The Sims 3 Unofficial guide

Transcription

SuperCheats.com Unoffical The Sims 3 Guide
http://www.supercheats.com/guides/the-sims-3
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Sunset Valley
Workplaces
Other Facilities
Investments
Secrets
Collectibles
- Gems
- Metals
- Meteorites
- Butterflies
- Beetles
- Seeds
- Fishing
- Mysterious Mr. Gnomes
Edit Town
River View (New Town)
Create-a-Sim
Choosing a House or Plot of Land
Build Mode
Buy Mode
Starter Bed-Sit
Building Tips
Skills Introduction
Skills - The Basics
Acquiring and Developing Skills
Skill Journal
Careers Introduction
Full-Time Jobs
Part-Time Jobs
3
5
6
10
13
15
17
18
20
21
22
24
26
27
28
29
31
32
45
50
55
69
70
71
72
74
92
93
94
112
Career Tips and Retirement
113
Relationships
114
Families
118
The Sims 3 Community Intro
125
My Page
126
page pnb / nb
Exchange
127
The Store
128
Movies and More
129
Game Launcher
131
Modding The Sims 3
132
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SuperCheats.com's Unoffical Guide to
The Sims 3
by Mike Hazleton
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This is an unofficial game guide for The Sims 3, it is not official, or endorsed by or connected to the game developer or publisher. All characters, locations, images and video
game content are copyright to their respective owners. Any trademarks displayed in the guides are exclusive property of their respective owners. Images and videos used in this
game guide have only been inserted to illustrate our words more effectively.
This guide may be not be reproduced under any circumstances except for personal, private use. It may not be placed on any web site or otherwise distributed publicly without
advance written permission. Use of this guide on any other web site or as a part of any public display is strictly prohibited, and a violation of copyright.
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SuperCheats.com Unofficial Guide to The Sims 3
The Sims series began with the best-selling game in the history of the PC format. Following this success, countless
expansions and a sequel established the brand and set up EA for Spore, aiming to add to The Sims creator Will
Wright's legacy. Now we have the second sequel. The Sims 3 uses the next generation of PC hardware since the last
game's launch in 2004, allowing exploration beyond the confines of the local neighbourhood, and customisation of
virtually all aspects of your Sims' lives.
This guide on The Sims 3 begins with a tour of Sunset Valley. It is the only town that comes included with the game.
Unlike other versions of The Sims however, you can visit any location on the map without loading screens, and
many of the features seen in expansion packs for The Sims 2 are all bundled into locations within the valley. While
many gamers will be familiar with the everyday running of a Sim's life from the previous games, exploring the town
itself and getting used to the locations takes time, and the hope is that this section of the guide will help you get up
and running faster. Information on workplaces, , community locations, amenities and collectibles will help in
planning a life for your Sims without muddling through and missing out on what Sunset Valley has to offer. There is
also a section on the Edit Town facility, which allows you to transform River View to suit your own needs, as well as
details on how to get EA's second town for The Sims 3, River View.
The second section of this guide is on the Create-a-Sim tools, and comprehensive information on the Build and Buy
Modes. Making your Sim look lifelike can be a breeze if you know what you are doing. The in depth customisation
options far outstrip anything in The Sims 2. There are many ways to go about starting the game, whether you choose
to purchase a plot of land and build from scratch, purchase a furnished house to move straight into, or skip the
Create-a-Sim stage altogether and play one of the game's built-in scenarios. Information on all the options available
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to you is provided in this section of the guide. Tips on buying a good lot and the essential items for your Sims'
houses are included, as well as a video for the cheapest possible starter-house. Some objects give Sims specific
bonuses, or increase the attractiveness of a room. This can give your Sims positive (or negative) moodlets, which can
make them happier (or quite the opposite). All the objects that provide bonuses are listed, as well as moodlets,
lifetime wishes and general wishes relating to the decoration of your Sims' homes.
In the future a section on the Life of your Sims will be provided. This will include tips on careers, hobbies, socialising
and raising a family. The final section will be a modders guide, with information on how to make your creations, get
them online and get people downloading them!
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The Sims 3 Guide - Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley
Sunset Valley is the home town of your Sims. If you want to succeed at the game and make the most of life for your
Sims, you will want to learn the map. Exploration is very much encouraged in the game, and there are plenty of
secrets to find that many gamers will never even touch. This section aims to give you locations and information for
all the treasures of Sunset Valley as well as some of the more mundane areas.
The town is massive, and is part of EA's main change to The Sims formula, with neighbourhood exploration.
Everything is linked with no loading, so you can visit your neighbour's house, the grocery store or the town park,
which all continue naturally whether you visit or not. Some lots are private, and others are open to the community.
Note: Compass directions assume the beach and sea is to the south.
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Workplaces
Work dominates the lives of most Sims, providing money and goals. Sunset Valley has many options available for
those interested in finding work. These locations also have leisurely activities available too, for those who wish to
relieve stress rather than increase it:
Landgraab Industries Science Facility: Fame and fortune await those seeking a career in Science here. Either that
or a life of boredom. You can also attend logic and gardening classes here, as well as taking a tour of the labs for
those interested. Any insects you have collected can be given to the facility in return for some Simoleons. It's right to
the west in the hills of Sunset Valley.
Wilsonoff Community Theatre: The illustrious but unpredictable line of work in the music industry can be pursued
here. Unfortunately there's nothing for budding thespians to enjoy, though a tour of the theatre and movies should
keep most happy. You can also take guitar classes here. Find it sandwiched between the bookshop and grocery
store.
The theatre is a great place to unwind.
Sacred Spleen Memorial Hospital: A lucrative but stressful career in medicine awaits you if a visit is paid to the
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hospital. Its central location is essential, north of the art gallery, on the southernmost street in the main town area.
Llama Memorial Stadium: At the Memorial Stadium you can start a professional sports career, as well as attend
fitness classes, and sports games and concerts. Your Sims will sometimes express desires to get fit, attend an event or
pursue a career as an athlete. To locate the stadium, look south west of the Fort Gnome Military Base, to the far east
of the town.
A career as an athlete awaits at the stadium.
Community School for the Gifted: This is where your Sim will go to school, if they are the right age, obviously!
Sims can also attend painting classes here. It is handily located to the east of hospital, to the west of the central park.
Hogan's Deep Fried Diner: Here, like at the Little Corsican Bistro, you can join a cooking career. You can also eat
and drink at the diner, as you may expect, and also take a cooking class if you want to begin improving your Sim's
abilities. It is located to the west of the school and above the hospital
Doo Peas Corporate Towers: There are two careers available here, one is a business career, and the other is
journalism. You can also attend a writing class. Locate the Towers by looking directly north (just across the road)
from the Diner.
Little Corsican Bistro: The Bistro allows Sims to get a bite to eat or a drink, indoors or out. You can also take up a
cooking career and take a class in all things culinary. Locate the Bistro on the same street as the bookshop, next to
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the grocery store.
Learn to cook at the Bistro.
Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp: At this somewhat dodgy looking warehouse, you can join a criminal
career. Get there by going to the south east of the Langraab Industries Science Facility, due north of the Corporate
Towers. You may also find some collectibles in the warehouse's back yard.
City Hall: Many bureaucratic careers can be started with a trip to City Hall, which can be found in the same street
as the Corporate Towers, directly north of the central park. With the charismatic nature of politicians, courses are
also offered in the subject. You can also take a tour. It's located due north of Central Park.
Take a tour of City Hall
Police Department: The only option here is to sign up for a career in law enforcement. Get there to the east of the
central park, next to the Memorial Library
Fort Gnome Military Base: Obviously here you can join the army and begin a military career in Sunset Valley's
home regiment. More surprisingly, you can take a Handiness course here to improve your Sim's technical prowess.
You can also go on a tour of the base. Find it to the north east of the Memorial Stadium to the far north east of town.
It's also south east of Stoney Falls, if that's one of your favourite fishing spots.
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Part-Time Jobs
These are available at Divisadero Budget Books, Sharma Day Spa, Pleasant Rest Graveyard and EverFresh Delights
Supermarket. More information on these locations can be found below.
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Other Facilities
Sunset Valley is stocked full of interesting buildings and useful locations to help your Sims through everyday life that
are completely unrelated to careers:
Sunset Valley has plenty to do.
Divisadero Budget Books: Vital for learning new skills, honing talents or just catching up on a good book. Your Sims
can also get a part time job here. The book store is on the always-useful southern street in the main town area.
Sharma Day Spa: Two part-time jobs are available here, one as a spa specialist, the other as a receptionist. There is
also a huge list of relaxing and often expensive services, such as massages and a 'relaxing rendezvous'. These
improve your Sims' mood. The spa is next to the Lofty Cerulean Blue Pool, on the western street of the central town
block.
28 Hour Wellness Gym: As the name suggests, open all day, night and more, the Wellness Gym allows you to
swim, work out and pump iron to improve your strength and athleticism. The point of the gym is for those Sims who
wish to socialise while they lift weights, but also those who don't want to shell out on their own treadmill or exercise
machines. Sandwiched between the City Hall and Doo Peas Corporate Towers, the gym is located on the northern
street of the main town.
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Make use of the Gym
EverFresh Delights Supermarket: This is where your Sims can buy some of the more elaborate items involved in
cookery, or just shop for the mundane. You can also sell fish and vegetables to the supermarket, as well as pick up a
part-time job and somewhat bizarrely, take a fishing class. Find the supermarket on the same row as the book store,
the southern street in town.
Le Petit Shark Pool Center: Swimming is the name of the game here, and this large outdoor pool is a popular spot
for socialising. It's on the southern street of the town, along with the book store and supermarket.
Lofty Cerulean Blue Pool: Much the same as the Le Petit Shark Pool Center, this is a slightly more upmarket pool,
but essentially the same. Visit whatever's closer, but bear in mind that there is also a swimming pool in the Wellness
Gym. Find this pool on the west of the main town, next to the Spa.
Papyrus Memorial Library: Like the gym, perhaps the main reason for visiting the library is to get free access to
otherwise premium items. As well as reading books, Sims can also enjoy the play room stocked with toys, keeping
the kids amused while the adults bone up on the latest bestseller. You can also use the Computer to look for jobs or
practice writing. There is also a bathroom in the library, in case nature calls while you are skilling up. Recipes and
music are not stocked in the library. Almost on its own, the library can be found next to the police station on the
eastern street of the main town.
The library is not just about books.
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Sunset Institute of Modern Art: In the art gallery you can quite simply explore and view all the exhibits, as well as
socialise with likeminded Sims. This cultural gem can be accessed next to Le Petit Shark Pool, on the same street as
the book store.
Pleasant Rest Graveyard: An intriguing location in Sunset Valley, there are plenty of secrets to unearth at the
cemetery (see Secrets, below). Actual interactions here, apart from socialising with the deceased, include a part-time
job, mourning, exploring the catacombs and touring the mausoleum. The graveyard is located to the north of the
main town.
Central Park: The main hub for socialising in The Sims 3, as well as the focal point of the town. Other parks, fishing
spots and party locations can be found dotted around the rest of the valley. Look out for chess tables, barbeques and
mini-bars to really get things going. It's easy to find, smack bang in the middle of the map.
Make use of the park's facilities.
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Investments
As well as starting a career at some of the abovementioned locations, many also allow you to invest in them. Simply
click on them to bring up the context sensitive options, should you have enough money, and select Become a
Partner. Prices vary from place to place, and you can eventually buy the business completely if you build up your
investment enough (usually just a little over double your first investment). The cheapest investments start at 7,000
Simoleons for Divisadero Budget Books and EverFresh Delights Supermarket, going up to 40,000 Simoleons for
Langraab Industries Science Facility.
Buying out the Diner
Possible investments are:
Little Corsican Bistro
Divisadero Budget Books
Doo Peas Corporate Towers
Sharma Day Spa
Hogan's Deep Fried Diner
EverFresh Delights Supermarket
Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp.
Sacred Spleen Memorial Hospital
Landgraab Industries Science Facility
Wilsonoff Community Theatre
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Make an investment.
After investing, you will then get a cut of the profits, and if you own the business completely, the whole lot. You can
also perform tasks such as firing staff and renaming the place.
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Secrets
Here are some hints, tips and secrets that you may not otherwise have known about Sunset Valley.
Graveyard secrets: At the Pleasant Rest Graveyard, there is plenty to see and do.
Firstly, the catacombs underneath the lot is filled with ghosts, ghouls and is not for the faint-hearted Sim. Still worth a
visit though! You may also come across a Mysterious Mr. Gnome! You also get some great items from it, and some
humorous choices to make in the meantime.
If you turn up at night, ghosts will be roaming the graveyard. You can move gravestones from where a Sim dies, such
as a family member in your house, to the Pleasant Rest Graveyard to stop them from pestering your Sims at home
(and messing up your appliances!). You can then visit them there. Look out for the graves of Sims you once knew in
the cemetery, and their ghosts! Some Sims have a desire to see a ghost.
Entering the catacombs at the graveyard. You'll have to find out what happens inside for yourself!
Use the Papyrus Memorial Library to learn as well as relax. In addition to all the educational books, there is also a
computer and the slightly less education play room mentioned above.
If you follow the military career, you receive special interactions with Fort Gnome Military Base. You can also show
dates and friends around, which may or may not impress them.
If you follow the criminal career line, your house will never be robbed.
On the beach, Sims can interact with the icebox to serve food and drinks to friends.
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Start a beach party!
Sunset Valley contains many collectibles, in addition to all the books, household objects and other items more
closely associated with everyday life. These include the Robot Fish and Vampire Fish, as well as the iconic
Mysterious Mr. Gnomes. More details on possible locations for these are below.
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Collectibles
The most collectible items in Sunset Valley are Gems, Metals, Butterflies, Beetles, Seeds, Fish and Meteorites. Quite
a list. These can be found dotted around communal locations, parks, ponds and the beach. Below is a brief guide to
the best places to find the most lucrative of these collectibles, as well as what to do when you find them.
Items are by no means guaranteed to be found in the specified locations. Day to day they will appear and disappear.
You may also find them in locations no listed here. Just explore and use this as a guide for ideas of where you may
find certain items.
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Collectibles - Gems
While gems may not sound as interesting as Butterflies or Beetles, they can be even more valuable. They take a little
more work to make them ready for sale in your inventory. You would be wise to get a gem cut, as this increases its
value, possibly tremendously – though it costs a lot in itself. As you collect more and more gems, more highly
specialised cuts become available, with the most advanced increasing the value of a gem five times over, though it
does cost 1,000 Simoleons. You send the gem to be cut via the mailbox on your house's lot. You can then sell it by
dragging it into the sell section of your inventory (marked by a faint Simoleon symbol).
Sending a gem off to be processed.
Below is a list of the gems and their value before they are cut. You can then send them off to be processed and it will
increase their price. Clearly however, for the more common gems the price of the professional process is far greater
than the value of the gem, so be careful. Price also varies by the weight of the gem, though never by more than
about fourty-percent of the prices listed below.
Aqua: 21 Simoleons
Smoky: 25 Simoleons
Emerald: 30 Simoleons
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Ruby: 35 Simoleons
Yellow: 60 Simoleons
Tanzanite: 95 Simoleons
Diamond: 200 Simoleons
Special: 350 Simoleons
Rainbow: 700 Simoleons
Pink: 1,650 Simoleons
The Pink Gem is only found in one place, and that is at the start of the cliffs on the eastern part of the beach. It must
be accessed from the road above, the one that goes past Little Corsican Bistro heading out of town to the east.
The Rainbow Gem can be found in the deposits by the Summer Hill Springs, among the cliffs between Pinochle
Pond and Fort Gnome Military Base, and the cliffs by the beach, below the coastal road.
Finding a gem
The Special Gem can be found in the deposits on the coastal road going out of Sunset Valley to the east, down the
hill from Crystal Springs.
Gems can turn out to be Mysterious Mr. Gnomes, when analysed.
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Collectibles - Metals
There are only five metals to be found in Sunset Valley, but the most valuable, Plutonium, can fetch 1,800
Simoleons at its heaviest weight. When you first collect a metal it is dirty and must be processed to be valuable. It
costs a flat rate of 40 Simoleons to do this, and increases the saleable price by a whopping 75 percent each time. It's
almost always worth it therefore, except for very common metals, such as Iron, when not heavy enough to make a
large profit. The prices of each metal are listed below, again varying by weight as with gems. The prices listed are the
metals in their heaviest forms:
Iron: 20 Simoleons
Silver: 35 Simoleons
Gold: 120 Simoleons
Palladium: 500 Simoleons
Plutonium: 1,800 Simoleons
Plutonium can be found in a number of locations, in the woods behind Lofty Cerulean Blue Pool and right on top of
the hill to the north of the map, at SimHenge.
Palladium can be harvested from the rocks around Sunnyside Strand, or the far western end of the southern beach in
Sunset Valley. You may also find some in the back garden of Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp.
Gold is quite common, and you shouldn't have too many problems finding it. Look in the cliffs beneath the
out-of-town road heading east, or at SimHenge.
Metals can also turn out to be Mysterious Mr. Gnomes, when they are analysed.
Literally a gold mine for metals and insects!
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Collectibles - Meteorites
Meteorites are a bit more interesting than the others, especially as they can range from small to absolutely massive.
The catch with these is that you don't know the type of meteorite until you have it identified. The raw price of a
meteorite is based on its weight, and there is a large element of risk in finding out how rare it is, as you could reduce
the value. Meteorites, in their first form, are grouped as follows (maximum price is listed based on maximum weight):
Small: 30 Simoleons
Large: 200 Simoleons
Huge: 4,500 Simoleons
After analysis, these prices could be increased by as many as 10 times over! That could make a small meteorite very
profitable indeed, but of course the more expensive meteorites are incredibly rare, so this is an unlikely outcome.
You can sell meteorites with the inventory sell section (marked by a faint Simoleon symbol), or put them in your
house. Huge meteorites can make attractive garden ornaments!
Huge meteorites may be found in the cliffs above Crystal Springs, as well as in the clear land between Pleasant Rest
Graveyard and Fort Gnome Military Base.
Large and Small meteorites are dotted around the rest of the valley, though premium locations for seeing them are at
Pinochle Pond, Stoney Falls and on the beaches.
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Collectibles - Butterflies
You should be able to see butterflies flitting through the air when you are exploring. You can then click on them and
catch them. They can then be put in a terrarium from your inventory (where they appear once caught) or sold to
Langraab Insdustries Science Facility.
The most common creature in the butterfly category is a moth. As such it is only worth 5 Simoleons. The rarest
however is the Rainbow Butterfly, worth a lucrative 1,080 Simoleons. The complete list is below:
Moth: 5 Simoleons
Monarch: 10 Simoleons
Zephyr Metalmark: 25 Simoleons
Red Admiral: 35 Simoleons
Mission Blue: 50 Simoleons
Green Swallowtail: 90 Simoleons
Royal Purple Butterfly: 150 Simoleons
Silver Spotted Skipper: 325 Simoleons
Zebra Butterfly: 650 Simoleons
Rainbow Butterfly: 1,080 Simoleons
The more expensive they are, the rarer they are. Some possible locations for the rarer ones are below however.
While the locations below are reliable, clearly butterflies have their own minds and may not simply appear for you
the first time you look. Perseverance is the name of the game. Similarly, some locations such as Pleasant Rest
Graveyard have lots of different types. You will just have to keep looking until you find the rarities listed below.
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Collecting butterflies
The Rainbow Butterfly can be found at Pinochle Pond. This is located directly north of the town, as far north as you
can get before hitting the hills. You may also be able to find it in the land north of Pleasant Rest Graveyard.
The Zebra Butterfly likes to live nearby too, so explore the surrounding area of Pinochle Pond among the trees.
The Silver Spotted Skipper can be found on the beach, near the icebox and patio area. You may also find it near the
Pleasant Rest Graveyard and Pinochle Pond.
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Collectibles - Beetles
Much like butterflies, you can see the beetles crawling along the ground. Some are also incredibly rare and thus
have high prices on their little heads. They can then be put in a terrarium from your inventory (where they appear
once caught) or sold to Langraab Insdustries Science Facility. A list of the beetles in The Sims 3 and their value is
below:
Cockroach: 1 Simoleon
Ladybug: 10 Simoleons
Japanese Beetle: 15 Simoleons
Water Beetle: 30 Simoleons
Light Beetle: 40 Simoleons
Rhino Beetle: 90 Simoleons
Stag Beetle: 175 Simoleons
Spotted Beetle: 400 Simoleons
Trilobite Beetle: 750 Simoleons
Rainbow Beetle: 1,400 Simoleons
SimHenge is a great place to find collectibles
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You can find the Rainbow Beetle in the land surrounding Llama Memorial Staidium. If you can wade through the
legions of other beetles that inhabit it, the patch of land to the east of Pleasant Rest Graveyard, across the road, also
sports the Rainbow Beetle.
The Trilobite can be found in the same spot, but you can also catch it on the beach to the south of town, to the east
of the patio area.
The Spotted Beetle can be found near Pleasant Rest like the others, but in addition to this, between the houses on the
small plots of land directly north of City Hall.
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Collectibles - Seeds
Seeds can be found across Sunset Valley, though particularly by Landgraab Industries Science Facility and usually
close to roadsides. The most lucrative seed to find is that of the Death Flower. The flower itself can be harvested
once from Pleasant Rest Graveyard, or found by chance while fishing. It allows you to buy more time from the Grim
Reaper should your Sim die. It is not valuable in itself however, unlike the Money Tree, which can fetch 800
Simoleons per 'money bag' produce if in perfect condition.
The Death Flower, by the entrance to Pleasant Rest Graveyard.
Of course, to make use of the seeds, plant them in your garden and look after them well. You can then sell their fruit.
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Collectibles - Fishing
There are a number of obvious fishing spots around Sunset Valley, these are Crystal Springs, Pinochle Pond, Recurve
Strand, Summer Hill Springs, Sunnyside Strand, Stoney Falls and other locations such as the pond in Pleasant Rest
Graveyard and Central Park.
Experiment with bait and increase your Fishing skill to get more lucrative catches. Maximum prices for fish you catch
are listed below:
Largemouth Bass: 33 Simoleons
Jumbo Largemouth Bass: 61 Simoleons
Blue Catfish: 49 Simoleons
Rainbow Trout: 87 Simoleons
Jumbo Blue Catfish: 124 Simoleons
Jumbo Rainbow Trout: 221 Simoleons
Golden Trout: 518 Simoleons
You can also catch other items however, i.e. ones that are not fish! As well as the Death Flower, Bubble Bath,
Rubber Ducky, Laptop, MoodLite Candle, Guitar, Birthday Cakes, Flame Fruit, Money Tree Seeds and the Mysterious
Mr. Gnome (more below) can all be fished out of the pools of Sunset Valley. You can sell your fish to Everfresh
Delights Supermarket, eat them yourself, or put them in a tank in your house.
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Collectibles - Mysterious Mr. Gnomes
When you manage to locate a Mysterious Mr. Gnome, if you put him in your house as any other item, indeed like
you would an ordinary gnome, he will come to life in the early hours of the morning (around the same times as
ghosts) and have some fun. He will also cause mischief and meddle with your objects!
You can find him as a gem, metal, while fishing, in Pleasant Rest Graveyard's Catacombs or as part of the Thief
career. Try interacting with him to see his unusual character. You could also sell him from 1,000 Simoleons, but who
would be that heartless? Tell him apart from regular gnomes by the flower on his hat.
Note: All collectible items can be displayed in some form or another in your house, or in your garden. Doing this
can dramatically increase the attractiveness of your rooms and garden, and thus improve your Sims' moodlets.
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Edit Town
While the above is all well and good, it is not unreasonable to want to alter Sunset Valley slightly. As well as simply
moving your own family around to other lots, and perhaps picking out a different family to play as, you can change
more critical elements of Sunset Valley to suit your wants and needs.
To access the Edit Town feature, use the Options menu.
There are a few key areas of Edit Town to explore:
Changing Positions: You can alter the location of community locations in the town centre, basically shifting the
grid map of Sunset Valley around. Obviously you can do the same with residential properties, perhaps making the
map more convenient for your family, or simply more interesting.
Changing Purpose: One of the most exciting things to do in Edit Town is to find unused plots of land (i.e. those you
could build a house on in Build Mode) or evict the tenants, and then create a new community location. How about
a library with a swimming pool in it? Use the cheats to fund these endeavours if you must, but the thrill of knocking
down a house and opening up the area to the rest of Sunset Valley really is great. You can change a lot from private
to community by clicking on it in Edit Town mode to access its options.
Use Edit Town mode to change lot type
Changing Appearance: Perhaps obviously, you can pick a lot already in use and just change its appearance. Some
families have small houses and massive gardens, and there is nothing to stop you from completely altering their land
in Edit Town mode. You could, for example, create a large hill where it was previously flat, make new ponds, forests
or perhaps something completely different, like a run-down derelict section of town. The possibilities are endless.
Having a slum with depressed Sims living cheaply could give Sunset Valley a whole new character. Or, you could
just paint someone else's house pink.
You can also edit lots such as the school and library, changing their position and appearance. Some restraints
naturally must be in place to stop gamers from destroying a functioning town, but the tool is pretty powerful.
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It's a very nice town.
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River View (New Town)
While you can't currently begin a new town from scratch, and the Edit Town tool is limited by patches of uneditable
terrain (these areas are not assigned to lots, so therefore cannot be altered), EA have released a new town called
River View.
Downloading it is not as simple as it perhaps should be.
First, go to www.thesims3.com
Click the Create an Account link and register your game. Note that you will need your game's serial number to do
this (those who have downloaded the game should have River View already).
You should then be given Sim Points to spend in the game's store, so head there using the navigational buttons on
the website and download the River View map.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Create-a-Sim
The Create a Sim mode allows you to handcraft someone who looks just like you – a digital representation of
yourself. Of course, you can also sculpt a repulsive hobo, or the most beautiful icon. This part of The Sims 3 is not
just about looks however, as an extensive set of personality traits can be picked from to give your Sim a unique
behaviour that no other in Sunset Valley shares. After briefly examining the tools on offer to craft your Sim's looks,
we'll move onto getting their personality just right.
Appearance
First of all you need to pick a model to start off from. Either choose one of the pre-made Sims using the icon at the
bottom near the navigation tools as shown below, or try your luck with the Randomise tool until you find something
suitable. These allow you to find someone who looks relatively like what you want your end product to be, and you
can then edit the finer details to make it a reality. Of course, you could just pick one and skip all this stuff, or just
Randomize everything and enjoy/live with the result.
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Use the pre-made Sim tool to pick a model as your starting point.
Basics: The idea is to pick a Sim to begin with who looks roughly like your target. If you prefer to just go with the
default however, you will need to change the basics like Gender, Skin Tone, Age, Weight/Height (on a slider bar)
and Name. Use the Gender icon to access the menu for these basics. At this stage your model will probably still not
look ideal, but there is plenty of time for that later.
Hair: Access the Hair panel (indicated by a hairbrush) to pick a hairstyle for your Sim. While the selection is not
exactly endless (unlike the colours!) you can usually find something to match your idea. The hair is crucial, as it is
probably the most noticeable and distinctive feature of most people (and Sims). Facial hair similarly characterises the
model very strongly, more than eye colour or nose shape. Choose a hair colour (more choices are available by
clicking on the brush icon, including multi-coloured patterns!) and any hats etc. before moving on. Eyebrows and
lashes round out the panel if you think your Sim needs a change in that department. The latter are ideal for female
characters, while the former allows male Sims to replicate that evil genius look.
Use the Hair menu to completely change styles. The colour options are literally endless.
Looks: With the hair in place sorting out the finer details becomes easier as your Sim starts to look more and more
like your target person (in theory). Use the Looks panel, indicated by a head shape, to adjust all of the minute facets
of your Sim's face. Pick a template from the list, and then access the Advanced options, indicated by the magnifying
glass. Use the sliders to alter each template more precisely for areas such as cheeks or lips to suit your needs.
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Clothing: The final category is Clothing, indicated by some trousers and a top icon. You can ignore this tab if you
like, but it adds a lot of additional personality to your Sim. Clothing is split into five categories: Everyday, Formal,
Sleepwear, Athletic and Swimwear. Everyday is the main one; it is what your Sim will wear each regular day. There
are also occupational outfits, which you will not be able to tailor to your own desires – your Sims automatically
change into these before work. Use the Create a Style tool (shown by a paintbrush image) to alter colours, textures
and astonishingly fine details to get the look you want. After picking your outfits and their colours (you can also
download custom content from the Internet, or design your own on your computer), continue onto the crucial
Personality section.
Pick your Sim's clothes, tasteful or otherwise.
Personality
Traits: Traits are what make up a Sim's personality in The Sims 3. You can pick five out of a whopping 63 if you are
building an adult, whereas children pick them up based on how well they have been raised. Some are easier to
interpret than others. For example, Athletic creates a Sim naturally interested in a career in athletics, as you may
expect, but it also gives them desires to work out, improve their fitness and go to the gym.
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Choose some Traits for your Sim.
Many Traits give your Sim special interactions with certain places or objects. Something like Computer Whiz gives
your Sim special abilities when interacting with a PC, for example. Other Traits are harder to work out. Something
like the Insane Trait just needs to be experimented with to see how your particular Sim and their combination of
other Traits reacts to losing their mind! Rest assured however that it is almost guaranteed to be fun. Every trait in the
game is listed below, and a brief explanation of each is given:
Absent-Minded – Your Sim finds it hard to concentrate on simple tasks.
Ambitious – Your Sim has desires to succeed, be great, rich and popular.
Angler – You Sim has a natural flair for fishing.
Artisitic – Your Sim has a natural flair for art.
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A trip to the art gallery will please Artistic Sims in particular.
Athletic – You Sim has a natural flair at sports.
Bookworm – Your Sim loves reading.
Brave – Nothing can scare your Sim. Try out the Catacombs underneath the Graveyard.
Can't Stand Art – Eurgh! Your Sim detests art. Don't visit the gallery…
Charismatic – Your Sim loves to speak. A career in politics may not be a bad idea.
Childish – Your Sim has never grown up and still acts like a child.
Clumsy – Simple tasks can become a chore for a clumsy Sim.
Commitment Issues – Relationships are tough for a Sim with Commitment Issues, but also more spontaneous!
Computer Whiz – Your Sim is a master of computer technology.
Couch Potato – Your Sim is lazy and would rather sit at home than go out on the town.
Coward – The opposite of Brave, your Sim is scared easily. Don't visit the Graveyard!
Daredevil – Your Sim loves taking risks.
Dislikes Children – Your Sim doesn't like children.
Easily Impressed – Your Sim enjoys tasks and events that others may find boring.
Evil – Your Sim has a passion for all things bad, and enjoys making others unhappy.
Excitable – Like the Easily Impressed Trait, your Sim finds simple and even mundane tasks exhilarating.
Family Orientated – The opposite of dislikes children, your Sim would adore the chance to have a family.
Flirty – Your Sim can effortlessly woo the opposite sex with one-liners and a raised eyebrow.
Friendly – Your Sim enjoys the company of others and finds it easy to be nice and make friends from acquaintances.
Frugal – Your Sim is good with money and never spends unnecessarily or wastes items.
Genius – Naturally gifted with supreme intelligence, your Sim is incredibly clever.
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Good – Your Sim is good-hearted, the opposite of evil.
Good Sense of Humour – Laughing at every joke cracked in the room, your Sim loves to laugh.
Great Kisser – The kiss seals the deal with your Sim.
Green Thumb – A natural flair in the garden belongs to your Sim.
Grumpy – Your Sim is easily angered and is the opposite of Friendly.
Handy – Your Sim has a gift for fixing and tinkering with household objects. People from across Sunset Valley will
ask you for help.
Hates the Outdoors – Your Sim can't stand parks, ponds or even just being outside.
Heavy Sleeper – The grim reaper himself would struggle to get your Sim out of bed. Fires and burglars are more
regular threats however.
Hopeless Romantic – Convince the opposite sex of your Sim's attractiveness through carefully selected actions and
words, always providing a positive outcome. Unless the other person hates romance of course!
Hot-Headed – Like the Grumpy Trait, but with more shouting.
Hydrophobic – Your Sim is scared of water, or more accurately, dislikes it strongly.
Hydrophobic Sims won't enjoy a swim, so don't be cruel like this.
Inappropriate – Turning up at a business meeting in a bikini may be on the cards for your Sim.
Insane – Your Sim is unpredictable and prone to swings in character, mood and personality.
Kleptomaniac – Your Sim loves to collect the knicks and knacks from around Sunset Valley and horde them.
Light Sleeper – Your Sim will be easily woken during the night, making a good sleep difficult to come by. The
opposite of Heavy-Sleeper.
Loner – Your Sim likes to be alone and doesn't need friends.
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Loser – Your Sim has a natural talent for…losing.
Loves the Outdoors – The opposite to Hates the Outdoors, your Sim enjoys all external activity, as well as just being
at one with nature.
Lucky – Your Sim has good fortune regularly thrust in their face.
Mean-Spirited – Your Sim enjoys ruining the mood of others and fails to see the silver lining to many-a-cloud.
Mooch – Your Sim has a talent for getting money and favours out of other people.
Natural Cook – Your Sim is gifted in the kitchen, and may wish to pursue a career in catering.
Neat – Your Sim hates mess and will keep their house spotless, or lose their mind trying.
Neurotic – Naturally nervous, your Sim struggles to hold it together when the excrement hits the fan.
Never-Nude – Your Sim refuses to go naked, wearing clothes in the shower.
No Sense of Humour – Your Sim finds literally nothing funny. The opposite of Good Sense of Humour.
Over-Emotional – Your Sim will break down at every birthday party, crying into their cake. They enjoy making
mountains out of molehills.
Party Animal – Your Sim loves a night on the town, or a house party, or a beach party, or any sort of party.
Perfectionist – Absolute success is the only goal for your Sim. Failure is not an option.
Schmoozer – Your Sim loves to suck up to others and make friends with compliments.
Slob – The opposite of the Neat Trait, your Sim is happy living in squalor.
Snob – Your Sim is vain and loves the sound of their own voice, with desires to be the best Sim in town.
Certain Traits give new conversation options – not all of them positive.
Technophobe – Your Sim hates electronics and will avoid activity involving them if possible.
Unflirty – The opposite of the Flirty Trait, this makes your Sim stumble through the early parts of relationships and
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react badly to others making advances on them.
Unlucky – The opposite of the Lucky Trait, your Sim will appear cursed.
Vegetarian – Your Sim gets ill if they eat meat.
Virtuoso – Your Sim loves to sing and play instruments.
Workaholic – Your Sim enjoys working hard.
Special Abilities: Here are some of the best or most interesting points to come with a selection of the above Traits:
Absent-Minded Sims sometimes need reminding of their tasks.
Angler Sims begin the game with a skill book on fishing.
Athletic Sims work out to the maximum quicker.
Athletic Sims excel at exercise, as well as enjoying it.
Brave Sims will put out fires and apprehend burglars. They can also demand a raise at work.
Charismatic Sims begin the game with a skill book on charisma.
Childish Sims can fish in swimming pools and play with children's toys for a mood bonus.
You can get a childish Sim to play with children's toys, no matter how old they are!
Computer Whiz Sims can earn a living as a hacker through their PC.
Coward Sims faint or run when confronted by problems.
Daredevil Sims can put out fires with ease and will not burn to death.
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Good Sims can donate to charity using the mailbox.
Green Thumb Sims begin the game with a skill book on gardening.
Handy Sims will always fix the object they are repairing, so no more electrocuting dishwashers!
Heavy Sleeper Sims cannot be awakened even by fire or burglar alarms.
Inappropriate Sims can find objects in Sims' rubbish bins.
Insane Sims can fish in swimming pools.
Kleptomaniac Sims accidentally steal from others and bring the items back home.
Light Sleeper Sims wake up when a burglar invades.
Lucky Sims are less likely to be burgled or have their house catch fire.
Mooch Sims can eat on other Sim's property (steal their food), as well as gaining money through conversations.
Neat Sims can clean the entire house at the click of a button.
Vegetarians live longer than other Sims.
Workaholic Sims can work from home on their computer.
Pyromaniac Sims can set objects on fire at will. This is a secret trait that is hard to come by. Children of fire-fighters
can inherit the love of flames.
While some Traits are more interesting than others, or have more obvious benefits, that doesn't mean others should
be ignored. Rather any Trait can add an element of unpredictability to tasks such as socialising and work. It's great
when you discover a new facet to the game based on taking a risk with one of your Sim's Traits, so experiment!
Wishes: Based on your Sim's Traits and their environment, social life and upbringing, they will have certain small
requests that you as the player can fulfil for Lifetime Happiness points. These can be redeemed for special perks that
will be outlined later in this guide. You may get minor Wishes, such as to clean up some dirty dishes, or more
influential requests, like to improve your Sim's fitness or find them a date. While many of these are also influenced
by everyday life, your Sim's general personality as defined by their Traits has a commanding effect.
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Some Wishes are predetermined by your Sim's Traits.
Lifetime Wishes: Compared to regular Wishes, Lifetime Wishes are massive. These are picked after you create your
Sim and choose their Traits. Pick carefully, as some will be far more attainable for your Sim's lifestyle than others.
Most involve getting to a certain position in a particular career, while a few ask you to max out various skills to get
the lucrative rewards.
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Choose a Lifetime Wish for your Sim.
Depending on the difficulty of the wish, they will contribute a set amount towards Lifetime Rewards. They create
many more points than Wishes regardless. Bear in mind that it is far easier to get your Lifetime Wish if you start as a
younger Sim, as opposed to picking up someone already middle-aged. You can see all the Liftetime Wishes below,
along with brief instructions on how to get them:
Become an Astronaut (Level 10 Career in the Military, and Astronaut branch)
Become a Creature-Robot Cross Breeder (Level 9 Career in Science)
Become a Grand Master in Chess (Max out the Logic skill and Chess ability)
Become a Master Thief (Level 10 Career as a Thief)
Become a Superstar Athlete (Level 9 Career as an athlete)
Celebrated Five Star-Chef (Level 10 Career as a Cook)
CEO of a Mega-Corporation (Reach CEO position in Business Career)
Forensic Specialist: Dynamic DNA Profiler (Level 10 Career in Law Enforcement, and Forensic branch)
Gold Digger (Marry a wealthy partner and visit their ghost when they die)
Golden Tongue, Golden Fingers (Max out either the guitar or charisma skills)
Heartbreaker (Have a specified number of different girlfriends or boyfriends)
Hit Movie Composer (Level 10 Career as a Musician, and in Symphonic branch)
Illustrious Author (Max out the painting and writing skills)
International Super Spy (Level 10 Career in Law Enforcement)
Jack of All Trades (Level 5 in four separate careers)
Leader of the Free World (Level 10 Career as Politician)
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Living in the Lap of Luxury (Generate a specified amount of household net worth)
Master of the Arts (Max out the Guitar and Artistic skills)
Perfect Mind, Perfect Body (Max out the Athletic and Logic skills)
Presenting the Perfect Private Aquarium (Collect a specified number of fish and put them in your aquarium)
The game has its own in depth explanation for each wish.
Renaissance Sim (Level 10 in three skills)
Rock Star (Level 10 Career as Musician, and the Rock branch)
Star News Anchor (Level 10 Career as a journalist)
Super Popular (Make a specified number of friends)Swimming in Cash (Save a specified amount of cash)
Surrounded by Family (Have a specified number of babies and raise them successfully)
The Emperor of Evil (Level 10 Career as Evil Criminal)
The Culinary Librarian (Learn every recipe in the game)
The Perfect Garden (Plant a specified number of plant varieties)
The Tinkerer (Max out the Logic and Handiness skills)
World Renowned Surgeon (Level 10 Career in Medicine)
More information on Lifetime Rewards will be offered in the Life section of this guide.
Having created your Sim, you also need to pick their various 'Likes'. These are pretty much their favourite food,
music and colours. It's not exactly in depth, but the choices add another nice spark of personality, ensuring no two
Sims are ever likely to be the same. You can also select your own favourite music, if you have enabled custom
soundtracks as described in the Cheats and Tips section of this guide. If you regret your choice of Traits you can
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change these using accumulated Lifetime Happiness points later in the game.
Note: The game also features 'preset' families, which are already created and you can just takeover. Each has a
different scenario and difficulty settings based on their personalities and current situation when you take them over.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Choosing a House or Plot of Land
Before you can get to the fun of the Build and Buy modes you need to pick somewhere to construct your house, or
choose an empty property to move into.
Acquiring Land
Before you can begin to build your house, you first need to get some land. You could (if you have already played, or
cheated and have plenty of money) buy a house already on a lot and demolish it to create your own. Of course, you
are also allowed to just make minor alterations to the structures already in place. There are a few things to consider
when choosing a plot:
The flat squares indicate empty plots of land.
Practicality:
While it doesn't exactly take all day to get into town from anywhere on the map, it is handy to be closer to all the
local amenities. Bear in mind that the car pool for your job will always come an hour before work, regardless of
where you live. This means that living next to where you work is not only depressing, it's not particularly useful
either. Perhaps the key factor in terms of the location of your house should be the interests of your Sims (or the
interests that you want to try and foster in them).
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There are a number of great lots positioned next to areas of interest in Sunset Valley. The most notable is 53
Waterfall Way. This is a plot on its own, situated right next to the classic fishing spot beneath the waterfall to the
north of the map. You also have the largest plot in the game adjacent to the Summer Hill Springs, while the two
Skyborough Boulevard properties and the one on Oak Grove Road are all superbly close to the town itself.
Waterfall Way is a great lot to buy if you love scenery, fishing or collecting bugs and beetles!
Again however, you can buy a property already in the centre of town or next to a place of interest and demolish and
rebuild it! If you have the money that is. Use Edit Town mode to change the lot type from Communal to Private and
stake your claim to locations previously off-limits. You may have to knock down the library though...
Location:
There are benefits that your Sims will receive for lots positioned in particularly beautiful locations. The Beautiful
View moodlet provides a handy bonus to receive every time your Sim looks out of the window. The properties on
Sunnyside Boulevard, Sun Song Avenue and the cliffside lots on Redwood Parkway all overlook the sea and provide
a tidy bonus to your Sim's mood. You can also get the Beautiful View Moodlet elsewhere of course, just not as
obviously as with seafront lots. You can expect to pay more for lots in areas such as Redwood Parkway, as it is
something of an exclusive neighbourhood.
Size:
The final distinguishing factor between lots is size. This is also the biggest contributor to the price of a lot. The largest
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area of land available for purchase from the off is Summer Hill Court. This is on the hill to the west of town, next to
the Landgraab and Alto households. It's nearly twice the size of any other lot in the game, and will cost you double
too (14,700 Simoleons). Summer Hill Court is the ultimate place to show off your successful Sims. Sunnyside
Boulevard has great views, a large plot and is in a quiet neighbourhood, but will cost almost 7,000 Simoleons. It may
not sound a lot, but this is just the plot, no bricks and mortar included.
Summer Hill Court is only for seriously successful Sims
Probably the best value lots are those at Pinochle Point, with large lots yet a small price tag reflecting the lack of
amenities in the area.
You only have 16,000 Simoleons to spend at the start of a new game, so pick your land wisely, and remember that
you need that money to build and furnish your house if doing it all from scratch!
Alternatives
Vacant Houses:
There are empty houses that have already been constructed in Sunset Valley. These don't involve evicting a family,
but can come pre-loaded with furniture upon request. At the start of the game only three houses are within the
16,000 Simoleon budget (with furniture), and each of these are in the same location to the north of the town. If you
want to furnish them for yourself, you can potentially get a great house and just live with some tatty items until you
get a job. Mosquito Cove is a fine-looking property, and at around 16,000 Simoleons unfurnished you could, just
about, get it as an incredible starter house if you have multiple Sims in your household.
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Mosquito Cove is a beautiful property at a great price
Getting a pre-furnished house has the advantages of allowing you to get straight into life with your Sims, which is
suitable for younger users or those who prefer the simulation side of the game to the building and creative aspects.
Note: If there are more Sims in your household you get an additional 2,000 Simoleons for each one in your starting
budget.
Evict a Household:
A house isn't vacant? You can live anywhere you want in Sunset Valley, just use Edit Town to evict a family and
move your own Sims in! It's that simple. Once you have kicked one family out, your lot can buy the newly-empty
house providing they have the funds. The evicted family can even take all their furniture and a copy of the house
with them, if you want to move people around or fancy playing God and saving the evicted from dwelling in
oblivion.
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Evict a Household if you don't like them, or you just want their house…
Preset Households:
The game comes with plenty of families you can 'take-over', thus eliminating the Create a Sim mode and letting you
just pick any house you want. Again, this is ideal for youngsters of those just wanting to get straight into the game.
Each has a different scenario and difficulty settings based on their personalities and current situation when you take
them over.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Build Mode
For some, the Build and Buy modes of The Sims are their favourite feature. Building, decorating and furnishing the
house of your dreams may take precedence over practicality and appeal for your family of Sims. The Build Mode in
The Sims 3 allows unparalleled customisation and you can create some very impressive and unique structures.
Once you have selected and purchased a suitable lot, you need to go into Build Mode, indicated by a saw and paint
roller, and begin constructing your dream house. The formula for building has changed very little since the first Sims
game.
Foundations:
If your lot happens to be particularly uneven or sloping and you don't want to waste money levelling the terrain, you
can place a foundation. This creates a smooth and sturdy support base for your house, as well as raising it up off the
ground by a few feet. This of course costs money however, so don't be afraid to just build from the earth.
Foundations are required if you want a basement or decking, however, so it is often worth the early price (otherwise
you'll have to demolish your house and start again later to put in a basement, should you want one!).
Walls and Layout:
You will want to begin by drafting out the shape of the rooms with the wall tool. Select the create room tool to build
a complete room with just a drag of the mouse, or you may wish to manually place each section of wall. I personally
build a square perimeter that I want for the house using the room tool and then lay the walls out between it to create
divisions.
When it comes to playing the game single-storey houses are much easier to manage than three-storey town houses,
so this is worth considering when designing your structure. It may not be realistic for modern life, but a bungalow is
far simpler. Make a choice on matters like these before you start laying walls, as they will begin to eat into your
budget if you begin wastefully placing them. Remember though to use CTRL Z to undo careless actions and you
won't waste your money!
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Dividing up the house with walls to create the floorplan.
Remember that you need a bathroom and kitchen as essentials, and a place to sleep. This is the pretty much the bare
minimum for any real house. Of course, you could have a bed-sit, where the bed is in the living room, with a sink
and microwave also in the same room for example. You will need at least a shower though, and obviously a toilet,
so some smaller separate room will be required. As you begin to go to work and earn money you can start to expand
your house from the minimal rooms you may have begun with.
Something worth remembering is that if you have multiple Sims sharing a bedsit, one awake and cooking or
showering may wake the other Sim up. With two incomes coming in you should try to build a more private house.
Doors and Windows:
You of course also need doors and windows. While you may think that you can get away with just artificial lighting,
your Sims won't enjoy their life stuck in a dingy room very much. Windows also add light in Build and Buy Mode,
allowing you to see the real colour of the walls. Wallpaper often looks great until you turn the light on and realise it's
a putrid pink, not a stylish beige.
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Some of the windows let in more light than others.
Just leaving an open gap instead of a door also won't cut it, as the two connecting rooms will be interpreted by the
game as just one large open-plan area.
Roofing:
The roof pretty much builds itself. The game automatically places one for you, or you can manually place it by hand.
They range from traditional triangular designs to completely flat or even domed plans should you fancy adding a
mosque into Sunset Valley. As the video below shows, manual placement of roofs has its pitfalls, but if you want a
more complex design, for example with a variety of roof types such as a flat top with a circular dome offset on one
side, you will need to do it yourself.
The computer also struggles with some of the options, such as automatically manufacturing the dome, but to be
honest you rarely notice the roof, so if it's too low by a couple of feet only perfectionists may want to go to the
trouble of redoing it.
Adding a roof can be tricky, or you can just let the computer do it for you.
Flooring and Wallpaper:
Flooring and wallpaper will be noticed by your Sims, and they will moan if they go uncovered. On the cheap
though, this is perhaps a sacrifice you are willing to make. In the flooring department you can choose from carpet,
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wood, tiles, brick, pretty much any texture to make your room complete. You can tailor every facet of it using Create
a Style to make it just ideal for your colour scheme inside the house.
Walls can of course just be painted in standard colours, and to be fair the game's choice of patterns is often fairly
repulsive. Using Create a Style to edit them is absolutely essential. Click the Create a Style tool when selecting
wallpaper or floors, or click the paint palette icon in Build mode and then select the wallpaper to make changes.
External Paint and Textures:
Make sure you remember to use the masonry styles to effectively 'wallpaper' the side of your house and the sides of
the roof in bricks (or an alternative, if you fancy being a renegade). Otherwise you Sim will get a negative moodlet
from an undecorated building!
Upstairs and Downstairs:
Adding an extra floor to your house can be difficult, mainly because of the placement of the stairs. It's best to plan
from the beginning if you want an additional floor, to be sure that there is enough room below to fit the stairs in. A
good idea to subvert this problem, however, is to create a corridor on the side of the house, like a fire-escape, to
allow access upstairs.
If you are having problems placing the stairs, ensure both the upstairs and downstairs floors have been laid i.e.
carpet them both before trying to put the stairs in, as this can cause problems. You also want to place the stairs from
the lower of the two floors. Stairs also look ugly, so make sure you use wallpaper to cover the side of them and use
Create a Style like anything else to get them to fit in with your décor. You can also see a video for placing stairs in
the Building a Basement section below.
Gardens:
A garden also shouldn't be ignored when planning, designing and building your Sim's house.
The terrain deformation tools allows you to model stunning outside areas. Adding water is easy with the pond tool,
while more affluent Sims may choose to add a pool for that extra splash in the back garden. Trees, bushes, shrubs
and flowers will all dramatically increase the beautification of your house and make yous Sims more content. Some
of the external items can get really expensive however (such as the Fighter Jet or Fountain), so should rightfully be
left until last.
You can raise, lower and level the terrain, as well as adding water. By far the most striking tool for outside areas,
however, is the ability to add massive trees and rocks. This can create a real feeling of individuality for your house
and make it look much more at home in Sunset Valley than just a boring lawn or a few shrubs and ornaments.
There is also the terrain paint tool which allows you to create sand, mud or stone designs to replace the boring grass,
and completely for free. You can also pick out designs with small flowers in. This makes a much more appealing
view and saves the time of covering your garden with flowers and bushes, though these should be used to finish off
the look. Terrain paints are a great, cost-effective way to create an interesting garden without the need for expensive
plants and trees.
Expanding Your House:
Once your Sims are flourishing in successful careers and with plenty of friends you can begin to expand. As well as
new rooms you can add balconies, basements, decks and completely separate annexes (perhaps for elderly Sims you
don't want cluttering up your youthful home anymore?
Building a Basement:
Foundations, while essentially only appearing useful in the early house-building stages to level the ground do have
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other, more important uses. If you build your house with a foundation early on you can create a basement with
minimal fuss. Draw a foundation around where you want the base of the house to be, then hold CTRL and hollow it
out by dragging an area inside.
The terrain deformation tools let you lower the level inside the hollow foundation and create space for an extra
room. You can then use the level terrain tool to create a smooth surface which a floor can be built on. Make sure
you don't drop the level down too low, you can't build a bat cave and the steps won't reach!
Use a hollow foundation to allow you to dig down and create a basement.
Then make sure you have pasted a floor both downstairs and up, and place in some steps to allow your Sims to go
backwards and forwards between the levels. Finally, finish off the decorating and you have yourself a secluded and
hopefully beautiful hidden floor.
Building Decking or a Porch:
There is a specific decking foundation tool. Select it and you can add things like a base for a porch, or indeed a deck
in your back garden. If the whole house is built on foundations (as is best if you want a good deck), use the decking
to create a new floor area jutting out from the side of the house. You can then place a small set of steps to allow
access to the garden, or perhaps to the road if you are creating a porch.
Building a Balcony:
Balconies can add a lovely little seating area to the front of a house, usually in the master bedroom. They are easier
to install than decking, but require more thought in terms of presentation. To build one, when placing the upper
floor, simply leave a space over the floor below where you want the balcony to be.
So for example, if you have two large rooms downstairs, you would build the walls for two identical rooms upstairs,
except one would have an indentation in. You can then place a different floor outside the room, such as a stone
design, put up a railing and a sliding door into the bedroom!
You can also use columns to create an extended area from the upper floor – great for balconies and creating
overhangs over porches.
Adding a gravity-defying balcony to the bed-sit that is shown being created at the end of this guide.
Loft Conversions and Gables:
Surprisingly you can't do a loft conversion in The Sims 3. If you try to build an extra layer where the roof is, or to use
floor tiles to cover the ceiling under the roof it pushes the auto-roof up another layer. You can create gables in the
roof however. To do this, just make a small box room at the front of the house and you can then use the roofing tools
to build a section of additional roof around it. This can really give a mansion-look to your house.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Buy Mode
Buy Mode lets your Sims really make the most of their hard-earned cash. From microwaves to TVs to magic gnomes,
every item in the game has a use and its own appeal. While not every item is listed below, the most important,
interesting and useful products in The Sims 3 are described, as well as the cheapest price for each:
Essentials
Bed: All beds provide the same level of stress release, and the cheapest still gives you a decent amount of energy
from using it. Once you reach the Sleep-Slave Double Bed however, a whopping 10 energy can be regained a
night's rest to completely fill your Sim's energy bar with a minimum of sleep. The more expensive ones also add to
the attractiveness of a room. Minimum Price: 300 Simoleons
Toilet: Essential for, well, the obvious. There is no pressing need to get a more expensive toilet. While they are more
reliable and get dirty less, they all provide the same relief – that is maximum bladder expunging. The Porcelain
Throne for 1,800 also gives a small room attractiveness bonus. Minimum Price: 250 Simoleons.
Sink: Ideally you want a sink in the bathroom and the kitchen, but you can manage with just one if you're desperate.
The cheapest sink breaks regularly, but at that price, you can hardly complain. You can also get sinks that can be
embedded into work surfaces to save space, but the cheapest of these is slightly more expensive. Minimum Price:
120 Simoleons.
Shower: Showers are quicker than baths and the cheapest is also the most cost effective way to keep clean. They
provide a higher hygiene bonus than tubs too. The Shower of Power for 1,600 only gets you 9 hygiene points,
compared to 7 with the cheapest, albeit with a room bonus, so there's not much in it, apart from of course reliability.
Minimum Price: 425 Simoleons.
Microwave: Any student will be aware of the possibilities of living off a microwave, and indeed it is possible. They
are also fast and cheap. The Steak and Prank Microwave costs just 240 Simoleons, compared to the cheapest cooker
at 400 Simoleons. These will enable you to create hot meals. Of course, if you really want to slum it, you could have
a fridge on its own and just keep eating jam sandwiches. A blender is also a good alternative to a microwave in The
Sims 3. Minimum Price: 240 Simoleons.
Fridge: Essential as the place where you get all your food! - The Chillgood Fridge costs 375 Simoleons and provides
you with decent Hunger relief. The advantage of a cooker is that you don't necessarily need a fridge to make food on
it. The issue is that without a fridge you won't be able to enjoy the quick luxuries of juice or cereal. Minimum Price:
375 Simoleons.
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The ultimate cheap kitchen.
Lighting: Sims won't like it in the dark at night with no artificial lighting, so ensure you spend at least a little on the
cheapest lights. Minimum Price: 65 Simoleons.
Secondary Items
These are not quite essential to a functioning house, but should be the next things in line that you buy after your
toilet and fridge.
Alarms: For home safety you need a fire alarm and a burglar alarm. Both of these together will set you back just 350
Simoleons, and surely you can't put a price on your family's safety and security. These will wake your Sim when
something is wrong, as well as the emergency services required for dealing with the trouble. Minimum Price
(together): 350 Simoleons.
Note: Heavy Sleepers may still not be woken up by these alarms.
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Alarms are essential for anyone with valuable items or loved-ones in their homes.
Computer: You can do many things on a computer. As well as relaxing or having fun playing games, you can find a
job and hone your writing skills. The cheapest comes in at a hefty 800 Simoleons (and regularly breaks), but
considering what you can do with it, that's not too bad. Minimum Price: 800 Simoleons.
Television: Life without a TV can be pretty miserable, so get one of these as soon as possible. The cheapest is 200
Simoleons, so is instantly affordable, and also allows you to work out in front of it using the Fitness channel. More
expensive TVs also have more channels (allowing you to improve skills like Cooking while you watch) and provide
more fun, but the cost rises to an impressive 8,000 Simoleons at the top end for a wall-mounted flatscreen. Minimum
Price: 200 Simoleons.
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A big TV can really give a room an edge.
Phone: A house phone makes setting up house-parties, calling the emergency services or just ordering a pizza a
breeze. You could always use your Sim's cel-phone though. Minimum Price: 35 Simoleons.
Sofa: You can't really have a television without somewhere to sit and watch. There are plenty of choices, with
comfort increasing with the price. As usual, the more pricey options also help improve a room's attractiveness.
Dishwasher: These save your Sim from having to wash all the dishes, dirtying the sink and taking a lot of time. Neat
Sims will automatically put dishes in the washer, but you may have to order dirtier ones to do the tidying. Beware of
electrocution when repairing. Minimum Price: 300 Simoleons.
Table and Chairs: When Sim's come round your house they won't want to sit on the floor. A simple table and chair
not only provides somewhere to read a book or do homework, but is more importantly a social area for wining and
dining. Minimum Price (table and two chairs): 140 Simoleons
Garbage Bin: When preparing food your Sims will leave trash around the house unless there is a bin available, or
they will waste time going outside to dispose of it, so an in-house solution is almost essential - especially so cheaply.
Dressers: Not essential, but nearly there, especially for the woman of the house. These allow you to customise your
Sim's outfits and to get them to change into them at will. Minimum Price: 450 Simoleons.
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A dresser will make any Sim obsessed with their outfits.
Birthday Cake: If you have younger Sims in your household, a Birthday Cake is needed to fully celebrate the event.
You can also use it to force an age transition i.e. from child to adult. By clicking on it you can start a party! Oddly
this is supposedly an outside accessory, though you can find certain tables to place it on indoors. Minimum Price: 30
Simoleons
Baths: While these are less effective in terms of hygiene than showers, they relieve stress, something only the most
expensive shower (1,600 Simoleons) can boast. Minimum Price: 500 Simoleons.
Coffee Maker: When your Sim hasn't had enough sleep, or has an important social function to attend after work, a
quick energy boost can be provided with coffee. There is only one solution on the market, and as such it costs a lot
of cash. Minimum Price: 1,100 Simoleons.
Skill Boosters by Item
There are a variety of items that you will want to include in your house's furniture if you want to easily rank up your
Sim's skills. They are listed below, along with the cheapest version of each. For Televisions, these have different
channels based on price, so no minimum price is listed.
Mirror: A mirror will improve your Sim's Charisma skill. Minimum Price: 50 Simoleons
Television: TVs can improve Athletic, Cooking, Gardening and Fishing Skills (the HiFi Plasmondo TV boasts all
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these)
Radio: Radios can boost the Athletic skill. Minimum Price: 150 Simoleons
Cookers and Stoves: These boost your Cooking skill. Minimum Price: 400 Simoleons
Items such as cookers can improve your Sim's Skills while they live out their life..
Microwaves and Blenders: These boost your Cooking skill. Minimum Price: 240 Simoleons
Exercise Machines: These boost your Athletic skill. Minimum Price: 900 Simoleons.
Chess Set: This improves your Logic skill. Price: 450 Simoleons (Outdoor version 350 Simoleons).
Bookshelves: These can boost Logic, Cooking and Handiness skills with no additional purchases. Books for other
skills can be bought and placed in a bookcase too. Minimum Price: 175 Simoleons.
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Bookshelves come pre-loaded with classics.
Telescope: This improves your Logic skill. Price: 600 Simoleons.
Easel: This improves your Painting skill. Price: 300 Simoleons.
Guitar: This improves your Guitar skill. Price: 600 Simoleons.
Computers: These can improve your Writing and Logic skills if you have the right traits. Minimum Price: 800
Simoleons.
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You can do a lot with a computer, including improving your Writing skills, or Logic, if you have the right Trait.
Barbeques: These improve your Cooking skill. Minimum price: 300 Simoleons.
Baseball and Football: These improve your Athletic skill. Minimum price: 65 Simoleons.
Skill Boosters by Skill
Below is a list of the skills in the game that can be raised by purchasing certain items. Of course there are also other
ways to improve these skills, but these will be addressed in the Life section of this guide to come.
Athletic Skill: Baseball, Football, Exercise Machines, Radios and Televisions.
Charisma Skill: Mirrors.
Cooking Skill: Barbeques, Bookshelves, Microwaves and Blenders, Cookers and Stoves and Televisions.
Fishing Skill: Televisions.
Gardening Skill: Televisions.
Guitar Skill: Guitars.
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Handiness Skill: Bookshelves.
Logic Skill: Computers, Telescopes and Bookshelves.
Painting Skill: Easel.
Writing Skill: Computers.
Environmental Boosters
These items improve the look of a room considerably, often at a minimal price. If your Sims are complaining about
the tatty state of your décor, a few of these dotted around will soon set things right. If you total 10 environmental
bonus points per room, then you are on the right track to a stunning masterpiece.
Lamps and Wall Lights: Lighting is essential in any house. Of the lamps on offer, some provide 1 and 2 point
environmental boosts. The Feisty Fiesta Wall Lantern is the cheapest to offer 1 point, while the Bunker Hill Floor
Lights cost 300 Simoleons and offer 2 points. Minimum Price: 145 Simoleons.
Rugs: These are a great way to dress up a room with a minimum of cost. Every rug in the game produces an
attractiveness bonus to the area it is in. Some of them look pretty repulsive, so be sure to customise their design and
colour. Minimum Price: 30 Simoleons.
Coffee Tables: Only a few coffee tables give room bonuses, but they have little use otherwise so it's worth
mentioning here! The cheapest one is the Roman Coffee table, while the Literal Coffee Table provides the best boost,
at 2 points. Minimum Price: 185 Simoleons.
Paintings and Pictures: These all provide an instant environmental boost, ranging from 1 to an impressive 10, with
price scaling appropriately. The cheapest is Anabolic Champ, which still allows a worthy 2 environmental plus
points for the room. Minimum Price: 9 Simoleons.
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A display like this can really add to a room's value, both cosmetically and practically.
Bathroom: In the bathroom you can buy toilet roll holders and towel racks – not essential but adding 1
environmental to point to a hard room to keep attractive – at an incredible price. There is also a toilet, The Porcelain
Throne, which gives two points, a shower, the Shower of Power, giving 1 point, and a bath, the Tub Nouveau, with
a whopping 4 environmental points. Minimum Price: 2 Simoleons.
Mirrors: These provide instant environmental boosts (2-4 points) as well as allowing a Sim to improve their
Charisma. Minimum Price: 50 Simoleons.
Kitchen Counters and Cabinets: These give your Sims extra space for food preparation, but all apart from the
Country-Fried Counter also provide bonuses to a room's appeal. Minimum Price: 100 Simoleons.
Accessories: Statues, miscellaneous bric-a-brac and candles all help improve a room's environmental appeal. Most,
such as the Super-Absorbent Super Towels and the Magazine Restraint System are very cheap but still provide a
point or two in environmental bonuses. At the top end, statues and sculptures can reach 10 environmental points.
Outdoor Ornaments: Check out the Langraab Industries Science Facility Fountain, for 60,000 Simoleons and the
F-Class Hunter-Killer (a fighter jet) for 75,000 – both giving maximum bonuses. Not many objects that can be safely
put outside give environmental boosts, so these are worth considering. Cheaper alternatives include Sleeping Gnome
McMulty and Shocking Pink Flamingo – 2nd Edition. Minimum Price: 5 Simoleons.
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Some items are clearly more expensive than others, and these are mainly for people who just want to show off...
Curtains and Blinds: These line the windows and add points to a room's attractiveness (from 2-3). The cheapest is
the Cortinas Festivas and if you can live with its general style, you're onto a winning room. Minimum Price: 50
Simoleons.
Expensive Objects and Upgrades
The more expensive objects are, the less likely they are to break, the easier they are to keep clean, and the more
beneficial they are when used. If you have a handy Sim they can upgrade items, stopping them from breaking,
making them self-cleaning or improving efficiency. This may sound like a minor thing, but if you can prevent
potentially deadly fires or electrocuting dishwashers, your Sim is far more likely to make old age.
Create a Style
Just as with Create a Sim, Create a Style is a brilliant tool to edit and customise the game's often dreary default items.
Use it by clicking the paint palette, and then the object you want to change. You can edit almost every item in the
game, though some like Painting ands Pictures cannot be changed. With Create a Style you can change texture,
pattern and every colour involved with the object. It is hard to recommend changing textures too often, as this can
lead to some seriously lurid or out of place objects. Check out the video of Create a Style in action on a statue
below.
Create a Style is a valuable tool, in the right hands.
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Tip: Remember to save your styles using the folder icon in the Create a Style screen 0 you can then replicate it at
will.
Creatures and Collectibles
Fish, Beetles, Butterflies, Meteorites, Gems and Metals can all be caught or collected, and then displayed proudly in
your home. Depending on the rarity of the items they can add a lot to the attractiveness of a room.
Fish must be kept in Aquariums inside the house.
Beetles will be automatically put in a Terrarium when dragged out of your inventory.
Butterflies will be automatically put in a Terrarium when dragged out of your inventory.
Meteorites can just be placed into a room, but if you get them analysed first they may add more attractiveness to an
area (or they may add less! See the collectibles section of this guide for more information).
Gems can be cut to increase their rarity and value, also adding to a room's environment. Raw gems still have their
charms however. You can display a gem on a surface, on a pillow or on a pedestal.
Metals should be smelted to make them more attractive.
Decorative Wishes
Your Sims will have certain wishes depending on the quality of their environment. All those related to beautification
of a house are listed below.
Buy a Couch: More comfort required!
Buy an Easel: There's something missing from your Sim's home.
Buy an Exercise Machine: Your Sims wants to be able to work out at home.
Buy a Fishbowl: Your Sim wants a new friend in their lives.
Buy a New Car: The ultimate status-symbol.
Buy an Object Worth…: Your Sim wants an object of a certain class.
Buy a Treadmill: There's something missing from your Sim's home.
Buy Something: Your Sim wants some new stuff.
Buy Something to Plant: Your Sim wants to see the life creation process in their own backyard.
Decorate House With Paintings: Your Sim wants some art in their house.
Get a…: Your Sim wants what they are asking for…
Put a Fish in Fishbowl: You need to put a fish in that empty bowl…
Repair Something: Your Sim is fed up with broken household items. Fix them!
Sell Something: Too much clutter and not enough money.Spend …: Your Sim wants to improve their house.
Use an Object: Interact with something, anything!
Use an Object: Your Sim wants to interact with anything!
Decorative Lifetime Wishes
The way your house is furnished and the items within can contribute towards three of the game's Lifetime Wishes.
Living in the Lap of Luxury: All the items in your house must add up to a certain amount to get this Lifetime Wish
ticked off.
Presenting the Perfect Private Aquarium: Enough fish collected will not only add to a room's appeal, but will
contribute towards this Lifetime Wish. Get a certain amount of perfect wish in your bowl to complete.
The Perfect Garden: This Lifetime Wish can be gained from planting a certain number of unique specimens in your
Sim's garden. Each has to be perfect though, or they won't count towards the total.
Decorative Moodlets
Your Sims will have certain moodlets (positive or negative additions to their mood) depending on the quality of their
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environment. All those related to beautification of a house are listed below. Some relate to the quality of items, while
others can happen just by being in the same room as a particular object!
Positive:
Beautifully Decorated: 40 – The pinnacle of beauty in a house.
Beautiful Vista: Variable bonuses – A beautiful house makes for a beautiful vista.
Comfy: Variable bonuses - A great chair makes a great Sim.
Cozy Fire: 15 Mood – A roaring fire makes a room comforting to Sims.
Decorated: 10 Mood – A nicely decorated room gives a Sim a mood boost for as
long as they remain in the area.
Exhilarating Shower: 20 – A good shower can wake up and stimulate your Sims.
Inspired: 15 Mood – An impressive piece of artwork or sculpture will give your Sim a healthy boost for 4 hours.
Nicely Decorated: 20 – A room to posh for the Decorated moodlet will dramatically increase a Sim's enjoyment of a
given area.
New Stuff!: 20 Mood – Expensive and most importantly new items will impress your Sims.
Pristine Picture: 15 Mood – A high quality TV will give your Sim more pleasure from watching it.
Superior Equipment: 30 – Excellent tools in the kitchen give satisfaction.
Warmed: 25 – A large fire will comfort your Sims.
Well Rested: Variable bonuses – A good night's sleep on a comfy bed will set a Sim up for a long day well.
Beautiful View: Variable bonuses – If your house is in a great location it will inspire Sims who visit.
Your Sims can get mood bonuses from posh or appealing rooms.
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Negative:
Bad Night's Sleep: -15 - Your Sim's bed is just so uncomfortable!
Bad Reception: -10 – A cheap TV won't impress your Sims.
Buzz Crashed: -10 – Drinking coffee eventually has its own side-effects.
Can't Stand Art: -10 – Certain Sims aren't worth trying to impress with paintings or sculptures.
Cold Shower: -10 – Some showers aren't as good as others.
Dirty Surroundings: -15 – Clean up to remove this moodlet.
Disgusted: -5 – The house is too dirty.
Filthy Surroundings: -30 – Not quite vile, but nearly there.
It's Dark: -10 – Put some lights in the room!
Rude Awakening: -10 – A badly designed house means some objects will wake sleeping Sims.
Tastes Like Fridge: -10 – Your Sim's fridge is so cheap everything tastes the same!
Technophobia: -10 – Some Sims just don't like TVs.
Uneven Cooking: -10 – Cheap cookers and stoves don't cook things all the way through. Yuck.
Unfinished Room: -10 – Make sure the room is painted and carpeted!
Vile Surroundings: -40 – Dirty houses more than unattractive ones will bring out this moodlet.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Starter Bed-Sit
Here is a video of the building process in action. You may get some ideas from seeing it visually. This movie shows
the creation of the cheapest house you can construct. Sure, it looks like a prison, but this is just to get you going.
Once your Sim gets a job they can work their way up the monetary scale and begin to expand, as the latter half of
the video shows.
Building the cheapest house in a bed-sit layout.
This house cost just over 4,000 Simoleons to construct and furnish. Not bad really, and this will have a contented
Sim for at least a while. You could knock some money off that if you don't mind making your Sim miserable for a
while.
You can then extend the house, even adding a balcony, once your Sims save up enough Simoleons.
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The Sims 3 Guide
Building Tips
Remember to use ALT to place objects without the grid.
Hold CTRL F to allow diagonal tiles to be placed.
Use the 'Create a Diagonal Room Tool' to craft more interesting house designs.
Hold SHIFT to place the floor over an entire room.
Create a floor and put objects in before putting in walls. This ensures you don't waste space if you're on a tight
budget.
Use the Day/Night Toggle to allow you to see how your new items or house looks at night.
Various cheats are available to help with building houses and object placement. Check them out in the Cheats
section for Sims 3.
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The Sims 3 Guide - Life Guide
Skills - Introduction
In The Sims 3 there are a variety of 'skills' that your Sims can learn. Once you have acquired a particular skill, you
can then continue to train and improve your level of proficiency at it. Getting better at a skill often opens up new
options in your Sims' lives, careers or relationships.
The following chapters will go over the basics, acquiring and developing skills and the skill journal.
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Skills - The Basics
Below is a list of every skill with a basic description of each.
Athletic:
Athletic Sims want to keep fit. They are proactive, desiring lots of jogging, visits to the gym and both firm muscles
and a lean physique. Once you learn the skill your Sim can jog around Sunset Valley. Experienced Athletic Sims can
also Train others in their discipline. The Law Enforcement, Military and Professional Sports career all need fit Sims,
albeit in different measures.
Charisma:
A charismatic Sim will love the sound of their voice and have great confidence in public-speaking. The main
avenues of reward, should you follow this skill and improve it for your Sims, are new dialogue options and social
interactions. A career in Politics is the chief aim for most charismatic Sims, though it is useful in all walks of life as
higher profile jobs get more demanding on a Sim's personality. Maintaining relationships and friends is crucial as a
set number of these are required to move up the Charisma levels.
Cooking:
Not only do Sims with the Cooking skill enjoy preparing food, they are also good at it. Just experimenting in the
kitchen will help develop your Sim's skills in this department, though you have to actually prepare the meal, rather
than just eating a microwave dinner and calling it cooking. Sims can learn new recipes from books, or as they
develop their skills. The more a Sim practices a particular dish, the nicer it will get each time.
Fishing:
Fish-mad Sims have plenty of options in Sunset Valley; fishing is an easy hobby to support, and one that allows you
to experience nature and all the glory of the game world. Just practicing your art will develop the Fishing skill, while
experimenting with different bait, locations and times of day will allow better, bigger and more valuable (or
beautiful, depending on your mindset) fish to be caught.
Gardening:
Every Sim has a garden, so get planting once you have some seeds. Constant care and attention are required to
nurture a perfect plant, but doing so repeatedly will improve your Sim's skills and set them on the road to
green-fingered heaven. Rarer plants can be grown as the Gardening skill improves, until finally your garden will be
the envy of all your neighbours. Of course, you can also grow ingredients for use in cooking, or indeed sell the
produce for cash!
Guitar:
Some Sims will be naturally musical, but others can still pick up an instrument and learn to play. Eventually, once
continual practice begins to make perfect, your Sim can play for cash in public areas – wowing other Sims with their
impressive performances. The better a Sim gets, the more songs they can play and the more accurately they play
them. Your guitar, once purchased, can be stored in the inventory and whipped out in public places for a quick
song.
Handiness:
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Handy Sims are arguably the most useful around the home. Cheap items break very regularly, so it is also the easiest
to naturally develop as your Sims tinker and meddle, trying to repair broken appliances. As the Handiness skill
improves, a Sim can also upgrade items to improve their performance or increase their reliability. Neighbours will
also request help in fixing their problems, for money of course! Be careful though, handy Sims are frequently
exposed to dangers such as electrocution, which can be a one way ticket to a visit with the Grim Reaper.
Logic:
Logical Sims not only enjoy chess and astronomy, but they love intelligent conversation and testing their skills
against others. Once the Logic skill reaches a particular level, they can even teach other Sims and pass on their
knowledge.
Painting:
Painting is a very rewarding skill for Sims to learn. Not only can you sell your paintings for cash, but they can be
hung up around your house to beautify the environment. It takes a heck of a lot of patience to become good at, and
the best paintings take a long time to craft, but the end results cannot be argued with.
Writing:
Writers in The Sims 3 are very similar to the painters. With the Writing skill a Sim can, after much time spent on the
Computer, produce a novel of saleable quality. More genres are unearthed as a Sim practices and moves through the
Writing ranks, while getting regular royalties is the eventual reward for a successful writer.
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Acquiring and Developing Skills
Before you can increase your ability at something, you first have to learn how to do it. For an artist, a Sim who wants
to learn the Painting skill, they can, for example, either buy an easel and interact with it, or take a class at the local
school. Your Sims can then nurture and develop their talents to improve them. Below is a list of every skill, how to
get started with it and how to develop it (note that you can use the Acquire guidelines to develop the skill as well),
including information on the rewards each gives your Sims:
With the rewards, first the requirement necessary to unlock it is listed, and then the reward itself.
Athletic
Acquire: Interact with exercise machines, take a class (at Llama Memorial Stadium), read a book, go for a swim, or
use a television or stereo to work out to.
Develop: As you move through the levels your Sim will be presented with new exercise routines. These include
things like 'Don't Break a Sweat' and 'Good Pacing', and working out to these demands will result in different
quality contributions to the Athletic skill. Many have negative side effects, such as making your Sim more fatigued or
unhygienic following exercise.
Levels:
Level 1: Once your Sim learns the Athletic skill they can jog anywhere in town. 'Don't Break a Sweat' is also
unlocked at Level 1, avoiding the Hygiene implications of working out.
Sims learn the Don't Break A Sweat exercise method at Level 1 – notice how when you switch between them, the
Sim's hygiene meter stops going down.
Level 3: The 'Good Pacing' training regime comes at Level 3, which allows you to work out for longer. Once at
Level 3 Sims can get a bonus after exercise in the form of the 'Pumped' moodlet.
Level 5: 'Push Self' is at Level 5, increasing the speed of workout but creating the Sore moodlet, if you select it. Sims
now also move faster when directed around town.
Level 6: Sims can now help to train others in the ways of the fitness guru.
Level 7: 'Quick Burst' is at Level 7, where again quicker results come at the expense of feeling sore and fatigued.
Other Rewards:
Body Builder: 60 hours spent improving strength - unlocks a posy Flex move to impress others.
Fitness Nut: 75 hours of cardiovascular routines - to avoid the downsides of over-exercising.
Marathon Runner: Run 500 kilometres - to achieve a longer life.
TIP: You don't need to buy expensive equipment to be able to work out. Use the Television, Stereo or cheap sports
equipment (such as the American football) to shed some calories. You can also work out for free at the 28 Hour
Wellness Gym, and any swimming pool.
Charisma
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Acquire: For a Sim looking to start their Charisma skills, the usual class is available (at Sunset Valley Town Hall),
they can perform in front of any household mirror, or they can read a book on the subject.
Taking a class is by far the easiest way to acquire a new skill – it's not exactly the cheapest, however.
Develop: After following the Acquire guide above to learn the Charisma skill, Sims can use social gatherings as
another means to boost their ability. For each level of development, your Sim must have a certain number of friends
and relationships. You can see a list of these below:
Level 1: None
Level 2: 2 Relationships
Level 3: 1 Friend, 3 Relationships
Level 4: 2 Friends, 4 Relationships
Levels:
Level 1: Your Sim quickly learns the new Friendly Greeting. They will also acquire the Charming Introduction ability.
This becomes more and more effective as a Sim's Charisma skill improves.
Level 2: The Amusing Greet is learnt.
Level 3: The Interesting Greet is learnt, which can impress other Sims. The Sim will also learn the Get To Know
ability. In conversation, this is used for discovering the Traits of other Sims to make future conversation easier.
Level 4: The Flirty Greet is acquired, with Romantic relationship bonuses.
Level 5: The Affectionate Greet is learnt, again with Romantic bonuses. At Level 5 a Sim also discovers the Smooth
Recovery ability, which allows them to rescue a conversation which is heading in a bad direction.
Level 6: The Funny Greet is learnt.
Level 7: The Impressive Greet is gained for your Sim.
Level 8: The Hilarious Greet is acquired, providing a Funny relationship bonus..
Level 9: The Loving Greet is gained, with Romantic bonuses.
Level 10: The Hot Greet is gained, with Romantic bonuses.
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Being a celebrity has its advantages.
Other Rewards:
Celebrity: 25 Friends in Sunset Valley – this provides faster relationship building for the future.
Comedian: 100 Jokes told (that others found funny) – Jokes are more frequently successful.
Everybody's Best Friend – 10 Best Friends – making friends becomes quicker and easier.
Personable: 50 Traits of other Sims discovered – allows Traits to be learnt more easily.
Super Friendly: 20 Friends – friendships don't diminish over time once established.
TIP: Attend as many parties as possible, fraternise at the park and barge into people's houses uninvited to make as
many friends and acquaintances as possible! See Making Friends in the Relationships section for more pointers.
Cooking
Acquire: Budding chefs can take a class (at Hogan's Deep Fried Diner, or Little Corsican Bistro), read a book on
cookery, or simply practice it by preparing a meal.
Develop: Practice, practice, practice to improve your Sim's cooking ability. The more a Sim cooks (they must
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'Prepare' a meal, just getting some cornflakes out of the fridge doesn't count), the better they get at a particular meal,
and up the levels they go.
Levels:
Level 1: Sims now learn the Ratatouille recipe. Pancakes, Peanut Butter and Jelly and Hotdogs can all be learnt too
when Level 1 is reached, if they buy the appropriate books from the Bookstore.
More recipes can be learnt with each level of the Cooking skill.
Level 2: Goopy Carbonara and Grilled Cheese recipes can now be learnt after purchase from the Bookstore.
Level 3: Fish and Chips and Cookies are learnt automatically by Sims at Level 3.
Level 4: Fruit Parfait is learnt automatically at this level, while Spaghetti and Sushi Roll recipes can now be acquired.
Level 5: The Cheesesteak can now be cooked by Sims. They can also buy the Stu Surprise recipe.
Level 6: Cobbler can now be cooked. The Hamburger recipe can also be learnt if purchased.
Level 7: Sims now automatically learn how to cook Eggs Machiavellian, but can also purchase the recipe for Key
Lime Pie.
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Level 8: Tri-Tip Steak can be cooked by Sims. They can also learn Grilled Salmon if the recipe is purchased.
Level 9: The festive Stuffed Turkey recipe is automatically acquired when this level is reached. Sims can buy French
Toast and Dim Sum recipes too.
Level 10: Both Baked Angel Food Cake and Ambrosia recipes are automatically learnt at Level 10. The Lobster
Thermador recipe can also be purchased.
Rewards:
Menu Maven: Learned all recipes – nicer food of a higher standard is regularly prepared.
Star Chef: 50 Meals prepared – nicer food of a higher standard.
World-Class Chef: 75 Meals Prepared – food prepared much faster.
TIP: Nice food will provide positive moodlets for Sims. At the same time, disgusting food will repulse them. Using
poor ingredients or poor appliances will contribute to a bad meal (with moodlets such as Uneven Cooking), or vice
versa. To cook Ambrosia, the legendary Deathfish is required, as well as the Angel Food Cake – it increases life
expectancy.
TIP: Use the Skill Journal to keep track of your recipes.
Fishing
Acquire: To start the Fishing skill, just sit by a pond and throw a line in there by interacting with it. You can also read
a book or take a class in it (at the EverFresh Delights Supermaket).
Develop: Fish to your heart's content and you will move through the ranks of the Fishing skill. You can of course
also read books to boost your abilities too. Use Bait (once you hit Level 3 and are able to do so) to increase your
chances of catching fish. Each fish you catch boosts your skill rating, and while sitting by the water all day without a
bite will improve your skill, it won't do it as much as a productive morning's catching. Fishing early in the morning
is a great time for this.
Levels:
Level 1: Goldfish and Alley Catfish can now be caught.
Level 2: Jellyfish and Rainbow Trout can now be caught.
Level 3: Red Herring and Tuna can now be caught.
Level 4: Piranha and Tragic Clownfish can now be caught.
Level 5: Siamese Catfish and Blowfish can now be caught.
Level 6: Salmon and Black Goldfish can now be caught.
Level 7: Shark and Swordfish can now be caught.
Level 8: Angelfish and Vampire Fish can now be caught.
Level 9: Robot Fish and Lobster can now be caught.
Level 10: Deathfish can now be caught.
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Fish at the Graveyard for the chance to catch the Deathfish, when at Level 10, or Vampire Fish at Level 8.
Rewards:
Amateur Ichthyologist: Catch one of each type of fish – helps your Sim catch bigger fish.
Commercial Fisherman: Catch 350 fish – allows for faster fishing.
Fish, Bait and Locations:
Here is a list of all the fish in the game, where to find them, and what bait they prefer. The Maximum Price is the
price given if the fish is caught at its heaviest possible weight – the actual price will frequently be considerably lower,
particularly with the rarer fish.
Minnow:
Rarity: Common
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Apple
Maximum Price: 11
Level Required: 0
Anchovy:
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Rarity: Common
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Tomato
Maximum Price: 11
Level Required: 0
Goldfish:
Rarity: Common
Location: Freshwater
Bait: Lettuce
Maximum Price: 16
Level Required: 1
Alley Catfish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Cheese
Maximum Price: 20
Level Required: 1
Jellyfish:
Rarity: Common
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Grapes
Maximum Price: 19
Level Required: 2
Rainbow Trout:
Rarity: Common
Bait: Eggs
Maximum Price: 18
Level Required: 2
Red Herring:
Rarity: Common
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Hot Dogs
Maximum Price: 5 (it is a Red Herring after all)
Level Required: 3
Tuna:
Rarity: Common
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Onion
Maximum Price: 25
Level Required: 3
Use bait to increase your chances of catching rarer fish.
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Piranha:
Rarity: Rare
Bait: Watermelon
Maximum Price: 30
Level Required: 4
Tragic Clownfish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Bell Pepper
Maximum Price: 32
Level Required: 4
Siamese Catfish:
Rarity: Common
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Minnow
Maximum Price: 41
Level Required: 5
Blowfish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Potato
Maximum Price: 47
Level Required: 5
Salmon:
Rarity: Common
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Lime
Maximum Price: 45
Level Required: 6
Black Goldfish:
Rarity: Common
Bait: Goldfish
Maximum Price: 49
Level Required: 6
Shark:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Red Herring
Maximum Price: 70
Level Required: 7
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Swordfish:
Rarity: Common
Location: Saltwater
Bait: Anchovy
Maximum Price: 60
Level Required: 7
Angelfish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Alley Catfish
Maximum Price: 85
Level Required: 8
Vampire Fish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Graveyard
Bait: Garlic
Maximum Price: 225
Level Required: 9
Robot Fish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Landgraab Science Facility
Bait: Piranha
Maximum Price: 275
Level Required: 9
Lobster:
Rarity: Common
Location: Anywhere
Bait: Tuna
Maximum Price: 120
Level Required: 9
Deathfish:
Rarity: Rare
Location: Graveyard (between 12AM and 5AM)
Bait: Angelfish
Maximum Price: 1,000
Level Required: 10
TIP: You can also use fish as decorative items, or, more unusually, as fertiliser for the garden.
TIP: Using bait increases your chances of catching fish. Using the favourite bait of each fish only helps things further!
Gardening
Acquire: To become a gardener you have to take a class (at the Langraab Industries Science Facility), read a book, or
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plant a seed.
Develop: Weed your plants as a Level 2 gardener and Fertilize them at Level 3 to ensure healthy and flourishing
flowers. Pottering around in the garden and reading plenty of plant books will boost your skill.
Levels:
Level 2: Your Sim can now use the Weed action to help keep plants clear.
Level 3: The Fertilize action is unlocked, which allows a Sim to boost a plant's growth.
You can find seeds dotted around Sunset Valley.
Level 5: Sims can now plant 'Uncommon Seeds', or rarer varieties of plant-life.
Level 6: The Revive Plant action is unlocked, which makes it possible to attempt to rescue a plant from the grave.
Level 7: Sims can now plant 'Rare Seeds', even rarer varieties of plant-life.
Level 8: A special opportunity presents itself at the Bistro.
Level 9: A special opportunity presents itself at the Bistro.
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Level 10: A special opportunity presents itself at the Bistro. The reward for completing all three of these opportunities
is the Omni Plant seeds.
Rewards:
Botanical Boss: Harvest 75 perfect fruit and veg – plants are less likely to die if you don't look after them.
Master Farmer: Harvest 650 fruit and veg – plants retain water and fertilizer for longer.
Master Planter: Plant every plant on offer – weeds are reduced on all new plants.
Plant the seeds in your home lot and water regularly, to see them grow.
TIP: Use the most effective fertilizer to maximise plant growth. In descending order they are Vampire Fish, Angelfish,
Lobster, Shark, Blowfish, Piranha, Siamese Catfish, Tragicv Clownfish, Red Herring, Life Fruit, Swordfish, Black
Goldfish, Salmon, Tuna, Jellyfish, Minnow, Flame Fruit, Garlic, Bell Pepper, Steak, Watermelon, Rainbow Trout,
Grapes, Lime, Apple, Potato, Onion, Tomato, Lettuce, Egg, Burger Patty, Cheese, Alley Catfish, Goldfish, and
Anchovy.
TIP: Sims who 'Love the Outdoors' will simply enjoy the giddy thrill of examining a growing specimen.
Guitar
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Acquire: Just buying a guitar and twanging around on it will develop the Guitar skill. You can, of course, also take a
class (at the Wilsonoff Community Theatre).
Develop: Once learnt, serenading your housemates and locals is the best way to improve the skill. Play at public
locations, and as you level up more songs can be learnt. The Perform skill unlocks at Level 5, making the music
enjoyable to listen to.
Purchase a Guitar in Buy Mode and begin learning the skill.
Levels:
Level 1: At least two new practice songs are learnt.
Level 5: Three new songs are learnt. Sims can also now use the Perform action, and the Serenade romantic action.
The Sheet Music Yes Ma'am, I Do, can also be purchased at this level.
Level 6: At least one new perfect song (the Sim will never fail while playing it) is learnt. Flamenco Fever can also be
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purchased as Sheet Music at this level.
Level 7: At least one new perfect song is learnt. A Perfect Moment can also be purchased as Sheet Music at this level.
Level 8: At least one new perfect song is learnt. Improvise Here and Now can also be purchased as Sheet Music at
this level.
Level 9: At least one new perfect song is learnt. Dream Escape can also be purchased as Sheet Music at this level.
Level 10: At least one new perfect song is learnt.
Rewards:
Guitar Star: Play at 10 public events – more tips can be earned performing.
Master Guitarist: Learn every song available – a new song is unlocked.
Money Maker: Earn 5,000 Simoleons in tips and fees – a new song is unlocked.
Put the Guitar in your Sim's inventory and play in public!
TIP: The tips from playing are nice, but once your Sim reaches a certain level of quality and renown as a guitar
player among the residents of Sunset Valley they may be asked to perform at parties and functions for big bucks.
TIP: Performing social interactions following a guitar song is a great way to start a conversation on the right foot.
Handiness
Acquire: As well as foolhardily attempting to repair a faulty household appliance, you can take a Handiness class (at
Fort Gnome Military Base), or read a book.
Develop: Tinkering, Repairing or Upgrading items will always improve your Sim's Handiness skill. Beware of
electrocution however! Once 10 electronic items have been successfully repaired, your Sim becomes an Electrician
and avoids the risks in the future.
Levels:
Level 3: The Upgrade action is unlocked. This allows objects to be improved (see below). The first type of upgrade is
Self Cleaning. At Level 3 the Dishwasher can be made quieter, the Doorbell sound changed, the Shower's heat
improved, the Stereo made louder and Window insulation improved (reducing bills).
Level 4: At Level 4, the Coffeemaker can be fitted with a timer (coffee is made automatically when your Sim wakes
up) and the Stove can be made fireproof.
Level 6: The Shower can be made to cause exhilaration, and the Trash Compactor's capacity can be improved. The
Television can have additional channels added. Sims can now use the Prevent Breakage upgrade to keep items from
breaking down.
Level 7: The Gas Fireplace can be made to start when a Sim enters, and the Stove can be made to produce better
quality food. The Television can have even more channels added.
Level 8: The Computer can get a graphics boost to make games more fun, while the Stereo can be improved in two
departments, to increase the mood boost Sims get from it, and to ensure the music of one Stereo can be heard all
over the house. The Television can have even more channels added.
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Level 9: The Grandfather clock can be made more valuable. The Television can have more additional channels
added.
Level 10: The Television can have the maximum number of additional channels added. Sims become members of a
guild and so receive a huge 25% discount in Build Mode.
Get to Level 3, and you can make that toilet self-cleaning!
Rewards:
Electrician: 10 Electrical Repairs – no risk of electrocution during handiwork.
Plumber: 10 Plumbing Repairs – no repaired plumbing objects will ever break again.
Tinkerer: 10 Unique Upgrades (one of each type e.g. Self-Cleaning, Unbreakable) – upgrades will never fail again.
TIP: All the upgrades have a risk of failure, which can end in electrocution, or damage to the object, until the
Tinkerer reward that is!
TIP: The more items are repaired the more likely they are to break in the future. Upgrading an item to Unbreakable
status is the only way to avoid this peril.
TIP: You can only have one upgrade per object running at once, so be sure to pick intelligently.
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Logic
Acquire: If you buy a chess set you can learn the Logic skill by just playing with it. Other ways to do it are taking a
class (at Langraab Industries Science Facility), reading a book, or using a telescope.
Develop: You can read Logic guidebooks, play Chess (there is a skill and a whole facet of the game centred on
Chess) or a Computer to further your Sim's Logic skill.
Levels:
Level 3: Sims can now use the Search Galaxy action with a Telescope. This can earn them some Simoleons
discovering new uncharted phenomena.
Level 5: Logicians can now use the Tutor action on Children and Teenagers. Sims can now also brag about their
Telescope.
Level 10: Sims can Tutor any aged Sims, but only up to their current level in the specific skill.
The Telescope is a great way to improve Logic.
Rewards:
Celestial Explorer: 20 Space Discoveries – can discuss space with acquaintances.
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Grand Master: Level 5 of the Chess ladder – anyone playing chess against your Sim will improve their Logic skill
twice as fast.
Skill Professor: 30 Hours Tutoring Time – others learn skills from your Sim twice as fast.
Teacher Extraordinaire: 20 Hours Tutoring Time - others learn skills from your Sim twice as fast.
TIP: Logic Sims can use the Solve the Unsolvable action with a Computer to earn some Simoleons on the side.
TIP: As your Sim improves their ability at Logic, it reduces the time necessary to rank up other skills.
Painting
Acquire: As you might expect, to learn the Painting skill, just buy an Easel and let it rip. You can also take a class (at
the Community School for the Gifted).
Develop: A Sim moves from Dabble, to Practice, and then to Paint as they progress through the Painting skill. Just
using the easel is enough to move through the ranks.
Levels:
Level 1: The Practice action is now available, allowing Sims to pick the canvas size.
Level 5: The Paint action replaces Practice, allowing Sims to earn money from their pictures. Sims can now also use
the Paint Still Life action, allowing them to paint what they see in front of them. A Sim's paintings now also increase
in value over time.
Level 6: 'Brilliant' Paintings can now be crafted, earning even more money or providing greater environmental
boons.
Level 7: Sims can now use the Paint Portrait action, where any Sim picked can be chosen for a portrait.
Level 8: Your Sim can now use the Paint Memorised Scene action to reproduce a mobile phone image taken in the
game on canvas.
Level 9: Sims can now paint 'Masterpiece' Paintings, earning even more money or providing greater environmental
boons.
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Buy an easel and start painting those masterpieces!
Rewards:
Brushmaster: 35 Paintings – painting speed is significantly increased.
Master Painter: 5 Masterpiece Paintings – dramatically increases the value of your Sim's paintings.
Proficient Painter: 6 Brilliant Paintings – increases the number of Brilliant and Masterpiece paintings produced.
TIP: Paintings can be used to beautify your home, not just for cash.
TIP: When a Sim dies, their artwork is more appreciated and thus more valuable.
Writing
Acquire: For writing, anyone can develop the skill on their computer. There is also a class, and a book teaching you
the basics.
Develop: Refining their Writing skill at the Computer is a great way to develop a Sim's literary prowess. They can
also read books on Writing to improve themselves.
Writing a novel is a long-term project – thankfully the game allows you to continue it after a break!
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Levels:
Level 1: Science Fiction books can now be written.
Level 2: Novels can now be written using the appropriate action through the Computer. Comedy books can be
written by Sims with the Good Sense of Humour Trait. Trashy Novels can also now be crafted.
Level 3: Drama novels and Children's books can now be written (Sims need Level 6 of the Painting Skill to write
Children's books).
Level 5: Sims with the Hopeless Romantic Trait can now write Romance novels. Comedy books can now be written
by any Sim.
Level 6: Historical Novels can now be written.
Level 8: Mystery Novels can now be written.
Level 10: Romance Novels can now be written by any Sim. Masterpiece novels can now also be produced.
Rewards:
Prolific Writer: 20 books written - more successful and popular books produced.
Specialist Writer: 5 Novels in one Genre – more successful and popular books produced in this genre.
Speed Writer: 15,000 Simoleons in Royalties – writing speed is dramatically increased.
TIP: Potentially great novels can generate a steady flow of income from royalties. A novel can be written by using the
Write Novel interaction at the Computer. They can then come back to it and continue writing whenever they have
free time.
TIP: More royalties are accrued by Sims with a higher Writing level, and depending on the popularity of the genre
i.e. the saturation of the market in that area. Your Sim's book may even appear in the local bookstore!
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Skill Journal
Use the game's Skill Journal to keep track of how far your Sims are from the next level in a skill, and what they can
do to get there. It will also give you titbits about the other side of skills – such as rewards, additional details and so
on.
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Careers Introduction
There is a wealth of careers for Sims to take up in Sunset Valley. Many are closely related to particular traits. Some
are more profitable than others, while a select few allow creatively-minded Sims to really express themselves. A list
of all the full-time jobs can be seen below, along with the hours Sims are required to work at them, the wages,
pension payments, and various tips about the job.
This section isbroken down into full-time jobs, pàrt time-jobs, general careers tips and retirement.
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Full-Time Jobs
Business
Basics: The Business career may sound a bit generic, but in fact, it can be quite addictive to work your way up
through the office based environment. It is a cut-throat career to follow, with plenty of sucking-up to bosses and hard
work required to advance.
Location: Doo Peas Corporate Towers.
Doo Peas is home to two career-lines.
Levels:
Level 1: Coffee Courier – 800 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Filing Clerk – 1,040 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Report Processor – 1,355 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 4: Corporate Drone – 1,765 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 5: Department Head – 2,650 Simoleons per week – 130 Pension.
Level 6: Division Manager – 3,445 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 7: Vice President – 4,480 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
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Level 8: CEO – 5,736 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.
Level 9: Venture Capitalist – 6,884 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.
Level 10: Power Broker – 2,841 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.
Hours:
Levels 1-4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Level 8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-14:00
Level 10: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 08:00-11:00
Take the opportunities when they come up to progress.
Key Skills:
You need a good relationship with bosses and a regular positive mood. No specific skills are necessary to succeed in
business.
TIP: In the Business career, you are given control over meetings once a certain level is reached. This means you are
often forced to spend time outside working hours trying to impress your superiors. Once the Power Broker level is
reached, you work hardly any hours, but can schedule meetings for big bucks on top of your weekly wage.
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TIP: To improve your relationship with your superiors, try the Suck Up To Boss action while at work; note, however,
that this will decrease your relationships with co-workers. If in a good mood, the Power Work action will add much
to your chances of earning a promotion – just make sure it doesn't come at the expense of your stress levels or work
performance will drop.
Criminal
Basics: This is a fun career for many players of The Sims, especially those with Sims bearing Traits such as Evil.
Surprisingly, you can apply for a 'job' as a criminal by answering an advert in the newspaper or indeed on a
Computer.
Location: Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp.
Levels:
Level 1: Decoy – 500 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Cutpurse – 700 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Thug – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Getaway Driver – 1,200 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 5: Bagman – 1,550 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 6: ConArtist – 1,875 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
The Criminal Career then splits into two paths, Thief and Evil:
Thief:
Level 1: Safe Cracker – 2,400 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 2: Bank Robber – 2,440 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Cat Burglar – 3,600 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 4: Master Thief – 8,400 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.
Evil:
Level 1: Henchman – 3,250 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 2: Evil Sidekick – 3,400 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 3: Super Villain – 4,800 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 4: Emperor of Evil – 6,300 Simoleons per week – 300 Pension.
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There are lots of options for fulfillment in the Criminal career.
Hours:
Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00-16:00
Thief Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-02:00
Thief Level 2: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-02:00
Thief Levels 3-4: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 21:00-01:00
Evil Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-03:00
Evil Level 2: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-03:00
Evil Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 21:00-02:00
Evil Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 21:00-02:00
Key Skills:
Criminals need the Athletic skills to acquire promotions. There is also the usual good mood needed on a regular
basis.
TIP: The key to succeeding as a criminal is making friends in the industry. Use the Meet Accomplices and Conspire
With Accomplices actions while at work to build these relationships and help earn promotions.
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TIP: In the Thief branch of the Criminal career, Sims can use the Sneak action. This allows them to enter other Sims'
homes without them waking up! If you do get caught however (watch out for burglar alarms!), you do have to go to
jail for a period.
TIP: Those who are truly evil (i.e. Emperors of Evil!) will scare off anyone with cowardly traits! This may not be
useful, but it's particularly cool.
Culinary
Basics: As well as having an extensive skill-tree relating to Cooking, Sims who love food can adopt a career in this
area.
Location: Little Corsican Bistro or Hogan's Deep-Fat Diner.
Pick your favourite of the two eateries for your place of work.
Levels:
Level 1: Kitchen Scullion – 740 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Spice Runner – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Vegetable Slicer – 1,150 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 4: Ingredient Taster – 1,400 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: Line Cook – 2,300 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
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Level 6: Pastry Chef – 2,950 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 7: Sous Chef – 2,720 Simoleons per week – 130 Pension.
Level 8: Executive Chef – 3,000 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 9: Chef de Cuisine – 3,015 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 10: Five-Star Chef – 4,200 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Hours:
Level 7: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:30
Level 8: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:00
Level 9: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-20:00
Level 10: Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 15:00-19:00
Key Skills:
As you might expect, improving your Sim's cooking skill is the main goal of this career. Bear in mind that you can do
it while working, using the Practice Cooking action.
Sims can use Practice Cooking to level up the Cooking Skill while at work.
TIP: From Level 4 onwards Sims can bring home food from work. It's usually pretty good, so will be appreciated by
everyone in the household.
TIP: Level 7 and over Sims get a discount on eating at the restaurants.
TIP: Level 10 Culinary Sims receive the Master Chef Fridge, which provides superb ingredients and is pretty much
the best piece of kit a kitchen can have.
Journalism
Basics: Like the culinary career path, Sims hoping to become journalists also frequently practice in their spare time
and have honed their creative skills using a Computer.
Location: Doo Peas Corporate Towers.
Levels:
Level 1: Paper Boy – 1,125 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Automated Spell-Checker Checker – 1,295 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Freelance Writer – 1,490 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 4: Professional Blogger – 1,505 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Anonymous Source Handler – 2,410 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 6: Investigative Reporter – 2,508 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 7: Weather Man – 3,012 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 8: Lead Reporter – 3,768 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 9: Editor-In-Chief – 4,712 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 10: Star News Anchor – 6,128 Simoleons per week – 300 Pension.
Hours:
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-12:00
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Levels 6-9: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-13:00
Level 10: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 08:00-12:00
Sims in the Journalism career need to interview fellow Sims and write news reports on them – try to get the
interviewee on side first with some flattery.
Key Skills:
Both Writing and Charisma are important skills for earning promotions as a journalist. Sims can use the Practice
Writing action while at work to level up the Writing skill as they go.
TIP: Sims in the Journalism career must write articles and reviews on their computer at home – outside of work hours!
This is required for promotions, and requires interviewing Sims around Sunset Valley or attending certain events for
reviews.
TIP: At Level 10 your Sim can brag about a news story in conversation.
Law Enforcement
Basics: The antithesis of the Criminal career, the Law Enforcement occupation is one for good-hearted and brave
Sims, seeking to make a difference (a positive one) in Sunset Valley.
Location: Sunset Valley Police Department.
Levels:
Level 1: Snitch – 1,175 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Desk Jockey – 1,390 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Traffic Cop – 1,645 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 4: Patrol Officer – 1,945 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 5: Lieutenant – 2,300 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
The Law Enforcement Career then splits into two paths, Forensics and Special Agent:
Forensics:
Level 1: Wiretap Reader – 4,025 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 2: Crime Scene Technician – 4,750 Simoleons per week – 230 Pension.
Level 3: Sketch Artist – 4,484 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 4: 3D Crime Scene Modeller – 5.292 Simoleons per week – 260 Pension.
Level 5: DNA Suspect Reconstruction Simulator – 7,940 Simoleons per week – 380 Pension.
Special Agent:
Level 1: Vice Squad – 2,760 Simoleons – 140 Pension.
Level 2: Undercover Specialist – 3,260 Simoleons – 160 Pension.
Level 3: Special Agent – 3,858 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 4: Triple Agent – 4,544 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 5: International Super Spy – 6,816 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.
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The life of a cop can be very rewarding.
Key Skills:
You need the Logic skill as a given, but once the career splits in two you require either the Painting skill (for
Forensics) or the Athletic skill (for Special Agent) in order to seriously progress.
TIP: Sims at Level 3 in the overall Law Enforcement career can catch burglars.
TIP: Earlier on in the career you need to build a strong relationship with your partner on the beat. Use the Chat With
Partner action to accomplish this.
TIP: Law Enforcement Sims can search through other Sims' rubbish to gather information. They can also interview
other Sims with the same result.
TIP: Special Agents can use the Raid Warehouse action to search the Outstanding Citizen Warehouse Corp. (at Level
5) to earn some money and kudos on the side, while Forensic Sims get their own Laptop and can use the Run
Analysis action to earn some cash too.
Medical
Basics: Busy, stressful, but making a huge difference to the lives of everyone in Sunset Valley, those willing to follow
medicine will have to devote their life to the profession – the rewards are there to be had, however.
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Location: Sacred Spleen Memorial Hospital.
Levels:
Level 1: Organ Donor – 640 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Bed Pan Cleaner – 750 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Paramedic – 950 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Medical Intern – 1,650 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Resident – 3,500 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 6: Trauma Surgeon – 4,050 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 7: Gene Therapist – 3,840 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 8: Infectious Disease Researcher – 4,200 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 9: Neurosurgeon – 7,200 Simoleons per week – 350 Pension.
Level 10: Deadly Disease Specialist – 9,600 Simoleons per week – 460 Pension.
Hours:
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:00
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Sometimes you are given books to read in order to get a promotion at work or to impress the boss.
Key Skills:
Logic is key for Medical Sims, but equally important is keeping stress down despite the long hours. The Sleep in
Ready Room and Watch TV in Ready Room actions can both help your Sim relax at work.
TIP: From Level 4 onwards your Sim has a pager and can be called into work at any time. It's a very stressful career,
but the final rewards are huge.
TIP: At Level 10, you get the Play Golf action, which actually lets your Sim have fun while at work!
Military
Basics: While not as rigorous as life in the army outside of The Sims, working in the Military career line requires
fitness and skill at mechanics.
Location: Fort Gnome Military Base.
Levels:
Level 1: Latrine Cleaner – 1,120 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 2: Grease Monkey – 1,400 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
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Level 3: Grunt – 1,540 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
Level 4: Squad Leader – 1,965 Simoleons per week – 150 Pension.
Level 5: Flight Officer – 2,262 Simoleons per week – 170 Pension.
Level 6: Wing Man – 2,604 Simoleons per week – 190 Pension.
Level 7: Fighter Pilot – 2,997 Simoleons per week – 220 Pension.
Level 8: Squadron Leader – 3,447 Simoleons per week – 250 Pension.
Level 9: Top Gun – 3,966 Simoleons per week – 290 Pension.
Level 10: Astronaut – 6,000 Simoleons per week – 430 Pension.
Hours:
Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-14:00
Levels 2-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-15:00
Levels 4-5: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-14:00
Level 9: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 07:00-13:00
Level 10: Monday, 07:00-01:00 (18 hours!)
The military base can be an exciting place.
Key Skills:
Sims need the Athletic and Handiness skills to move through the Military ranks.
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TIP: At the highest levels of the Military career random Sims will salute you around the town.
TIP: Show Sim the Jet and Show Sim the Spaceship actions unlock along the way, which allow your Sim to impress
dates.
Music
Basics: One of many artistic careers in The Sims 3, the life of a professional musician involves working in a
structured environment, as opposed to the busking and house-parties of a hobbyist.
Location: Wilsonoff Community Theater.
Levels:
Level 1: Fan – 625 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Roadie – 740 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 3: Stagehand – 875 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 4: Band Manager – 1,315 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: Music Talent Scout – 1,244 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
The Music Career then splits into two paths, Rock and Symphony:
Rock:
Level 1: Lyricist – 1,932 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 2: Backup Vocalist – 2,512 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Lead Guitarist – 2,451 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 4: Pop Icon – 3,432 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 5: Rock Star – None – 350 Pension.
Symphony:
Level 1: Quartet Member – 1,868 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 2: Orchestra Seat – 2,432 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 3: Orchestra Lead – 3,164 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 4: Conductor – 4,116 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 5: Hit Movie Composer – 7,204 Simoleons per week – 350 Pension.
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Join the music career at the theatre.
Hours:
Levels 1-2: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Level 3: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 16:00-22:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 16:00-21:30
Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 17:00-22:30
Rock Level 1: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 18:00-23:00
Rock Level 2: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 19:00-24:00
Rock Level 3: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 20:00-00:30
Rock Level 4: Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 21:00-01:00
Rock Level 5: None
Symphony Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:30
Symphony Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:00
Symphony Level 5: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 13:00-18:00
You need to make sure your Sim is decent at the Guitar skill before trying to make it as a musician, for fairly obvious
reasons. In the Symphonic branch you also need to level up your Logic skill to progress. You can use the Study
Music Theory action while at work to improve both of these.
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TIP: Once you embark on the Rock branch you can hold concerts at the theatre and stadium (when you interact with
it). Use the Practice Performance action while at work to prepare in advance and make the performance go better.
TIP: As a Rock Star, Sims don't have to work if they don't want to. Holding concerts and autograph sessions is the
chief money-making asset here.
TIP: Symphonic-branch Sims get a new stereo for the house at Level 5, as well as free entry to the theatre at Level 3.
Politics
Basics: The main skill involved in politics is Charisma. Convincing other Sims of your own ability to lead is integral
in advancing through the political ranks. Some don't like politicians, and it will be your duty to drum up support
ahead of important campaigns.
Location: Sunset Valley City Hall.
Levels:
Level 1: Podium Polisher – 700 Simoleons per week – 40 Pension.
Level 2: Ballot Counter – 925 Simoleons per week – 50 Pension.
Level 3: Campaign Intern – 1,150 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 4: Yes-Man – 1,350 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 5: City Council Member – 1,875 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 6: Local Representative – 2,000 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 7: Mayor – 2,600 Simoleons per week – 130Pension.
Level 8: Governor – 3,200 Simoleons per week – 160 Pension.
Level 9: Vice President – 3,600 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 10: Leader of the Free World – 5,700 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.
Hours:
Level 6: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:30
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Charisma is the key skill of the politician.
Key Skills:
Politicians need Charisma as well as plenty of energy with all the campaigning that takes place.
TIP: Be sure to use the Ask For Campaign Donation once at Level 5 in order to gain future promotions. You can also
throw campaign parties to get donations too.
TIP: At certain points throughout the career you will be offered the chance to take a bribe or be corrupt. If you are
caught then your career as a politician is over.
TIP: At the highest level, other Sims are inspired and will wave at you if they spot you.
Professional Sports
Basics: For Sims well versed or interested in developing the Athletics skill, a career in Professional Sports is the best
bet. A legion of adoring fans is just one of the perks for those who succeed in this career.
Location: Llama Memorial Stadium.
Levels:
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Level 1: Rabid Fan – 375 Simoleons per week – 30 Pension.
Level 2: Snack Hawker – 750 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 3: Toddler Sports Coach – 975 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 4: Minor Leaguer – 1,016 Simoleons per week – 80 Pension.
Level 5: Rookie – 1,524 Simoleons per week – 110 Pension.
Level 6: Starter – 2,668 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 7: AllStar – 3,204 Simoleons per week – 230Pension.
Level 8: MVP – 3,838 Simoleons per week – 280 Pension.
Level 9: Superstar – 4,620 Simoleons per week – 330 Pension.
Level 10: Sports Legend – 5,544 Simoleons per week – 400 Pension.
As well as concerts and sports matches, you can start a career in Professional Sports via the Llama Memorial Stadium.
Hours:
Levels 1-3: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Level 4: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-21:00
Levels 5-6: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-20:00
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-19:00
Levels 9-10: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 15:00-18:00
Key Skills:
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The Athletic skill is obviously the main one here. Sims can use the Work Out In Gym action to improve it while they
are at work.
TIP: At Level 5 Sims start playing matches in their sport and must maintain a decent win-loss record to get future
promotions. Improving the Athletic skill and using the Prepare For Game action both increase the chance of
winning.
TIP: At Level 10 Sims can hold autograph and sponsorship sessions for some cash on the side.
Science
Basics: Up there with the Medicine career for real intellectuals, the Science career is a more structured alternative.
As a result however, the rewards are not so great.
Location: Langraab Industries Science Facilities
Levels:
Level 1: Test Subject – 1,200 Simoleons per week – 60 Pension.
Level 2: Lab Tech – 1,440 Simoleons per week – 70 Pension.
Level 3: Useless Contraption Manipulator – 1,730 Simoleons per week – 90 Pension.
Level 4: Fertilizer Analyst – 1,940 Simoleons per week – 100 Pension.
Level 5: Carnivorous Plant Tender – 2,328 Simoleons per week – 120 Pension.
Level 6: Aquatic Ecosystem Tweaker – 2,796 Simoleons per week – 140 Pension.
Level 7: Genetic Resequencer – 3,356 Simoleons per week – 160Pension.
Level 8: Top Secret Researcher – 4,028 Simoleons per week – 200 Pension.
Level 9: Creature-Robot Cross Breeder – 3,627 Simoleons per week – 180 Pension.
Level 10: Mad Scientist – 5,442 Simoleons per week – 260 Pension.
Hours:
Level 4-6: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-14:00
Levels 7-8: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 09:00-13:30
Levels 9-10: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 09:00-13:30
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Langraab Industries is the place to go for the science career.
Key Skills:
Surprisingly, the Gardening, Handiness and Fishing skills (the latter two come later, however) are required to reach
the top of the Science career.
TIP: Use the Do Independent Experiment action to help get promotions as quickly as possible.
TIP: At Level 10, Sims can use the Do Science action on objects. This works like upgrading an item through
Handiness (though with different results), and can have positive or negative effects depending on the action's
success.
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Part-Time Jobs
There are also a good number of part-time jobs in Sunset Valley. Similarly to full-time positions, Sims can get
promotions and earn a maximum of 1,315 Simoleons per week in these jobs – not bad!
All the jobs start in the afternoon, either at 3pm, 4pm, or 6pm, and last for 3 hours each – making them perfect for
youngsters. The hours and days don't get longer with promotions, so don't feel afraid to aim high. Each of the
locations below has three promotions.
Divisadero Budget Books
Pleasant Rest Cemetery
EverFresh Delights Supermarket
Sharma Day Spa (there are two jobs here)
Getting a part-time job is a great way to earn some cash while leaving plenty of time for personal development.
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Career Tips and Retirement
General Career Tips
To do well at work, your Sims need to be in a good mood every day and use the hard working actions whenever
possible. Occasionally opportunities will present themselves for advancement, and these should be taken at every
chance. There are also random encounters, such as a bad or good event taking place at work.
Retirement
Your Sims can retire from work when they reach a certain age – complete with a pension (even as a Criminal,
bizarrely!).
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Relationships
Every single person in Sunset Valley has their own unique character. You can befriend them, fall out with them, or
use them to help get you through each day. They may be a mechanic, your boss, or just the guy who sells you
tomatoes at the grocers. Relationships, no matter how trivial they may seem initially, can flourish into meaningful
and very personal bonds. Or, the guy who sells you tomatoes could just stay as a guy who sells you tomatoes. The
world is your oyster. There are many reasons for investing some time in learning the best ways to succeed in
relationships in the Sims, as well as the skills required to do so most easily. From the first time you set eyes on
someone, a slider is created – get to the end, and you've got yourself a love interest. Go too far in the other direction
and it could be an enemy for life.
Below are all the different stages you can reach on the slider:
Enemy
Old Enemies
Disliked
Stranger
Acquaintance
Ex-Spouse
Ex
Distant Friend
Friend
Good Friend
Best Friend
Best Friends Forever
Romantic Interest
Partner
Fiance
Spouse
Most of these are self-explanatory. Some depend on certain conditions being fulfilled (such as having a divorce with
the person, or an engagement). Others just vary based on the quality of your relationship. After each day that passes
without some sort of relationship building, the slider will move towards the middle. So, for example, if you are trying
to maintain a negative relationship with one of your Sim's enemies, ignoring them for a week will actually improve
your relationship; they'll eventually end up as your Acquaintance again. The same goes for Friend – don't pay them
enough attention and they'll stop considering you as their chum.
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The game provides lots of information regarding relationships (using the Relationships tab at the bottom right of the
screen).
Conversations
Every conversation is a social interaction that could start a new blossoming relationship, or, in some cases, even lose
your Sim their job! The extremes of socialising in the Sims 3 are stark. Each Trait that your Sim possesses effects
what they will talk about in conversation (as indicated by the little icons that pop up above their heads). Skills too
allow for new conversation interactions. Picking the right thing to say obviously has a big effect on what is said and
how the target Sim will react to it. You can pick for your Sim to talk about an interest, such as Books or Art. They
could Flirt, or tell a joke. Conversations are a tricky balancing act and the personality of the target Sim is even more
important than that of your own – putting on a different face for different Sims will be crucial, particularly for Sims
whose jobs require strong relationships.
If, for example, you tell a Joke to a Sim who has no sense of humour, the result is clear. Some Sims hate being flirted
at, while others lap it up. Some are obvious and do not vary, while others certainly depend on who you are talking
to.
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Conversation options depend completely on your Sim's traits and skills.
Look out for a Sim's reaction to the conversation path that you have picked. Usually you just won't get the symbol to
show that you have improved a relationship if they are a touch incompatible with your line of enquiry. Persist
though, and they will get bored and it will negatively affect your relationship. You can basically try everything once
to boost a relationship, and when something works, don't be afraid to keep at it for a while. You will see the
'So-and-so thinks this Sim is boring' text in the top left hand corner of the screen – at which point you should
probably change tact.
Making Friends
As mentioned above, the foolproof and easiest (though fairly laborious) way to make friends is to find someone you
like the look of, and try every possible conversation branch (only the positive ones!). Use common sense. If your Sim
is interested in books, try to talk to people outside the bookstore or in the library – and talk to them about books if
you have the option!
Making Enemies
Winding people up in Sunset Valley is both satisfying and easy. The actions you need to take are fairly
commonsensical, and you get the bold red minus signs above both Sims' heads when you're doing it right. There is
little to be gained from having enemies, except for the fun of annoying people in a virtual game!
A double-team effort to make a new enemy. You can even have a physical fight – just make sure your Sim wins...
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Why Relationships are Important
Unless your Sim has specific traits, such as being a Loner, they will get a great deal of happiness from their friends.
Keeping on the good side of co-workers and bosses is vital for advancing in most careers too.
TIP: You can have too many options on the interaction menu – this will remove some of the less important ones
(often moving them to a 'More' option in the menu). The fact that the game willingly does this perhaps shows you
how little they really matter: most do a very similar job to the rest.
TIP: Keep an eye out for the Trait icons on the conversation actions. These show you that something your Sim is
interested in has contributed to the option, and is often a good choice to further a relationship.
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Families
Introduction
Starting a family in The Sims 3 is still a pretty easy thing to do. Pick your Sim and chat them up, using the guide
above. It will probably take a few days to really get them on-side, but you shouldn't feel you have to wait too long
before making any serious commitments – things move a lot faster in the game than in real life! It is possible to get
along with most Sims in the game, regardless of personal differences – as long as you avoid offending them.
Of course, you can create a family when you first start the game, but sowing the seeds of a great family dynasty in
the game is by far the most interesting way to go about it. To show that you are serious about a relationship, use the
romantic conversation actions to progress.
Building up a steamy relationship is crucial if you hope to start a family.
Both of these can nudge your relationship into the world of romance, as opposed to the doldrums of friendship. If
your Sim is rejected, change the subject and give romance with the target a miss for a while – they can start to think
your Sim is a stalker if you persist for too long! Friendships can take a real hit if you don't accept how the other
person feels early enough. Sure, you can try again, just not right away.
Once the relationship reaches the romantic stage, use more compliments, hugs and kisses to move it onto the next
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level: Love.
Use the Propose Going Steady action to make you and your love interest partners. At this stage, such a move rarely
fails – just make sure you are on a role with romantic actions in the conversation before attempting it.
You can then Propose Marriage, and either Have Private Marriage (use the action on your partner) or Get Married
(while at a party you have thrown) to make it official.
Having Children:
The best indicator that both parties want to have children come with Wishes – they'll tell you they want children.
You can of course set it in motion as soon as the Try For Baby action appears in the menu (once one Sim thinks the
other is Irresistible (in the top-left corner, Try for Baby and WooHoo actions open up). After this is complete, you will
then (if successful, as indicated by a positive noise shortly afterwards) have to deal with pregnancy for a few days.
TIP: Having problems conceiving? There is a Fertility Lifetime Reward that you can buy from the Lifetime Rewards
menu. This increases the chance of conception and of having twins or triplets.
Like in real life, pregnant Sims are prone to mood swings, depression, ecstasy and physical changes in their
appearance.
Pregnancy Tips:
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While much of what happens during the pregnancy, such as the number of children (i.e. twins or triplets), the traits
of the baby and its gender are down to chance, there are some things you can do during the pregnancy to swing fate
in your favour.
Twins and Triplets: Listen to children's radio and watch children's TV.
Boy or Girl: Eating lots of apples boosts your chances of having a boy, whereas watermelon does the same for girls.
Traits: Keeping the mother happy and reading the pregnancy books available at Divisadero Books (the mother and
father may have wishes to read these too) allows you to pick the traits at birth. Depending on how well the
pregnancy went, you can pick both, one, or none of the traits. Disastrous pregnancies will lead to negative traits
being picked by the evil computer.
Having a baby may only take a few days in The Sims 3, but the experience will stay with your Sims for the rest of
their lives – and the nature of the pregnancy will stay with the child.
TIP: Sims in the Medical profession can offer advice to mothers-to-be to help it all go more smoothly.
TIP: You can also adopt babies, children and teens in The Sims 3. Select the Adoption Service from the telephone's
Services menu to start this off.
Age Transitions
Baby
Babies are pretty easy to look after in The Sims 3. The hardest thing is trying to keep your adult Sims happy while
being woken up at very inconvenient times every night. Make sure you put the baby to sleep when it's tired, change
it when it's dirty, and feed it when it's hungry. There is little else to worry about at this stage – babies can't really do
much in The Sims 3, though you can play with it and give it attention.
TIP: Don't ignore your baby or the Social Worker may come round – they can even take your baby away!
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The age transition from baby to toddler is one of The Sims 3's most remarkable moments.
Toddler
Toddler is the first really crucial stage in a child's development. As they can crawl around, toys come into play and
can keep toddlers amused for hours. The main things you need to worry about at this point are:
Teaching your child to walk
Teaching your child to talk
Teach your child to use the potty
All three of these can be achieved using actions while interacting with your child. Unlike babies however, they do
care about how much fun they are having – so make sure you buy them enough toys and give them plenty of
attention.
The reason teaching toddlers the crucial life skills is so important is because it allows you to pick their third trait (the
other two are picked depending on how well the pregnancy went, at birth). If you fail to teach the skills to your
child, the chances are this third trait (which is then picked automatically), will be negative. Buy the First Step Potty
Chair to allow potty training to take place.
TIP: Other Sims seem to enjoy interacting with toddlers as much as the child enjoys the attention!
Teaching a toddler the basics of life is absolutely essential for their success later on in life.
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Child
School comes into play during the Child stage, and a parent's interactions begin to have a much greater effect on the
child. Ensuring that your child does their homework allows them to get an A at school, and such high achievers can
then pick their next Trait when the age transition occurs.
Children can now also make real friends. They can leave the house to visit friends, other lots, and of course school,
and are able to look after themselves to a good degree. Children can also learn the Fishing and Painting skills.
TIP: Every stage in development is crucial to building up a healthy relationship with their parents.
Teen
The most unpredictable age, as many will attest to, teenagers in the Sims can take part-time jobs as well as suffering
from all the responsibilities of a child at school. They can also learn all the skills in the game. Teenagers can have
romantic relationships, though only to a certain extent. Once again, grades must be kept high to achieve the final
trait choice.
TIP: A teen's rebellious streak can be nurtured by keeping them out after the 23:00 curfew.
Children and teenagers both have the responsibilities of school to deal with.
School
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Teenagers are in school for one hour less than children, finishing at 14:00, making more time for the important
part-time jobs and socialising. Students can also work on their homework at school, sleep in class and make friends
while at school. By far the best way to get good grades, however, is to Work Hard and do homework at home and
on time!
Children and teenagers can also get detention from cheating on homework or sleeping in class!
Much like jobs, children can receive and make the most of various opportunities at school.
Keep the good grades up and the child can make it onto the Honor Roll (three days of straight As). Doing homework
every night using the book in the child's inventory is the biggest contributor to good grades. Failing to do so will see
grades drop. Adults can also help children with their homework, and those with the Logic skill complete it quicker. If
the development of your child was good, they will often do the homework voluntarily. Trying to get a disobedient
child to do so is a great deal more difficult!
Young Adult and Adult:
Basically everything in this guide thus far is relevant to adults. There is nothing they can't do, but preparing for old
age should be a goal after the Young Adult stage has been passed. Ensuring your Sim has a good pension, a
supportive family and a good quality of life are all crucial for the next transition.
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Retirement gives Elders the chance to appreciate the finer things in life.
Elder
Surprisingly, Elder Sims can do everything that adults can, including careers – so you haven't lost your chance to
achieve that Lifetime Wish for your Sim once they reach this stage.
TIP: Use Life Fruits (eat them), Ambrosia (eat it) and Death Blossoms (keep it in your inventory to give to the Grim
Reaper) to help keep away from death's door for a little longer.
Death is, naturally, the final stage of life, even in The Sims 3.
TIP: Change the aging speed in the game's menu to make each of these last much longer. Sometimes things move a
little too quickly at the default speed to really enjoy.
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The Sims 3 Guide
The Sims 3 Community Introduction
The Sims 3 contains many extras outside of the main game as part of a package designed to entice gamers away
from piracy. Once you register your copy of The Sims 3, as well as getting a new town, Riverview, you will also
receive £6/$10 worth of Sims Points to spend in EA's store. The only way to officially download new items for the
game is in this store, while you can use the Exchange to get alternative versions of the standard in-game items that
other gamers have created using Create-A-Style.
Also on The Sims 3 website are facilities for blogging, video and screenshot upload, and generally a Sims 3 version
of Facebook!
Finally, and unofficially, you can use a 'hack' to allow player-created items into the game. This means completely
unique items in all shapes and sizes can be made and put into the game.
All these options will be explored in this guide.
TheSims3.com
The Sims 3 website has four crucial areas. These are My Page, Exchange, Store, and Movies & More. Each of these
can provide new content, information and extra longevity to The Sims 3, so getting to know them and how to best
make use of them is key. Exchange and Store involve getting new or altered items into your game, while My Page
and Movies & More are related to the community side of things. We'll look at each one and how to best make use of
it from hereon in.
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The Sims 3 Guide - Mod Guide
My Page
The My Page section of the Sims 3 website is basically the hub for all your activities relating to the game. Much of it
is community based, and does not generally add any life to the game itself. Here is a list of the options available on
'Your Page', and what they all provide:
Edit Avatar: Like a forum signature, this allows you to choose an image to represent yourself – shown to other
gamers.
Edit Traits: You can choose some traits for yourself from the same list as in the game itself. You can pick up to five.
Redeem Free SimPoints: If you haven't done so already, use this link to get your £6 worth of free points to spend
on in-game items!
My Studio: This shows all the custom content you have uploaded to The Sims 3.com. If you access My Studio (use
the link that appears when you rollover My Page at the top of the page), you can see all the items from the Exchange,
all your Media, and all your Movies and Stories.
My Friends: You can add other Sims users to your Page to keep track of them – just go to their profile and click 'Add
as Friend'. If you access My Friends (use the link that appears when you rollover My Page at the top of the page), you
can see all your friends listed. Use the site search to look for a Member you might know to add as a Friend.
My Favourites: This section shows any items that you have shown a particular interest in. A bit like Friends, find the
item and click 'Add to Favourites'. If you access My Favourites (use the link that appears when you rollover My Page
at the top of the page), you can see a list of all your 'Favourited' items.
My Messages: This area gives you any messages other users or the Sims administration have sent you. If you access
My Messages (use the link that appears when you rollover My Page at the top of the page), you can see any new
messages.
About Me: Here all of your games are listed – for many it will just be The Sims 3.
My Story: If this is blank, you can click the 'Edit' link to add to your 'Story'. In effect, this is just a personal profile.
My Blog: You will notice a tab next to My Story called My Blog. This is where you can provide a narrative, opinions
and musings on The Sims 3 – keeping other gamers in touch with your goings on in game and online. Click on New
Blog Post to add to the list. You can also edit and delete them later.
My Account and Settings: If you access My Account (use the link that appears when you rollover My Page at the
top of the page), you can see how much space you have left to upload items to The Sims 3.com, as well as allowing
you to Edit Account Info, change your Site Preferences, Register a Game, and see your Store Account Info.
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Exchange
The Exchange is full of items that are in the main Sims 3 game, but have been customised by players. You can use
Create-a-Style to fine tune many aspects of the game's items, though nothing in the Exchange is actually unique or
hand crafted – you could create the same item using the in-game tools. Nonetheless, it's a nice feature to get some
attractive items from skilled creators. Perhaps its chief advantage is for getting brilliantly-designed houses and
celebrity look-alike Sims!
Main: This page lists all the highlights from The Sims 3 Exchange.
Objects: Using this link allows you to search for a Buy or Build Mode object of your choice. You can either use the
search box provided or check the box in the Build or Buy category and pick from the list. There is also an Advanced
Search mode, though this is hardly more advanced – you can however choose to allow objects in any language,
which broadens your possibilities.
Sims: Much like the Objects tab, here you can search using keywords or specify Age, Gender, Skin, Weight and
Build parameters to pick from. Again, advanced options are available. Try searching for your favourite celebrity –
chances are someone has created them and uploaded the Sim for everyone else to use!
Lots: This is perhaps the most useful part of the Exchange, as creating detailed and impressive houses is both difficult
and time consuming. You can select the type of Lot (Commercial or Residential), the Number of Residents and the
Size of the Lot. Some of the Commercial lots are just mind-blowing – it really will inspire you to experiment with the
game more than before.
TIP: You will probably have to make space in your town for any new lots, so consider that when making your
choice.
Households: This is a collection of Sims, complete with stories to go with them. You can pick the number of Sims in
the household as well as the funds available to them. In effect you are downloading scenarios to make your game
more interesting. Some of the most popular ones right now include a married couple living with the Grim Reaper,
the Obama family, and a couple with 82 newborn babies.
Clothing: People are able to be a bit more creative with Clothing, as this is one of the areas that Create-a-Style really
comes into play. You can search by Gender, Age, Category (e.g. Everyday, Formal) and Type (e.g. Tops, Bottoms).
Hair Colour: Again, hair colour allows many different types of patterns, not only colours. The options aren't endless,
but there are a few worthy downloads in there. There are no search criteria here – just look through the database.
Accessories: These come largely in the form of shoes, jewellery, socks etc. and the list can be limited by Age,
Gender and Type of accessory.
Patterns: The bulk of The Sims 3's Create-a-Style feature is made up of patterns. You can use them on upholstery,
objects, wallpaper, carpets – generally you could apply these patterns to pretty much anything in the game. Use the
Type box to pick which sort of texture you want the pattern to be associated with.
TIP: To the top right of the screen you can ‘Sort By Recommendations’, which ensures only the most popular items
are shown to you – this is a great way to get the best of the Exchange quickly.
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The Store
The Store is The Sims 3's crowning achievement. While even this long after release it's not exactly bustling with
items (presumably we'll see that in the expansion packs), it does provide some unique and novel objects that can
really put new life into your game.
Pricing: Items on the store tend to go for about 100 points – this is for a general item that will add a lot to your game.
In terms of relation to real currency, 100 SimPoints equals 1 US Dollar (or 1,000 SimPoints for £6). You are entitled
to receive 1,000 free SimPoints upon registering your version of the game. To redeem them, go to My Account using
the Store side-menu. You can also buy SimPoints, in quantities of 500, 1,000 or 2,000. Each new expansion pack for
the Sims should give you 1,000 points upon registering – so you may just want to try and make them last! Some of
the sets themselves cost over 1,000 points, however.
IMPORTANT: You will not be able to register a credit card for purchasing more SimPoints unless you set your
Language correctly. Use the 'Select Language' link in the bottom left hand corner of the website to change to where
your card is registered – when it comes to entering your card details, your country of residence should then be
correctly assigned by default.
As well as the highlights, listed on the Main page of the store, there are five sections to look at:
Main: This is where you are able to see all the newest creations from EA. It also gives a list of the most popular
items, and any older objects that are worth reminding people about (such as the extra town available for free,
Riverview).
Sets: The Sets page lists complete houses full of items. They are usually of the same theme, and provide similarly
styled objects to create a matching collection. Some sets feature around 50 items, while others closer to 10. The
price of a set relates to the number of items included. You can buy all of the objects in the sets separately using the
Home Décor tab. Also, you can purchase just one room worth of objects – simply click the name of the set on the left
hand side, and then the room you want.
Home Décor: This is arguably the most interesting and useful part of The Store. It contains all the new items
available for the game, listed in a similar way to in Buy Mode in game (on the left) and in a slideshow in the centre
of the page. You save a lot of money buying in sets as opposed to purchasing each item individually, but there may
well be something that really peaks your interest that isn't in a set, or just one part of a set that attracts you.
Home Improvements: This section features new items for Build Mode, and outdoor objects. As such, there are only
two main sections, but it gives you a finer hierarchy within each one. Some of the new doors are really worth
investing in, as they are a bit more imaginative than the standard fare.
Clothing: A very popular part of the Store, this gives you access to all of the new premium items of clothing
available in The Sims 3. After picking a gender and relevant age group, you can select to either buy individual items
of clothing, or complete outfits – right down to the shoes.
Hair: The final section of the Store, but another important one for fashion aficionados, you once again pick gender,
age and then individual styles. You can purchase hair or hair with accessories (usually hats).
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Movies and More
In the Movies and More section you will see a Youtube-like page with other users' home-Sim videos in a slideshow.
As well as watching the Movies and 'Stories' of other players, you can upload your own for them to enjoy.
Create a Movie: Click the Create a Movie link on the Movies and More homepage to get started. You can either use
movies you have recorded from the game (more on this below), or use pre-set Sims ones that the developers have
provided – mainly to get you used to the interface. A combination of the two also works.
To begin, select the clips you want to include in your movie, and drag them into the area marked 'Timeline'. If you
want to use your own videos from the game, click the 'My Videos' button.
You can then add more clips, re-organise them by dragging, and add a whole lot of effects to them in order to make
a high quality video. You can use the 'Images' button to put a still picture in the place of a video, setting its duration
using the slider beneath the image itself.
Next are the special effects. Click the 'Sound' button to add audio to your scene. Videos already feature their own
sound, but you can click the 'Mute Audio' checkbox having selected the clip in question if you want your own
soundtrack over the top. These are taken from the music in the game. Drag the song you want into the 'Soundtrack'
part of the page.
Use the 'Transitions' tab to add various effects to move from clip to clip without it being an abrupt change. Drag the
one you want onto the little thumbnail representing the video clip or image. 'Effects' work similarly, but affect the
whole clip, instead of just the start or end. Drag them onto the thumbnail to include them.
Finally, 'Captions' add some text to the clip, as getting the Sims to convey a story by any other means is pretty hard,
considering their language. You can only have one caption per clip.
Use the 'Preview Clip' button to take a look at how each section of your video looks so far. Select the first clip in the
timeline and then click the 'Preview It!' button. Once happy with the video, click 'Save It!'. You will then be taken to
a page where you can add a title, category (from music video to tutorial), language, description and privacy settings
(so you can share it just with friends, for example).
You can then post it on social networking sites, embed it on your own webpage or share it via email. Click the Finish
button to complete the process!
Create a Story: The Story home page lists all the stories other gamers have contributed to The Sims 3 website. A
story is a narrative, complete with still images, that is meant to be read, rather than watched like the Movies. You
can write far more than the captions in a Movie provide.
First of all you need to pick a background colour for your story. Think of it like a book, where each page has text and
an image. You can of course leave the background as white if you want. The first page should feature an image (you
drag these in as with the Movie mode) and title. You can change the font, text alignment and any other styling of the
text. Click the Add Page button to create more pages – anything after the first page should feature more text and an
image – creating a storybook.
You can use the same music as with the videos, simply drag it into the soundtrack box, as well as transitions to help
the move from page to page (these should be dragged onto the page thumbnails). Click 'Preview It!' to see it in
action, and 'Save It!' when you're happy with it. Once saved, you can do all the same things as with movies, such as
sharing it, and giving it a category, title and description.
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Game Launcher
Introduction
The Sims 3 game launcher acts as your central hub for most of what goes on in the game. Much like the game’s
official website, here you can see many of the latest official items available, ones that you have downloaded, and
movies and screenshots that you have captured during the game.
Recording Video and Screenshots
The Sims 3 includes a powerful video recording suite, and a more ordinary image capture facility. To capture video,
press V during play or click the camera icon. You can in fact activate the capture while in open play and then go
into the Create a Sim or Edit Town modes with the movie still recording – so there is a lot of possibilities open to you.
Ensure that you peruse the Video Capture options menu to ensure that the video will be suitably compressed and
that you are able to record for long enough.
Screenshots are more simple, and you can capture them with or without the game’s interface overlaid.
When you have a collection of assets taken from the game, they can then be accessed from the Sims 3 Game
Launcher, from the Sims 3 folder, or on TheSims3.com website, when creating a story or video.
Installing Official Items
Items will install automatically once downloaded from TheSims3.com – or when double-clicked if saved to a
location on your computer. The Sims 3 Game Launcher will open and a progress bar will be shown. Once it
completes, the item is then in the game and ready for use!
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Modding The Sims 3
While EA's Store is a nice feature for The Sims 3, and there are some free items in there, the first two Sims games
were made great by the user-generated content that numbered into tens of thousands of items – all free on the
internet. EA have implemented the Store to provide items themselves (effectively creating a monopoly on objects, to
stop people from providing their premium items for free). Thankfully, there is a way around this. After downloading a
few files and moving a few things around, you are able to put mods and new objects into The Sims 3, and this guide
aims to show you how to do this!
NOTE: Do not use this guide to download premium content for The Sims 3 for free. The instructions below are
intended to allow you to use community created items.
Getting Started
The Sims 3 uses .package files for the majority of its extra content.
NOTE: This guide only provides instructions for Windows versions of the game.
First of all, there are a few files that must be downloaded and put in the correct location on your computer before
your game will accept new content. The mega-hub at ModTheSims.com has a download that automatically does all
the foot-work for you (as well as making it so you just double click the mod files and it installs them for you once
you download them), which you can get here. We will cover the manual way too, however, if you don't want to
change file associations or alter too much of your system.
Step One: Download the 'Framework' here. You will need WinRar or an alternative to be able to extract the files.
Click 'Save' when the box appears, and put it somewhere easy to access, like your computer's Desktop.
Step Two: Right click the downloaded 'Zip' file and click extract files (this option will only appear if you have
downloaded WinRar or an alternative!). Navigate to the game directory, which will be C:\Program Files\Electronic
Arts\The Sims 3, or something to that effect. Click OK to complete the extraction. You can check the destination on
your computer to ensure both the Mods folder and the resource.cfg file have been added to your system.
You are now ready to go on installing new items and mods.
Go to the linked website and download the Zip file. Extract it to the right folder, check the files have been added,
and you're good to go
Installing New Items
Most gamers will be happy with The Sims 3 and just want new items to extend the life of their game. The following
tutorial will show how to go about doing this.
The best place to download new items from is ModTheSims.info. You need to register before they let you download
anything, but it's well worth it (and it's free!). Use their site to select an object you wish to add to the game. For most
things, such as new lots or items (anything really with a .package extension), you will be putting them in the same
place. Go to Downloads ? Sims 3 ? and then choose your category – Buy Mode will give you in game objects and
items. Pick anything that takes your fancy.
Installing new, free content is easy, once you know how
After using the link to download your chosen item, save it somewhere such as your Desktop with easy access, and
extract the files to C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Mods\Packages. Once done, your item should now
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be available in game! Start up The Sims 3 and check it out – for most things the download page will tell you how to
access them, but for something like a table, it should be self-explanatory – just go to the location in Buy Mode where
you would usually expect to be able to purchase such an object.
NOTE: While the vast majority of items you download from third-party sites such as ModTheSims.info come in
.package format, others (such as official The Sims 3 items) are Sims3Pack files. Luckily, these are even easier to
install, and just require double clicking or activating from The Sims 3 Launcher.
Installing New Lots
Lots are downloaded in exactly the same way as items, but take a little more manoeuvring to get it into the game.
Having downloaded the file to your computer and moved it into The Sims 3 folder, load up The Sims 3 and access
Edit Town mode (you have to access one of your saved games and then go into the menu while in game to do this).
Depending on whether your download was a community or private lot, you will need to open up the respective type
of space on your game map. If you select a lot and try to pick your building from the menu, it will give you the plot
size. Find a suitably sized location, change it to community or private depending on the downloaded file, and drag it
in – you now have your new lot!
Putting one of the Sims 3 community’s impressive lots into the game.
Installing Mods
There is a huge wealth of mods available already for The Sims 3, most designed to correct what some see as errors in
the original release, or to add life to the game with new challenges. Most mods work simply by putting their
.package file in the usual folder, but some require a different set of actions to get them up and running, so your best
bet is to just follow the guidelines attached to each. As long as you have the ‘Framework’ in place, as described
above, you shouldn’t have too many problems.
The first mod many people download is the AwesomeMod. This fixes many of the game's flaws as well as adding
things like new traits. It is also a good way to test out how to install mods.
First, download the files here. Extract the .package file into your C:\Program Files\Electronic Arts\The Sims
3\Mods\Packages directory and you should be good to go! You can only have one ‘core’ mod at a time – that is to
say only one which dramatically alters the game like the AwesomeMod.
There is also a wizard to tailor the mod to your own specific needs. Check out the AwesomeMod Configuration Tool
to create your own mod! You can then run it alongside the main AwesomeMod with your own unique settings in
place.
As well as the AwesomeMod collection, the previously mentioned ModTheSims.info community have a good
selection of mods – varying from minor alterations such as a change in animation or an invulnerable fish-tank, to
alterations to many of the games functions in one package.
Creating Mods
Apart from the AwesomeMod Configuration Tool outlined above, those hoping to design their own items, textures or
entire mods for The Sims 3 have a bumpy road ahead. Depending on what it is you are trying to do, knowledge of
programming, 3D design, meshes and texturing and generally a lot of work goes into making the game’s community
content. The usual resource, ModTheSims.info has extensive tutorials on this side of the game, so it is recommended
that you begin there.
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The Sims 3 Unofficial guide

Transcription

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