Since initially debuting in 2000, The Sims franchise has continued to grow over the years, and with numerous expansion packs and versions, the game is still going strong almost twenty years later. The key to this game being so successful is the constant reinvention process that it has undergone. Instead of maintaining the same gameplay year-after-year, there are so many changes that take place. The newest iteration of the franchise is The Sims 4, which was initially released in 2013. Since its debut, it has released numerous expansion packs that have allowed players to continue playing the game despite it being over five years old. Expansions like Cats & Dogs and Get Famous have made the game exciting even for long-time players.
For those that have played The Sims multiple times know that no game is the same as different interactions and situations in the game make each new creation a different story. Even further, there are also so many secrets hidden within the game that cannot be achieved after just one play. This version of the game is packed with hidden abilities, areas, and situations that need to be played multiple times to explore them all. Even the most dedicated player would need multiple tries to get through them. With so much to see and do, the only way to experience it all is to keep on playing.
Here are 20 Things Fans Didn’t Know They Could Do in The Sims 4:
Beautiful Sylvan Glade
The Sims is well-known for providing players with numerous hidden areas within their cities; as graphics become more enhanced, so does the beauty of the areas.
Sylvan Glade is one of the more beautiful areas in The Sims 4, but it can only be reached if players know how to access its secrets. In Willow Creek's Foundry Cove, the Sylvan Tree is the key to finding this beautiful oasis. The tree needs to be watered in three consecutive visits, after which, a portal will open up revealing the entrance to Sylvan Glade. The area is not only known for being picturesque, but has things that no other area does. Players are able to fish for the extremely rare tree fish, as well as pick through a variety of other rare plants, fruits, and vegetables.
The Death Flower
Despite being around since The Sims 3, the Death Flower continues to evolve the game. While losing a Sim's life is certainly tragic, the game has further developed ways in order to prolong one's demise, as well as resurrect those that have been lost.
This flower is only obtainable by those with a level five gardening skill. After grafting multiple plants involving cherries, pomegranates, lilies, and snapdragons, the option to create Death Flowers will eventually exist. When in the inventory, it can be given to Death in exchange for a Sim' life. Since Death is so fond of the flower, he will reanimate and bring a Sim back to life. While tricking Death will always be a roll of the dice, this is a nice way to continue a game.
Grilled Cheese Obsession
Building a Sim to have worth-while aspirations of life is half the fun of The Sims. Instead of having them live a meaningless life, the controller can give them purpose. It is a good thing that the game has the ability to make Sims care about something – like grilled cheese.
After forcing Sims to consume three plates of grilled cheese in a row, they will slowly become obsessed with the dish. In fact, their world will begin to revolve around the toasty treat. All the Sims will think and talk about is grilled cheese, and all their actions will be related to it. While everyone knows the value of a grilled cheese sandwich, all of their wants and fears will focus on this, leading to a game that slowly loses all meaning.
Finally Turning Off The Tutorials
Since the first version of the game was released in 2000, various versions of The Sims have been enjoyed by fans. While the game has evolved, the basic actions and premise of the game have stayed the same. This means that by the time The Sims 4 rolled around, fans had been playing the game for almost twenty years. After that much play-time, watching the same old tutorials has become very tiresome.
Thankfully, The Sims 4 has finally given the option to remove in-game tutorials, which were not able to be skipped before. After building the fifth house in one game, it is nice to start playing without having to re-watch all of the “how-to” guides.
Return Of Rosebud
In the original Sims game, the most infamous cheat code was the “Rosebud” one, which enabled the ability to transfer infinite amounts of Simoleon cash to the player's account. Instead of playing the game for hours to earn cash, this code could be used to expedite the game. While these types of codes have existed through all iterations of The Sims, Rosebud was the originator.
New codes have been introduced with each version, which has made it difficult for fans to remember them. However, Sims 4 reintroduced the cheat that started it all. Instead of using codes like “Kaching” or “Motherlode,” fans could go back to using “Rosebud.” Other codes may provide more cash, but it is always fun to go back to the OG.
Visit An Alien Planet
In the Get To Work expansion pack, it is possible to leave the character's home planet and travel to a distant one.
After achieving level 10 in the Rocket Science skill and reaching the top of the Scientist career, it opens up a world of possibilities. After upgrading their rocket ship with a “wormhole generator,” they will eventually receive a special assignment to travel to the alien planet “Sixam.” This planet is home to metals and minerals that are not available on Earth, which could lead to the discovery of a new element, and scientists are even invited to a specific playground. To think that some players only use the game to start fires in houses!
Take An Alien Home
As if visiting an alien planet was not exciting enough, this game has taken alien adventures to another level. Not only can a player's creation travel away from their home planet, but they could also end up with an alien companion if they play their cards right.
The aliens on Sixam have the ability to do one of two things: either impregnate a Sim or provide them with an alien keepsake in a bottle to take home. While both instances are some of the least likely to occur in the game, it does keep players constantly visiting the planet. Having the possibility of an alien companion is certainly not something to take lightly. How many other games offer that option?
Vampire Life
One of the cooler aspects of The Sims is the ability to watch a Sim creation grow over time. The life simulator offers the chance to take characters from the cradle to the grave and everything in between. While watching a life progress is full of fun, being able to manipulate it is even more exciting. The Sims 4 even provided the opportunity to manipulate life into the occult.
The “Create A Sim” feature is used for new characters, but additional patches offer the opportunity to turn Sims into vampires. Complete with fangs, supernatural powers, and an overpowering thirst, this turns the game upside down. Not only will their appearances be different, but these Sims will have a complete aversion to sunlight.
Breaking Bad
Looking to use The Sims to create picture-perfect caricatures of another person? Electronic Arts has enhanced the “Create a Sim” feature to the point of being able to manipulate all facial features. Fans have even gone so far as to create some very famous lookalikes.
Clothing choices, hair styles, and body types allow for some great customization of characters. Characters like Homer Simpson, Tony Stark, and even Breaking Bad's Walter White are among some of the most popular characters to create. Fans are even sharing them here to show off their creations to other fans. As The Sims world continues to progress, so do the possibilities of new creations for fans to show off.
Free Real Estate
Choosing to buy property in real life is one of the biggest investments that someone can make. Not only is it expensive, but it is a purchase that has to be lived with for many years afterwards. However, The Sims has taken some anxiety out of that decision by providing a cheat for free houses.
By using the “Free Real Estate” cheat, players are able to purchase any house at a very affordable price: free! That giant house that has always caught every players eye? That one would be free. How about the modest house for the family of four? Also free. How about all the houses on every block? Every available property in the game would become free, but it may take some of the fun out of the game if there is nothing for The Sims to save for.
