The Sims series has been an iconic game series since its inception. It allows players to live a virtual life, build relationships, houses, and even families. As the game series progressed, so did its features.
One of the most endearing additions was the introduction of pets in the Sims universe. For players who are die-hard fans of the Sims 4 and want to navigate the world of pets, one crucial aspect they might want to understand is how to age up pets in Sims 4.
This guide aims to delve into this very topic, offering insights based on firsthand experiences and a step-by-step tutorial on the process.
Introduction: The Joy of Pets in Sims 4
Before diving into the aging process, let’s understand the role of pets in the game. Pets have always brought a different dimension to the game. They’re not just animals; they’re members of the family.
The Sims 4 captures this essence beautifully, with detailed animations, personalities, and the ability for pets to have life stages, much like human Sims. But why would someone want to age up their pet?
Reasons vary from wanting their Sim to have a mature pet companion, moving the game narrative forward, or simply experiencing the entire lifecycle of their virtual pet.
Understanding Life Stages of Pets
Much like their human counterparts, pets in the Sims 4 go through different life stages:
- Puppy/Kitten: This is the infant stage where your pets are at their most adorable. They are playful, need lots of attention, and can sometimes be a handful.
- Adult: Once the pets mature, they become more self-reliant. They can be trained, breed, and have a distinct personality.
- Elder: In this stage, pets are in the twilight of their life. They move slower and spend most of their time resting.
Understanding these stages helps players make informed decisions about when and why they might want to age up their pets.
How to Age Up Pets in Sims 4: A Step-by-Step Guide
Aging up pets in Sims 4 is a straightforward process, but for those unfamiliar, here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Ensure You Have Ageing Turned On: Before anything else, you should ensure that the game’s aging feature is turned on. To check, go to ‘Game Options’, select ‘Gameplay’, and ensure ‘Auto Age (Played Sims)’ is enabled.
- Purchase the ‘Age-Up Treat’: Visit a vet clinic in the game. There you’ll find an item called ‘Age-Up Treat’ available for purchase. Buy this item.
- Feed the Treat to Your Pet: Once you’ve purchased the treat, return to your pet and select the ‘Give Vet Treat’ option, choosing the ‘Age-Up Treat’ from the list.
- Watch the Magic Happen: As soon as the pet consumes the treat, it’ll age up to the next life stage.
Alternative Methods
While the ‘Age-Up Treat’ is the most direct method, there are alternative ways to age your pet:
- Wait it Out: Like human Sims, pets will age naturally over time. You can simply let the game progress, and your pets will grow older.
- Editing in CAS (Create-A-Sim): By activating the ‘testingcheats true’ cheat, you can shift-click on your pet and opt to modify them in CAS, allowing you to manually adjust their age.
Why Age Your Pets Up or Down?
The decision to age your pets is a subjective one. Some players want to speed up the narrative, while others might have specific storylines in mind that require pets of a certain age.
Conversely, if you’re not ready to let go of your pet’s current life stage, you can buy the ‘Age-Down Treat’ at the vet clinic, reverting them to a younger stage.
Conclusion: The Circle of Life in Sims 4
The Sims 4, with its intricate life simulation mechanics, offers players an immersive experience, allowing them to not only dictate the lives of their human characters but also their furry companions.
Whether you choose to age up your pet or let them live naturally, the game ensures that every decision contributes to a rich, emotionally fulfilling story.
So, next time you ponder how to age up pets in Sims 4, remember that you’re not just advancing a game stage; you’re molding a narrative of virtual life.