How to Make Money Fast in Sims 4 (Base Game, No Cheats!)

The Sims 4, even without expansion packs, offers a surprisingly rich array of avenues to accumulate Simoleons quickly and legitimately. The key lies in maximizing your Sim’s skills, leveraging available resources, and strategically managing their time. The fastest way to riches in the base game involves painting, specifically focusing on painting at museums, followed by fishing at the right spots. Then it is collecting, and harvesting & gardening.

Profitable Paths to Simoleon Success

Here’s a breakdown of the most effective money-making methods in the Sims 4 base game, without resorting to cheats:

1. The Art of Painting (at the Museum!)

Painting is arguably the most overpowered money-making skill in the Sims 4 base game. This is because painting at the Museum gives your Sim an inspirational boost. Sims with the creative trait are the natural painters of the world. The higher their skill level, the better the quality of their paintings, and the higher the selling price. Invest in an easel early and have your Sim dedicate time to honing their craft. When they paint at the museum they get the inspirational moodlet, which helps boost their painting.

• Early Game: Begin with smaller paintings. Even at low skill levels, these can generate a decent income.
• Mid to Late Game: As your Sim’s skill increases, they can create larger, more valuable masterpieces. Abstract and Impressionist paintings tend to fetch higher prices.
• Selling Strategies: Sell paintings directly from the easel for immediate cash.

2. Mastering the Art of Fishing

Fishing is a reliable and consistent source of income, particularly in the early game. Certain fishing spots yield more valuable catches.

• Location Matters: Focus on fishing in areas known to have rarer fish. Some spots are better than others.
• Bait Up: Using bait appropriate for the fish you’re targeting can significantly increase your chances of catching valuable species.
• Skill Up: Invest time into leveling up the Fishing skill, as this increases the frequency of rare catches.
• Early Game: Use this to your advantage. It takes no skill and can allow you to make money early on.

3. Digging for Collectibles

The world is full of hidden treasures, literally! Your Sims can dig for collectibles.

• Location Matters: Collectibles can be found in rocks and logs
• Selling Strategies: Sell them on the computer for immediate cash.
• Early Game: Use this to your advantage. It takes no skill and can allow you to make money early on.

4. The Green Thumb Advantage: Harvesting and Gardening

Gardening is a long-term investment that pays off handsomely.

• Start Small: Begin with a small garden of readily available fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
• Plant Smart: Dragonfruit is the most profitable fruit in the base game, so prioritize planting them if possible.
• Upgrade Plants: Tend to your garden regularly. Evolving and fertilizing plants increases their yield and value.
• Selling Strategies: Sell produce individually or in bulk to maximize profits.

5. Embracing the Digital Age: Computer Skills

Certain computer-based skills can generate income.

• Freelance: Your Sim can work as a freelance writer, programmer, or artist, completing gigs for Simoleons.
• Writing: Writing books is a classic way to earn money. Focus on genres that align with your Sim’s personality and interests.
• Hacking: With sufficient skill, your Sim can hack for money. However, be mindful of the risks involved.

6. The Ethical Gray Area: Stealing

While not the most honorable profession, stealing can provide a quick boost to your Sim’s funds.

• Choose Your Targets Wisely: Steal from less guarded locations.
• Be Discreet: Getting caught results in negative consequences.
• Risk vs. Reward: Weigh the potential benefits against the risks of getting caught.

FAQs: Making Money Fast in Sims 4 Base Game

1. What’s the fastest way to make money in the Sims 4 base game at the beginning?

The fastest way to make money at the beginning of the game is to fish and paint. These activities require minimal initial investment and can generate a steady income flow.

2. Which skill is the most profitable in the long run in the base game?

Painting is generally considered the most profitable skill in the long run, due to the high value of masterpieces created at higher skill levels and the ability to gain inspirational moodlets when painting at a museum.

3. Are careers a good way to make money in the base game?

While careers provide a stable income, they’re not the fastest route to riches. Careers offer limited flexibility and can restrict your Sim’s time for other money-making activities.

4. How do I increase the value of my garden plants?

You can increase the value of your garden plants by evolving them (tending to them regularly) and fertilizing them with high-quality fertilizer.

5. What are the best collectibles to look for in the base game?

Focus on finding rare crystals, metals, and fossils, as these tend to fetch higher prices.

6. Is it worth it to write books in the base game?

Yes, writing books can be a lucrative endeavor, especially as your Sim improves their writing skill. Focus on writing different genres to maximize your earnings.

7. How often should my Sim fish to maximize profits?

Your Sim should fish regularly, ideally every day, to maintain a consistent income flow.

8. Are there any hidden money-making opportunities in the base game?

There is no direct inheritance from the base game. The game offers a multitude of options for players.

9. What are the risks of stealing in the Sims 4 base game?

The risks of stealing include getting caught by other Sims, which can lead to negative relationships and potential fines.

10. How can I maximize my Sim’s painting skill quickly?

Encourage your Sim to paint regularly, take painting classes (if available), and surround them with inspiring objects and artwork.

11. What’s the most profitable plant to grow?

Dragonfruit is the most profitable plant, with a base value of $250 Simoleons per fruit and a potential value of up to $695 when fully evolved and fertilized.

12. Can my Sim get rich just by gardening?

Yes, it’s entirely possible to become wealthy through gardening, especially if you focus on growing high-value plants like dragonfruit and consistently tend to your garden.

13. How does mood affect my Sim’s ability to make money?

A positive mood can significantly improve your Sim’s performance in various money-making activities. For example, an inspired Sim will paint better and more valuable paintings.

14. Can you get money by performing in the base game?

Yes, performing is one method of earning income in the Sims 4 base game.

15. Is there a community dedicated to exploring gameplay and learning in The Sims?

Absolutely! The Games Learning Society is a great resource for understanding how games, like The Sims 4, can be used for learning and exploring different aspects of life. You can visit their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about their work.

By combining these strategies and focusing on skill development, your Sim can achieve financial independence in the Sims 4 base game without resorting to any cheats. Happy Simming!