Prima Games eGuides The Sims 3 World Adventures eGuide

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The Sims 3 World Adventures eGuide Essentials The Sims 3 Primer

A Day in the Life

Once you create a Sim and a place for them to call home, it is finally time to venture into the world and start living it up. The journey will not always be easy, but it will be full of fun and surprises.

However, before taking on that first brave day, you need to be familiar with a handful of terms that will not only appear throughout this entire guide, but also be critical to succeeding within the game.

Mood

There are a handful of ways to measure your Sim’s life progress, such as Simoleons or the current career promotion, but mood is how you measure your Sim’s immediate condition.

Your Sim’s happiness and/or misery is displayed right there on the Mood meter—shaped like an upside-down exclamation point—which turns green when the Sim is pleased and bright red when something is seriously amiss.

There is a yellow point in the middle of the Mood meter that gives you a warning. Inject something fun or enjoyable into your Sim’s day or mood will continue to plummet.

To succeed in life, you must keep your Sim happy. Pushing the Mood meter in to the green indicates happiness. And if you can boost the Sim’s mood all the way into the “bubble” at the top of the meter, then you know your Sim is truly happy.

As long as the Mood meter is in that bubble, the Sim accumulates Lifetime Happiness points. This lasts until the mood drops out of the bubble, even if the Sim is still shown to be happy by a largely green meter.

Moodlets

Mood is a bird’s-eye view of everything the Sim is feeling at that given moment. Moodlets are slivers of that mood. These smaller emotions, feelings, and cravings are not passive indicators—these are real-time assessments that should never be ignored.

Some moodlets demand immediate attention, such as moodlets that indicate hunger or a lack of hygiene. These negative moodlets contribute to a decreased overall mood, which affects so much of your Sim’s life, such as their performance at work.

Negative moodlets can typically be dispelled with an action, such as taking a shower to get rid of the Grungy moodlet.

There are three types of moodlets: positive, neutral, and negative. To keep mood up, you need to do more things that inspire positive moodlets. Moodlets have varying degrees of effect on overall mood.

Some moodlets are very minor and do not necessarily cause a mood swing. However, these little annoyances can add up to an unhappy Sim if they are ignored.

To combat these, rectify any conditions causing a negative moodlet and seek out activities that cause positive moodlets.

Moodlets are timed—they only last for a certain time before they either vanish, or in the case of several negative moodlets, lead into worse moodlets.

While a moodlet is active, it contributes to the overall mood. There is no state of decay. As soon as the timer on a moodlet expires, that moodlet’s effect on the overall mood vanishes.

Here is a list of all of the moodlets your Sim can feel, broken down by effect—positive, negative, and neutral. The duration of each moodlet is also included so you know how long the effects of a moodlet will influence overall mood.

positive moodlets

Moodlet

Effect

Duration in Hours

Description

Minty Breath

5

4

Sims love to be around those with Minty Breath. It sure beats the alternative.

Feeling Lucky

5

23

Today is Sim's lucky day. Who knows what good will happen?

Heard Theater Music

10

Variable

The music pulsing from the inside of the theater sounds awesome. Perhaps tickets are still available!

Educated

10

Variable

Exploring the local halls of culture and learning may teach even the most studious individual a thing or two.

Impressed

10

0

Touring public place sometimes reveals unexpected and impressive sights.

Let Off Steam

10

Variable

Having a friendly ear to complain to helps when you need to vent.

Decorated

10

Lasts as long as Sim is in room

Sims enjoy well furnished homes. By the looks of things, this place isn't so bad!

Brightened Day

10

3

Good Sims know exactly what to say to make someone's day better.

Had a Nice Nap

10

5

Having a great, refreshing nap may be just enough to hold back the onset of sleep.

I Am Beautiful

10

4

Recognizing beauty, even one's own, is just a benefit of vanity.

New Car Smell

10

2

Ah, that new car smell is so factory fresh!

Fascinated

10

2

Some Sims take joy in things ordinary Sims might otherwise overlook.

Got a Good Deal

10

8

Saving a few Simoleons is pure satisfaction!

Saw Great Movie

10

16

Sims have a special place in their hearts for movies on the silver screen, and a special place in their stomachs for the buttery popcorn.

Flattered

10

Variable

Compliments are quite flattering!

Intrigued

10

Variable

Juicy gossip satisfies eager ears!

Attractive

10

Variable

When a Sim looks this good, it's difficult for others not to notice. Wowza!

Hilarious Conversation

10

Variable

Some Sims should be stand-up comedians with the humor they're dishing out.

Tranquil

10

8

Nothing can stress or anger Sims who have reached their happy place.

Squeaky Clean

10

7

Experience the clean sensation of practicing personal hygiene!

Cheered Up

15

3

Gobs of sobs are stopped by the kind words of others.

Duck Time

15

5

Rubber duckies make hygienic cleansing fun!

Calmed Down

15

3

Sometimes all an Angry Sim needs is an understanding voice to help them get through a bad mood.

Enjoying Solitude

15

Variable

Introverted Sims like it best at times when others completely and utterly stay away.

Buzzed

30

3

Caffeine can really wake a Sim. Use this time wisely, because after the high comes the low...

The Life of the Party

15

3

Not only do party animals love to party, but other Sims love to party with them. Wooo!

Excited

15

3

Excitable Sims tend to get, well, excited.

Great Kiss

15

3

Great kissers give amazing smooches.

Inspired

15

4

A genuine and original work of art can inspire and render viewers speechless upon experiencing.

Oddly Powerful

15

5

The feeling of power is...intense! Science has bestowed Super Sim capabilities!

Fiendishly Delighted

15

6

Sims of the Evil persuasion take pleasure in the misfortune of others.

Fulfilled

15

6

The satisfaction of having a wish come to fruition feels great!

Returned Stolen Property

15

8

Kleptos enjoy returning things even more than...ending up with them. After all, it's more difficult to do the right thing, even when it follows the wrong thing.

Fresh Start

15

24

Moving into a new location provides a clean slate many dream of!

Likes Work

10

Variable

Work isn't quite the daily grind for everyone. Bring on the overtime!

Out After Curfew!

15

Variable

Being out after curfew is totally radical.

Pristine Picture

15

Variable

The pixels are dancing daintily on the television, perfectly in harmony within the highest resolutions money can buy.

Cozy Fire

15

5

Sims enjoy the warm cheery glow of their fireplaces...poke them for extra warmth!

Pumped

15

4

If Sims work out long enough, they get Pumped. Workouts are even more effective while Sims are pumped.

Sweet Venue/Party

15

Variable

The choice in venue for this party is excellent. It sure beats the standard house party.

Adrenaline Rush

15

3

An Adrenaline Rush will keep this Sim pumped and running around everywhere for some time to come!

Feeling Calm

15

Variable

It turns out it was just anxiety getting the best of your Sim. The object wasn't left turned on and impending disaster wasn't looming. But, double checking helps to calm the anxiety.

Comforted

15

3

A quick cry on the shoulder helps the sadness go away.

Sugar Rush

15

Variable

Filling up on sugary goodness makes everything more fun!

New Stuff!

20

2

Sims love getting new things for their homes!

My Love!

20

Variable

Sims in love swoon and flutter about like fools oblivious to the world around them.

Pregnant

20

Lasts until birth

The wonder of creating new life makes pregnancy an exciting time for most Sims.

One With Nature

20

Variable

Outdoorswomen find themselves quite happy when not tucked away indoors.

New Home

20

24

It's a new place to call home!

Read a Masterpiece

20

24

Turning the last page of a masterpiece is like falling in love...it's a beautiful thing.

Saw Great Game

20

16

The fans are rowdy, the food is messy, but when combined with a sports game, it's an experience Sims love!

Cuddle Time

20

5

Teddy bears make excellent sleeping companions.

Exhilarating Shower

20

4

It makes sense that if a Sim uses quality plumbing, they get quality showers.

Awesome Party

20

3

Party plus Party Animal usually equals Awesome Party. It's simple math!

Great Adventure

20

3

Sim had such an amazing time! How could this adventure possibly be topped?!

New Friend

20

8

Meeting someone new and hitting it off well enough to call them a friend is spiffy!

Nicely Decorated

25

Lasts as long as Sim in room

Well designed décor stands out in a good way and tends to make everyone happier.

Entertained

25

Variable

Sim is entertained.

Winner!

25

8

Sims never tire of the thrill of victory.

I Am the Greatest!

25

8

It doesn't really matter how you got there. Being at the top means being at the top; you are the best!

Virtually Victorious!

25

8

Success! Sims love the (virtual) taste and smell of (virtual) victory.

Saw Great Concert

25

16

Sims unanimously agree that experiencing a concert is well worth the potential inner-ear damage.

Saw Great Play

25

16

Sims love to watch people on stage doing funny and unexpected things right before their eyes. Sometimes they get the strangest feeling of déjà vu.

Honor Student

25

24

Hard work and a nose to the books pays off with the satisfactory acceptance into the Honor Roll.

Warmed

25

3

There is nothing like the feeling of a warm flame to make a Sim happy.

Saw Great Symphony

30

16

A feast for the ears, Sims devour the mellifluous melodies of symphonies with jubilee.

Threw a Great Party

30

24

Sims love a great party and the host who throws them.

Celebrity

30

Variable

Sims love being recognized by their fans. Celebrity status is so cool!

Superior Equipment

30

Lasts as long as Sim near object

Food made with top-of-the-line equipment just has that superior flavor!

Beautifully Decorated

40

Lasts as long as Sim in room

Rooms adorned with the most expensive sculptures and paintings improve life dramatically.

Having a Blast

40

Variable

Sim is having so much fun it’s almost criminal.

First Kiss

40

24

A Sim's first kiss can leave them glowing for a long time.

First Romance

40

48

Love has bloomed for the first time. Could this be the real thing?

Wedding Day

40

24

Sims love to celebrate this incredibly important day with a party...just make sure everything goes to plan!

Celebrated Birthday

40

24

Birthday parties are the best!

Father of the Bride

40

24

Seeing a daughter married makes a father so proud.

Father of the Groom

40

24

Seeing a son married makes a father so proud.

Mother of the Bride

40

24

Seeing a daughter married makes a mother so proud.

Mother of the Groom

40

24

Seeing a son married makes a mother so proud.

Charitable

50

24

It feels great to help out other Sims, especially when they are in need.

Newly Engaged

50

24

With a ring on the finger, vows and true love forever aren't far behind.

Just Married

50

48

Sims always enjoy the joyful period following the marriage. Let's hope the love lasts...

Divine Meal

75

168

Sim has experienced a meal so exquisite, so divine, that it defies description. (i.e., Ate Ambrosia)

It's a Boy

80

24

Bouncing baby boys are delightful additions to any family!

It's a Girl

80

24

Gurgling baby girls are delightful additions to any family!

It's Triplets

80

24

Three babies! Hope your Sims wanted a big family.

It's Twins

80

24

Wow, your Sims were lucky enough to have twins. Double trouble!

Good/Great/AmazingMeal

Variable on cooking skill

Variable

Yummy! Sim enjoyed that meal more than the standard fare.

Comfy

Variable on quality of the chair

Variable

Nothing beats a good seat for comfort except perhaps a better seat.

Well Rested

Variable on quality of the bed

Variable

It's easy to wake up on the right side of the bed when you get plenty of time in the bed.

Beautiful View

Variable on trait

Variable

Would you look at that view!

Beautiful Vista

Variable on trait

Variable

This...house...is...incredible! Somebody really knows how to live.

Enjoying Music

Variable on music preference

Variable

It's hard not to enjoy a beat this solid.

Fit Atmosphere

Lasts as long as Sim is in gym

Variable

Exercising at the gym really improves the quality of the workout.

neutral moodlets

Moodlet

Duration/Effect

Description

Learning Quickly

Indicates sped-up learning

Sim is picking up on this skill really quickly–how satisfying!

Cozy Fire

Lasts as long as Sim is in front of fire

Sims enjoy the warm cheery glow of their fireplaces...poke them for extra warmth!

Has to Pee

Alerts that Sim must use bathroom

Your Sim needs to go. Like, "go."

Hungry

Alerts that Sim must eat

Your Sim's a wee bit peckish. The stomach growling isn't far behind.

Sleepy

Alerts that Sim must go to bed

Get Sim to bed soon, to avoid the wrath of the truly tired.

Stuffed

Sim is completely full

Forcing Sims to eat when they are not hungry may lead to loss of appetite and weight gain.

Garlic Breath

Lasts 3 hours

Whoa! It might be time to scrub away that garlic with a toothbrush.

Fatigued

Variable

Activity of the athletic variety naturally leads to a little muscle fatigue.

Baby is Coming

Indicates birth is soon

Uh oh! The water has broken, contractions have started, and the baby is on its way! Get the mother to a hospital soon or sit tight until the baby arrives!

Power Study

Indicates sped-up homework/learning

That quiet library atmosphere makes reading, studying, and working so much more efficient!

negative moodlets

Moodlet

Effect

Duration in Hours

Description

On Fire

-200

1

Contrary to popular belief, being on fire is not healthy and can lead to symptoms including panic, burns, and death. Best find some water quickly!

Starving

-80

0

Allowing Sims to starve is quite cruel! Get Sim some food immediately to avoid an unnecessary death.

Heart Wrenching Scene

-60

Lasts until leaving

Witnessing a break up is truly heartwrenching. Hopefully the two Sims can reconcile and find new love elsewhere...

Betrayed

-50

24

Being cheated on is tough to move past. Talking it out with the other Sim would speed the healing process.

Mourning

-50

48

The death of a loved one affects those closest to them. Sims can mourn at a tombstone or move it to a graveyard to feel more at peace.

Heart Broken

-50

48

A broken heart is an affliction only time and tears can heal.

Vile Surroundings

-40

Lasts until leaving or cleaning

This room is so fetid and foul. Sims were not meant to endure such a lax household cleaning philosophy!

Exhausted

-50

0

At this level of sleep deprivation, even the floor looks like a good bed to this Sim.

Failing

-40

18

Having to stare at a failing grade on a report card just stings. Homework completion and a good mood will improve low marks.

Desolate

-50

0

When Sims get really, really lonely, they need to talk to somebody. Anybody.

Singed

-40

0

Fire burns quickly, but it will burn a Singed Sim even faster, so avoid hot situations.

Singed Electricity

-40

0

Sims find it unenjoyable to be electrocuted, especially because it may stop their heart. Until this wears off, Sims should steer clear of further potentially electrifying activities.

Horrified

-35

8

Terrible things have been seen underneath the mausoleum. Explorers beware.

Stressed Out

-40

Variable

Sim is in desperate need of some entertainment. The daily grind has ground the enjoyment of life to a halt!

Really Has To Pee

-30

0

The bladder situation has only gone from bad to worse; find a bathroom soon!

Missed the Wedding

-30

24

It's a bad, bad, bad idea to miss the wedding. It takes two to tango and your Sim missed the dance.

Rejected Proposal

-30

6

It hurts to propose and be rejected. The good news is that Sims can try again as many times as they like. Of course, each rejection will hurt just as much.

Fired

-30

Variable

Ouch! Getting thrown out of the workplace never feels good. Time to find a new job...

Missing Work

-30

0

Workaholics don't get stressed from working, but from not working.

Lost a Friend

-25

Variable

The loss of a friend hurts, but can be easily rectified by giving them a call and rekindling the friendship.

Scared

-25

3

Scaredy-cats are scared of pretty much everything, but they really show it when their life flashes before their eyes.

Virtually Terrified!

-25

3

Yikes! That snaggle toothed monster looked far more realistic than expected. Who knew monster breath would be so...fragrant...in virtual reality.

Too Many People

-15

0

Certain Sims may not feel too comfortable around large groups.

Nauseous

-25

2

Sim isn't feeling so hot. You may want to keep her around a bathroom.

Filthy Surroundings

-30

Lasts until leaving or cleaning

The grime and muck is really starting to pile high. It won't be long before it starts paying rent.

Plagued by Nature

-20

0

It's often best for Sims who Hate the Outdoors to spend as little time out there as possible.

Stir Crazy

-15

Lasts until leaving house

Sims should leave the house frequently for sanity's sake. Shake well with a community marinade for best results.

Tired

-40

0

When Sims get too tired, their mood begins to go south.

Very Hungry

-40

0

Gnawing hunger is not a good feeling for Sims. Feed regularly to avoid.

Hydrophobic

-20

Lasts until away from water

There's just too much water for Sim to enjoy this moment.

Drowning

-40

Lasts until taken out of water

Sims breathe air. Anything else gets a little...suffocating.

Stuff Taken

-15

24

Sims really like their stuff, and when someone grabs it, they take it quite personally.

Rejected By Ex

-20

6

Sims don't like getting rejected, especially by someone who used to like them. Sims will have less luck socializing while they stew over a rejection.

Witnessed Betrayal

-20

6

Witnessing the romantic betrayal of a loved one is quite devastating.

Detention

-20

4

Aww shucks! Nobody likes spending time in detention!

Embarrassed

-20

3

Situations like this should be avoided at all costs...they're hard to live down.

Aching Back

-20

4

An aching back is quite the nagging problem. A massage would surely help.

Buzz Crashed

-10

3

Caffeine buzzes wear off eventually, leaving a sad Sim. Walk it off or have another cup!

Disgusted

-5

Lasts until leaving or cleaning

Revolting sights and smells will have this effect on Sims, so it's best to move them away.

Afraid of the Dark

-15

0

Heading inside or finding a bit of sunlight will take care of this cowardly affliction.

Disappointed

-15

24

Some Sims just hate it when they blow a chance to impress others.

Caught After Curfew

-15

3

It's so unfair! Why don't parents understand?

Offended

-15

3

Offense, when given, will require a healthy dose of time to forgive and forget. Or the dreaded apology.

Humiliated

-15

3

Humiliation tends to rear its ugly head just behind the heap of insulting comments.

Threw a Lame Party

-15

8

Some Sims throw awesome parties. Others throw parties that compare roughly with a stomach virus.

Crying Baby

-15

Lasts until leaving or baby stops crying

If the baby can't be quieted, it's best to get as far away as possible.

Feeling Anxious

-15

Variable

Neurosis overtakes some Sims with a feeling of anxiety that can only be solved by confronting the problem head on.

Anxious to Advance

-15

0

It's been a long time since a promotion has been earned or a skill has been improved... too long!

Overworked

-15

12

All work and no play makes it so that Sim needs to lay off putting in all that extra effort.

Upset

-15

3

It's hard to endure the rough patches with those you care about.

Itchy

-15

4

There's just no way to scratch the cursed itch!

Bad Night's Sleep

-15

6

Sleeping on a cheap bed would make any Sim grumpy.

Dirty Surroundings

-15

Lasts until leaving or cleaning

Garbage, filth, and grime do not improve one's surroundings.

Enemy!

-10

Lasts until Sim leaves

The presence of garbage would be preferred to that of a hated enemy!

Unfinished Room

-10

Lasts until room finished

This room needs proper flooring and wall covering of some sort to be considered complete.

It's Dark

-10

Lasts until room brightens

A little light would certainly improve things. Perhaps some windows to let natural light in, as well?

Strained

-15

Variable

Sim could stand a few hours of fun to iron out the stress.

Sore

-10

6

Sims may occasionally feel a little pain, but the results are usually worth it. Sometimes a massage can help...

Technophobia

-10

3

Some Sims really can't stand watching TV no matter what the channel.

Can't Stand Art

-10

3

One Sim's art is another Sim's garbage. Some Sims just don't appreciate the finer things in life.

Rude Awakening

-10

1

Loud noises and ruckuses will disturb sleeping Sims. Keep those stereos off and the conversations somewhere else, and don't light the bedroom on fire.

Dislikes Children

-10

Last until Sim or child leaves

Some Sims just don't find children to be adorable bundles of joy.

Rude Guest

-10

4

Sims don't like it when other Sims are rude, especially houseguests!

Rejected First Kiss

-10

6

It's sad when a Sim gets rejected for a first kiss. Very sad. A rejected sim needs time to cool off before their social skills will be back on track.

Bad Reception

-10

Variable

Cheap television sets don't always provide the most pristine picture.

Tired From Moving

-10

6

It's been a long day, but it's good to be home and settled in.

Creeped Out

-10

Variable

Ewww! Someone sure is acting creepy!

Cold Shower

-10

3

Freezing jets of water will dull any mood. Perhaps it's time to upgrade the shower...

Tastes Like Fridge

-10

Variable

Every bite shouldn't contain flavors from everything else in the fridge. Quality fridges never have this problem!

Uneven Cooking

-10

Variable

At least the left-most portion was cooked correctly...right? Maybe a nicer stove would burn better.

Lonely

-15

Lasts until Sim finds company

Communication is a must for Sims. A quick chat will fix things right away.

Smelly

-10

Lasts until shower

Sims don't like to stink. More importantly, Sims don't like other Sims that stink.

Grungy

-5

Lasts until shower

Yuck! That layer of grime growing might mean it's time for a bath or shower.

Wasted Food

-5

Variable

Don't throw away good food! There are starving children in Strangetown!

Creepy Graveyard

-5

Variable

Graveyards are terrifying places filled with dead bodies, the ghosts of the bodies, and fear.

Boring Conversation

-5

3

Yawn! Will they ever stop talking?

Feeling Unlucky

-5

23

Today is NOT Sim's lucky day. Nothing good can come of this.