@EuphorialQueen OH! I love this! I've done the Living Off the Land and Living Off the Grid challenges, plus, my favorite way to play is starting out with one Sim on an empty lot with no money. Sometimes I'll set up a basic camp and then take their money away too. I've also played the Rags to Riches challenges as well.
This will be fun! Going in my game now and after it updates I'll make a Sim and get started. I think I'll go for the Modest Start since big lots tend to glitch out on me, my game doesn't like them. o.O I have a blank template save file too where all the houses in that neighborhood are already gone as well.
I have a tip I'd like to share too, hopefully it wouldn't be considered cheating? If it is, let me know. If you catch or acquire a cow berry and don't want to grow a cow plant, don't just sell it because it'll only be worth 20 simoleans. Instead, have your Sim plant it first, then go into build/buy mode and sell it. It'll be worth 450 or 475 (can't remember which) simoleans!! I discovered this when I was doing the Homeless Challenge. I've done ALOT of challenges. lol
*runs off to play* Wahoooooo!
EDIT: Okay, I copied the rules in a file on my hard drive for reference and I was looking them over again and I have a few questions.
1. I think I know the answer to this one, but need clarification. The rules say to set up camp and then, 'use the rest on flowers & trees.' So in otherwords, when gameplay actually starts our Sim will have a household balance of zero, right?
2. We are allowed a toilet, I'm assuming a real toilet since there isn't really an 'outdoor' one except for the Get Together bush. If we have the Get Together EP, can we use the bush instead of a toilet?
3. I'm a little confused as to what items are allowed to purchase when we set up camp. I know anything requiring electricity isn't allowed, that's a given. But in one place the rules say use a campfire, but in the Outdoor Retreat option, it says you can use a grill. If you're not using an OR lot, can you have a grill too? I'm assuming the charcoal variety of course. the reason I ask is because the grills have a bigger menu if I'm not mistaken.
Also, are the skill items you've mentioned the ONLY skill items allowed? Or can we buy anything at the start as long as it's not electric or considered something that would go in a regular house?
I apologize for all the questions, I just want to do this right and not break the rules. lol Thanks!
Hello @Karababy52
Starting at zero is my favorite way to play
The tip about planting before selling is absolutely allowed. It is a great boost to household funds.
Big lots are not my favorite either. I played the original version of this challenge on Oakenstead. My little campsite was all tucked into a small corner.
Yes a grill can be used with or without the campfire.
The skill items allowed are not limited to those listed.
In my most recent play thru I used the GT bush instead of a toilet. I also dropped funds to Zero and did not pay bills until after I was ready to move to Stage 3. Even without electric a refrigerator can be used for salads and quick meals.
I hope that answers your questions.
My computer is off for the night but I will check in later.
Have fun ♡ I hope you keep us posted on your progress.
Yay! \o/ I was sitting here hoping you hadn't gone to bed yet. I wanted clarification before I started.
Thank you so much for answering my questions! I'm still not sure if we're supposed to start at zero funds or if it's just suggested though. I'm guessing just an option. But anyway, I'm going to go get started now, probably start with zero funds since it's my favorite way to play too!
I will definitely keep y'all posted on my progress. Ciao for now!
Here's an imgur link to some screenshots of my Sim, Emma Rose and her campsite on the Bargain Bend lot. I apologize for the darkness of the pics. I wasn't paying attention and took most of them at night. Plus, I have a crappy laptop. I'll try to get some better shots for the next part. Hope you like what I've done so far. I'm having a ton of fun with this! Thanks so much for creating the challenge!
*Note - I have not uploaded Emma or the campsite yet. The gallery bogs down my computer so I usually play offline and don't upload very often. I will upload them if anyone is interested though. Just let me know!
@Karababy52 Emma is very pretty and her wardrobe reflects well the idea that she is roughing it in the great outdoors. Amazing campsite and the lighting actually provides a great contrast and highlights all the colorful landscaping. I am glad you are having fun and hope you will continue to share.
Thank you, glad you like Emma and happy to hear the lighting isn't too dark for you. I did try to fix them a little in Photoshop so they weren't so dark. You should've seen them before. o.O lol Anyway, I will definitely continue to share Emma's progress. How's your guy doing?
Greyson is on hold until I get the Parenthood GP Tuesday
He has exceeded all my expectations and met all goals for Stages one and two. His Son has a wife and she just gave birth to the third generation. TWINS! The boys Geoff & Edgar are still infants and I wanted to wait for the GP to age them to Toddlers. I am staying occupied by playing a brand new Sim just for fun
Matthew just found a cowplant berry!! So please, as this means I actually have a chance at completing the botanist aspiration, although he still only has $7k.....
@FaithofKaela Hi! If you have the City Living expansion you can use the selling tables (table/wall) and mark everything up 300%. No matter the time of day/night sims will come and buy your items.
@BUTTONSGINGER - the table top sale isn't working for me, the Sims that visit just chat to one another and ignore the items for sale
@FaithofKaela That table is a bit or miss kind of thing.
Downside = sometimes it is ignored.
Upside = it should draw Sims to your lot which gives an opportunity for socializing.
Then even if you sell even a few items at 300% there is a profit. Selling plants/seeds takes up too much space. Sell things like Gems and Fossils or unopened treasure chests. The chests sell for 70 out of inventory which is a potential for 210 on the table.
@FaithofKaela That table is a bit or miss kind of thing.
Downside = sometimes it is ignored.
Upside = it should draw Sims to your lot which gives an opportunity for socializing.
Then even if you sell even a few items at 300% there is a profit. Selling plants/seeds takes up too much space. Sell things like Gems and Fossils or unopened treasure chests. The chests sell for 70 out of inventory which is a potential for 210 on the table.
Hi You come up with such awesome things. It was a wonderful surprise to see your challenge here as part of this week's Build N' Share. I've been lurking here for a bout a week now I think. I'm enjoying everyone's comments. *hugs*
Hi You come up with such awesome things. It was a wonderful surprise to see your challenge here as part of this week's Build N' Share. I've been lurking here for a bout a week now I think. I'm enjoying everyone's comments. *hugs*
@Rawla!! How lovely to see you dear!! I had no idea you were lurking around @BuildnShare
Hi You come up with such awesome things. It was a wonderful surprise to see your challenge here as part of this week's Build N' Share. I've been lurking here for a bout a week now I think. I'm enjoying everyone's comments. *hugs*
@Rawla!! How lovely to see you dear!! I had no idea you were lurking around @BuildnShare
*hugs* I lurk too much. I've been following the Build N' Share posts too. I'm loving the ideas you come up with over there too. Great to see you too!
I'm getting close to finishing Stage 1 as well. Emma is level 10 in fishing and has over 60,000, but she needs two more fish to complete her aspiration; goldfish and eel. I have never had this much trouble getting the eel in all the time I've played TS4! I know they go for frogs, so that's what I've been using. In fact I'm using Sunsurfer frogs at 125 a pop. o.O I just keep breeding a supply and taking her to Sylvan Glades, but so far no go. *sniff* I've tried all kinds of frogs, but it's been my experience they go for the more expensive variety. Not this time though.
Speaking of Sylvan Glades, I have a tip for anyone that hasn't bought the Independent reward trait and is struggling staying very long as a result. What I did was enable free build and placed a garden pot there (I deducted the money from her funds). Then I had Emma plant a growfruit in it and she can talk to it. It fills her social need and helps her level up in gardening. You have to be at the level in gardening that lets you talk to plants, of course, but it works out great. With her tent, shower, a bush (which she also bought with her own money) and the cooler, she can and does stay there for days on end.
I haven't even seen a goldfish jumping anywhere, but I'll worry about that after (or if) she finally snags that elusive eel. I might have to switch to another aspiration soon or something though. I had to buy her a Youth potion as it is. Well, I didn't HAVE to, but I want to keep her as a young adult as long as possible. lol The only other options for fish is the guppy, which I haven't seen either and the bat fish is only available at the Forgotten Grotto or the little pool at the back the Oasis Springs park.
She's also getting close to Level 10 in gardening and has a dozen grape vines and dragonfruits. She's also doing well in painting, up to level 8 now. She had a masterpiece that sold for over 4,200!
Anyway, sorry I haven't taken anymore pics, been too busy fishing. lol I will after she's completed an aspiration and Stage 1. Having a blast though, such a great challenge.
EDIT:@EuphorialQueen Okay, I was doing some research on where to find certain fish, what bait to use, etc. etc. and found out I can just purchase a guppy and goldfish with the fishbowl. Would it be cheating if I did that?
Comments
How fun!!
Mini Micro Builds Challenge
Sprucer Upper Challenge: A Play to Build Challenge
The Sims Creators' Consortium
This will be fun! Going in my game now and after it updates I'll make a Sim and get started. I think I'll go for the Modest Start since big lots tend to glitch out on me, my game doesn't like them. o.O I have a blank template save file too where all the houses in that neighborhood are already gone as well.
I have a tip I'd like to share too, hopefully it wouldn't be considered cheating? If it is, let me know. If you catch or acquire a cow berry and don't want to grow a cow plant, don't just sell it because it'll only be worth 20 simoleans. Instead, have your Sim plant it first, then go into build/buy mode and sell it. It'll be worth 450 or 475 (can't remember which) simoleans!! I discovered this when I was doing the Homeless Challenge. I've done ALOT of challenges. lol
*runs off to play* Wahoooooo!
EDIT: Okay, I copied the rules in a file on my hard drive for reference and I was looking them over again and I have a few questions.
1. I think I know the answer to this one, but need clarification. The rules say to set up camp and then, 'use the rest on flowers & trees.' So in otherwords, when gameplay actually starts our Sim will have a household balance of zero, right?
2. We are allowed a toilet, I'm assuming a real toilet since there isn't really an 'outdoor' one except for the Get Together bush. If we have the Get Together EP, can we use the bush instead of a toilet?
3. I'm a little confused as to what items are allowed to purchase when we set up camp. I know anything requiring electricity isn't allowed, that's a given. But in one place the rules say use a campfire, but in the Outdoor Retreat option, it says you can use a grill. If you're not using an OR lot, can you have a grill too? I'm assuming the charcoal variety of course. the reason I ask is because the grills have a bigger menu if I'm not mistaken.
Also, are the skill items you've mentioned the ONLY skill items allowed? Or can we buy anything at the start as long as it's not electric or considered something that would go in a regular house?
I apologize for all the questions, I just want to do this right and not break the rules. lol Thanks!
Starting at zero is my favorite way to play
The tip about planting before selling is absolutely allowed. It is a great boost to household funds.
Big lots are not my favorite either. I played the original version of this challenge on Oakenstead. My little campsite was all tucked into a small corner.
Yes a grill can be used with or without the campfire.
The skill items allowed are not limited to those listed.
In my most recent play thru I used the GT bush instead of a toilet. I also dropped funds to Zero and did not pay bills until after I was ready to move to Stage 3. Even without electric a refrigerator can be used for salads and quick meals.
I hope that answers your questions.
My computer is off for the night but I will check in later.
Have fun ♡ I hope you keep us posted on your progress.
Thank you so much for answering my questions! I'm still not sure if we're supposed to start at zero funds or if it's just suggested though. I'm guessing just an option. But anyway, I'm going to go get started now, probably start with zero funds since it's my favorite way to play too!
I will definitely keep y'all posted on my progress. Ciao for now!
Added suggestions to page one.
*Note - I have not uploaded Emma or the campsite yet. The gallery bogs down my computer so I usually play offline and don't upload very often. I will upload them if anyone is interested though. Just let me know!
Anyway, have a great rest of your weekend!
He has exceeded all my expectations and met all goals for Stages one and two. His Son has a wife and she just gave birth to the third generation. TWINS! The boys Geoff & Edgar are still infants and I wanted to wait for the GP to age them to Toddlers. I am staying occupied by playing a brand new Sim just for fun
@BUTTONSGINGER - the table top sale isn't working for me, the Sims that visit just chat to one another and ignore the items for sale
Downside = sometimes it is ignored.
Upside = it should draw Sims to your lot which gives an opportunity for socializing.
Then even if you sell even a few items at 300% there is a profit. Selling plants/seeds takes up too much space. Sell things like Gems and Fossils or unopened treasure chests. The chests sell for 70 out of inventory which is a potential for 210 on the table.
That is good advice. Yes, I've been lurking.
Hi You come up with such awesome things. It was a wonderful surprise to see your challenge here as part of this week's Build N' Share. I've been lurking here for a bout a week now I think. I'm enjoying everyone's comments. *hugs*
@Rawla!! How lovely to see you dear!! I had no idea you were lurking around @BuildnShare
*hugs* I lurk too much. I've been following the Build N' Share posts too. I'm loving the ideas you come up with over there too. Great to see you too!
That's awesome!
You Are doing a fantastic job!
Speaking of Sylvan Glades, I have a tip for anyone that hasn't bought the Independent reward trait and is struggling staying very long as a result. What I did was enable free build and placed a garden pot there (I deducted the money from her funds). Then I had Emma plant a growfruit in it and she can talk to it. It fills her social need and helps her level up in gardening. You have to be at the level in gardening that lets you talk to plants, of course, but it works out great. With her tent, shower, a bush (which she also bought with her own money) and the cooler, she can and does stay there for days on end.
I haven't even seen a goldfish jumping anywhere, but I'll worry about that after (or if) she finally snags that elusive eel. I might have to switch to another aspiration soon or something though. I had to buy her a Youth potion as it is. Well, I didn't HAVE to, but I want to keep her as a young adult as long as possible. lol The only other options for fish is the guppy, which I haven't seen either and the bat fish is only available at the Forgotten Grotto or the little pool at the back the Oasis Springs park.
She's also getting close to Level 10 in gardening and has a dozen grape vines and dragonfruits. She's also doing well in painting, up to level 8 now. She had a masterpiece that sold for over 4,200!
Anyway, sorry I haven't taken anymore pics, been too busy fishing. lol I will after she's completed an aspiration and Stage 1. Having a blast though, such a great challenge.
EDIT: @EuphorialQueen Okay, I was doing some research on where to find certain fish, what bait to use, etc. etc. and found out I can just purchase a guppy and goldfish with the fishbowl. Would it be cheating if I did that?