"The Sims 4," the fourth installment of EA Maxis' popular series, is considered a "life simulation" game for a reason: Just like in real life, players grow up, make friends, form families, work, play and build. And -- just like in real life -- they sometimes cut corners.

There are many ways to cheat in "The Sims 4," and Cheat Code Central has compiled a fairly extensive list of commands that will make life easier for the Sims and, in turn, the player. To use the cheats, hold down the "Ctrl," "Shift" and "C" keys at the same time. A box will open and prompt you to enter a magic phrase.

Here are some of the fun, new opportunities these shortcuts will give you:

  • In real life, overcoming a setback may require anything from lots of soul searching to years of therapy. In the "The Sims 4," just type in "resetlifetimehappiness" and your Sims' emotions go back to zero.

    And if that's not enough to sustain their well-being, you can always add "resetSim". With this command, Sims return to a safe and neutral state at home.

  • So you want to build a tool shed, but there's a stubborn tree in the way? Did your neighbor build his pool where your fence righteously belongs? That's not a problem in this game. With the command "constrainFloorElevation," you can force terrain adjustments regardless of objects, Sims and other structures. So, if your HOA decides to protest your extension, its sit-in cannot stop you.

  • Having a hard day in the game? Or maybe even in real life? Some cheering up will do you well. Just type in "jokePlease," and the game will print a random joke to console. There is no guarantee, though, that you and the series' Japanese creators share the same sense of humor.

  • Are you having nightmares when it comes to your bank account? In the game, there really is a magical solution. The command "Kaching" will get you 1,000 Simoleons, which is more than half a Sims' monthly salary. 

  • If you have some major construction planned, however, you might opt for "Motherlode" instead: This cheat will yield you a whopping 50,000 Simoleons.