Unraveling Illness in The Sims 4: Traits, Diseases, and Mods

Illness in The Sims 4, while not as complex as in some simulation games, adds a layer of realism and challenge to gameplay. There isn’t a single “sickness trait” in the base game. Instead, illness is primarily represented through moodlets and symptoms triggered by various factors. These factors can range from simply being out in the cold to contracting diseases from other Sims or specific environments. Furthermore, certain traits, especially from expansion packs or mods, can influence a Sim’s susceptibility to illness and their reactions to being sick.

Understanding Base Game Illnesses

In the vanilla (unmodded) Sims 4, Sims can become sick with several ailments. These often manifest with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, feeling uncomfortable, and having a fever.

• Cold/Flu: The most common illness, usually contracted after being outside in cold weather or interacting with a sick Sim. Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, and a “Feverish” moodlet.

• Disease Contraction: Sims can catch diseases when visiting certain areas or engaging in specific activities, especially with the “Jungle Adventure” and “Strangerville” game packs.

• Food Poisoning: Eating spoiled food or poorly prepared meals can lead to food poisoning, resulting in nausea and discomfort.

Treating Illness in The Sims 4

Curing illness is generally straightforward in the base game. Sims can:

• Rest: Sleeping is the primary way for Sims to recover.

• Order Medicine: Sims can order medicine through the computer or phone, which will provide a moodlet boost and accelerate recovery.

• Orange Juice: Drinking orange juice can provide a temporary boost to a Sim’s comfort level when sick.

Expansion Pack and Game Pack Additions

Expansion packs and game packs introduce new ways for Sims to become ill and new mechanics to deal with those illnesses:

Get to Work

Adds the Doctor career, allowing Sims to diagnose and treat other Sims for various ailments. While your Sim can now visit a hospital, it’s because you have to go with your sim to work. This expansion pack also adds new illnesses that your sim might have to handle, such as the Itchy Plumbob and the Sweaty Shivers.

Jungle Adventure

Introduces diseases that Sims can contract while exploring the jungle, adding a risk element to adventurous gameplay.

Strangerville

Focuses on a unique storyline where Sims can become infected with a strange virus, requiring them to find a cure through gameplay. The infected trait, once cured, becomes a story progression element rather than a permanent trait.

Modded Traits and Illnesses: Adding Depth

The Sims 4 modding community has greatly expanded the possibilities for illnesses, traits that affect sickness, and the realism of healthcare.

Custom Traits

Modders have created traits like the Chronically Ill trait which leads to symptoms of tiredness, headaches, and need for more rest, and the Immunocompromised trait, which makes Sims more susceptible to catching diseases. These traits add complexity to Sim’s lives and require players to manage their health more carefully.

Realistic Diseases

Mods can introduce a wide range of illnesses with more detailed symptoms and treatments. Some mods add diseases that require specific treatments and hospital visits, making healthcare a more integral part of the game.

Mental Health

Some mods even explore mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD, adding a realistic element to gameplay. These mods often include options for therapy, medication, and support systems to help Sims manage their conditions. Simmers find these elements allow them to express themselves in the game and explore situations, while also fostering empathy for mental health struggles.

Example: The “Itchy Plumbob”

The “Itchy Plumbob” disease, mentioned in the provided text, is not a part of the base game. It is a disease that occurs when a sim is working in the doctor career, and the cure is surgery.

Importance of Mods

Mods add an important extra layer of realism to the game, allowing players to create richer and more complex stories. A wide variety of these mods can be found on the internet, and should be used with care. Check the creators website for installation instructions and compatibility with the current version of the Sims 4.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the “tiger stripe illness” in The Sims 4?

The “tiger stripe illness” is likely a reference to a symptom or visual manifestation within a specific mod. This symptom shows up as the “itchy plumbob” illness. Without knowing which mod is being referenced, it’s difficult to provide specific details beyond that.

2. What is the Immunocompromised trait in Sims 4?

The Immunocompromised trait, typically introduced through mods, causes Sims to get sick more easily than other Sims. They often experience sickness symptoms and may fear crowded places due to their compromised immune system.

3. Is there an “insane” trait in The Sims 4?

Yes, the “Insane” trait is a base game trait. Sims with this trait have random emotions, rather than ones influenced by their environment. They can get angry, sad, or embarrassed for no apparent reason and often talk to themselves to fulfill their social need.

4. Can Sims have anxiety in The Sims 4?

While the base game doesn’t have a specific “anxiety” trait, mods can add this feature. Sims with Social Anxiety may become uncomfortable in social situations, experience panic attacks, and prefer to stay home.

5. Can Sims get drunk in The Sims 4?

Sims cannot technically get “drunk” in The Sims 4 due to the game’s rating. However, they can drink “juice” and get moodlets that mimic the effects of alcohol, such as a boost to happiness. They can also become “dazed” from drinking too many drinks or too much coffee.

6. Can child Sims get sick?

Yes, child Sims can get sick. However, they cannot take medicine until they are teens or older, which can make managing their illness more challenging.

7. Can Sims be alcoholic in The Sims 4?

Sims can purchase a home bar and learn the mixology skill. While the drinks are not explicitly labeled as alcoholic, it can be assumed that they are. Sims can become “dazed” by drinking too many drinks, which is the game’s equivalent of being drunk.

8. Is The Sims 4 good for people with ADHD?

Research suggests that simulation games can help those with ADHD mimic and hone executive functioning skills. The Sims 4 allows players to design their own worlds and manage their Sims’ lives, which can be satisfying for individuals with ADHD.

9. Can male Sims get pregnant?

Yes, male Sims can become pregnant via alien abduction. Using the “Try for Baby” option with an alien partner can also result in pregnancy for male Sims.

10. Can Sims have PTSD in The Sims 4?

While not a base game feature, mods can add the possibility for Sims to develop PTSD after experiencing traumatic events such as break-ups, death of a loved one, or being fired from a job. Therapy can be used to help Sims recover from PTSD.

11. Can Sims have autism in The Sims 4?

The base game does not include an “autism” trait, but mods can introduce this feature. These mods often include specific behaviors and needs to accurately represent the condition.

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

The base game does not include the ability for Sims to be serial killers. Mods can introduce this functionality, allowing Sims to commit murders and engage in other violent behaviors.

13. What is the bipolar trait in Sims 4?

The bipolar trait, typically added through mods, features Sims experiencing a range of emotions, including manic highs and depressive lows. This can affect their moods and behaviors significantly.

14. Can Sims have depression in The Sims 4?

Sims can become depressed if their motives are neglected for too long, particularly their social need. This can lead to a drop in mood and overall unhappiness. Mods can also add more complex and realistic depression mechanics to the game.

15. Can sick Sims go to the hospital?

With the “Get to Work” Expansion Pack, Sims can visit the hospital, but only when your sim is working in the doctor career. While Sims can become sick, they don’t require hospital visits in the base game. The hospital is tied to the Doctor career in the “Get to Work” Expansion.

Conclusion

While the base game offers a basic level of illness simulation, mods provide a deeper and more realistic experience. From chronic conditions to mental health challenges, the modding community has expanded the possibilities for illness and healthcare in The Sims 4. These additions add layers of complexity and realism to the game, allowing players to create richer and more complex stories. If you’re interested in learning more about the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. By leveraging mods, The Sims 4 can become a powerful tool for exploration and empathy, providing players with a unique opportunity to engage with complex issues in a safe and controlled environment.