Emotions Overview
In the past, Moodlets in The Sims 3 would make your Sims more or less happy, but now Moodlets are tied to one of many Emotions. In The Sims 4, you need to consider the vast array of emotions, and understand which one is most beneficial for what your Sims need. Emotions now play a much larger role in the lives of your Sims. Those players who learn to master and manipulate emotions—for their own Sims as well as non-player Sims—will be much more successful.
The color of the background behind your Sims’ portraits indicates their current emotional state.
When you look down at the character portraits of your Sims, you notice that the background color can change. These colors help you know what emotion your Sims are experiencing with a quick glance. For the currently selected Sim, the name of the emotion appears just to the left of the Sim’s face. The Sim’s facial expression even changes with emotions.
When having a conversation, the socials with a colored tab next to them are related to your Sim’s emotion.
It is important to keep your Sims in positive or appropriate emotions. Emotions have far-ranging effects on the lives of your Sims and the Sims they interact with. Emotions affect the whims that appear for your Sims. In fact, the Whim that appears on the left side is always tied to your current emotion. When you want to socialize with other Sims, the available socials for your conversation depend on both your Sim’s emotions and the emotions of the other parties in the conversation. For example, a few socials are available only when you are Happy. On the other hand, if you are Embarrassed, you gain access to some new socials due to this emotion. Emotions can also affect your ability to develop skills. Do you want to cook a meal, paint a painting, write a book? You do better when you are Inspired and worse when you are Tense. It is also important to be in the correct emotion when your Sims go off to work—and the desired emotion depends on the type of career.
During a conversation, look at the conversation window at the top of the screen to see the emotion of the Sims your Sims are talking to.
Several objects can get your Sim into a desired emotion. For example, taking different types of showers can change emotions. A brisk shower Energizes, a steamy shower makes Sims Flirty, and a thoughtful shower leaves a Sim Inspired. On the other hand, if a Sim is Flirty, a cold shower will help remove the Flirty emotion. Other objects that affect emotions include television, books, art, computers, and even food or drinks.
Need an emotion change? Try taking a shower.
Sims actions also have an impact on emotions. Working out can get a Sim Energized—which then opens up additional actions related to this emotion. Having a good day at work can create positive emotions. On the other hand, a bad day can lead to more negative emotions. While it was mentioned earlier that different socials are available depending on emotions, it is also important to understand that conversations can change emotions—both for your Sims and the Sims they’re socializing with. Using romance socials will help make Sims Flirty while mean socials can make them Angry. Finally, a Sim’s needs affect emotions. If you take good care of your Sims’ needs, they will more likely be Happy or have other positive emotions. However, if their needs are neglected, they can become Uncomfortable. Now let’s take a more detailed look at each of the 15 individual emotions.