How to Move into an NPC’s House in The Sims 4: A Comprehensive Guide
Moving into an NPC’s (Non-Playable Character) house in The Sims 4 is a common goal for many players, but the mechanics aren’t always straightforward. The key thing to understand is that you cannot directly move your Sims into an NPC’s existing household or lot. Unlike the “Move In” option available for other playable households, NPCs require a different approach. You must first establish a strong relationship with the NPC and then use specific game mechanics to bring them into your household. Here’s the breakdown:
The primary method involves building your relationship with an NPC to the point where marriage is an option. Once married, the NPC will automatically move into your household. You can then promote them to a playable Sim if you have an empty spot available.
Let’s explore the process in more detail and answer common questions about this aspect of Sims 4 gameplay.
Marrying an NPC is Key
Building the Relationship
The path to having an NPC move in begins with your Sim interacting and forming a relationship. To trigger the necessary interactions, you must first find an NPC that you are interested in. This can be anyone from a neighbor to a bartender. Then:
- Initiate Interactions: Begin with friendly interactions. These are usually found under the “Friendly” or “Get to Know” categories. Chat, tell jokes, and find common interests to build an initial bond.
- Develop a Story: As you advance the relationship, the interactions will shift. Unlock new interaction types by building a relationship story with the NPC, such as “flirt,” or “tell secret.”
- Reach Level 4: According to the game mechanics, the marriage option usually becomes available at level 4 of any relationship story with an NPC.
The Proposal
Once you’ve achieved a strong relationship, navigate to the flirty options in the interaction menu. There, you should find the option to propose. If the NPC accepts, they become engaged.
Marriage and Move-In
- Get Married: After the proposal, plan the wedding. The specifics are customizable, but ensure the ceremony happens to officially marry your Sims.
- Automatic Move-In: After the marriage ceremony, the NPC will automatically move into your household. This is a key part of the process; the NPC doesn’t technically move into the player’s house as a step before marriage, it will always be after the marriage has been completed.
Promoting to Playable Sim
Once the NPC has moved into your household, you can then promote them to a playable Sim by clicking on their portrait on the side bar and selecting “Playable Sim.” You will need to have space for a new playable Sim in your household.
Alternative Methods and Considerations
While marriage is the most common method, some other nuances and possibilities exist in the game:
- Modifications: Certain community-created modifications can alter how Sims move in and out. If you have mods installed, the process could be slightly different. Always consult the instructions or documentation that comes with your mods.
- Apartments and Multi-Family Lots: If you are living in an apartment, you may find that you will not have an extra space to promote a newly married Sim. This is something you should take into consideration before choosing to marry an NPC.
- Relationship Level 8: According to some in-game messaging, there is a rumor that some players have been able to move a NPC in after achieving level 8 of a relationship story. However, it’s more common and reliable to focus on marriage if you are intending to move in your NPC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I directly move into an NPC’s house in The Sims 4?
No, you cannot directly move into an NPC’s existing house. You must marry the NPC, which causes them to move into your household.
2. What relationship level do I need to marry an NPC?
The marriage option usually becomes available at level 4 of any relationship story with an NPC.
3. What happens to an NPC after marriage?
After marriage, the NPC automatically moves into your household. This is the trigger that allows you to promote them into a playable Sim.
4. Can I have an NPC move in without marriage?
Generally, no, marriage is the intended in-game method. There might be exceptions with mods, but in vanilla gameplay, marriage is key.
5. How do I promote an NPC to a playable Sim?
Once an NPC moves into your household after marriage, click their portrait in the lower left and select the “Playable Sim” option (if there is an empty spot available).
6. What if I don’t have an open space for a new playable Sim?
You will need to either start a new household, or move one of the current playable Sims out of the house into another household. Once you have a space open, you will be able to promote your newly married Sim into a playable Sim.
7. Can unplayed Sims move into empty houses?
Yes, with Story Progression turned on, random Sims will often move into empty houses. These are usually randomly generated, but could also be existing Sims that have been removed from your played household list.
8. What’s the difference between “Played” and “Unplayed” Sims?
Played Sims are the households you actively play with, while Unplayed Sims are those you haven’t played. You can switch between them using the “Manage Households” menu.
9. Do Unplayed Sims have babies?
Yes, Unplayed Sims, especially in Unplayed households, can have babies and get pets. This occurs autonomously in the game if you have story progression turned on.
10. What happens to Unplayed Sims that are not housed on a lot?
Unplayed Sims not living on a lot are at risk of being removed from the game automatically. If you are trying to keep certain NPC Sims for later use, be sure to place them on a lot, and to move them into your “Played” list.
11. How do I move my Sims to a new house without paying?
You can use the “Move Household from Library” option in the neighborhood map to move into an empty house. This will not cost any in-game money, however the house may not be decorated or furnished to your liking.
12. Can I visit other Sims’ houses?
Yes, you can travel to other Sims’ houses by using the cell phone and selecting the travel option, allowing you to explore various lots and houses.
13. Is there a multiplayer mode in Sims 4?
No, The Sims 4 is a single-player game. The only online component is the Gallery, where you can share your creations, not play with others.
14. Can I use cheat codes in The Sims 4?
Yes, open the cheat console by pressing “Ctrl + Shift + C” on PC or Mac, type in your cheat code and press “Enter” to activate cheats.
15. Are expansion packs necessary to enjoy The Sims 4?
While the base game has a lot to offer, expansion packs enhance the game with new features, locations, and gameplay. The experience might be limited without them, but the base game still can be lots of fun.
By following these steps and understanding the mechanics of the game, you’ll be well on your way to moving your chosen NPC into your household. Remember, building strong relationships and utilizing the marriage feature are the keys to success in this area of The Sims 4. Happy Simming!