Can You Be a Criminal in The Sims 4? A Deep Dive into the Seedy Underbelly of SimCity

Yes, absolutely! You can delve into the world of crime in The Sims 4. It’s a fully realized career path, offering a surprisingly nuanced and engaging gameplay experience. Forget building the perfect house or raising a family – you can embrace your inner villain and climb the ranks of the criminal underworld, from petty thief to mastermind. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to become a criminal in The Sims 4, as well as answer some frequently asked questions about the game’s less savory aspects.

Entering the Criminal Career

The path to a life of crime is surprisingly straightforward in The Sims 4. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Open the Phone: Your Sim’s phone is their gateway to the working world.
2. Select “Find a Job”: This will bring up a list of available careers.
3. Choose “Criminal”: Scroll through the options until you find the Criminal career. Click on it to apply.
4. Alternative Method – The Career Panel: At the bottom of your screen, you’ll find a career panel. You can also use this panel to browse and select the Criminal career.

Once your Sim has accepted the job, they’ll start at the bottom rung of the ladder, likely as a low-level grunt. But with dedication, skill, and a healthy dose of evil, they can rise to the top.

Climbing the Criminal Ladder

The Criminal career branches into two distinct paths at level 6, each offering a unique gameplay experience:

• Boss: This branch focuses on leadership and management. Your Sim will be running operations, delegating tasks, and ensuring the criminal enterprise runs smoothly. Expect to hone your charisma and strategic thinking.
• Oracle: This branch focuses on technical skills, such as hacking and programming. Your Sim will be using their knowledge of computers to extract funds and resources.

Skills and Traits for Success

Certain skills and traits will significantly boost your Sim’s success in the Criminal career:

• Mischief: This is the most important skill for early advancement. Pranks, sabotage, and general troublemaking will impress your superiors.
• Logic: Crucial for the Oracle branch. Hacking, coding, and analyzing data are all vital skills.
• Fitness: The Boss branch benefits from physical fitness. Being able to intimidate rivals and lead your gang demands strength.
• Charisma: Another vital skill for the Boss branch. Persuasion, negotiation, and inspiring loyalty are essential for a successful criminal leader.

Ideal Traits:

• Evil: This trait makes your Sim happier when performing mischievous acts.
• Active: Helps with Fitness, important for the Boss branch.
• Goofball: While perhaps not immediately obvious, this trait can help with social interactions and building relationships within the criminal organization.
• Mean: Makes it easier to perform mean interactions, boosting the Mischief skill.
• Hot-Headed: Can lead to spontaneous acts of mischief.

The Consequences of Crime

While the Criminal career can be lucrative, it’s not without its risks. Although it’s unlikely your Sim will be arrested. However, there are social consequences. Other Sims may disapprove of your Sim’s career choice, leading to negative relationships. But hey, that’s the price you pay for being a criminal mastermind!

FAQ: Your Criminal Sims Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Criminal Career in The Sims 4, along with other queries related to the more unconventional gameplay experiences possible:

1. What is the starting salary for the Criminal Career?

The starting salary for the Criminal career is quite low, reflecting the entry-level nature of the job. Expect around §18 per hour to start. The pay increases as your Sim gains promotions.

2. Can you get arrested as a criminal in The Sims 4?

In the past versions of The Sims there was a chance of being arrested in the Criminal career. However, in Sims 4 there is no chance that your Sim can get arrested.

3. What are the branches of the Criminal Career?

The Criminal career branches into two paths at level 6: Boss and Oracle. The Boss focuses on leadership and physical skills, while the Oracle focuses on hacking and technical skills.

4. What skills are most important for the Criminal Career?

The most important skills are Mischief, Logic, Fitness, and Charisma, depending on which branch you choose.

5. Are there any specific aspirations that complement the Criminal Career?

The Public Enemy aspiration complements the Criminal career well, as it focuses on performing mischievous acts and becoming a notorious figure.

6. Can Sims have illegal businesses in The Sims 4?

Without mods, running explicitly illegal businesses (like a drug den) isn’t possible. However, you can simulate this through gameplay, such as using the Get to Work expansion to run a retail store that sells stolen goods (obtained through the Kleptomaniac trait).

7. Can Sims be serial killers in The Sims 4?

The game doesn’t explicitly support being a serial killer. However, with careful planning and some dark gameplay, you can create a story where your Sim eliminates other Sims. Be warned, however, that killing multiple Sims can result in the Grim Reaper sending your Sim a warning.

8. Can Sims get robbed in The Sims 4?

There are no robbers in the traditional sense. However, Sims with the Kleptomaniac trait will occasionally steal items from other Sims’ homes.

9. Is it possible to have a homeless Sim in The Sims 4?

Yes, you can create a homeless Sim. Simply create a Sim, don’t buy a lot for them to live on, and control them as they live on public lots. This can add a challenging and unique dynamic to your game.

10. Can Sims get abducted by aliens in The Sims 4?

Yes, male Sims can be abducted by aliens and potentially become pregnant with an alien baby. There’s a hidden meter that increases the chance of abduction. Activities like using the telescope at night increase the meter.

11. Can Sims get divorced in The Sims 4?

Yes, Sims can get divorced. You can initiate the divorce through social interactions, choosing the “Break Up” option and then selecting “Divorce.”

12. Can Sims get plastic surgery in The Sims 4?

While there’s no specific plastic surgery mechanic, you can alter your Sim’s appearance at any time by using a mirror or dresser to “Change Sim.” This allows you to adjust their facial features, hairstyle, and clothing.

13. Can Sims die of old age in The Sims 4?

Yes, Sims will eventually die of old age. The lifespan can be adjusted in the game settings, allowing you to customize how long Sims live.

14. Are there police officers in The Sims 4?

Police officers are not actively present in the game in the way you would expect. There is no option to call them.

15. Are there any mods to add more realistic crime elements to The Sims 4?

Yes, there are numerous mods that add more realistic crime elements to The Sims 4. Some examples include:

• The Extreme Violence Mod: As the name suggests, this mod adds more violent interactions.
• The Drug Dealer Mod: This mod introduces drug dealing and drug use into the game.

Important Note: Be aware that using mods can sometimes cause compatibility issues or break your game, especially after updates. Always research mods thoroughly and back up your saves before installing them. It’s also worth noting that EA does not endorse any mods.

Beyond Crime: Exploring Other Unconventional Careers and Lifestyles

The Sims 4 offers numerous ways to deviate from the traditional suburban fantasy. Here are a few other career paths and lifestyle choices to explore:

• Secret Agent: Become a spy and unravel mysteries.
• Scientist: Invent gadgets and experiment with the world around you.
• Military: Serve your country and rise through the ranks.

You can also explore unconventional lifestyles by:

• Living off the grid: Embrace a self-sufficient lifestyle by living without electricity or running water (requires the Island Living expansion).
• Becoming a vampire or spellcaster: Embrace the supernatural and live a life beyond human limitations (requires the Vampires and Realm of Magic game packs).

The End of the Line

So, can you be a criminal in The Sims 4? Absolutely! It’s a fun and engaging way to explore the darker side of Sim society. Whether you’re a ruthless Boss or a tech-savvy Oracle, the Criminal career offers a unique gameplay experience. Just remember to manage your reputation, develop your skills, and avoid getting caught! The world of the Sims is your sandbox. It is a fantastic tool for game-based learning and can enhance educational outcomes. Check out the Games Learning Society for more information on games and their educational value.

The Games Learning Society website can be found at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.