Why Won’t My Sims Have a Science Baby?
You’re eager to expand your Sim family using the futuristic marvel of science babies, but your Sim just isn’t cooperating. Frustration sets in as the option stubbornly refuses to appear. Several factors can contribute to this issue in The Sims 4, ranging from simple oversights to more complex game glitches. Here’s a breakdown of common culprits and how to troubleshoot them:
The most common reasons are: your game isn’t updated, you are playing on an older game version, your Sim is already pregnant, your household is full, you are not selecting the appropriate sim to initiate this action, you don’t have the required Simoleons, or there is a game glitch!
Troubleshooting Your Science Baby Woes
Let’s delve into the potential reasons why the “Have a Science Baby” option might be missing and how to rectify the situation:
- Game Updates: Ensure your Sims 4 game is running the latest version. Outdated versions often contain bugs that can affect gameplay features, including the science baby option. Updates frequently include fixes for these glitches. Restart the game after updating.
- Age Restrictions: Only Sims who are Young Adults, Adults, or Elders can opt to have science babies. Child and Teen Sims don’t have access to this option.
- Household Limit: The game has a maximum of eight Sims per household. If your household is already at this limit, you won’t be able to add another Sim, whether through birth, adoption, or science. You’ll need to move out one of your Sims to free a slot for a new baby.
- Existing Pregnancy: If your Sim is already pregnant, the “Have a Science Baby” option will be unavailable. The game doesn’t allow for multiple simultaneous pregnancies through different methods.
- Simoleons Requirement: To have a science baby, your Sim needs to have at least 1,200 Simoleons.
- Conflicting Mods: Custom content (mods) can sometimes interfere with game functionality. Try disabling any recently installed mods or running the game without mods to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you can then reintroduce mods one by one to identify the problematic one.
- Selecting the Correct Sim: If opting for a single-parent science baby, ensure you’re selecting the Sim who will carry the baby when using the phone option. For science babies with two Sims, make sure you are choosing the “Ask to Have Science Baby” option when interacting with another Sim with a high enough friendship.
- Friendship Requirement: For two Sims to have a science baby together, they need a certain level of friendship. No romance is needed.
- Glitches and Bugs: Sometimes, the game can simply glitch. Try restarting your game, or even your computer, to see if that resolves the issue.
The Science Baby Process
Navigating the In-Game Menu
The “Have a Science Baby” option is located within the Home menu on your Sim’s phone. Click on the phone icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen, navigate to the Home section, and you should find the option there.
Single Parent vs. Two-Sim Science Baby
You can choose to have a science baby as a single parent, using only your Sim’s genetics. Alternatively, you can have a science baby with another Sim by using the “Ask to Have Science Baby” interaction under the “Friendly” category.
The Hospital Trip
Once you confirm your decision, your Sim will immediately head to the hospital. Upon their return, they’ll be accompanied by a newborn. Be prepared with a crib and other baby essentials! The arrival is quick, meaning you won’t have to endure days of pregnancy!
Genetics and Appearance
Science babies aren’t simply clones. They can inherit traits from their grandparents or even exhibit unique genetic mutations, resulting in new skin tones, eye colors, or hairstyles. The genetics are diverse.
FAQs: Your Science Baby Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the science baby process and address any lingering concerns.
1. Can Sims of any gender have a science baby?
Yes! Any Sim who is a Young Adult, Adult, or Elder can choose to have a science baby, regardless of their gender. Two female Sims or two male Sims can have a science baby together.
2. Do science babies inherit traits from both parents?
Yes, science babies inherit genetic traits from both participating Sims, assuming you are doing this with two sims, mirroring a typical genetic inheritance pattern in The Sims 4.
3. Is there a higher chance of twins or triplets with science babies?
The chances of having twins or triplets with a science baby are the same as with a regular pregnancy. They are subject to the game’s standard multiple birth mechanics. Use lot traits or purchase rewards store traits to influence this outcome.
4. Can I influence the gender of a science baby?
No, there is no guaranteed way to influence the gender of a science baby in the base game. You would need to use mods for this outcome.
5. What happens if I don’t have enough money for a science baby?
The game will prevent you from initiating the process if you don’t have the required 1,200 Simoleons. Ensure your Sim has sufficient funds before attempting to have a science baby.
6. Can science babies have occult traits?
Yes, if one or both of the parent Sims have occult traits (e.g., vampire, spellcaster, mermaid), the science baby can inherit those traits.
7. Can I have a science baby with a Sim I’m not romantically involved with?
Yes, no romantic relationship is required to have a science baby with another Sim. A high friendship level is sufficient. This aspect makes science babies a great option for platonic life partners who want a child.
8. What if the “Have a Science Baby” option is greyed out?
The option is likely greyed out because your Sim doesn’t meet the requirements, such as age, household size, or funds. Review the conditions mentioned earlier in the article.
9. Can I use cheats to have a science baby?
While there aren’t specific cheats to directly trigger the “Have a Science Baby” option, you can use cheats to fulfill the prerequisites, such as adding Simoleons or adjusting household size.
10. Do science babies have different needs or behaviors compared to regular babies?
No, science babies behave the same way as regular babies in The Sims 4. They have the same needs and require the same care.
11. Can my Sim have a science baby if they’re already a parent?
Yes, your Sim can have a science baby even if they already have children. There are no restrictions on the number of children a Sim can have through different methods.
12. What if my Sim autonomously decides to have a science baby?
Sims do not autonomously decide to have science babies. The player must initiate the action.
13. How long does it take for the science baby to arrive?
Your Sim will immediately leave for the hospital and return with the baby within a few Sim hours. This is much faster than a traditional pregnancy, which takes a few Sim days.
14. Can I cancel the science baby process after initiating it?
Once you confirm the decision and your Sim goes to the hospital, you cannot cancel the process. The baby will arrive shortly thereafter.
15. What happens if there’s a glitch during the science baby process?
If you encounter a glitch, try restarting your game. If the issue persists, consider repairing your game through the Origin or EA app, or removing any recently installed mods.
Embracing the Future of Family
Having a science baby in The Sims 4 is a fun and convenient way to expand your Sim family. By understanding the requirements and troubleshooting steps, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Remember to keep your game updated, meet the necessary criteria, and resolve any potential conflicts with mods. Now, go forth and create your own futuristic family!
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