The Curious Case of the Absent Snorkel: Why Mermaids Can’t Snorkel in The Sims 4

So, you’re diving deep into the world of The Sims 4: Island Living, embracing the siren call of the sea, and suddenly a burning question bubbles to the surface: Why can’t my mermaid Sim snorkel or scuba dive? It seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it? You have a creature perfectly adapted for aquatic life, yet they’re barred from two of the most popular underwater activities available to their land-dwelling counterparts. The answer, as with many things in the world of The Sims, lies in a combination of game design choices, lore implications, and the specific mechanics implemented for mermaids.

The core reason is that mermaids in The Sims 4 are designed as inherently superior swimmers with innate aquatic abilities that render snorkeling and scuba diving equipment obsolete. The developers likely aimed to distinguish mermaids from ordinary Sims by granting them powers that surpass the need for such tools. Think of it like this: why would a bird need a plane? Mermaids have their own built-in advantages.

Instead of relying on tanks and masks, mermaids utilize their mermadic abilities, such as enhanced breath-holding and the power to summon aquatic creatures for assistance. They can “free dive,” exploring the ocean depths for extended periods without the artificial aids humans require. This design choice creates a gameplay experience where mermaids feel truly special and distinct, emphasizing their inherent connection to the ocean. Mermaids have a long bonus life span of 764 days when you use the long life span setting.

Furthermore, the lore established in the Island Living expansion subtly hints at a cultural taboo surrounding the use of human-made diving equipment by mermaids. It’s suggested that mermaids view such technology as unnecessary and even disrespectful to the ocean’s natural balance and their own innate powers. In essence, the developers created not just a game mechanic but a piece of world-building that explains this absence. This is also why they cannot have the Hydrophobic trait.

It’s important to note that the Sims team has a history of prioritizing unique gameplay experiences over absolute realism. While realism adds depth, fun and balanced gameplay are still a higher priority. The decision not to allow mermaids to snorkel or scuba dive is another example of that. It keeps mermaids and Sims interesting, and allows the developers to make game choices that add more excitement and gameplay. You will not, however, be able to become both a werewolf and a mermaid.

To get a deeper understanding of how games are designed and the complex choices that go into them, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, an organization dedicated to exploring the intersection of games and education. This group brings together developers, researchers, and educators to think about how game choices impact learning.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mermaids in The Sims 4

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the enchanting yet sometimes perplexing world of mermaids in The Sims 4:

Can mermaids have children with human Sims?

Yes! If a human Sim marries a mermaid, there’s a 50% chance their child will inherit mermadic abilities. If both parents are mermaids, their child is guaranteed to be a mermaid, although their abilities won’t manifest until they reach their teenage years.

What is a mermaid’s kiss, and what does it do?

A mermaid’s kiss is a unique interaction that allows mermaids to quickly establish a romantic connection with another Sim. More importantly, it grants the recipient the “Aquatic Breath” trait, allowing them to hold their breath longer and dive deeper underwater.

How do I fix the mermaid tail glitch in The Sims 4?

If your mermaid Sim’s tail is acting up, you can usually fix it by removing the occult trait and then re-adding it through the Simology panel (using the “Traits” section). This will reset their occult status and should resolve most tail-related issues.

What are the disadvantages of being a mermaid in The Sims 4?

While being a mermaid comes with numerous perks, there are a few downsides. They cannot have the Hydrophobic trait. Cats are also more likely to follow them, which can be annoying. Most significantly, they need to regularly swim in saltwater to maintain their mermaid abilities. Prolonged absence from the ocean can cause them to revert to a normal Sim.

Why isn’t my Mermadic Kelp working?

If your Sim is already a supernatural creature (vampire, spellcaster, etc.), the kelp won’t work. The Sims 4 generally doesn’t allow hybrid occults without the use of mods. If your Sim is a normal Sim, try restarting the game.

How long do mermaids live in The Sims 4?

Mermaids have a significantly longer lifespan than normal Sims. With the “long” lifespan setting, they gain a bonus of 764 days, extending their elder stage to a whopping 810 days.

What happens if a vampire and a mermaid have a baby?

The game isn’t designed for hybrid occults, so the child will either be a pure mermaid or a glitched vampire-mermaid hybrid. Mods can sometimes address this, but without mods, you may encounter unexpected behavior.

Can mermaids walk on land?

Yes, mermaids can freely walk on land. However, they have a hydration need that replaces hygiene. They need to regularly hydrate by drinking water, taking baths, or swimming to stay happy.

Can you be both a witch (spellcaster) and a mermaid in The Sims 4?

Unfortunately, no. To become a spellcaster, your Sim would need to renounce their existing supernatural affiliation (mermaid, vampire, etc.) as the game doesn’t natively support hybrid occult types.

Where is the secret mermaid cave in The Sims 4: Island Living?

The Cave of Sulani is located near the volcano in the Sulani world. Look for a colorful waterfall – the cave entrance is nearby, at the base of the volcano.

Can mermaids shower in The Sims 4?

Yes, mermaids can shower! Showers, baths, and swimming all fulfill their hydration need, which replaces the standard hygiene need.

Can mermaids become werewolves?

Similar to becoming a spellcaster, a mermaid would need to give up their mermadic powers to become a werewolf, as the game doesn’t allow for simultaneous permanent occult types without the use of mods.

Can two vampires have a human baby?

If both parents are vampires, the child is guaranteed to be a vampire. If only one parent is a vampire, there is a 50% chance the child will be a vampire as well. Human children cannot be turned into vampires until they reach their teenage years.

What are some unique perks of being a mermaid in The Sims 4?

Mermaids can sunbathe in the water, free dive without needing Fitness level 3, and they occasionally make dolphin noises while on land, adding to their charm.

What does Siren’s Lullaby do?

The Siren’s Lullaby is a powerful mermaid ability that allows them to influence the emotions of other Sims through song. It can induce various emotional states, even negative ones like tension. This ability works on other mermaids as well.

Hopefully, this comprehensive guide answers your questions about why mermaids can’t snorkel in The Sims 4 and provides valuable insight into their unique abilities and limitations. Happy Simming!