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Unlocking the Mysteries of Roommates in The Sims 4: Control or Chaos?

Do you have to control roommates in The Sims 4? The short answer is: No, you don’t have to control them, but whether you can control them depends on how they became your roommate. In The Sims 4, the game offers a couple of ways to bring in another Sim to share your Sim’s living space. One way is through the Roommate system offered through the Discover University pack and the other involves simply moving a Sim into the same household, with the freedom to control these Sims like any other member of your household. This article delves into the nuances of each system and offers valuable advice for managing your virtual cohabitants.

Roommates vs. Household Members: Knowing the Difference

Understanding the core difference between a true Roommate (a feature unlocked with the Discover University expansion pack) and a regular Household Member is crucial. A roommate summoned using the Roommate system is, by design, intended to be partially autonomous. This means that while they occupy your Sim’s home and contribute rent, they are not fully controllable in the same way as other members of your household. The game wants you to feel like they are living alongside you.

On the other hand, any Sim that you move in by marrying, inviting to join your household, or creating in Create-a-Sim (CAS) and then adding to your Sim’s household becomes fully controllable. Their lives, aspirations, and even their bladder levels are yours to manage!

The Appeal of Autonomous Roommates

The allure of autonomous roommates lies in the potential for unpredictability and emergent storytelling. They might bring unexpected guests, pursue their own careers and hobbies, and generally add a layer of simulated life that contrasts with the more carefully curated existence of your primary Sims. For players seeking a less micro-managed experience, these roommates can be a refreshing addition to gameplay.

However, for control freaks (and let’s be honest, many Simmers are!), the lack of complete control can be frustrating. You might find your roommate neglecting household chores, bringing home unwanted romantic interests, or generally disrupting the carefully crafted harmony of your Sim’s life.

Strategies for Living with Limited Control

If you have opted for a true Roommate situation, here are a few tips for coexisting peacefully:

Set Expectations: Use the bulletin board (if you have the Discover University pack) to set rules like curfews. While not a foolproof solution, it can influence their behavior.
Upgrade the Environment: Invest in high-quality furniture, especially beds. Happy roommates are less likely to complain or move out.
Build Relationships: While you can’t directly control their actions, building a positive relationship with your roommate can lead to more harmonious interactions.
Embrace the Chaos: Ultimately, part of the fun of having roommates is the unpredictable element they bring. Try to embrace the chaos and see where it leads your Sim’s story.

Managing Fully Controllable Household Members

If you moved a Sim into your household like marrying a Sim, the dynamics are very different. You have complete control over these Sims and can direct their every action. Here are some tips:

Assign Roles: Divide household chores, career paths, and social responsibilities to create a balanced and efficient household.
Set Aspirations: Align your Sims’ aspirations to complement each other or create interesting conflicts.
Rotate Control: Don’t just focus on one Sim. Rotate between different household members to experience different perspectives and gameplay styles.
Use Autonomy Settings Carefully: While you have full control, you can still adjust individual autonomy settings to allow Sims to pursue their own interests to some extent.

The Dark Side of Control: Avoiding Over-Management

It’s easy to fall into the trap of micromanaging every aspect of your Sims’ lives. However, this can lead to a stale and uninteresting gameplay experience. Remember, part of the joy of The Sims 4 is watching your Sims develop their own personalities and make their own choices. Allow them room to breathe, even if it means they occasionally make questionable decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Roommates in The Sims 4

Here are some common questions Simmers have about roommates, and how to handle them:

Why do my roommates keep moving out in Sims 4?

Poor living conditions are a common culprit. Ensure they have comfortable beds, access to hygiene facilities, and a generally pleasant environment. Low relationship scores can also trigger them leaving.
What is the roommate limit in Sims 4?

You can have up to seven roommates along with the rest of your household, not exceeding 8 sims on any lot. This is without any mods.
Can you date your roommate in Sims?

Yes, you can absolutely develop romantic relationships with your roommates. The game treats them like any other Sim in terms of romantic interactions. You can even marry them and make them fully controllable members of your household if you want.
How do you make a Sim homeless in Sims 4?

Create the Sim in CAS, move them onto an empty lot, then immediately evict them from that lot using the phone.
Can you marry your roommate in Sims?

Yes, you can! Just build a strong relationship and propose. Once married, they become a fully integrated and controllable member of your household.
How many boyfriends can you have in the Sims?

Sims can have an unlimited number of boyfriends and girlfriends simultaneously. However, they can only be engaged to or married to one Sim at a time without mods.
How many Roommates should I get?

While personal preference matters, three roommates can offer a good balance of social interaction and potential for drama.
Why do random people walk into my house Sims 4?

This is often due to relationship status or your lot type being incorrectly set. Check that your lot is set as a residential lot. Roommates may also invite people over autonomously.
How do you stop homeless sims from moving in sims 4?

Use MC Command Center (MCCC) to disable homeless Sims from moving in. The path to take is MCCC > MC Population > Moving Settings > Allow Homeless Move-in > False.
Why won’t other sims leave my house?

Ensure your lot is designated as a Residential lot, not a Generic lot. If the game registers it as a generic community lot, Sims will treat it as a public space.
How do you stop controlling Sims in Sims 4?

Pause the game, go to game options, select the gameplay tab, and set autonomy to off.
Can a Sim be kidnapped?

Yes, Sims can be kidnapped by aliens, especially if they spend a lot of time outside at night or have high logic skills. Use mods to trigger kidnapping.
Can my Sim be homeless?

Yes, your Sim can be homeless. Evict them from their home and don’t move them into another. They’ll wander the world like any other homeless Sim.
Can Sims be polyamorous Sims 4?

Without mods, polygamy is not possible in The Sims 4. However, mods can add functionality for multiple boyfriends/girlfriends and even marriages.
Can Sims get drunk?

Sims don’t get drunk in the traditional sense. They drink “juice” and experience moodlets related to the drink’s effects, such as increased happiness or confidence.

By understanding the nuances of roommates in The Sims 4 and utilizing these tips and tricks, you can create a rich and engaging gameplay experience filled with both control and delightful unpredictability.

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In conclusion, whether you choose to embrace the chaos of autonomous roommates or exert complete control over every aspect of your Sims’ lives is entirely up to you. The beauty of The Sims 4 lies in its flexibility and the endless possibilities it offers for creating your own unique stories. Happy Simming!

Do you have to control roommates Sims 4?