The Sims series, developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts, has evolved dramatically since its debut in 2000.
With each subsequent version, new features, challenges, and storytelling elements have been introduced.
The fourth instalment, “The Sims 4”, remains one of the most celebrated and played titles in the franchise, offering unprecedented customization and control over the virtual lives of our Sims.
As players, we often find ourselves attached to certain characters, shaping their lives, careers, and relationships.
However, there are moments when, for a variety of reasons, we might need to let a Sim go.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into how to delete a sim in Sims 4, discussing the various methods and their implications.
Reasons for Deleting a Sim
Overpopulation
With the many expansion packs and in-game events available, it’s easy for players to quickly amass a sizeable Sim population.
Sometimes, to make room for new characters or streamline gameplay, it’s necessary to reduce the number of Sims in a household.
Storytelling Purposes
Many players use The Sims 4 as a storytelling tool, crafting intricate narratives and scenarios.
For the sake of the storyline, a character might need to exit, and deletion becomes a plot device.
Performance Issues
Older computers might struggle to keep up with the demands of a bustling Sim world. To enhance gameplay and reduce lag, players might opt to delete a few characters.
Methods to Delete a Sim
From the Household Management Menu
- Open ‘Manage Worlds’: From the main menu or in-game, select the three dots at the top right and choose ‘Manage Worlds’.
- Select the Household: Click on the house containing the Sim you wish to delete.
- Click on ‘More’: It’s represented by three dots.
- Choose ‘Manage Household’: This will provide a list of all Sims in that household.
- Select the Desired Sim: Click on the Sim’s image.
- Click ‘Delete’: Confirm your decision.
Using the in-game Options
- Enter the Sim’s Household: Play as the household containing the Sim you want to delete.
- Open Simology Panel: This is the panel that showcases a Sim’s age, relationships, and other statistics.
- Click on the Sim’s portrait: It will bring up a more detailed view.
- Find the ‘Delete’ option: This might appear as a small trash can icon.
- Confirm the Deletion: Make sure you’re confident in your decision, as this action is irreversible.
Via Cheats
For players familiar with game cheats, there’s a method to delete Sims using the in-game console:
- Open the Cheat Console: Press ‘CTRL + SHIFT + C’ simultaneously.
- Enter the Cheat: Type “testingcheats true” (without quotes) and press Enter.
- Shift-Click the Sim: This will bring up a context menu.
- Select ‘Delete Sim’: This will instantly remove the Sim from the game.
Implications of Deleting a Sim
When you decide on how to delete a sim in Sims 4, it’s essential to understand the game implications:
- Lost Relationships: Deleted Sims will be removed from the relationship panel of other Sims.
- Gone Forever: Deleted Sims cannot be retrieved or restored.
- Property and Assets: Any property or asset owned by the Sim will be available for other household members. If the Sim was the sole member, the property might go up for sale.
Alternative to Deletion
If you’re hesitant about deletion, consider these alternatives:
- Move to Another Household: Instead of deletion, move the Sim to another household or create a new one for them. This keeps them in the game world, but outside your primary story.
- Save to the Gallery: Before deletion, you can save your Sim to the game’s Gallery. This allows you to reintroduce them later if you wish.
Conclusion
The decision to delete a Sim is a personal one and often comes with mixed emotions, especially for those deeply invested in their Sim’s stories.
However, knowing how to delete a sim in Sims 4 can enhance gameplay, resolve performance issues, or streamline narratives.
Always remember to think it through and consider the alternatives before making a final decision.
