Most Sims modders concentrate on superficial genetic changes, like new eye colors or skin tones. While these custom content items alter a Sim’s appearance, they don’t impact their underlying genetic makeup or development.
The Sims does a great job of making each character unique, but it’s strange that children don’t inherit more from their parents beyond physical traits. Real-life inheritance encompasses more than just looks, so why not in the Sims? That’s where modder Vicky Sims comes in. Her Genetic Rewards mod allows Sims to inherit a wider range of parental characteristics.
UNDERSTANDING GENETICS IN THE SIMS 4
Unlike humans, Sims don’t follow traditional dominant and recessive gene patterns. Their genetic inheritance is simpler, focusing primarily on physical attributes. Hair texture, color, eye color, skin tone, and overall appearance are the main genetic traits passed down from parents to children in The Sims 4. Occult traits, like those of vampires or aliens, also play a significant role in shaping a Sim’s genetic makeup.
EYES
- A Sim will inherit the eye color of one of their parents. However, the game seems to categorize some eye colors together. For instance, dark blue and grey eyes might be considered similar enough that a Sim with a dark blue-eyed parent could end up with grey eyes.
HAIR
- The Sims 4’s hair inheritance system is relatively straightforward for natural hair colors. A child will inherit the hair color and texture from one of their parents, with an equal chance of inheriting from either. For example, if one parent has straight red hair and the other has wavy black hair, their child will either have straight red hair or wavy black hair.
- However, things get more unpredictable with unnatural hair colors. If one or both parents have dyed hair, the child’s hair color and texture can vary widely and don’t follow the same inheritance rules.
PHYSICAL FEATURES
- Sim physical appearance is the most varied genetic trait. Children can inherit a blend of their parents’ features, resulting in a unique appearance. In some cases, a child might closely resemble one parent, almost like a clone.
- While The Sims 4 doesn’t explicitly use dominant and recessive genes, there seems to be a degree of influence where certain features are more likely to be passed down through generations. This is often observed in legacy playthroughs.
SKIN TONE
- Sim skin tone inheritance leans towards a middle ground between parents. Most often, a child’s skin tone will fall somewhere between the skin tones of their parents. However, there are instances where a child inherits the exact skin tone of one parent.
- Unnatural skin tones in The Sims 4 behave differently than natural ones. If one or both parents have an unusual skin color, such as blue or green, the child will inherit the exact skin tone from one of them. There’s no blending or variation in this case.
OCCULT GENETICS
Occult genetics in The Sims 4 introduce a layer of complexity to the game’s inheritance system. Unlike standard Sims, occult Sims often exhibit unique genetic behaviors and can lead to unexpected outcomes when combined. Simmer SnarkyWitch created a vampire-alien-mermaid hybrid that:
- Has vampire thirst & energy motives, sun sensitivity, a Dark Form in CAS, but no vampire skill tree
- Has an alien form in Live Mode that is inaccessible/non-editable in CAS
- Has hydration needs like a mermaid, and a mermaid tail in water that is inaccessible/non-editable in CAS
- Has powers from all 3 occults, although she cannot advance her vampire powers due to lack of skill tree access
One of the challenges with occult genetics in The Sims 4 is the delayed appearance of certain inherited traits. Some occult features might not be visible until a Sim reaches their teenage years. This delayed manifestation can make it difficult to track the inheritance pattern of specific occult traits across generations.
GENETIC REWARDS MOD
Although this mod includes elements that aren’t usually genetically inherited, it makes the most sense within the game’s mechanics. The mod consists of two main components that work together, but it comes in various versions that might seem confusing at first. Don’t worry, we’ll break it all down for you and make it as easy to understand as possible!
PART A – THE LINKED REWARD TRAITS
The mod establishes a connection between a Sim’s personality and their inherited traits. Similar to real life, Sims can develop temperaments resembling their parents or forge their own unique paths.
Some examples:
- Bro Sims can pass on their warmth and reputation, which means their child might inherit the Always Welcome reward trait.
- Ambitious Sims can influence their offspring, potentially passing on the Entrepreneurial reward trait.
- Additionally, Child of the Island Sims might have children who inherit the Heat Acclimated reward trait, thanks to growing up in the warm climate of Sulani.
PART B – THE PASS-DOWN METHODS
The mod comes in three flavors, each offering a different level of genetic influence. Choose the version that best suits your gameplay preferences to determine how traits are inherited.
INHERITED REWARDS: A DIRECT LINK
The Inherited Rewards option offers the most straightforward approach to genetic inheritance. If either parent possesses a specific personality trait, their child is guaranteed to inherit the corresponding reward trait. This mode is ideal for players who prefer Sims with strong family resemblances in terms of personality and behavior.
SURPRISING REWARDS: A ROLL OF THE DICE
With a mere 4% probability, Sims have a slim chance of inheriting one or two reward traits, regardless of their parents’ personalities. This mode fosters a sense of unpredictability, allowing Sims to develop unique character traits without direct parental influence.
It’s a great choice for players who prefer to let their Sims’ personalities unfold organically, free from predetermined outcomes.
GENETICS BY PERSONALITY: A BALANCED APPROACH
It introduces a 33% chance of a child inheriting a reward trait based on one parent’s personality. If both parents share the same personality, the likelihood of inheriting the corresponding reward trait jumps to 100%. This method strikes a balance between randomness and parental influence, creating a more realistic and engaging genetic experience.
It’s a great choice for players who want a mix of predictability and surprise in their Sim families.
INSTALLING AND USING GENETIC REWARDS MOD
All three versions of the Genetic Rewards mod are available in a single download. They can be used together without causing conflicts, but Vicky Sims recommends using only one or two at a time to prevent Sims from inheriting too many reward traits. Follow the steps below to install and enjoy the mod.
- Before you start installing mods, especially overhaul mods like this, it’s advised to make a backup of your game that you can revert to if things don’t go as planned.
- Download the Trait Tracker Injector by MAL22 which contains the framework for the inheritance mechanic.
- Head to the Patreon page and download whatever flavor(s) of the mod you want.
There is an optional 4th package on the page which will make the Genetics Mod compatible with Vicky Sims’ Remade CAS Traits Mod. With everything set up correctly, you should notice your Sims developing distinct personalities influenced by their parents as you play the game.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Vicky Sims’ Genetic Rewards mod breathes new life into your Sims’ families. By linking personality traits and reward traits, this mod creates more realistic and engaging family dynamics. Watch as your Sims inherit the quirks and qualities of their parents, or forge their own paths. Whether you crave strong family resemblances or unpredictable surprises, this mod offers options to suit your gameplay style. Experience the joy of seeing family legacies unfold before your eyes. Happy Simming!
