Forum Announcement, Click Here to Read More From EA_Cade.

The Apocalypse Challenge - Attempt to adaptation

«1
So, back in TS2 days one of my favorite challenge to play had been the well known Apocalypse challenge. An adaptation was made for TS3 but none yet exists for TS4 and I thought it could be fun to give it a try. So here you go, rules adapted directly from the sims 2 rules into sims 4 rules. I don't know if they will work, but I am giving this a try and figured maybe others would like to as well, so I'm sharing. I'd also extend invitations to creators to add a few 'apocalypse homes' and 'radioactive mutants' to the Gallery by adding #apocalypse to their creations. Enjoy!

The Sims 4 Apocalypse Challenge – Rules

The following is a set of harsh restrictions the family must obey. Each set of restrictions is tied to a specific career field. When a Sim reaches level 10 in that career field (except alien technology), that restriction is lifted. A single Sim may only lift one restriction in his or her lifetime (alien technology can be the exception and lifted as well as a career restriction).

• Only Sims part of the bloodline and the spouses to heirs can unlock restrictions. Adopted Sims and spouses to non-heirs cannot lift any restrictions.
• You may only play with lifespan set to normal.
• Spares may not take spouses and children produced by spares (via visitor woohoo) may not lift restrictions.
• No Sim in the household may sleep outdoors.
• You may not change your sim’s aspiration until you have completed it.
• The ONLY Sims that may be moved into the Legacy family are Sims that will directly contribute to the birth of the next generation. (In other words, the spouse of each heir.)
• Cheats, mods, or hacked objects that would give you an unfair advantage over a player who didn't have or use them may not be used. You can only use cheats to fix bugs (i.e. resetsim). You can use any custom object as long as its cost, ability and mood fulfillment exactly mirrors an existing 'official' object.
• If an object has no value, (such as a used up Aspiration Reward), you may delete it, regardless of existing restrictions.
• Objects that were allowed that are no longer allowed due to a rule change may be sold via buy mode without penalty.
• To win the challenge, you must lift all restrictions. If you wish to keep score, count the number of days your family is in existence from the day you placed your founder on his/her lot and add 100 points to each life aspiration completed (not counting those before your Founder moves in alone). I find the easiest way is to write a tic mark down once per sim week.

**If you do accidentally break a rule, just fix your mistake - make up for it, and continue. As long as it was just an honest mistake, you don't need to consider failing the challenge.

Preparing:
It is suggested that you start a game where you destroy all the premade lots (except venues). Remake the houses with the housing rules below, if you feel creative. You may add your houses or use community houses with the #apocalypse. You can populate as well with Legacy spouses on the Gallery, or if no, just leave the ‘fill empty homes’ option on. Make sure to create a fresh, save for your game. Once you have cleared and prepared your world, it is suggest making a new save, so you can always start from that neighborhood without redoing it all.

Fun idea:
Given the sims 4 has no zombies, like TS2 did, you can add a few family of unnatural color and possibly even proportions, and consider the world filled with radioactive mutants rather than zombies.

Starting:
First, you need to create your founder. The founder can be male or female. If you wish to play with esthetic rules, you can only use clothing that is “grungy looking”.

• The founder starts as a child. You must make him or her in a family that can have as many members as you wish. You can however, only play your founder (you may give jobs to the parents and make them pay the bills but that’s it).
• You can build your home how you like (no cheating allowed though) and play normally for this time.
• Your founder may not publish any book during child/teens as royalties would keep on coming in and publishing companies had to start over post-apocalypse.
• Play through child years and teenage years. Once you reach young adult, the moment you have your last trait and aspiration picked (choose carefully!), you must move your sim to the lot you will play the challenge on!
• Your childhood lot must be bulldoze and the rest of the family evicted. The apocalypse happens during your move. If you want to be dramatic, you can kill off your family (maybe one day your sim will care.)

NOTE: If you want more of a challenge, start as a teen or young adult!

Moving out:
• The family lot must be on a desert or dirt tile set (cover if you use Willow Creek). Move him or her into a large empty lot (one of the lots in the expensive neighborhoods of Willow Creek or Oasis Spring).
• There must be no trees, flowers or shrubs on the lot.
• You must build a structure with a minimum of 4 walls, a roof and a door. You need to keep that polluted air out! You must also use a foundation (and therefore small stairs) as the ground is still covered with radioactive dust. Building a house on stilts also works.
• You may alternatively, have a camp ground on an empty lot. There must still be no vegetation, but you may use any seat and outdoor retreat furniture. You may only have one tent until kids are born, then a second can be purchased, with a maximum of two tents. You cannot switch once you’ve chosen between camp ground or building a shelter.
• No house decor of any kind (paint, flooring, roof trim, etc.)

IMPORTANT: Be mindful of your first career selection, some will need to lift restrictions in order to advance, such as writer or painter!

RESTRICTIONS

Hopelessness

"It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness."

The physical effects of the nuclear winter are clear, but it is only half of the devastation. The damage to the population's mindset and willpower has also been great. People are starting to give up hope and despair has begun to set in. People have no motivation to band together or leave the shelters they have made.

• You cannot move in or marry in any Sims.
• You may not try for baby.

Once your founder reaches the top of a career, (ANY of the careers, it doesn't matter which), he or she shows the region that the worst is over, and that things can and will begin to get better. A few Sims are even willing to risk traveling the streets to be with the regions new and only ray of hope. You may move-in/marry spouses for your founder and future heirs. You are still restricted to moving in only those who will contribute to the next generation.
NOTE: For those wishing an easier path, you can lift hopelessness once you reach the branching level of your chosen career.

Athlete – Any Branch

"Go ahead and call for help, nobody will listen."

The local police and fire departments are in shambles and unable to do their job. A strong air of anarchy and lawlessness has swept the region. Violent gangs of anarchists prey on the old and weak.

• Your Sims may not purchase smoke detectors, fire sprinklers (system).
• Children, Teenage and Elder Sims that have less than a 10 Athletic skill may not leave the lot for any reason, including going to work or community lots (except school, they have armored buses).
o Elders do not require 10 Athletic points to move out.
• Your connection to the world is broken, you may not call for help (use the phone for chat, text, call the sadness hotline or any other call except to invite your love interest over).
• You may not purchase exercise equipment.
• Sims in this career may go jogging, but only until career has been maxed.
• Sims may not take vacations in Granite Hills (Do not need Secret Agent lifted to take vacation once Athlete is lifted).

Once a great Athlete from the family emerges, his/her strength is used to clean up the streets and order is restored. Police and firefighters to once again help people. The Athlete restrictions are lifted.

Secret Agent – Any Branch

"The government advises all citizens to lock their doors and remain indoors."

The mobs of radiated mutants wandering the streets make it unsafe to travel anywhere but a select few highways. Neighborhoods are scattered as nobody is willing to risk traveling just to visit with friends. But what’s a mob of mutants against the best in the trades of villainy? Nothing but useful assistants, really...

• Sims may not travel to any community lots or neighbors houses (however your YA & adult sims may walk around your immediate neighborhood).
• You may not invite over any Sims with two exceptions:
o Sims may invite over other Sims they are boyfriend/girlfriend or are engaged to. (True love knows no fear.)
• These restrictions also apply to Parties, Outings and Dates if they are available.
• You may still hail and socialize with walk-bys as normal.
• Sims may not move out of the house.
• If you cannot go out, you may not use the sell interaction for any objects.
• You may not hire the maid service.
• Sims in this career may go jogging, but only until career has been maxed

Once a fearsome Agent from the family tames the mutant hordes in its service, the streets will become safe to travel again and the Secret Agent restriction is lifted.

Culinary – Chef Branch

"Hunger is the best spice."

The gas lines and power grid have been severely damaged. Running a gas stove or electric appliance carries too much of a risk. The radiation levels are too high to risk using a microwave either. Food is scarce. The quality of the food the Sims can get is very poor and can bring illness to some. Coffee is now scarce in the region due to supply cuts. Fresh food is non-existent.

• Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Ovens or Small Appliance category except for the cheapest grill (bbq).
• Joining this career unlocks ordering the mixology skillbook.
• You may only purchase the cheapest fridge.
• Coolers may also be purchased, but can only be used once a day per sim until the chef branch is lifted (rationing).
• You may only prepare food once per sim day. Once any Sim has prepared food, no other may do so for the rest of the day. A Sim making a one-serving meal counts.
• Sim babies MUST be breast fed.
• Sims may not store left overs.
• Sims may not prepare food on community lots or eat food littering such lots.
• You may not order Pizza.
• You may not purchase or use the cupcake maker.
• Sims may not hold food in inventory.

First restriction lift:
Once a sim joins the culinary branch, you may purchase the cheaper stove and your sim may cook on it. All food must be cooked food until the restriction is lifted. Only the sim in the culinary branch may use the stove. They may also cook more than once a day, but only one meal can be served (additional meals are deleted). If your sim fails to lift the restriction, you must sell back the stove.

Once a Culinary master emerges from the household, new ways are invented to preserve food. Sims learn better ways to cook the artificial food and how to rewire home appliances so they can be used again. All Culinary - Chef restrictions are lifted.

Culinary – Mixology Branch (YOU WILL NEED TO COMPLETE THE CHEF BRANCH FIRST)

“It’s the end of the world and you’re wearing THAT?”

Sims don't care about personal appearance anymore or social status. They would rather be fed and safe than pretty. Cosmetics, hair care supplies, and clothing stores have all been cleaned out by looters or destroyed. Nobody wants to spend any money to bring these items back to the region. As a result, Sims' appearances and social habits have taken a turn for the worse, leading most to keep to themselves. Large gatherings, socials, brunches and parties have virtually disappeared.

• Sims may only use the Practice Speech on the mirror.
• Sims may not purchase a bar until they are part of the culinary career and only sims in the career can use the bar.
• Sims cannot drink beverages (not even on the fridge).
• Sims may not throw parties of any kind.
• Sims may not have Dates.
• Sims may not wear accessories, hats, tattoos or make-up.
• Sims may not purchase the any brewing appliance.
Once Sims have bought their new threads and gotten all gussied up, they are once again confident enough to organize social gatherings and show off their new looks. All Culinary – Mixology Branch restrictions are lifted.

Criminal – Any Branch

"Nice place you have. I'd hate to see anything bad happen to it."

The local organized crime family has taken advantage of the lawlessness in the region to set up a protection racket. Joey "The Comb" and his goons force people to pay hefty sums to ensure nothing "bad" happens to what few possessions they have left. While some try to fight the mob, most just give in and pay.

• You may not use any work reward, regardless of restriction lifted, as it may attract criminals to rob you!
• Because the mob controls the remaining production centers, they don’t take kindly to the family having too many crafted items. You may have only 1 crafted item of each type on the lot or in the sim-inventory at a time.
• You may only purchase the cheapest version of any furniture type (chairs, beds, sofas, tables, counters).
• You may not plead with the Grim Reaper, he has a binding contract with the sim Mob.
- You may not move in ghosts or move their urn/tomb from where they landed (exception: some games are glitched by ghosts, if this is the case, you can move them to the home inventory until the bug is no longer effective)

The first household member to rise to the top of the underworld becomes part of the "family". The Criminal restriction is lifted.

Business - Any Branch

"White hot iron, red hot iron, cold black iron. An Iron taste and iron smell, and everywhere an iron sound." -Bleakhouse

With government regulators unable to enforce fair labor laws and the remaining businesses able to mistreat their workers who are desperate to keep their jobs, standards of employment have gone down the drain. To get things moving again, a sim may need to use less than politically correct ways to change things.

• Sims may not use vacation days (write permissions).
• Sims who miss a SINGLE day of work for any reason must quit their jobs.
• If Sims lose employment in a career for any reason (quitting or being fired) they may never take a job in that career again. This cross-applies to young adults, adults and elder careers. (For example, Sims who are fired or quit from a job in the Culinary career as young adults may never take another job in the Culinary career, even after they become adults or elders.) This applies to BOTH branches of the career.
• Elders may not retire, they must quit if they wish to stop working.
• You may not ignore chance cards; you MUST select one of the two options.
• Teenagers may not apply for part time jobs.

Once a Sim from the family maxes out the Criminal – Oracle Branch, the government has no choice to bend and stray from the straight and narrow path to get things functioning again. Down with corporate protocols and up with labor rights! The Business restrictions are lifted.
Post edited by Soulangel980 on

Comments

  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    edited October 2014
    Tech Guru – Start-Up Entrepreneur Branch

    "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -Arthur C. Clark

    Without the flawless power grid and advanced electronics companies of modern day, the high tech gizmos that were once relied upon have slipped out of the population’s reach again. Technology has taken a step backwards.

    • Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Electronics. Radios also require the Entertainer – Music Branch to be lifted to purchase.
    • The one computer you are allowed is nothing more than a typewriter. You may only use the computer to Write Books. (If Sims autonomously play games just cancel the action.)
    o Only sims in the Tech Guru Branch may ‘re-wire’ their computer to use them to program and play video games (only the first available games can be played) – The Web doesn’t exist, so no browsing, chatting or emailing.
    • Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Lights category.
    • Sims may not play games or browse the Web on their phone.
    • You may not purchase the microscope.

    Once a great entrepreneur emerges from the family, the knowledge of known technologies is restored to the area, so the gizmos may be produced again. The power grid is repaired enough to use these gizmos and gadgets in the house. There is also a breakthrough in technology, the invention of something that mirrors technology gained from the aliens. You may choose 1 type of Aspiration Reward object. Any Sim may now buy and use that one type of aspiration reward, even if you haven't lifted the Alien Technology restriction. Only the Sim that lifts the Tech Guru – Entrepreneur branch Restriction may invent one Aspiration Reward. Other Sims reaching the top of this career will not invent additional Aspiration Rewards.

    Tech Guru – eSport Gamer Branch & Max Athletic Skill

    “Only the strong of mind and body may surpass the hardest conflicts.”

    The radiation in the air weakens muscles and bones. As a result, muscle & brain degeneration has set in. Even simple physical tasks have become impossible.

    • Only the sim in the Tech Guru career may use the computer. You can only purchase the cheapest computer and can only use the computer for video gaming and programming. Exception: If the other Tech Guru restriction was lifted. LIFTING THIS RESTRICTION DOES NOT UNLOCK THE CUMPUTERS FOR ALL SIMS.
    • Gym equipment may not be purchased or used.
    • Sims may not ‘go jogging’ unless the Secret Agent – Diamond Agent restrictions has been lifted.
    • Sims may carry no more than 3 items in their inventory (sim inventory).
    • Sims may not store items in the home inventory (items automatically placed by career or event reward may remain).
    • Items in the home inventory cannot be removed or used. NOTE: Once this restriction lifted, sims can only place in the household items from the inventory that do not contradict other restrictions in place.
    • If a spouse moves in with an inventory larger than 3 items, you must downsize it immediately upon their moving in.
    • Due to dulled brain cells, Sims have not yet come up with the idea or independence of crafting items (workbench).
    • The air speeding degenerations, no furniture or activity item can be placed outdoors (except the bbq grill).
    • Special focused interactions may not be used (social and activities – such as focused paintings).
    • Sims may not cook energized meals.
    • Sims may not use energized social interactions. They may however use stretch, sit ups and push up interactions.

    Once a Sim has BOTH maxed this career path AND maxed the athletic skill, new training techniques are invented to overcome the muscle & brain degeneration set in by the disaster. All above restrictions are lifted.

    Painter – Patron of the Arts Branch

    “Imagination is more important than knowledge” –Albert Einstein

    With survival on everybody’s mind, the arts have virtually disappeared overnight. People are more worried about finding their next meal than attending a concert in the park or buying art.

    • No items from the Wall decorations sections may be purchased or placed.
    • You may not purchase the drawing table or easel.
    • Only Sims currently in the Painter career may use the easel. Completed paintings may be put on the walls once you reach the branch selection level. If you should fail to lift this restriction, you must sell all the paintings.

    Painter – Master of the Real Branch

    • No item from the decorations sections (except for wall decorations) may be purchased or used.
    • Inspired interactions or creations cannot be done (except for sims in any painter’s career)
    - The lack of classic art makes the elders senile - no culture. You cannot control elders (exception: you may control your founder as an elder - he's had a good childhood/teenhood to back him/her)
    • APPLICAPLE ONLY IF THE PATRON OF THE ARTS BRANCH IS NOT YET LIFTED: Only Sims currently in the Painter career may use the easel. Completed paintings may be put on the walls once you reach the branch selection level. If you should fail to lift this restriction, you must sell all the paintings.

    Once a great Painter is produced from the family, a wave of culture is set off and art return to people’s minds. The Painter – Patron of the Arts Branch restrictions are lifted.

    Writer – Author Branch

    • Sims may not purchase or use books. Optional: For those wishing a bit less of a challenge, you may order skill books from the computer. Only one of each type may be ordered.
    • Sims may not purchase or use any bookcase.
    • All books written by sims MUST be published (or self-published).

    Once a great Author is produced from the family, a wave of culture is set off and art return to people’s minds. The Writer - Author Branch restrictions are lifted.

    Writer – Journalist Branch

    "Truth is power."

    The political scene is a mess, more so than it normally is. Local officials are haggling over the how and when supplies are sent to the region, while the citizens suffer. Corruption is rampant and waste is constant. The mayor has restricted the supply of building materials in an effort “conserve” them. Harsh and unreasonable property laws have been enacted. What is worse, is the offices has convinced the population of scared survivor that this is for THEIR own good, upping their blind trust and lowering their self-confidence.

    • Sims’ houses may not occupy any larger than a 6x6 area, the rest of the lot must be unused.
    • You may not place any items outside of this 6x6 area, nor modify tiles outside of it.
    • One outdoor trashcan and mailbox, sidewalk tiles, do not count for this restriction. They don’t need to be in the 6x6 area.
    • The 6x6 area may be anywhere on the lot, but once designated may not be moved.
    • Sims may build upwards, as long as the higher floors do not hang outside the 6x6 area.
    • You may not use any ‘confident’ interactions, social or other.

    After a great journalist emerges from the family and spreads the hard truth, the population rebels and political corruption is cleaned up. It is revolution. Building supplies from other parts of the country are shipped in and distributed to those who need it. The corrupt ‘housing permit’ laws are repealed. The Writer – Journalist restrictions are lifted.

    Astronaut – Space Ranger Branch

    "It's the dark ages once again."

    The plumbing has been severely damaged in the region. Water brought to the house is dirty and unsanitary. To make things worse, local drug stores have been cleaned out by looters. If solutions cannot be found on earth, than new materials to heal ourselves and clean our waters are required.

    • Showers and bathtubs of all types may not be purchased or used at home or on a community lot.
    • The Chemistry table (kids) may not be used or purchased.
    • Whenever Sims Woohoo, they MUST choose Try for Baby. If Try for Baby is not an option, they may not Woohoo. (Unless the Sim is already pregnant, too old to get pregnant or the two Sims woohooing are the same gender.) This rule does apply to visiting female Sims aged Young Adult and Adult.
    • You may only change a baby’s diaper if it is full.
    • Sims may not use any fountain options from the build menu.
    • You may not go fishing.
    • You may not dig or dig for treasure (given you can’t clean off that radioactive dirt after).

    Once a brilliant astronaut has found us a bountiful land to clean our resources may we get clean water again, and therefore, re-advance medicine. The Astronaut – Space Ranger Branch restrictions are lifted.

    Astronaut – Smuggler Branch

    “Why do they call it nuclear winter? Because everything is dead. The snow you see is toxic ash.”

    Any and all plant life in the region is dead. Nothing grows anymore. Natural and organic food is non-existent. With no plants to hold the soil together, the whole region is plagued with dust storms that block out the sun and whip across the land. Reforming life may require outside help, new flora and fauna to regrow... from another simEarth.

    • You may not place any landscaping items (flowers, bushes, trees).
    • You may not alter the ground color (except to set to dirt upon moving in).
    • You may not purchase seeds of any kinds.
    • You may not garden or purchase planters.
    • You may not harvest wild plants, as their fruits (veggies/flowers) are toxic.
    • You may not look for frogs – radiation has made the critters dangerous!
    • You may not purchase or use the wedding arch.
    • You may not cook or prepare any food that does not require cooking (cereal & salads).
    • Sims may not purchase or use the observatory (too cloudy to see anything).
    • Houses MUST be built on a foundation/deck and/or be built on pillars. (You may still have objects on the ground, but walls may not be placed on the ground level.)
    • EXCEPTION: If a trash plant grows on your lot, you may harvest it. If was water was cleaned by lifting the Astronaut – Space Ranger Branch restrictions, you may also tend to it.

    Once a brilliant Outer Space Smuggler emerges from the family, a plant serum is invented that lets plants use toxic ash as fertilizer without making the plant itself toxic. With this serum in wide supply, the region begins to return to life. Food can actually be grown again and people can have lawns. With plants once again anchoring the soil, the raging dust storms cease and the sky can once again be seen. All Astronaut – Smuggler branch restrictions are lifted.

    Entertainer - Comedy Branch

    In a world so gloomy and restrictive, the general mood of the sims is down. Their need to be effective left them view ‘fun’ as something rather pointless. Cynicism is practically viral at this point.

    • Sims may not purchase or use the microphone. Only sims in the comedy branch may have this item and only when work calls for it.
    • Sims that are not in the entertainer branch may not use social interactions from the Funny category.
    • Sims may not use playful social interactions.
    • Sims may not purchase or use toys.
    • With life so bland, so is house decor (roof trims, window decors), flooring tiles and wall tiles (paint, wallpaper, and panelling) may not be used.
    • Sims may not make playful recipes.

    Once a great comedian is produced from the family, playfulness and livelihood seem to return to sims all around. The Entertainer - Comedy Branch restrictions are lifted.

    Entertainer - Music Branch

    • Sims may not purchase or use any instruments, with the exception of sims in the entertainer career.
    • Kids may not purchase or use the violin.
    • Sims may not purchase any radio. You do not need to lift the TechGuru restrictions to purchase radios once music branch is lifted.
    • Sims may not serenade other sims.
    • Without music, live is still fairly bland, all furniture and decor must be set in neutral colors (white, grey, beige and brown).

    Once a great Musician is produced from the family, a wave of culture is set off and music returns to people’s minds. The Entertainer - Music Branch restrictions are lifted.

    Alien Technology

    “Earthlings are seen as quite primitive. It is a culture that still thinks digital watches were a pretty nifty idea. Pathetic.”

    Sim City has been using Alien Technology for over a year, gained from the crashed remains of an alien saucer. With the labs and factories that held this technology destroyed in the blast, the alien discoveries are once again a mystery.

    • Sims may not purchase any Aspiration Reward objects (including traits).
    • Sims may not activate any emotional auras.

    This restriction can be lifted by:
    • Completing the alien-related collections (all of them).

    You do NOT have to lift this restriction in order to complete the challenge.

    Once the Alien Technology is back in the family’s hands, as a result of studying all those artefacts, they can once again gain benefits from it.

    Back to normal

    The skies clear, the mutants are gone. The power plants are repaired and life returns to normal. The family stands as a testament to a Sim’s will and ability to survive. The whole city owes a great debt of gratitude to the host of leaders and heroes that have emerged from the family. Congratulations!

    Your score is the total number of days that have passed since your founder started. Even if you didn’t keep score, it’s impressive that you completed the challenge!
    Post edited by Soulangel980 on
  • Nicarra60Nicarra60 Posts: 2,916 Member
    I've never tried the apocalypse challenge - so many restrictions that you have to remember. Still, nice job bringing it to TS4
    My Sim Story blogs -- Hi Mum, It's Sammy || WA with the Grants || Art flows through || Sims Short Stories (Adult content warning)
  • xJDLKxxJDLKx Posts: 313 Member
    I've never heard of this challenge before, can't wait to try it!


    Origin ID:Jessicaaa77
  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    Thank you, though I modified the starting rules to make up for having no college years. After testing it more, it was unreasonable.
  • esiobhanesiobhan Posts: 39 Member
    Love this challenge, thanks for converting to TS4.

    You have both the writer and musician unlocking the purchase and use of books. Is this purposefully?

    Also, is the purpose of beginning with a child to give you an opportunity to build up skills? If so could you not just start w a teen since child skills don't translate?

    Thanks!!
  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    > @esiobhan said:
    > Love this challenge, thanks for converting to TS4.
    >
    > You have both the writer and musician unlocking the purchase and use of books. Is this purposefully?
    >
    > Also, is the purpose of beginning with a child to give you an opportunity to build up skills? If so could you not just start w a teen since child skills don't translate?
    >
    > Thanks!!

    Fixing the musician, that was an error. You can start as a teen if you want more of a challenge, but the kid allows you to build social networks, which you will need. You get nearly no visitors if you don't know people and given you can't leave the lot, you'll need to do that. Teen can work too, will make it a bit harder.
  • dmama1314dmama1314 Posts: 262 Member
    Even more of a challenge would be making ppl start as a YA like the older versions! :)

    I LOVE the apocalypse challenge and have played it in sims 2 and 3. I am actually doing a sims 3 apoc tournament right now! Thanks for doing this!!!!! When I finish my tourney I will definitely be playing this!
  • dmama1314dmama1314 Posts: 262 Member
    Writer – Author Branch

    • Sims may not purchase or use books.
    • Sims may not purchase or use any bookcase.

    Question-- even skill books? Without cooking or mixology books finishi those careers would be almost impossible. Especially when you can only cook one meal a day.
  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    > @dowens13 said:
    > Writer – Author Branch
    >
    > • Sims may not purchase or use books.
    > • Sims may not purchase or use any bookcase.
    >
    > Question-- even skill books? Without cooking or mixology books finishi those careers would be almost impossible. Especially when you can only cook one meal a day.

    I did put a warning in the beginning that some careers would be hard to finish without unlocking other careers. If it becomes too hard, I guess there is no issue with using skill books only.
  • esiobhanesiobhan Posts: 39 Member
    Could you sort of clarify the jogging rules? Since initially I know there's no exercise equipment and no jogging, that's clear I'm just not sure when jogging is unlocked. It's referenced a couple of places.
  • Nicarra60Nicarra60 Posts: 2,916 Member
    I don't think you need this rule - "If a Townie at the top of a career joins the house as a spouse and that career is not lifted, it is not lifted instantly, no ifs ands or buts. " until or unless story progression is implemented. No one advances in their careers automatically in Sims 4 at this time.
    My Sim Story blogs -- Hi Mum, It's Sammy || WA with the Grants || Art flows through || Sims Short Stories (Adult content warning)
  • FloorRaisinFloorRaisin Posts: 1,340 Member
    Hope you don't mind a little feedback. <3

    The text needs some cleanup still. There's a fair amount of confusing leftover copy/paste, especially in the names of careers. It makes it hard to track what you're attempting here. Example: the Astronaut - Smuggler section still refers to "Natural Scientist" ; Tech Guru is also called "Science" in places; mention of alien pregnancies is still in there, etc.

    Have you had a chance to playtest this much yet? I ask because careers are really interconnected in TS4, requiring a lot more diverse skills and actions to gain promotions, and the way some of this is currently set up is not balanced very well and in some places, broken.

    Culinary - Chef, for example, in addition to raising cooking skill requires cooking a large number of high quality meals of different types to advance. Are you intending for this to happen during the course of regular 'feeding' and only on a grill? The necessary recipes are not going to all be available on the outdoor grill. Just Culinary lvl 4 or so requires an excellent grilled cheese to advance, for example. Chef levels will require creating a large number of different recipes, and gourmet recipes that won't be available on the grill either. Since mastering Chef is the only way to unlock a stove, and we can't master Chef without using a stove, we've got a catch 22 there.

    For a balance example, let's take Criminal. Without the daily fines or protection money of the original challenge (not that I actually miss those, haha), or the risk of having to quit your job when you get pregnant (there is no maternity leave in TS4 - you can go to work every day, easily, in fact your sim will automatically do it even if they're feeling horrible), there really isn't a compelling reason to bother with the Criminal branches. The "only one of each type of crafted items" restriction there doesn't have a lot of relevance yet, either, as the decent woodworking items (toilet, tub) are all locked by other careers anyway.

    Not trying to be discouraging. I loved Pinstar's original challenge and would very much like to see it adapted for TS4 in a playable manner. :)

    The Wolff Legacy - whattheplum.wordpress.com - Latest update: Forward, Fast
  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    > @esiobhan said:
    > Could you sort of clarify the jogging rules? Since initially I know there's no exercise equipment and no jogging, that's clear I'm just not sure when jogging is unlocked. It's referenced a couple of places.

    It unlocks when you you lift the Tech Guru - eSport restrictions. However sims in certain careers may still jog (otherwise you would need to skill up with the energized actions which is just ridiculous)

    @FloorRaison
    Still testing it really. I'll look at the text clean up more. For culinary, I'll add a fix, hadn't thought of that. Some interconnected means you need to pick carefully the order you do them, sadly. Criminal branches, I couldn't put the taxing because I didn't notice depreciation like in TS2, make it just trouble for nothing. Some career unlocks changes little. I'm revamping it to clean the text, correct a few issues and add it things that were found in testing. However with the fact no two people really play the same way, I'd love for others to test it too and report what isn't working on their end. If it catches and works well I may even put it on a blog or something with text formatting that is more friendly than a forum post. Right now I was just sharing something I was attempting for my own playing enjoyment in case others wanted to do the same.
  • dmama1314dmama1314 Posts: 262 Member
    I think it's a great start and as people test it can be edited.
  • milaekmilaek Posts: 4 New Member
    Hey so I just started play testing this (hope you don't mind!) And I have a question about a few things. 1. The grill has to be outside, so is this included in our 6x6 space or is it like the mailbox and trash can? I assumed its part of the 6x6, but it would be nice to get some clarification. 2. The house has to be on a foundation, which mean you need stairs to get up. Are the stairs included in the 6x6 space? On this one I assumed they weren't because it wan be a pretty big chunk of empty space that we would have to account for. Stairs for upper levels of course would have to be in the 6x6 still.
    3. How are we supposed to have our Sims gain fitness skill? In ts2 we were allowed the crappiest boom box to use for working out, but ts4 doesn't have that option. Maybe allow the base punching bag? Idk.

    I'm super exited for this! Thanks for working on adapting the rules!
  • dmama1314dmama1314 Posts: 262 Member
    What about going 8x8 like past challenges, and make the stairs part of that?
  • Carewren123Carewren123 Posts: 2,658 Member
    So is there not a restriction that causes the elderly to go senile as in TS3? Not complaining, just making sure I didn't miss something. This challenge has so many rules after all.

    I may test this soon.
    E7A0Fe3.jpg
    Current Stories:
    Wren's Nest * * * Get a CLUE


    Completed Stories: Ana Pringle

    My Main Site: Carewren123 Sim Stories
    YouTube Channel: Carewren123 Sims
    Monthly Short Story Challenge Thread: Current Theme: April: Choose your screenshots.
  • dmama1314dmama1314 Posts: 262 Member
    In TS3 there is. The Artist one (or Art Appraisal) means you cannot control Elders.

    http://ts3ac.wikispaces.com/Home
  • Soulangel980Soulangel980 Posts: 29 Member
    edited October 2014
    > @milaek said:
    > Hey so I just started play testing this (hope you don't mind!) And I have a question about a few things. 1. The grill has to be outside, so is this included in our 6x6 space or is it like the mailbox and trash can? I assumed its part of the 6x6, but it would be nice to get some clarification. 2. The house has to be on a foundation, which mean you need stairs to get up. Are the stairs included in the 6x6 space? On this one I assumed they weren't because it wan be a pretty big chunk of empty space that we would have to account for. Stairs for upper levels of course would have to be in the 6x6 still.
    > 3. How are we supposed to have our Sims gain fitness skill? In ts2 we were allowed the crappiest boom box to use for working out, but ts4 doesn't have that option. Maybe allow the base punching bag? Idk.
    >
    > I'm super exited for this! Thanks for working on adapting the rules!

    Hi,

    1. The grill can be inside, actually. Just be warn of fires! If outside, yes, would need to be in the 6x6 area.
    2. Stairs can be outside, for the first level, good point.
    3. Two ways: The exercise push-ups/sit ups when energized (or if your sim has the active trait) or by being in careers that allow YA & Adults to go jogging. Also, discussing fitness in game also provides to building this up. If you play with skill books (as waiting to unlock books in all is an option for a harder challenge), I think there is a skill book for this.

    Also, editing for senior control (painter - real) - also will add ghost options.
  • mysle86mysle86 Posts: 20 Member
    Havent done this challenge before, but i would love to test it. Just have a few questions.

    > @Soulangel980 said:
    > Secret Agent – Diamond Agent Branch

    > • Sims in this career may also use the computer for programming.

    Does this mean that they can purchase the computer without completing the Tech Guru – Start-Up Entrepreneur Branch, or do they have to complete that first in order to purchase the computer? And if they can use it, can they also use it to research?

    Really good job. Looking forward to try this :)
  • JanLauren7JanLauren7 Posts: 63 Member
    Thank you! This has always been my favorite Sims Challenge. I'll be playing and let you know if I come across any real problems.
  • TheAmazingLeeTheAmazingLee Posts: 140 Member
    Ah, I'm excited to give this a go.

    For the criminal ones, since without the taxation and it being pretty hard to miss a day, perhaps you could do a percentage of the household worth as a tax? Since there isn't any deprecation. And if you didn't have enough to pay it, you could be forced to sell items until you were able to.
  • QuietgirlgamesQuietgirlgames Posts: 12 New Member
    Just thought I should mention that Pinstar has said he will be making this for Sims 4 and would be nice if you gave him credit in the original post
  • LoriLori Posts: 3 New Member
    Could you create a house before creating the family, and then use free real estate? Or absolutely no cheats, only ones to fix game glitches?
  • LoriLori Posts: 3 New Member
    For the Diamond Agent Branch, can the spouse enroll in this career or once they have a child and that child grows into a young adult, then enroll in the career?
This discussion has been closed.
Return to top