In real life, people tend to take shortcuts here and there. So why should virtual reality be any different? Turns out, it is not. The Sims 4, the latest game in EA Maxis' popular life-simulation series, has one thing in common with all of its predecessors: It offers players a multitude of ways to cheat.

It is helpful, of course, to know exactly how will go about making your virtual life a little easier -- and what (sometimes unintended) consequences your cheating might cause. Luckily, our friends at GameFAQs have compiled an extensive list of all the different commands at your availability.

To use a command, 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 highlights of what you will be able to accomplish at the stroke of a few keys:

Feel like entertaining, but your Sim neighbors are busy with work or are not quite your friends yet?  This is not a big deal. Just type in "soak.create_soak_party_situation", and your party is sure to be a success.

If you do not quite have the funds to pay for such socializing, why not use the "objects.consumables_infinite_toggle" command? This nifty trick, GameFAQs assures us, will give you "infinite consumables. So do not let your heart be troubled by your guests digging in at the buffet to their hearts' content.

Of course, you could just go the direct road and fill your coffers with actual Simoleons, the currency used in the game. There are no fewer than three commands that will do the trick: "kaching" and "rosebud" will add 1,000 coins to your account, while "motherlode" gives you a whopping 50,000 Simoleons. That should cover the limos to shuttle in your guests.

Everyone wants to make a good impression but what that is going to be exactly depends entirely on you. With "AdultMajor_Charisma," you will be able to select just what kind of charisma will charm your invitees.

Finally, what could be more important than telling a good joke to break the ice? "AdultMajor_Comedy" makes sure your host Sim has the comedic talent to achieve just that.