highly detailed models, heavier on performance.

For example:

• A Maxis Match hair may have only 3,000–6,000 polys.
• An alpha hair with realistic strands could jump to 20,000–40,000+ polys.

How Polycount Affects Gameplay

The higher the polycount, the more work your computer has to do to render the object.

This can cause:

• Longer loading times in Create-A-Sim.
• Lag or stuttering when multiple Sims wear high-poly items.
• Performance drops in live mode if a household or lot contains lots of high-poly furniture.
• In extreme cases, game crashes or overheating, especially on lower-end machines.
• One or two high-poly pieces usually won’t harm performance, but stacking dozens of them in a single save can overwhelm weaker PCs.

Do You Need a High-Spec Computer?

Not necessarily—but it depends on how much high-poly CC you use.

High-spec PCs (strong CPU, dedicated GPU, 16GB+ RAM): Can handle most high-poly items smoothly. Players with these systems can enjoy detailed hairs, alpha clothes, and ornate furniture without major issues.

Mid-range PCs: Can run some high-poly content but may lag if too many are used at once. Careful moderation is key.

Low-spec PCs (laptops, integrated graphics, low RAM): Likely to struggle with high-poly meshes. Best to stick with Maxis Match or lower-poly CC for smoother gameplay.

Safe Polycount Guidelines

While there’s no official “limit,” here are general community standards:

• Hairs: under 10k polys is safe; above 30k is considered very high.
• Clothing: under 10k polys per outfit is ideal; alpha fashion can spike higher.
• Furniture/Decor: around 5k–10k polys per tile keeps builds efficient.

If you find an item with 50k–100k polys, think carefully before adding it—especially if your system isn’t high-end.

Tips for Players

• Check creator notes: Many CC makers list polycounts in their downloads.
• Mix and match: Use a blend of Maxis Match and high-poly items for balance.
• Test first: Add a few items, play for a while, and see if performance drops.
• Clean out CC: If your game lags, remove the highest-poly content first.

Final Thoughts

High-poly CC isn’t inherently bad—it gives your Sims stunning detail and realism. But the more you load into your game, the more demanding it becomes. If you’re on a lower-spec computer, stick with lower-poly options. If you have a powerful rig, feel free to indulge in all the high-poly glam you like.

In short: yes, high-poly CC benefits from a high-spec PC, but with moderation, anyone can enjoy custom content safely.

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