The Ultimate Guide to Sim Divorce: How to Break Up Your Virtual Household

So, you’ve reached a point in your Sims 4 game where those wedding bells are ringing a bit hollow, and you’re looking for a way to end a Sim marriage? You’re not alone! Divorces in the Sims world can be dramatic, messy, and even strategically useful. Getting your Sim to divorce involves manipulating their relationships, either through negativity or by fostering romance elsewhere. Essentially, you need to create enough negative sentiment between the spouses or build a strong enough connection with a new romantic interest to encourage them to leave their spouse. Now, let’s dive into the details of how to make that happen!

Methods to Initiate a Sim Divorce

Option 1: The Mean Streak Approach

This method focuses on generating negative relationship points between the married Sims. It’s direct, though it may take some time depending on the existing relationship level.

• Mean Interactions: The most straightforward route is to continuously select “Mean” interactions when your Sim interacts with their spouse. These include options like “Insult,” “Argue,” and “Be Rude.”
• Angry Interactions: Similarly, using “Angry” interactions will damage the relationship. Look for these interactions when your Sim is experiencing negative emotions.
• Constant Conflict: Encourage arguments by having your Sims disagree on everything. Any opportunity for conflict should be seized to drive a wedge between them.
• The “Divorce” Option: As the relationship deteriorates, a “Divorce” option will eventually appear under the “Mean” interaction menu. Keep in mind this option will only appear when the relationship between the Sims is low enough.

Option 2: The Cheating Heart Strategy

Infidelity is a surefire way to create chaos and lead to a Sim divorce. This method can be quicker than the “Mean Streak,” but it often comes with more emotional fallout.

• Find a Romantic Interest: Identify a Sim your active Sim finds attractive.
• Build a Romantic Relationship: Use romantic interactions like “Flirt,” “Be Romantic,” and “Compliment Appearance” to develop a romantic relationship.
• WooHoo (Or More) with the New Interest: Once the relationship is strong enough, engage in romantic activities like WooHoo. Getting caught cheating is a near-instant relationship killer.
• The Discovery: If the spouse catches the cheating Sim in the act, they will automatically become enraged and relationship points will plummet. This often leads directly to the divorce interaction appearing.

Option 3: Convincing a Sim to Leave Their Spouse

This involves your Sim actively seducing another Sim who is already married and convincing them to leave their spouse. This is another rapid way to a Sim divorce if you’re successful.

• Target a Married Sim: Identify the Sim you want to break up.
• Build a Strong Romantic Relationship: Use romantic interactions to become a “Romantic Interest.”
• The Proposal: Once a strong romantic relationship is established, an option to “Ask to Break Up With Spouse” will appear. If successful, the targeted Sim will leave their spouse, ending their marriage and potentially freeing them up to be with your Sim.

What To Do After The Sim Divorce

Managing the Aftermath

A Sim divorce doesn’t just end the marriage; it impacts the household dynamics and Sim emotions. Here’s how to manage the fallout:

• Household Division: You’ll need to decide which Sim moves out. This can be done through the “Manage Worlds” menu. Split the household and move the desired Sim to a new lot.
• Emotional State: Divorced Sims will likely experience negative emotions such as sadness, anger, or resentment. Provide them with activities to improve their mood, such as hobbies, social interactions with friends, or career progression.
• Relationship Repair (Optional): If you want the Sims to eventually become friends (or even reconcile), focus on positive social interactions after some time has passed. This can be a long process, but it is possible. Consider using the Romance Festival to help repair the damaged relationship.
• Alimony: The game provides an opportunity for the Sim to claim Alimony if you go into the Government Benefits Portal and Apply, they will receive a direct deposit at their next billing cycle.

Alternative Game Style

Consider the impact on your Sims game style and consider all of your options, as often there are many different paths to arrive at your Sim’s happily ever after.

• Game Modification: The Sims is a game that encourages game modifications.
• Narrative: Sim divorces should be planned based on a game narrative.
• Creative License: Have fun!

FAQs About Sim Divorces

How do I get my Sims to like each other after a Sim divorce?

It’s challenging, but possible. Start with small, positive social interactions after the initial anger subsides. Focus on neutral topics and avoid bringing up the past. The Romance Festival, with its special cherry blossom tea, can boost romantic chances if they’re at least friends.

Can you remarry after a Sim divorce in Sims 4?

Yes, absolutely! Both divorced Sims are free to pursue new relationships and get remarried.

How do I kick a divorced spouse out of the house on Sims 4?

Go to Manage Worlds, select the household, click the “Split Household” option, and move the Sim you want to evict into a new home.

Can I make Sims divorce in Sims Freeplay?

Yes, the process involves having the Sims engage in rude and complaining interactions until the “Divorce” option appears.

How do you fix a Sim marriage on the verge of divorce?

Apologize for any wrongdoing (especially cheating), use the “Repair Relationship” interaction, and consistently engage in positive social interactions until the relationship improves.

How do you get alimony on Sims 4?

Go to your Sim’s phone, select the Government Benefits Portal, and “Apply” for alimony. The amount received will depend on factors like the length of the marriage and the wealth of the former spouse.

How do you move out of a marriage in Sims 4?

In the Manage Worlds screen, click the family, then the moving truck icon. This evicts them, allowing you to move them elsewhere. Or you can “split household” and move one of the Sims to a new lot.

How do you get rid of romantic relationships on Sims 4?

The easiest way is to use MC Command Center (MCCC) to delete the relationship directly. Otherwise, constant negative interactions can also degrade the relationship.

Can Sims catch you cheating?

Yes! If your Sim is caught engaging in romantic interactions with someone other than their spouse, the betrayed spouse will become angry and relationships will be damaged.

What happens if you cheat on your spouse in Sims?

If caught, the betrayed spouse will become furious, and the relationship will suffer significantly. It can lead to a Sim divorce. There might also be reputation consequences.

Can Sims marry their second cousins?

Yes, second cousins and beyond are eligible for marriage in The Sims 4.

Can two females WooHoo in Sims 4?

Yes, The Sims 4 allows Sims of any gender combination to WooHoo.

Why do my Sims keep rejecting each other’s romantic advances?

Many factors can influence this, including low relationship scores, negative sentiments, conflicting traits, or even just bad timing. Check the conversation status (e.g., “awkward encounter”) for clues.

What happens when you convince a Sim to leave their spouse?

The Sim who was convinced will leave their spouse, causing significant distress to the spouse and potentially starting a new relationship with the Sim who did the convincing.

Can you have multiple wives in Sims 4?

No, the Sims 4 only allows one marriage partner at a time. To have multiple marriages, you must end the previous marriage first.

Understanding the mechanics of Sim divorces allows you to shape your narratives and explore different aspects of Sim life. Whether you choose the path of drama and infidelity or the slower burn of constant negativity, the option to end a Sim marriage is a powerful tool in your storytelling arsenal.

If you are interested in further exploring the mechanics and teaching methodologies of games, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.