just started a rotational safe file and omfg it’s so fun, like i usually get annoyed with my sims if i just play with one household, but for the first time i’m actually just going from sim to sim and it really makes the game feel fresh, and it’s so fun when i get to make my sims worlds collide, like “oh! i recognize you!” and then i get to make sims enemies and bestfriends, sometimes i’ll merge households, but the best part is having the home region mod because it makes worlds feel actually immersive because you aren’t seeing like judith ward in sulani everyday in her full randomized townie hot weather outfit. ALSO it makes san myshuno feel like a real city, which is weird because i hadn’t even really noticed that before, i had a sim move from their hometown in the horse place to the big city and its so sick, the game straight up feels different, it reminds me of the sims 3
ALSO the language mod (language barriers i think?), it’s such a small thing and i think if the official game made communication harder people would hate the game for that, but i really like how it makes learning a language a skill, and moreso a skill worth learning! i don’t think i could play the game without it now.
that's great! it sounds like you found something that really works for you and I see what you mean too! you get to see the sims you play with in new ways when you aren't controlling them
Yes! When I started doing this in sims 4 I was reminded of how I played in sims 2. I love it so much! I have families that visit each other, romances gone wrong, romances that united families... there is so much more drama, but my sims also feel much more connected to the world around them. Definitely going to check out that mod, because it sounds perfect for this kind of gameplay.
I have a question for you. With this style of gameplay, do you have auto aging unplayed households on or off? I want to do this all the time but sometimes I steer away because if I get too connected to a sim/family, I don’t want them to die while I’m with another family lol
@@ciarah11 It varies for me. In my vanilla save I play on long lifespan with aging on only for the active household. But I have one household where I will also turn aging on for unplayed families. That way the world keeps aging, but I don't have to worry about my sims dying when I'm not there. (Make sure you turn story progression off for your played sims as well!) In my history save I play on short and have aging on for everyone, but I will turn it off now and then so I can spend a bit more time with one family or another.
I think everyone who owns Outdoor Retreat should have a vacation in a bear costume at least once. I mean take 2 days, go to Granite Falls wearing only the bear costume & just do whatever. It's hilarious. Really puts things into perspective.
All great points. I think not pre-ordering is a good practice for any game or dlc in 2024, but especially for ts4 dlc where you don't miss out on anything bying it after release.
Yes, to ALL of this!! Some people need to step away from all Sims 4 content for a week or two for a breather. Or even permanently. As much as I love interacting with other players, I’ve had to delete Twitter because It would sour my mood. Some players were constantly complaining, offering no real solutions and trashing the new EP before it’s even out. Whenever I get bored of the game, I explore other games or try to tackle my TBR of books. I feel like I am in a better space with TS4 now that I’ve gotten off social media and curated the channels I watch. Mistakes I made that I’ve since changed: 1. Having more than two save files in my game. I used to have many save files in my game at any given time. Simply backing up and moving the saved files I wasn’t playing to my desktop significantly reduced load time. 2. I didnt clear my local cache when I added or removed mods and cc. I thought it only needed to be done during updates. Nope, I do it more frequently now. 3. Thinking everything was a bug or glitch when, in fact, it wasn’t. Sometimes it’s a N.AP. or a broken mod or just the game being quirky.
yup! no shame in stepping away when you need to. if something isn;t bringing you join, it's often a time for a break or change. Twitter indeed can get to you- like I love interacting but it can also be a huge mood killer. Thanks for sharing those mistakes! I do feel we all differ on save files but agree it runs better and honestly it makes me overwhelmed to have too many files and yes- there are so many genuine bugs, but it's understandably easy to add ones through user era, or there's odd ones that kinda come and go
Just the game being quirky come on now... some bugs are from broken mods but my wedding stories was broken to the point of being unplayable. It still is to this day and being sold at full price. We are consumers and we are allowed to call out when we are being ripped off.
I am currently playing a household where the daughter and mother are almost complete strangers. I have NEVER pushed for negative traits from parenthood before and the journey has been interesting. I used the butler to be the teen's main target for negative interactions and....my butler quit. Not only did she quit the text pop up called me out for the disgusting inhuman way I was treating her and how it is in her contract she can take compensation on her way out the door. Her parents have no control over her they just watch her make certain peoples lives miserable and it is so not my regular gameplay or parenting or even human interaction style. .....so how did I get here? I use Lots of random dice rolls and rng on my phone while I play. I use to do spreadsheets and plan out every aspect of my sims life but now it just evolves as I react to where they are.
To combine two of your points, I've been playing a sort of pack legacy challenge where each generation I explore all the contents of a particular pack. I've been having a lot of fun doing it. I check all the new features, careers, collections and whatnot and do my best to do them all.
A lot of people make the mistake of not playing other games, whether its other life sim games or genres, its always good to have options and switch it up if you start getting burnt out on one game.
Another suggestion for people on PC, is try making their own savefile! I'm in the process of making a savefile with a friend to fix certain unfortunate maxis builds, but also makeover townies. It's already made us start to get attach to them and want to enhance or change up their stories, along with adding new townies. It's gotten me out of my comfort zone with big builds along with challenging myself by sticking with just certain packs. Making a savefile is a def a slow process (just finished willow creek and oasis springs which has taken us a month) but I personally found it's made me love certain things about the game I didn't notice before. All your suggestions are great too and I plan to do a challenge alongside working on the savefile so to avoid burnout xD
Every time I try to work on my save file, I end up creating a new save after falling in love with a family I'm either building for (I do try to reuse Maxis townies but refresh their lots) or that I create. I'll finish it... eventually..... 😅😅
A save file is a huge undertaking and can be all consuming, which is why I always play something besides Sims at some point. For every 6 hour session I may get a third of the map done and the final form seems very far away. Booting up a game I can jusy play is relaxing after that. Especially since I like World Building and lore so the sketch of my vision on paper (or word docs and excel sheets) is great, but never been as much into the actual building so even with renovating gallery builds…not doing my favorite thing in Sims right now. But the satisfaction possibility of the final product keeps me trucking along.
First thing I always did when getting a new world was delete all builds and sims. Then I build up lots and households that I want, filling in any gaps with gallery downloads over time. A world doesn't need to be complete straight away.
Yes I am working on this too. Making over townies, remodeling their homes to suit them, the story I picture for them, and to make the homes feel lived in. I fill out the world's by making families to live in empty homes, and I make new homes and other facilities on empty lots. I'm also remodeling community lots and changing some types so that there is more variety in each world. I've changed some townies in some ways like making them occult.. or splitting or combining households.
I like the idea of switching things up and I hope more people do that. I already play less Sims 4 and just enjoy Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Green Hell, etc. I play a bunch of other games and only recently started back on TS because my husband wanted to write a story together like we've done in the past using The Sims.
yes absolutely! honestly cannot imagine playing one game all the time if one was playing regularly. And that's so cool, that sounds like a lot of fun. creating and playing with someone else makes it much more fun sometimes too. I played a sims 3 challenge with my bf before and had a blast. many of my earliest memories of sims 2 was hours of playing with my brother and mom
I see people post like it's a typical Sims fan behavior. Unfortunately I don't know how common these posts were during 3 but regardless, it's not a strong argument to say 4 is a failure.
@@SimmerErin I would seriously question someone's mental state if they played one game and only that game. I totally get liking something and playing it a lot but only that is obsession level stuff.
@@AutobotSimmer You've read enough of my posts to know I'm very anti-EA and have major issues with the Sims 4 but even I wouldn't get close to calling it a failure. It's likely the same people who claimed Sims 4 was 'dead' as soon as an alternative appeared on the horizon.
A mistake I see a lot of people make is thinking the game should run smoothly on the highest settings with all the packs and tons of mods that they refuse to update on their low spec PC. It isn't hard to find a good computer in 2024 for a decade old game.
@SimmerErin yes. I played on the lowest settings on my old laptop and had to be very selective about which dlc I installed. I knew my laptop wouldn't handle weather or large gatherings, so I held off from getting Seasons and Get Together. I had 3 expansion packs and knew it could only handle one more. I upgraded in 2020 to a desktop because my laptop was having issues just loading up, and while the new computer wasn't top of the line or anything and won't run many new games now, it far exceeds the Sims 4's reccommended requirements and runs the game on the highest settings flawlessly, and with a lot more packs than I had on my laptop.
One of the biggest mistakes a lot of players do is keep playing when they don’t enjoy it. They should either try playing it a different way entirely (run a shop) or honestly a lot of people should just quit. I don’t understand why people spend such time complaining about a video game and a business when they don’t even enjoy the game and it seems a huge waste of time and quite sad honestly. Not you Erin because you make money from the doomsaying, but I could never waste so much time on a game I hate if I didn’t make a career out of it.
well, I agree that people should not play if they do not enjoy it at all of course I personally do still have enjoyment from it I also try to make videos as fair as I can, including ones that are more upbeat and trust me... I make very very little from this channel, so the main reason I make videos is because I enjoy doing it, enjoy discussions with people.
1. Thinking this is a sequel to The Sims 3 2. Buying DLC at full price 3. Don't use mods to fix the game 4. Start downloading mods/cc to fix and make the game better 5. Realize too little too late you got scammed 6. Think getting angry online will make a difference 7. Actually think Maxis/EA will listen this time
I'd add to getting angry: critique can be good, but knowing where and how to direct it is different. I think mods can help for some people for certain things, but you have to understand their use and limitations. I'd def recommend most dlc at a discount, albeit of course you have to wait to buy. EA does make some improvements, but it really depends on what it is.
So many valid points Erin! Another mistake is building everything you need on the home lot so you never leave. I was guilty of doing that. I use holiday tradition mods (KiaraSims, Simularity, etc.) to create a ton of holidays on my calendars that force me not only to leave my home lot and explore more of the worlds, but also interact with gameplay I might not otherwise like Bowling, Spa Day interactions, etc. And on that note, all players should play a save without money cheats at least once lol. That also forces you to explore more of the world and get more creative. If your sim lives in a particular world, try to really immerse yourself in that world and explore it. For example I'm playing in Sulani now and I got a mod that gives me calendar alerts for all the island events. I try to make it out to them like if I live in that community, plus I do use items like the cooking pit and go to the beach often. I also realized the importance of putting more thought into my sims' personality and how that would manifest if they were real. So I focus on their likes and dislikes in terms of colours, decor, etc. to better choose their clothing, the items I buy for their homes, etc. Instead of doing what I would like, I get what THEY would like and that forces me to use things in game that I wouldn't normally because it isn't my personal taste. Two of my sim teens are in high school, so we're going to the school events and I've made them join Get Together clubs that suit their interests/personality whim desires (though I really wish we had an option to rabbithole send them sometimes). I also use mods to enroll the kids in extra curriculars that would suit their personalities but that EA doesn't provide yet, so the sim kid in the family is in dance classes. I think many people focus on sim personalities in terms of traits and careers alone, which is why the gameplay can start to feel stale. Also, I force myself to play with the traits I think I would hate, but actually, it adds drama and is fun chaos. One of the teens is a mean sim who constantly wants enemies, while their mom is a noncommittal cheater lol. Using only the "good" or "perfect" combination of traits is a mistake
In terms of mixing the game up (your points 3 and 5), this is kind of the ideal use of scenarios. They seem a bit forgotten though (LilSimsie did a video with a title along those lines) and I think I can see reasons why. A possible big one is that many people like playing at least some form of Legacy game play, while scenarios are often a starting point and maybe a bit of a closed loop. They can also be overly scripted, like the one with the Martinez family had a point where all the kids grew up early to move on to the next stage which affected how I wanted to play them. They maybe also suffer from a few of the more interesting ones needing you to play a pre-made family. Arguably, scenarios feel a bit mishandled. They seem like the perfect format to do tutorials for new features, rather than having new aspirations with each pack. They could also be there to show how packs could combine, like a scenario that mixed bits from Growing Together, Parenthood, High School Years... At the moment, they all feel like they mostly rely upon Base Game stuff when they could do stuff with expansion content, maybe unlocked when people buy the relevant pack(s). Honestly, I wish this they handled lifelong aspirations/ambitions in a set up like scenarios. The current set up feels like Skill bonuses, especially with how you switch between them. Could you imagine if you had an ambition to be an elite athlete? You could have to complete certain markers by points, and maybe even have things like being forced to move to a different neighbourhood. They could have different career options there once you left Young adult and maybe have to move either in to TV presenting, or coaching as you leave your physical prime. That's one thing that makes Sims feel a bit stale, even the active careers feel a bit rote once you've played them for a while, a scenario basis for them would hopefully help keep them fresh, especially if you had (hidden) multiple branches that would make the career different on each playthrough. The Culinary career for example could combine the existing chef/mixologist one, but maybe have a semi-active career in running a bakery, or maybe a career in creating prepared food for supermarkets etc? On a slight tangent, I wish the scenarios should be emergent, not just ones that start off a new save. There is a scope to do so much with them if they let you start a scenario if you triggered certain conditions. You could have a rival employee scenario show up in the Scientist career. What about a corrupt colleague story in the detective career? A scenario about an Author who gets a runaway hit, like a Sims JK Rowling? There is so much space you could do stuff with them. I'd love to see them let people submit emergent scenarios to a gallery if they let a script engine go public for them... There was an Australian Simmer who did a playthrough based on the idea of a family having just moved from Sulani and the teen being homesick, and they were narrating effects but how much more satisfying would it be as a game if there was a homesick moodlet, and old friends in her friends in the game? Scenarios as a tool for emergent narratives seems like a missed trick in the Sims, especially as a way to keep them fresh
very interesting discussion thank you! It feels like scenarios had a lot of potential and got kinda dropped... I notice that a lot in sims 4 development. it's a bit perplexing
@@SimmerErin I think part of the problem with 4 is everything is too diffuse. It's hard to build on something without some parts of the community complaining that it's forcing them to buy multiple packs. They don't seem to have added any flowers since Seasons (all the plants have been crops if I recall correctly), but they could have reasonably tried to expand the flower arranging skill with each world they've made, or least world that is on a different continent. A lot of the ideas are like that, to develop them they probably need to lean on additional packs. I wonder if they are also caught up in the problem of not wanting to be seen doing stuff instead of dealing with bugs. Releasing a scenario a month would probably be good engagement for the community, the Simsie video dealt with a specific scenario and it was a LOT of fun to watch that play-through. I would bet that it would get complaint after complaint that this bug or that bug was still unfixed... (The other thing with flowers is could you imagine if the Love expansion had included perfume making?... That would need to lean heavily on Seasons again though...)
Yep, changing up your game play can help a lot. A few weeks ago, I was playing (believe it or not) Journey to Batuu and Strangerville. And I had a blast with both packs. Changed my opinion on Journey to Batuu especially.
Tip number two is very good one. There are times I found myself not playing Sims 4 for months, because I had so many fun playing other games. Like, when Pokémon SV was released and at the same time, ATS released Texas, I didn't touch Sims 4 unti the infant update only to move again a few months later to Zelda TOTK. Or a few months ago, when Tchia finally reached Steam, I played that one and forgot Sims 4. BTW, great game. Recommend it, if you are into those type of games. Stereotype is never good in anything, gaming including.
I've been burnt out on Sims 4 for quite a while now. I've been having some fun with a few Gacha games and even getting into some Racing games from my childhood. Oh, and for mixing it up in the Sims 4, I have a suggestion for players. Try making some of your anime OCs and their universe. Currently I have a Yuuri on Ice focused save I'm building up.
Ooh that sounds cool!! Yes, creating your own characters and kinda transforming what the world is in a sense (to the extent we can) can really change how something feels
Thanks for the great suggestions. I pre-ordered a pack once as a bday gift to myself, Country Living, and I had so much trouble with downloading, that I promised never again. Plus I like watching reviews first and honestly seeing how bugged a pack is before purchasing. Lil Simsie has done these Bingo challenges and when I'm struggling for something to do I find it fun to either do the ones she made with some changes or come up with my own.
YEAH sadly the pre orders get weird. I just think you're almost always best off waiting a tad. Bingo challenges sound interesting! I'll have to see what that entails
I didn't realize until this video that the pre order packs are the ones with trouble on release days. I think the limited items for the upcoming pack are available until the end of September. Best to check but still no need to pre order. Geck even waiting 4 days post release would likely make a difference in the ease of downloading.
A problem with some Sims players (myself included) is that we are boring. The most fun I had in the Sims 4 was a messy legacy with cheating and fooling around with too many townies. If all things fail, get messy!
I think it's worth noting that the game has changed so much over the years, with the constant addition of new half-baked concepts and bugs that are often never fixed that it isn't the same experience it was at other points in its evolution. Most of the times I walk away from the game these days it is because gameplay attempts often end in frustrating situations of the game not functioning as I'd like it to, whether from bugs and glitches or poor design decisions and lack of cohesion and a reasonable foundation of logic to the simulation. There is a difference between unexpected and comedic outcomes within a framework that feels like a reality, and everything just being a bad joke. I only look forward to what modders might be able to do once EA lets the game go and we no longer have to fear updates.
I was going to list 7 of my own, in a fun cynical way but it's way too hot here for that. Pre-ordering is a waste of time. You can buy it the moment it releases and lose nothing. It was understandable in the days of physical releases as it guaranteed you getting a copy but not for digital downloads. This was a great list and I agree with all of them if they're available to you. I'd add number 8 - don't blindly buy packs, especially if you have even the slightest doubt about it. Wait and see if it's worth it from trusted YT'ers etc.
right, what exactly is the point of pre ordering? if someone is going to play the day of, frankly you're more likely to be able to play more quickly without that pre order which is a funny irony ! Thank you, and yeah! number 8 def is true and works well with the pre ordering sentiment
During my content creative designs, I have created an obstacle course game show from The Sims 4. It's called Haunted Castle. I already have 20 episodes up on my channel, seven more set to schedule, and another in the process. Talk about being a creative genius on CZcams.
I really agree that players who are dependent on mods occasionally delete the folder & just try the game vanilla for awhile. I've got a friend I didn't even know played Sims until recently & she was stunned when I told her roommates had been the game for years & that she really should delete her roommates mod. She had so many mods that were completely outdated & conflicted with base game features she ended up going just base game only for a few weeks just to see what the heck the game was now versus when she had started playing.
Interesting list. I feel comfortable doing most of those. I'm currently doing a "Tiny Town" which is a lot of fun. I often play my legacy family but I've been feeling trapped by the generational play (as much as I love it.) My Tiny Town has 8 adults in it. No generational play. It's letting me explore some of the careers I don't normally play. I've got a few more I want to try. I'm having so much fun with it that I'm not even playing Minecraft at all (even though they just had a major update that added a lot of new features. But I had gotten a bit burned out on Minecraft. It doesn't have nearly as many features to explore as TS4 has, especially for someone like me who likes to play "peaceful" because I don't like fighting.)
I saw someone tweeting about a tiny town, is this a reference to something or a trend> yeah, def, honestly you can get burned out on almost any game, I feel
@@SimmerErin Tiny Town is a "rags to riches" challenge. And yes, you can get burned out on any activity. (I got so burned out on sewing for commission that I couldn't even sew for myself for about 7 years! So, I never push myself to do "fun" activities when I start feeling burn out might be coming.)
I made the error of getting the My wedding Stories pack at release. NEVER again ! Still play the scenarios to get new visions, or do challenges. Can't play without mods and CCs. Feel sorry for the console players who can't.
One big mistake I made: buying a pack after a while but still thinking I needed it and in the end... I don't need it now. I have only recently used the pack for the sim I had in mind. But she was still a toddler and I definitely had time before thinking "ok I need that pack". So yeah. No rush for the packs. No rush in the sales either if you're a newish player like me who doesn't have all the packs. u_u ALSO! Always buy on sale, people. The sales literally come up every two months and last a month... So yeah. There's that.
Thing is though, We shouldn't need to have to do challenges. There is little to no game play with the sims 4. We didn't need challenges with the last versions of the Sims... Your videos are very appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful week. - this was just my thoughts. :)
I personally agree that the game itself should pose surprise and challenges for sure. That is why I truly love sims 2 and sims 3, and more so have some fun with sims 4. The foundation is fundamentally different. I do think people can still find fun in 4- and some players I have met, even many actually like having more control and tamer play... a huge difference indeed So working within the system so to speak: sims 4 will never be sims 3 or 2, so I try to think, how can this improve and how can it be made more fun, if that makes sense! and thank you, very much appreciate you
I usually plan on buying each pack so I will pre order but I get the packs when I have the money not because I want the items. The only reason I ever consider pre ordering is if it comes with early access with the sims unfortunately that is never the reason. I do agree that other games are a good idea and have several I play as well but sims will and is my favorite . I don’t use mods but I do challenges and enjoy both building and game play. I build because I love to play in the home I create for the sims I make for it, I love creating full map save files with households and homes that I play in. So for me even with the problems and issues the game has I still enjoy it every time I play it which is almost everyday.
I tried a rotational play, even downloaded my first mod (mccc I’ve since taken it out) but I think I tried to do too much too fast in that I wanted a whole game rotation (I do have all the dlc) started with just oasis spring and willow creek then added windenburg but even that I got overwhelmed. I’ve since moved to try the super sim challenge and am thinking of that pack legacy thing.
Erin did you say sh*t?? hehe I think this is a valid list. I started a save recently where I have the sim do all the stuff I don't normally play in the game. spellcaster, paranormal, mischief based play, etc. in turn, I've also found some surprising (to me) features I didn't know existed while playing this save. when I had time to build I challenged myself to build at least one lot a month. some pretty good stuff came out of that. I'm usually really into CAS, but not at the moment. the gameplay is actually the highlight for me right now. I haven't tried CC since TS2. I don't feel comfortable enough with my computer skills to try CC and mods again. I thought about a specific mod and became quickly overwhelmed trying to read through the instructions. it's just not for me. but yes, variation in hobbies and in approach to the game are key for enjoyment!
😆 yes...maybe.. yes!! that's an awesome idea. It can be easy to fall into a certain play style but sometimes it's really worth it to dabble into something different That's fair about cc and mods. I think if it's something that adds stress or if people enough without, than that could be the best decision to just do vanilla
Speaking of using different packs, Simmer Erin, did they ever fix the terrible glitches from the "Bust the Dust" kit? I don't own it, but I've heard that simmers just can't get rid of all the dust. Not even by uninstalling the kit. That might be my favorite kit if it wasn't so glitchy.
they had a few patches for that pack to address the most serious issues. I don't own the kit, and have not heard anyone talk about it for a long time, but it should be in better shape now
I think they should give the pack to players just to try it out--I mean those who are not in the EA network or those who are--to mix it up a little. Say about a month before release, they play test it for bugs and glitches, that way EA will have time to work out the bugs before they release it to the rest of the public.
I play sims 4 on console and when I get tired of playing it. I play other games but on my pc my go to game/games are Sims 2 Complete Edition and Sims 3 and MMO Guild Wars 2 . With sims 2 I don’t get bored with it .but @ 3 minutes 33 seconds I like the challenge of round 1-4 that’s looks interesting.
Good video! I agree with many of these mistakes that we make (myself included). One of my personal mistakes is making most of my sims look the same. Lol Definitely agree with number one and not preordering packs. To each their own, but I really don't see the point. It's not like they're going to run out of stock or sell out. Plus, I like seeing reviews, playthroughs and if the pack actually works properly.
My issue is the Sims 4 is too easy and overwhelming happy. Nothing bad ever happens to my sims no matter how hard I try. I played the first iteration of The Sims franchise from 2000 to 2015, when it wouldn't load onto the new Windows system. I never got bored and only ever had 1 expansion pack. I have played Sims 4 since 2016 to present and have a majority of the dlc packs that interest me in some capacity. I only play video games to relax, and Sims 4 is more frustrating than relaxing, especially sims it has become a micromanagement simulator and not a life sim. The only other franchise that I enjoy is Story of Seasons, and I never get bored with that repetitive gameplay. I also don't need to micromanage so much in my other favorite franchise. I have uninstalled Sims 4 until the game is fixed to my satisfaction.
if you only use build, yes, there are less risks. However I'd still say buy it day of instead of pre ordering, because the pre orders often have download issues
@@SimmerErin I admit I am tempted to pre-order but I’m probably going to hold off a day or two after release. Will I miss out on content? Yes but it is also a window to gauge bugs. I really hope there aren’t game-breaking bugs.
I’m disappointed but so glad I never paid for my wedding stories. My birthday is the day before valentines. Was literally perfect but I saw how broken it was and never got it. I downloaded the cas/build mode for free it’s great stuff but not worth making weddings worse to buy the whole pack. Also for game play I kept using the same things when making sims. Down to eyes,eyebrows and noses. I started using wheel of names for almost every aspect of creating a sims. Down to sexuality or who they live with. Now my Sims all look really different especially the faces. I make more unique stories for them aswell. I made a randomise family. The mother/father are divorced elders with 3 children. The dad is now gay and engaged to another elder sim. The son is a middle aged slob living with his dad/dads fiancé and his cat. The eldest daughter is middle aged,work alcoholic who’s distant or relationship is difficult with everybody but her mother. The youngest is a teen she’s a genius but also a slob. She’s lazy/slobbish like her brother/dad but like her mother aswell. She lives with her mother.
I think playing a rotational game is a fun way to mix it up. as more or less have to build and rebuild. As families change size and carriers have things you got to have. try to use all the cariers in the game at least once. Check that your computor is up to the task.
yes, the last part is key. But I agree for many rotational gameplay is good- it gives you a chance to really mix up how you're playing without thinking a lot about it
It should have a link through my university cc haul- my warning is it's an old video (when that pack came out_ so do not know if the cc is updated. jamiesee3.wixsite.com/website/post/discover-university-cc-haul scroll down to feminine/ clothing, should be there
For me the bigest mistake is buying Sims 4 and it's packs, don't get me wrong I have had fun in it but I think it is the worst sequel to the Sims, even if it does some thins better then 2 and 3 it is such a step backwards in many ways and it feels like they try to cheap out as much as possible, Sims 2 you could see how much love was put in to the game. If the Sims 4 had not been such a sucess it would either meant that we would get a better game down the line or no game at all, however might have been worth the risk for a game that has the best parts of all 3 sequels.
Switching it up is so important!! I stayed up way to late last night playing Hi-Fi Rush and can’t wait to play more honestly. It had been awhile since I played something very story/mission based and I can’t wait to play more. I honestly am not bored with Sims 4, just frustrated my base save overhaul save got messes up twice, both because of issues with the For Rent pack. I personally will never buy first day ever again even tho up until recently I had little to no problems with For Rent and I honestly think in a new save file it wouldn’t be a problem, but I have no intention of giving up my Pixel babies. My attachment to them is why I keep playing but I also just took a breather and dated some other games. Hi-Fi Rush was such a nice step away from not only Sims, but Simulation games in general.
nice to feel that kind of excitement :) that's really the key, don't judge, just go for something you feel is fun right now. I feel so many stay on a game and don't challenge well maybe Im not enjoying this right now and being frustrated with sims 4 a la for rent problems well that's certainly understandable
oh my goodness... you swore. I don't think I've ever heard you swear before. I will admit while Sims (right now) is the only game I play I also have other stuff to do; my in-person D&D, watching sports, taking a walk, though I am waiting for the next Dragon Age with some doubts.
For the features of the game, there are a couple of channels that post short feature guides. I’ve been playing the series since the original game and I’m surprised how many features are in the game I never knew about and only discovered through these videos. I have all the major packs (just not all kits) so I’m sure there’s a ton of features I’ve never tried.
The biggest mistake Sims 4 players make is.... Spending money on the Sims 4. HAHA I think you list is just few of the suggestions to make the game less unbearable.
If one gets enjoyment out of it, no I don't think it's a mistake to spend money; and something doesn't have to be perfect to be fun. If someone doesn't like sims 4 at all, yes, then Idk why you'd buy packs
ok i feel personally attacked by number 1 haha. but all jokes aside i will fully admit that i am one of those people who preorders packs, and yeah even after MWS. i guess its just because if its a pack i am looking forward to, i want to play it as soon as i can even though i know theres a very good chance it will mess up my game further. i suppose im just not bothered enough by the pack bugs and glitches to stop preordering if im being honest, cuz i sure dont preorder for the bonuses since most of the time i dont care about them in the slightest. but honestly i agree with you that with TS4's history of buggy, glitchy, sometimes downright unplayable packs they release, that its definitely the safer route to not preorder them and wait a month or two for the dust to settle. i just wish i was one of those people lol.
you can get the items without pre ordering :) so long as you buy within the allowed time. The issue also is that pre orders a lot of times have more download issues than even getting day of! but honestly, it's all about what fits YOU best. If you are happy with something, don't change it💕🥰
I'm finally making an effort to raise horses. (The green roofed 50x50 house on r/sims4 is me). I think it's a good pack and I like the reward trait for temperament, the champion genes etc, but it didn't fit in with what I was doing at the time. I had a technical issue with the game that mostly showed up in the Horse Ranch world, and I fell out of love with the ranch I plucked off the gallery. I think mixing it up is important. I'm doing something I've not done before. There's so much really cool stuff that's easy to not know about. Petey Plays It did the beetlejuice ghost, and I have done that too, but it's easy to forget about. I simply did not know the wishing well was so good for reviving sims either. Huh.
Fun video! I definitely fall into the trap of only playing one or to games. I like games I can sit down and immerse myself into for hours... which locks me in to playing games almost exclusively on weekends.
which def is not inherently bad in of itself- I think it's a natural comforting thing, especially for those of us who have limited time to play! key is just seeing if you're still enjoying
Definitely burned out, and also feeling like the game is unplayable. Uninstalled the game some weeks ago because it (the bugs) pissed me off for the last time.. So sad though.
When you say unplayable what do you mean by that? Asking because I’ve seen some people say this but all had different meanings. When I think of unplayable my mind goes to opening the game and it immediately crashing.
@@Roxie1255 Crashing is certainly one factor to make something unplayable but I'd argue there are others. Speaking generally, not specifically about the Sims, if a game doesn't crash but it's systems are so broken, flawed and so on, it makes the game unplayable. It can do this by reducing (or removing) the fun, the challenge or whatever it is so the game isn't worth playing for that person. There's likely other meanings but there's another one for unplayable.
@@SimmerErin @Roxie1255 Crashing for starters, but also interactions not working, sims not doing what you tell them too. I don't use any mods and I have many packs, but far from all.
Challenge Ideas Mentioned
czcams.com/video/9YuCTR_JQgI/video.html
just started a rotational safe file and omfg it’s so fun, like i usually get annoyed with my sims if i just play with one household, but for the first time i’m actually just going from sim to sim and it really makes the game feel fresh, and it’s so fun when i get to make my sims worlds collide, like “oh! i recognize you!” and then i get to make sims enemies and bestfriends, sometimes i’ll merge households, but the best part is having the home region mod because it makes worlds feel actually immersive because you aren’t seeing like judith ward in sulani everyday in her full randomized townie hot weather outfit. ALSO it makes san myshuno feel like a real city, which is weird because i hadn’t even really noticed that before, i had a sim move from their hometown in the horse place to the big city and its so sick, the game straight up feels different, it reminds me of the sims 3
ALSO the language mod (language barriers i think?), it’s such a small thing and i think if the official game made communication harder people would hate the game for that, but i really like how it makes learning a language a skill, and moreso a skill worth learning! i don’t think i could play the game without it now.
that's great! it sounds like you found something that really works for you
and I see what you mean too! you get to see the sims you play with in new ways when you aren't controlling them
Yes! When I started doing this in sims 4 I was reminded of how I played in sims 2. I love it so much! I have families that visit each other, romances gone wrong, romances that united families... there is so much more drama, but my sims also feel much more connected to the world around them. Definitely going to check out that mod, because it sounds perfect for this kind of gameplay.
I have a question for you. With this style of gameplay, do you have auto aging unplayed households on or off? I want to do this all the time but sometimes I steer away because if I get too connected to a sim/family, I don’t want them to die while I’m with another family lol
@@ciarah11 It varies for me. In my vanilla save I play on long lifespan with aging on only for the active household. But I have one household where I will also turn aging on for unplayed families. That way the world keeps aging, but I don't have to worry about my sims dying when I'm not there. (Make sure you turn story progression off for your played sims as well!)
In my history save I play on short and have aging on for everyone, but I will turn it off now and then so I can spend a bit more time with one family or another.
I think everyone who owns Outdoor Retreat should have a vacation in a bear costume at least once. I mean take 2 days, go to Granite Falls wearing only the bear costume & just do whatever. It's hilarious. Really puts things into perspective.
Fascinating. I think I'm gonna have to do similar things....
All great points. I think not pre-ordering is a good practice for any game or dlc in 2024, but especially for ts4 dlc where you don't miss out on anything bying it after release.
yeah, it prob applies to lots or most games to be fair ha
Yes, to ALL of this!!
Some people need to step away from all Sims 4 content for a week or two for a breather.
Or even permanently.
As much as I love interacting with other players, I’ve had to delete Twitter because It would sour my mood. Some players were constantly complaining, offering no real solutions and trashing the new EP before it’s even out.
Whenever I get bored of the game, I explore other games or try to tackle my TBR of books. I feel like I am in a better space with TS4 now that I’ve gotten off social media and curated the channels I watch.
Mistakes I made that I’ve since changed:
1. Having more than two save files in my game. I used to have many save files in my game at any given time. Simply backing up and moving the saved files I wasn’t playing to my desktop significantly reduced load time.
2. I didnt clear my local cache when I added or removed mods and cc. I thought it only needed to be done during updates. Nope, I do it more frequently now.
3. Thinking everything was a bug or glitch when, in fact, it wasn’t. Sometimes it’s a N.AP. or a broken mod or just the game being quirky.
yup! no shame in stepping away when you need to. if something isn;t bringing you join, it's often a time for a break or change. Twitter indeed can get to you- like I love interacting but it can also be a huge mood killer.
Thanks for sharing those mistakes! I do feel we all differ on save files but agree it runs better and honestly it makes me overwhelmed to have too many files
and yes- there are so many genuine bugs, but it's understandably easy to add ones through user era, or there's odd ones that kinda come and go
Just the game being quirky come on now... some bugs are from broken mods but my wedding stories was broken to the point of being unplayable. It still is to this day and being sold at full price. We are consumers and we are allowed to call out when we are being ripped off.
I am currently playing a household where the daughter and mother are almost complete strangers. I have NEVER pushed for negative traits from parenthood before and the journey has been interesting. I used the butler to be the teen's main target for negative interactions and....my butler quit. Not only did she quit the text pop up called me out for the disgusting inhuman way I was treating her and how it is in her contract she can take compensation on her way out the door. Her parents have no control over her they just watch her make certain peoples lives miserable and it is so not my regular gameplay or parenting or even human interaction style. .....so how did I get here? I use Lots of random dice rolls and rng on my phone while I play. I use to do spreadsheets and plan out every aspect of my sims life but now it just evolves as I react to where they are.
That's a great idea! Spoiled rich kid. I have difficulty playing outside my own moral values as well lol. I should branch out
To combine two of your points, I've been playing a sort of pack legacy challenge where each generation I explore all the contents of a particular pack. I've been having a lot of fun doing it. I check all the new features, careers, collections and whatnot and do my best to do them all.
you know, I've heard of some people doing that and I think that sounds like a fantastic idea for anyone into or open to legacy challenges.
Really fun in the Sims 3
A lot of people make the mistake of not playing other games, whether its other life sim games or genres, its always good to have options and switch it up if you start getting burnt out on one game.
absolutely, I would recommend switching it up for any game
Same 100% I always play rpgs adventure simulation building horror and platforming adventure and sometimes visual novels I adore playing many games
Another suggestion for people on PC, is try making their own savefile! I'm in the process of making a savefile with a friend to fix certain unfortunate maxis builds, but also makeover townies. It's already made us start to get attach to them and want to enhance or change up their stories, along with adding new townies. It's gotten me out of my comfort zone with big builds along with challenging myself by sticking with just certain packs. Making a savefile is a def a slow process (just finished willow creek and oasis springs which has taken us a month) but I personally found it's made me love certain things about the game I didn't notice before.
All your suggestions are great too and I plan to do a challenge alongside working on the savefile so to avoid burnout xD
yes that definitely can be an immersive project and make your game feel fresh! Impressed what people come up with too
Every time I try to work on my save file, I end up creating a new save after falling in love with a family I'm either building for (I do try to reuse Maxis townies but refresh their lots) or that I create. I'll finish it... eventually..... 😅😅
A save file is a huge undertaking and can be all consuming, which is why I always play something besides Sims at some point. For every 6 hour session I may get a third of the map done and the final form seems very far away. Booting up a game I can jusy play is relaxing after that. Especially since I like World Building and lore so the sketch of my vision on paper (or word docs and excel sheets) is great, but never been as much into the actual building so even with renovating gallery builds…not doing my favorite thing in Sims right now. But the satisfaction possibility of the final product keeps me trucking along.
First thing I always did when getting a new world was delete all builds and sims. Then I build up lots and households that I want, filling in any gaps with gallery downloads over time. A world doesn't need to be complete straight away.
Yes I am working on this too. Making over townies, remodeling their homes to suit them, the story I picture for them, and to make the homes feel lived in. I fill out the world's by making families to live in empty homes, and I make new homes and other facilities on empty lots. I'm also remodeling community lots and changing some types so that there is more variety in each world. I've changed some townies in some ways like making them occult.. or splitting or combining households.
I like the idea of switching things up and I hope more people do that. I already play less Sims 4 and just enjoy Minecraft, Stardew Valley, Green Hell, etc. I play a bunch of other games and only recently started back on TS because my husband wanted to write a story together like we've done in the past using The Sims.
yes absolutely! honestly cannot imagine playing one game all the time if one was playing regularly. And that's so cool, that sounds like a lot of fun. creating and playing with someone else makes it much more fun sometimes too. I played a sims 3 challenge with my bf before and had a blast. many of my earliest memories of sims 2 was hours of playing with my brother and mom
I see people post like it's a typical Sims fan behavior. Unfortunately I don't know how common these posts were during 3 but regardless, it's not a strong argument to say 4 is a failure.
@@AutobotSimmer I feel like it's so normal to play other games, regardless.
@@SimmerErin I would seriously question someone's mental state if they played one game and only that game. I totally get liking something and playing it a lot but only that is obsession level stuff.
@@AutobotSimmer You've read enough of my posts to know I'm very anti-EA and have major issues with the Sims 4 but even I wouldn't get close to calling it a failure. It's likely the same people who claimed Sims 4 was 'dead' as soon as an alternative appeared on the horizon.
A mistake I see a lot of people make is thinking the game should run smoothly on the highest settings with all the packs and tons of mods that they refuse to update on their low spec PC. It isn't hard to find a good computer in 2024 for a decade old game.
you can honestly get by with an older computer if you don't do max settings , all dlc etc
@SimmerErin yes. I played on the lowest settings on my old laptop and had to be very selective about which dlc I installed. I knew my laptop wouldn't handle weather or large gatherings, so I held off from getting Seasons and Get Together. I had 3 expansion packs and knew it could only handle one more. I upgraded in 2020 to a desktop because my laptop was having issues just loading up, and while the new computer wasn't top of the line or anything and won't run many new games now, it far exceeds the Sims 4's reccommended requirements and runs the game on the highest settings flawlessly, and with a lot more packs than I had on my laptop.
Great video! My way of avoiding boredom with Sims 4 is to play some iPad games or game online with friends.
definitely! I just cannot imaging only playing one game and playing it a lot, even games I love
One of the biggest mistakes a lot of players do is keep playing when they don’t enjoy it. They should either try playing it a different way entirely (run a shop) or honestly a lot of people should just quit. I don’t understand why people spend such time complaining about a video game and a business when they don’t even enjoy the game and it seems a huge waste of time and quite sad honestly. Not you Erin because you make money from the doomsaying, but I could never waste so much time on a game I hate if I didn’t make a career out of it.
well, I agree that people should not play if they do not enjoy it at all of course
I personally do still have enjoyment from it
I also try to make videos as fair as I can, including ones that are more upbeat
and trust me... I make very very little from this channel, so the main reason I make videos is because I enjoy doing it, enjoy discussions with people.
1. Thinking this is a sequel to The Sims 3
2. Buying DLC at full price
3. Don't use mods to fix the game
4. Start downloading mods/cc to fix and make the game better
5. Realize too little too late you got scammed
6. Think getting angry online will make a difference
7. Actually think Maxis/EA will listen this time
I'd add to getting angry: critique can be good, but knowing where and how to direct it is different. I think mods can help for some people for certain things, but you have to understand their use and limitations. I'd def recommend most dlc at a discount, albeit of course you have to wait to buy.
EA does make some improvements, but it really depends on what it is.
So many valid points Erin! Another mistake is building everything you need on the home lot so you never leave. I was guilty of doing that. I use holiday tradition mods (KiaraSims, Simularity, etc.) to create a ton of holidays on my calendars that force me not only to leave my home lot and explore more of the worlds, but also interact with gameplay I might not otherwise like Bowling, Spa Day interactions, etc. And on that note, all players should play a save without money cheats at least once lol. That also forces you to explore more of the world and get more creative. If your sim lives in a particular world, try to really immerse yourself in that world and explore it. For example I'm playing in Sulani now and I got a mod that gives me calendar alerts for all the island events. I try to make it out to them like if I live in that community, plus I do use items like the cooking pit and go to the beach often. I also realized the importance of putting more thought into my sims' personality and how that would manifest if they were real. So I focus on their likes and dislikes in terms of colours, decor, etc. to better choose their clothing, the items I buy for their homes, etc. Instead of doing what I would like, I get what THEY would like and that forces me to use things in game that I wouldn't normally because it isn't my personal taste. Two of my sim teens are in high school, so we're going to the school events and I've made them join Get Together clubs that suit their interests/personality whim desires (though I really wish we had an option to rabbithole send them sometimes). I also use mods to enroll the kids in extra curriculars that would suit their personalities but that EA doesn't provide yet, so the sim kid in the family is in dance classes. I think many people focus on sim personalities in terms of traits and careers alone, which is why the gameplay can start to feel stale. Also, I force myself to play with the traits I think I would hate, but actually, it adds drama and is fun chaos. One of the teens is a mean sim who constantly wants enemies, while their mom is a noncommittal cheater lol. Using only the "good" or "perfect" combination of traits is a mistake
In terms of mixing the game up (your points 3 and 5), this is kind of the ideal use of scenarios. They seem a bit forgotten though (LilSimsie did a video with a title along those lines) and I think I can see reasons why. A possible big one is that many people like playing at least some form of Legacy game play, while scenarios are often a starting point and maybe a bit of a closed loop. They can also be overly scripted, like the one with the Martinez family had a point where all the kids grew up early to move on to the next stage which affected how I wanted to play them. They maybe also suffer from a few of the more interesting ones needing you to play a pre-made family.
Arguably, scenarios feel a bit mishandled. They seem like the perfect format to do tutorials for new features, rather than having new aspirations with each pack. They could also be there to show how packs could combine, like a scenario that mixed bits from Growing Together, Parenthood, High School Years... At the moment, they all feel like they mostly rely upon Base Game stuff when they could do stuff with expansion content, maybe unlocked when people buy the relevant pack(s).
Honestly, I wish this they handled lifelong aspirations/ambitions in a set up like scenarios. The current set up feels like Skill bonuses, especially with how you switch between them. Could you imagine if you had an ambition to be an elite athlete? You could have to complete certain markers by points, and maybe even have things like being forced to move to a different neighbourhood. They could have different career options there once you left Young adult and maybe have to move either in to TV presenting, or coaching as you leave your physical prime. That's one thing that makes Sims feel a bit stale, even the active careers feel a bit rote once you've played them for a while, a scenario basis for them would hopefully help keep them fresh, especially if you had (hidden) multiple branches that would make the career different on each playthrough. The Culinary career for example could combine the existing chef/mixologist one, but maybe have a semi-active career in running a bakery, or maybe a career in creating prepared food for supermarkets etc?
On a slight tangent, I wish the scenarios should be emergent, not just ones that start off a new save. There is a scope to do so much with them if they let you start a scenario if you triggered certain conditions. You could have a rival employee scenario show up in the Scientist career. What about a corrupt colleague story in the detective career? A scenario about an Author who gets a runaway hit, like a Sims JK Rowling? There is so much space you could do stuff with them. I'd love to see them let people submit emergent scenarios to a gallery if they let a script engine go public for them... There was an Australian Simmer who did a playthrough based on the idea of a family having just moved from Sulani and the teen being homesick, and they were narrating effects but how much more satisfying would it be as a game if there was a homesick moodlet, and old friends in her friends in the game? Scenarios as a tool for emergent narratives seems like a missed trick in the Sims, especially as a way to keep them fresh
very interesting discussion thank you! It feels like scenarios had a lot of potential and got kinda dropped... I notice that a lot in sims 4 development. it's a bit perplexing
@@SimmerErin I think part of the problem with 4 is everything is too diffuse. It's hard to build on something without some parts of the community complaining that it's forcing them to buy multiple packs. They don't seem to have added any flowers since Seasons (all the plants have been crops if I recall correctly), but they could have reasonably tried to expand the flower arranging skill with each world they've made, or least world that is on a different continent. A lot of the ideas are like that, to develop them they probably need to lean on additional packs.
I wonder if they are also caught up in the problem of not wanting to be seen doing stuff instead of dealing with bugs. Releasing a scenario a month would probably be good engagement for the community, the Simsie video dealt with a specific scenario and it was a LOT of fun to watch that play-through. I would bet that it would get complaint after complaint that this bug or that bug was still unfixed...
(The other thing with flowers is could you imagine if the Love expansion had included perfume making?... That would need to lean heavily on Seasons again though...)
Yep, changing up your game play can help a lot. A few weeks ago, I was playing (believe it or not) Journey to Batuu and Strangerville. And I had a blast with both packs. Changed my opinion on Journey to Batuu especially.
Tip number two is very good one. There are times I found myself not playing Sims 4 for months, because I had so many fun playing other games. Like, when Pokémon SV was released and at the same time, ATS released Texas, I didn't touch Sims 4 unti the infant update only to move again a few months later to Zelda TOTK. Or a few months ago, when Tchia finally reached Steam, I played that one and forgot Sims 4. BTW, great game. Recommend it, if you are into those type of games. Stereotype is never good in anything, gaming including.
absolutely! I've loved strategy games (like civilization series, age of empires), mystery games etc. always good to try more things
I've been burnt out on Sims 4 for quite a while now. I've been having some fun with a few Gacha games and even getting into some Racing games from my childhood. Oh, and for mixing it up in the Sims 4, I have a suggestion for players. Try making some of your anime OCs and their universe. Currently I have a Yuuri on Ice focused save I'm building up.
Ooh that sounds cool!! Yes, creating your own characters and kinda transforming what the world is in a sense (to the extent we can) can really change how something feels
I once created Ryder and Paw patrol dogs and tried to create Lookout for them. Didn't go well, with my building skills, but it was still fun.
Thanks for the great suggestions. I pre-ordered a pack once as a bday gift to myself, Country Living, and I had so much trouble with downloading, that I promised never again. Plus I like watching reviews first and honestly seeing how bugged a pack is before purchasing. Lil Simsie has done these Bingo challenges and when I'm struggling for something to do I find it fun to either do the ones she made with some changes or come up with my own.
YEAH sadly the pre orders get weird. I just think you're almost always best off waiting a tad. Bingo challenges sound interesting! I'll have to see what that entails
I didn't realize until this video that the pre order packs are the ones with trouble on release days. I think the limited items for the upcoming pack are available until the end of September. Best to check but still no need to pre order. Geck even waiting 4 days post release would likely make a difference in the ease of downloading.
too many people underestimate just how entertaining and addicting Sims 2 and 3 can be.
A problem with some Sims players (myself included) is that we are boring. The most fun I had in the Sims 4 was a messy legacy with cheating and fooling around with too many townies. If all things fail, get messy!
I think it's worth noting that the game has changed so much over the years, with the constant addition of new half-baked concepts and bugs that are often never fixed that it isn't the same experience it was at other points in its evolution. Most of the times I walk away from the game these days it is because gameplay attempts often end in frustrating situations of the game not functioning as I'd like it to, whether from bugs and glitches or poor design decisions and lack of cohesion and a reasonable foundation of logic to the simulation. There is a difference between unexpected and comedic outcomes within a framework that feels like a reality, and everything just being a bad joke. I only look forward to what modders might be able to do once EA lets the game go and we no longer have to fear updates.
I was going to list 7 of my own, in a fun cynical way but it's way too hot here for that.
Pre-ordering is a waste of time. You can buy it the moment it releases and lose nothing. It was understandable in the days of physical releases as it guaranteed you getting a copy but not for digital downloads.
This was a great list and I agree with all of them if they're available to you. I'd add number 8 - don't blindly buy packs, especially if you have even the slightest doubt about it. Wait and see if it's worth it from trusted YT'ers etc.
right, what exactly is the point of pre ordering? if someone is going to play the day of, frankly you're more likely to be able to play more quickly without that pre order which is a funny irony !
Thank you, and yeah! number 8 def is true and works well with the pre ordering sentiment
During my content creative designs, I have created an obstacle course game show from The Sims 4. It's called Haunted Castle. I already have 20 episodes up on my channel, seven more set to schedule, and another in the process. Talk about being a creative genius on CZcams.
that sounds so cool! what's your channels' user name? a diff one than this one?
@@SimmerErin It's LawWonder TV. My handle goes by CommissionerLawWonder86.
I really agree that players who are dependent on mods occasionally delete the folder & just try the game vanilla for awhile. I've got a friend I didn't even know played Sims until recently & she was stunned when I told her roommates had been the game for years & that she really should delete her roommates mod. She had so many mods that were completely outdated & conflicted with base game features she ended up going just base game only for a few weeks just to see what the heck the game was now versus when she had started playing.
yeah! I think it's great we have mods and cc, but it's also good to experience without to at least have a sense of what it's like
Interesting list. I feel comfortable doing most of those. I'm currently doing a "Tiny Town" which is a lot of fun. I often play my legacy family but I've been feeling trapped by the generational play (as much as I love it.) My Tiny Town has 8 adults in it. No generational play. It's letting me explore some of the careers I don't normally play. I've got a few more I want to try. I'm having so much fun with it that I'm not even playing Minecraft at all (even though they just had a major update that added a lot of new features. But I had gotten a bit burned out on Minecraft. It doesn't have nearly as many features to explore as TS4 has, especially for someone like me who likes to play "peaceful" because I don't like fighting.)
I saw someone tweeting about a tiny town, is this a reference to something or a trend>
yeah, def, honestly you can get burned out on almost any game, I feel
@@SimmerErin Tiny Town is a "rags to riches" challenge.
And yes, you can get burned out on any activity. (I got so burned out on sewing for commission that I couldn't even sew for myself for about 7 years! So, I never push myself to do "fun" activities when I start feeling burn out might be coming.)
I made the error of getting the My wedding Stories pack at release. NEVER again !
Still play the scenarios to get new visions, or do challenges.
Can't play without mods and CCs. Feel sorry for the console players who can't.
oof sorry it was that one
I do feel for those who can't, and wish they had an option, but will say I enjoy without mods, and know others that do too!
One big mistake I made: buying a pack after a while but still thinking I needed it and in the end... I don't need it now. I have only recently used the pack for the sim I had in mind. But she was still a toddler and I definitely had time before thinking "ok I need that pack". So yeah. No rush for the packs. No rush in the sales either if you're a newish player like me who doesn't have all the packs. u_u ALSO! Always buy on sale, people. The sales literally come up every two months and last a month... So yeah. There's that.
Thing is though, We shouldn't need to have to do challenges. There is little to no game play with the sims 4. We didn't need challenges with the last versions of the Sims... Your videos are very appreciated. I hope you have a wonderful week. - this was just my thoughts. :)
I personally agree that the game itself should pose surprise and challenges for sure. That is why I truly love sims 2 and sims 3, and more so have some fun with sims 4. The foundation is fundamentally different. I do think people can still find fun in 4- and some players I have met, even many actually like having more control and tamer play... a huge difference indeed
So working within the system so to speak: sims 4 will never be sims 3 or 2, so I try to think, how can this improve and how can it be made more fun, if that makes sense!
and thank you, very much appreciate you
I usually plan on buying each pack so I will pre order but I get the packs when I have the money not because I want the items. The only reason I ever consider pre ordering is if it comes with early access with the sims unfortunately that is never the reason. I do agree that other games are a good idea and have several I play as well but sims will and is my favorite . I don’t use mods but I do challenges and enjoy both building and game play. I build because I love to play in the home I create for the sims I make for it, I love creating full map save files with households and homes that I play in. So for me even with the problems and issues the game has I still enjoy it every time I play it which is almost everyday.
I tried a rotational play, even downloaded my first mod (mccc I’ve since taken it out) but I think I tried to do too much too fast in that I wanted a whole game rotation (I do have all the dlc) started with just oasis spring and willow creek then added windenburg but even that I got overwhelmed. I’ve since moved to try the super sim challenge and am thinking of that pack legacy thing.
Erin did you say sh*t?? hehe I think this is a valid list.
I started a save recently where I have the sim do all the stuff I don't normally play in the game. spellcaster, paranormal, mischief based play, etc. in turn, I've also found some surprising (to me) features I didn't know existed while playing this save. when I had time to build I challenged myself to build at least one lot a month. some pretty good stuff came out of that. I'm usually really into CAS, but not at the moment. the gameplay is actually the highlight for me right now.
I haven't tried CC since TS2. I don't feel comfortable enough with my computer skills to try CC and mods again. I thought about a specific mod and became quickly overwhelmed trying to read through the instructions. it's just not for me. but yes, variation in hobbies and in approach to the game are key for enjoyment!
😆 yes...maybe..
yes!! that's an awesome idea. It can be easy to fall into a certain play style but sometimes it's really worth it to dabble into something different
That's fair about cc and mods. I think if it's something that adds stress or if people enough without, than that could be the best decision to just do vanilla
Speaking of using different packs, Simmer Erin, did they ever fix the terrible glitches from the "Bust the Dust" kit? I don't own it, but I've heard that simmers just can't get rid of all the dust. Not even by uninstalling the kit. That might be my favorite kit if it wasn't so glitchy.
they had a few patches for that pack to address the most serious issues. I don't own the kit, and have not heard anyone talk about it for a long time, but it should be in better shape now
I think they should give the pack to players just to try it out--I mean those who are not in the EA network or those who are--to mix it up a little. Say about a month before release, they play test it for bugs and glitches, that way EA will have time to work out the bugs before they release it to the rest of the public.
they did have a demo weekend for a few eps a few times
I play sims 4 on console and when I get tired of playing it. I play other games but on my pc my go to game/games are Sims 2 Complete Edition and Sims 3 and MMO Guild Wars 2 . With sims 2 I don’t get bored with it .but @ 3 minutes 33 seconds I like the challenge of round 1-4 that’s looks interesting.
Good video! I agree with many of these mistakes that we make (myself included). One of my personal mistakes is making most of my sims look the same. Lol Definitely agree with number one and not preordering packs. To each their own, but I really don't see the point. It's not like they're going to run out of stock or sell out. Plus, I like seeing reviews, playthroughs and if the pack actually works properly.
My issue is the Sims 4 is too easy and overwhelming happy. Nothing bad ever happens to my sims no matter how hard I try. I played the first iteration of The Sims franchise from 2000 to 2015, when it wouldn't load onto the new Windows system. I never got bored and only ever had 1 expansion pack. I have played Sims 4 since 2016 to present and have a majority of the dlc packs that interest me in some capacity. I only play video games to relax, and Sims 4 is more frustrating than relaxing, especially sims it has become a micromanagement simulator and not a life sim. The only other franchise that I enjoy is Story of Seasons, and I never get bored with that repetitive gameplay. I also don't need to micromanage so much in my other favorite franchise. I have uninstalled Sims 4 until the game is fixed to my satisfaction.
yes sims 4 does lean very happy and optimistic, with less room for surprises and drama
If you're a builder pre-ordering is not a mistake. You know what you're getting.
if you only use build, yes, there are less risks. However I'd still say buy it day of instead of pre ordering, because the pre orders often have download issues
I agree about the pre-ordering too. Really great video, Erin. Are you looking forward to the new trailer reveal tomorrow?
sry got behind! I was curious, but now thinking I'm a lot more keen on seeing other promotional materials
@@SimmerErin I admit I am tempted to pre-order but I’m probably going to hold off a day or two after release. Will I miss out on content? Yes but it is also a window to gauge bugs. I really hope there aren’t game-breaking bugs.
I’m disappointed but so glad I never paid for my wedding stories. My birthday is the day before valentines. Was literally perfect but I saw how broken it was and never got it. I downloaded the cas/build mode for free it’s great stuff but not worth making weddings worse to buy the whole pack. Also for game play I kept using the same things when making sims. Down to eyes,eyebrows and noses. I started using wheel of names for almost every aspect of creating a sims. Down to sexuality or who they live with. Now my Sims all look really different especially the faces. I make more unique stories for them aswell. I made a randomise family. The mother/father are divorced elders with 3 children. The dad is now gay and engaged to another elder sim. The son is a middle aged slob living with his dad/dads fiancé and his cat. The eldest daughter is middle aged,work alcoholic who’s distant or relationship is difficult with everybody but her mother. The youngest is a teen she’s a genius but also a slob. She’s lazy/slobbish like her brother/dad but like her mother aswell. She lives with her mother.
I love this. I definitely think you should do more of this.
thank you! anything in particular you'd like to hear me talk about
@@SimmerErin I really like how to videos. I have so many packs, but not only do I not utilize them, I don't even know how to 😊
I know I do burnout rotations with Sims 2, Sims Medieval (especially), Sims 4 and other games.
yup, just feel like I could never play only one game
I think playing a rotational game is a fun way to mix it up. as more or less have to build and rebuild. As families change size and carriers have things you got to have. try to use all the cariers in the game at least once. Check that your computor is up to the task.
yes, the last part is key.
But I agree for many rotational gameplay is good- it gives you a chance to really mix up how you're playing without thinking a lot about it
Love that oversized blazer! Wish the creator had put their name on it! Do you remember where you got it?
It should have a link through my university cc haul- my warning is it's an old video (when that pack came out_ so do not know if the cc is updated. jamiesee3.wixsite.com/website/post/discover-university-cc-haul
scroll down to feminine/ clothing, should be there
For me the bigest mistake is buying Sims 4 and it's packs, don't get me wrong I have had fun in it but I think it is the worst sequel to the Sims, even if it does some thins better then 2 and 3 it is such a step backwards in many ways and it feels like they try to cheap out as much as possible, Sims 2 you could see how much love was put in to the game.
If the Sims 4 had not been such a sucess it would either meant that we would get a better game down the line or no game at all, however might have been worth the risk for a game that has the best parts of all 3 sequels.
Switching it up is so important!! I stayed up way to late last night playing Hi-Fi Rush and can’t wait to play more honestly. It had been awhile since I played something very story/mission based and I can’t wait to play more.
I honestly am not bored with Sims 4, just frustrated my base save overhaul save got messes up twice, both because of issues with the For Rent pack. I personally will never buy first day ever again even tho up until recently I had little to no problems with For Rent and I honestly think in a new save file it wouldn’t be a problem, but I have no intention of giving up my Pixel babies. My attachment to them is why I keep playing but I also just took a breather and dated some other games. Hi-Fi Rush was such a nice step away from not only Sims, but Simulation games in general.
nice to feel that kind of excitement :) that's really the key, don't judge, just go for something you feel is fun right now. I feel so many stay on a game and don't challenge well maybe Im not enjoying this right now
and being frustrated with sims 4 a la for rent problems well that's certainly understandable
oh my goodness... you swore. I don't think I've ever heard you swear before. I will admit while Sims (right now) is the only game I play I also have other stuff to do; my in-person D&D, watching sports, taking a walk, though I am waiting for the next Dragon Age with some doubts.
For the features of the game, there are a couple of channels that post short feature guides. I’ve been playing the series since the original game and I’m surprised how many features are in the game I never knew about and only discovered through these videos. I have all the major packs (just not all kits) so I’m sure there’s a ton of features I’ve never tried.
yes there are! very many guides both on channels and blogs too. Carl has excellent guides too- though not sure if he's covered the most recent packs
The biggest mistake Sims 4 players make is....
Spending money on the Sims 4. HAHA
I think you list is just few of the suggestions to make the game less unbearable.
If one gets enjoyment out of it, no I don't think it's a mistake to spend money; and something doesn't have to be perfect to be fun. If someone doesn't like sims 4 at all, yes, then Idk why you'd buy packs
ok i feel personally attacked by number 1 haha. but all jokes aside i will fully admit that i am one of those people who preorders packs, and yeah even after MWS. i guess its just because if its a pack i am looking forward to, i want to play it as soon as i can even though i know theres a very good chance it will mess up my game further. i suppose im just not bothered enough by the pack bugs and glitches to stop preordering if im being honest, cuz i sure dont preorder for the bonuses since most of the time i dont care about them in the slightest. but honestly i agree with you that with TS4's history of buggy, glitchy, sometimes downright unplayable packs they release, that its definitely the safer route to not preorder them and wait a month or two for the dust to settle. i just wish i was one of those people lol.
you can get the items without pre ordering :) so long as you buy within the allowed time. The issue also is that pre orders a lot of times have more download issues than even getting day of! but honestly, it's all about what fits YOU best. If you are happy with something, don't change it💕🥰
I played on console for years either no access to mods. Now I play on my laptop, I will never play without mods again 😂
what are your fav mods
I'm finally making an effort to raise horses. (The green roofed 50x50 house on r/sims4 is me). I think it's a good pack and I like the reward trait for temperament, the champion genes etc, but it didn't fit in with what I was doing at the time. I had a technical issue with the game that mostly showed up in the Horse Ranch world, and I fell out of love with the ranch I plucked off the gallery. I think mixing it up is important. I'm doing something I've not done before.
There's so much really cool stuff that's easy to not know about. Petey Plays It did the beetlejuice ghost, and I have done that too, but it's easy to forget about. I simply did not know the wishing well was so good for reviving sims either. Huh.
great that you're giving it a chance off a rough start!
Fun video! I definitely fall into the trap of only playing one or to games. I like games I can sit down and immerse myself into for hours... which locks me in to playing games almost exclusively on weekends.
which def is not inherently bad in of itself- I think it's a natural comforting thing, especially for those of us who have limited time to play! key is just seeing if you're still enjoying
I definitely haven’t explored all aspects of the DLC I have.
I doubt many have, honestly! what most comes to mind that you might try
awsome video friend
Many good points!
thank you
I got sims 3 on console and I play it on occasion..
have always been curious how that version compares with the pc one- take it they are substantially different?
Definitely burned out, and also feeling like the game is unplayable. Uninstalled the game some weeks ago because it (the bugs) pissed me off for the last time.. So sad though.
When you say unplayable what do you mean by that? Asking because I’ve seen some people say this but all had different meanings. When I think of unplayable my mind goes to opening the game and it immediately crashing.
@@Roxie1255 Crashing is certainly one factor to make something unplayable but I'd argue there are others. Speaking generally, not specifically about the Sims, if a game doesn't crash but it's systems are so broken, flawed and so on, it makes the game unplayable. It can do this by reducing (or removing) the fun, the challenge or whatever it is so the game isn't worth playing for that person.
There's likely other meanings but there's another one for unplayable.
Unplayable in what sense, or what issues specifically? 💕
@@SimmerErin @Roxie1255 Crashing for starters, but also interactions not working, sims not doing what you tell them too. I don't use any mods and I have many packs, but far from all.