The Sims 4 uses a minimal interface so that you can focus on the lives of your Sims rather than looking at controls and buttons. However, you still need to access information on your Sims to help them meet their needs. On the bottom right corner of the game screen, there are seven icons. Clicking on these icons opens up a series of windows that provide important information on your currently selected Sim. The icon on the far right side with a smiley face is for needs. Click on it to open a window that shows all six needs with a bar representing your Sim’s current needs.
Everyone has needs—even Sims. Help them take care of their needs by checking the Needs window.
When you first begin a game, your Sim’s Needs window should show all six needs in the green. That is where you want them to be. As your Sim goes throughout the day, these values get lower and their color changes from green to yellow to orange and then to red. When you get into the orange and red, your Sim can receive negative moodlets that affect his or her emotions. This can then affect the Sim’s ability to socialize, complete tasks, and be effective at work. Eventually, if you do not take care of your Sim’s needs, there can be serious consequences.
Consequences of Need Neglect
| Need | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Bladder | Sim pees in clothes, creates a puddle, and lowers Hygiene |
| Hunger | Sim gets Hungry, then Ravenous, then eventually starves to death |
| Energy | Sim passes out |
| Fun | Sim becomes Tense |
| Social | Sim becomes Sad |
| Hygiene | Sim stinks and offends other Sims |
If you don’t take care of the Bladder need, Sims will wet themselves and create a puddle on the floor that must be mopped up. The Sim’s Hygiene will tank as well.
Your Sims need some rest. If they get exhausted, they will eventually pass out right where they were standing.
If Sims don’t eat, they eventually starve to death.
Now that you can see the consequences of neglected needs, lets discuss how to take care of those needs. Bladder is an easy need to take care of. Just click on a toilet and select Use. If you are at a park, you can click on a restroom and select Use. Hunger is another easy need to fix. Just have your Sim eat something. As long as you have a stove or a refrigerator—or other related item—your Sim can get a meal to deal with Hunger need. When your Sim’s Energy gets low, have them take a nap or sleep. You can do this in a bed or even on a sofa or bench. Of course, sleeping in the bed will provide more Energy need than napping on a sofa. Drinking certain beverages can also give your Sim Energy. When in need of Fun, your Sim can play a video game, watch television, or read a book. Social needs can be met by chatting with other Sims either on a cell phone or with a computer. Or just get out of the house and talk to some other Sims. Finally, when Hygiene gets low, take a shower, wash hands, or brush teeth to take care of that need.