Changing the language in The Sims 4 when using custom tools or repacks can feel confusing because standard EA app options won't work. If you need to update your text settings or fix a default English installation, you have to work directly with the game's internal configuration files.
The primary configuration file for this process is anadius.cfg, located right inside your game installation folder. By editing this single text document and adjusting registry spoof settings, you can switch your game text to Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, or any other supported regional format without breaking your installation or losing track of your game data.
Locating and Editing the Configuration File
To modify how your game handles text localization, you need access to the game root directory. This is usually found wherever you chose to install your game files on your hard drive, rather than your documents folder.
Open your main game folder and navigate to the Game directory, then open the Bin folder. Inside this folder, look for a file named anadius.cfg. If you don't see file extensions enabled on your computer, it will just show up as a configuration or settings file with an icon that resembles a notepad.
Right-click the file and open it using a plain text editor like Notepad. Inside, you'll see several lines of code detailing version numbers, available languages, and registry paths.
Changing Language Codes and Registry Spoofing
Inside the anadius.cfg file, locate the parameters that dictate regional text. You'll see a line displaying the active language code, such as en_US for English, alongside a setting for registry keys.
To swap your text language, follow these exact adjustments:
- Find the line that reads
"Language" "en_US"(or whatever language is currently active) and replace the code with your target language code. For example, change it to"pt_BR"for Brazilian Portuguese or"es_ES"for Spanish. - Locate the line for registry spoofing, which normally reads
"LanguageRegistrySpoof" "false". - Change that value from
"false"to"true". This tells the executable to bypass the standard Windows registry check and read the language directly from the local configuration file instead. - Save the file and close your text editor.
If you use Steam or other platforms like the Steam Deck, making sure that LanguageRegistrySpoof is set to true solves almost all instances where the game stubbornly reverts back to English upon booting up.
Managing Save Files and Folders After a Language Switch
When you change regional text strings in The Sims 4, the game often creates a brand new user profile folder inside your documents directory to match the new language code (for instance, creating a folder named Los Sims 4 instead of The Sims 4).
This can make it look like your saved games, households, and custom content have completely disappeared. Don't panic. Your data is still safe on your hard drive.
To restore your saves and custom content, open your File Explorer and go to your Documents/Electronic Arts directory. Locate the old game folder and copy the contents of the Saves and Tray folders. Paste those files directly into the newly generated folder corresponding to your updated language. This ensures your active households remain playable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will changing the text language change how Sims speak?
No. Changing text settings only alters menus, interface buttons, item descriptions, and pop-up notifications. Sims will continue speaking Simlish regardless of what language your text is set to.
Why does my game keep reverting to English?
If your game ignores your text changes, you likely forgot to enable the registry spoof line. Ensure that "LanguageRegistrySpoof" is explicitly set to "true" inside your anadius.cfg file so it overrides default system values.
Where can I find a complete list of valid language codes?
Valid codes match standard localization parameters used by Maxis. Common options include de_DE for German, fr_FR for French, it_IT for Italian, pl_PL for Polish, and ru_RU for Russian. Always verify the exact spelling inside your configuration file before saving changes.
