SIMMER'S DIGEST
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Simmer's Digest Team
  • Simmer's Digest News
    • Sims 4 News
    • Community News
    • Sims Mobile News
    • Sims Free Play News
  • Simmer TV
  • CC Catalog
  • Sims Nation Magazine
  • Simspiration
  • Sim Challenges
  • Gallery Features
  • SimLit Spot
  • Home REDesign 2022
  • Social Bunny

Simmer's Digest News

#GrowingTogether: What to Expect

2/4/2023

0 Comments

 

A new way to enjoy the blog. Click below to listen to the blog post

Picture

Growing Together: Sims 4's Newest Expansion Pack

Sims 4 players are rejoicing worldwide.  On February 2nd, the iconic life simulation game unleashed news of fresh content - an update that frees infants from their previously pixeled bassinet prisons and the highly-anticipated Growing Together expansion pack that imbues the game with deeper intergenerational family ties.  Through these updates, Sims 4 developers hope to fulfill some of the most desperate, longtime wishes of their passionate players.

After all, Simmers are fiercely particular about their pixel people families. Players spend hours crafting the perfect homes, molding the perfect Sims, and playing through simulated life cycle after simulated life cycle, from birth to death.  One of the most echoed and pointed complaints about Sims 4 was this: that the beginning of a Sim's life cycle was extremely limited. Babies were crying, pooping, sleepy objects entirely confined to their designated bassinets.  Although  caretakers were able to scoop their babies up to feed or soothe them, there were no baby bath times, play mats for tummy time, or even baby showers. The Infant Update and Growing Together expansion pack changes all of that - and then some. 

Infant Update

Picture
Coming to all players on March 14th is an enormous base game update.  This update will introduce Infant - a brand new life stage - to the game.  Naturally, players will be able to create and modify infants in Create-a-Sim, but that isn't all. Sim Parents can fully change diapers in a fresh interaction; they can also put their infant down for naps or bedtime.  Instead of simply crying and soiling virtual diapers, the new infants will be able to express their needs, emotions, and sentiments. Developers promise that new Sim Parents will experience infants as they are meant to be experienced: through an intense, sleepless fog. 

​But it is through the expansion pack Growing together that Sims 4 developers have truly "freed the infant."  The pack, which releases on March 16th, adds Infant Milestones to the game. These milestones grant babies new abilities that form their adorable personalities and follow them as they grow older. The pack also introduces Infant Playmats, Changing Stations, and baby carriers to the game. Older Sims will be able to transport their bundles of joy on their backs, put their babies down on their bellies for play time, pass their babies to other Sims, and throw  baby showers, a brand new in-game Event.


It doesn't end there! Growing Together offers 18 discoverable Infant Quirks that change an infant's behavior. Among these Quirks are: Self-soother, Early Riser, Messy Eater, Frequently Gassy, Good Appetite, Snuggly Sleeper, Happy Spitter, Free-Air Tinkler, and more.  

Infants promise to be irritatingly lovable as they toot, babble, giggle, and free-pee into toddlerhood. 

A Whole New World

Picture
On March 3rd, 2023, Simmers will learn more about Sims 4: Growing Together during a Twitch live Stream. Then, players will get a better picture of all that the freshest expansion pack has to offer.  However, between the new pack trailer, developer Tweets, and EA Blog Posts, Simmers have a good idea of what to expect. 

Naturally, Growing Together boasts a brand new world for Simmers to explore. 

San Sequoia, once a quaint fishing village, is a safe suburban town filled with craftsman homes and family-friendly hubs.  The town overlooks an expansive ocean bay with an iron bridge dominating the horizon.  San Sequoia  is filled to bursting with t
hree distinct neighborhoods - Anchorpoint Wharf, Gilbert Gardens, and Hopewell Hills. Here, families can catch movies, go on power walks with grandma at Urban Park, or cool off on the new Splash Pads. 

If this were not enough, Lil Simsie announced that she designed many of the suburban homes in San Sequoia.  This all but ensures that Simmers will enjoy the effortlessly gorgeous stylings of the popular Sims streamer without having to wade through the saturated Gallery. 
​

Create-a-Sim

Picture
Growing Together offers the best of suburban wear.  It appears filled with the easy tanks and simple knitwear suitable for versatile play. Infants get adorable fruit-themed outfits like apple-dappled onesies and strawberry-printed shirts. Players can expect a slew of cute costumes, carriers, and backpacks for young Sims.

However, the Create-a-Sim star of the incoming pack is skin details.  Developers have added birth marks, vitiligo, moles, and other skin markings to make each Sim more unique than ever before.
Picture

Build-Buy

Picture
While developers have not yet released an official asset list for Growing Together, the trailer unveiled the kinds of cozy furniture bits and bobs one might expect from a suburban paradise. 

Growing Together features: 
  • New bookcases
  • triangular windows
  • sleeping bags
  • play mats
  • changing tables
  • functional treehouses
  • new rocking chairs
  • puzzle tables 
  • new bunkbeds
  • New curtains
  • New sofas
  • Infant toys
  • New desks
And much more! Sneak a peek at the official trailer screenshots below. 
Picture
The treehouses appear to be structures that Sims can build together in-game.  They feature fun tube slides, fireman poles, fairy lights, and slots where the players can arrange the toys and items their Sims most desire. 
Picture

Gameplay

Picture
Make no mistake: Growing Together is brimming with new, meaningful gameplay.  In fact, familial relationships seem overhauled in a big way.  Not only did developers add new experiences and interactions to the game, but they have also inserted new features that affect Sim personalities and relationships at all age levels. 

Families enjoy several new group activities to experience together. At Urban Park, Sims can partake in Snowy Escape-like actions such as: walking as a group, learning to ride a bike, jogging, and hiking on nature trails.  They can take in the sights and even go fishing alongside their grandparents after watching a movie at the newly refurbished cinema. After a long day of eating good food at the restaurants along the pier, families can wind down with children's stories at the library or cool off in the new Urban Park Splash Pads. 

Sim families will soak in all of these life-experiences while navigating the Teachable Moments that form personalities and shift family dynamics. Will the exhausted new mother allow her in-laws to finally move in? Will the jokester big brother clash with his more studious younger sister? Is dad more on edge than usual or is he going through a classic Midlife Crisis? In Growing Together, these life Milestones work together alongside Social Chemistry to create unique Sim experiences. Not all Sims will enjoy the company of any given counterpart, and not all families will successfully navigate the many milestones of their members. Failure and triumph during these crucial growing pains will form the foundation of a Sim's personality traits. Even Infants get their own milestones!

Toddler Updates

Picture
Developers did not forget about toddlers for this update.  In fact, like Infants, Toddlers get 18 Toddler Quirks that change their behavior and shift over time.  Some examples include: Aggressive, Picky Eater, Early Riser, Little Singer, Good Appetite, Loves Water, Hates Bedtime, Loves being Carried, and more. If this were not enough, Toddlers can interact with Infants in a variety of heart-warming interations. 

Child Updates

Picture
Growing Together also offers an update to the child life stage. For the first time since the launch of base game, children enjoy four new aspirations:
  • Slumber Party Animal
  • Mind and Body
  • Playtime Captain
  • Creative Genius. 

Sim kids will have a blast building treehouses alongside their families, aggravating their parents with pranks and pillow fights, crafting intricate friendship bracelets, and engaging in cozy slumber parties complete with cute sleeping bags.

Notably, kids can learn how to ride a bike under their caretaker's watch, but make sure those helmets are secure because children can also lose teeth.  However, not even the Tooth Fairy can keep a Child's Confidence as high as a parent's expert guidance can; children will need to form secure attachments to thrive later in their adult years. 
Picture
Check out these new child-toddler interactions! Squee!

Elder Updates

Picture
Growing Together allows beloved Sim adults to age gracefully into Sim Elders.  Grandma can now Power Walk at Urban Park, complete puzzles, play Scramble at the new Activity Table, serve as caretaker of the family Keepsake Box, give Life Lessons, Reminisce on Good Times, and even have a favorite grandchild. 

Elders take a more specialized ​role in families. They can take care of children while their exhausted parents catch some shut eye and keep their minds sharp at the Recreation Center. 

Sims 4 developers appear to have delivered the massive, generations update for which players have longed. After all, for many, the Sims family experience is the bedrock upon which the franchise thrives.  Through Growing Together, the Sims 4 hopes to render that foundation rock solid.

What are you most excited about? Talk to us on Twitter @SimmersDigest or on Facebook and Discord as The Sims Nation. 
Picture

Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

0 Comments

Community News - Part 1

1/12/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

There is always so much happening in our amazing community, and we thought it would helpful to give some recaps for those of you who may find yourself lost in the sea of amazing that is our community, so lets talk: Challenges, Game Tips, and all things the sims

Upcoming and Ongoing Challenges

CAS Challenge

@That1GreenLeaf on Twitter has a CAS challenge  for you to explore.
  • Due date: February 1st 2023
Start by visiting their Gallery and download the sims.
  • You can change the skin color, eyebrows, eye color, hair, etc, just DO NOT change the sims bone structre with any sliders or presets
  • Use and packs and CC is allowed

~CAS Challenge!~
Find the sims on my gallery: thatonegreenleaf!
-#TheSims4 #TheSims #TS4 #Sims4 #Sims pic.twitter.com/xnQiXwnXzx

— ~leaf~ (@that1greenleaf) December 22, 2022

Shell Challenge 

Simpaticody has a shell challenge coming due very soon, one winner will be selected to get a Stuff Pack
  •  Due date 1.15.2023
Head over to their Instagram post, and check it out.

The Details:
  • Build any type of room using their shell which can be found on their gallery: 
  • Use all packs/kits and debug items
  • Use T.O.O.L. and Red Shelf
  • Change location and type of door and stairs
  • Add platforms, fences, and half-walls
  • Add doors, windows, fences, pillars, and columns
  • Can be non-functional
Details can be found on the post.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by SimpatiCody (@simpaticody)

Tips and Tricks

If you are not on Reddit, you may consider joining after you see this next post.
The community at large has an ongoing conversation about tips/secrets in the game that is overflowing with a wealth of information.

Click below to se some of them gems the community is sharing, from secret locations, to lore about the game, to hidden events you can trigger by doing certain things in games, they talk about it all.
While we were getting lost in all the gems from the Sims4 secrets post, we were amazed to discover a method to raise and lower the glasses on your Sims face, something I ( a life long Simmer) never realized was an option. Check out the video below to learn how to.

Bonus CC

Lastly, we have to give a shout out to kaisosims who shared a new CC kit they created: The Sims 4 Rodents CC Pack.

While rodents may not be your favorite fuzzy companion, we can think of many Simmers who adore them and this pack is designed for them.

​Publicly availble right now for you to explore and add to your game, just check out their post below for the details.

â–¡The Sims 4 Rodents CC Pack â–¡

Add four new decorative small pets to your game with the Sims 4 Rodents CC Pack!

Download Early Access (Public Jan. 10th): https://t.co/34dMdpw2fN
Read about it on tumblr: https://t.co/Ou6JPwglsu pic.twitter.com/7KB0M1mjMy

— Kai (@kaisosims) December 27, 2022

Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

0 Comments

Roadmap + Community = Speculation Time

1/11/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture

The team is back with a new roadmap, so it is time for speculation and leaks, and we are here to get you all caught up in one place

Get familiar with The Sims this season!

Whether you're expecting an update or waiting for a new expansion pack to arrive, it's all relative ✨ pic.twitter.com/aOgywOOqDA

— The Sims (@TheSims) January 10, 2023
For starters, the Sims team released this adorable video showcasing the roadmap for what is to come.

The details

  • 2 New Kits
  • 1 New Expansion Pack
  • 1 Big update

What we know:

  • We know we are getting one major update to gameplay which will be giving us a new or modified life stage, somewhere in between infant and toddler.
  • LEAKED info: One of the two new kits we will be getting is rumored to be themed as undergarments. 

LEAKED INFO

The lovely Henford Hen on twitter has the screen snaps of one of the two upcoming kits
  • Simtamates Collection (Menswear Kit)
Other than this, and the screen shots with some sims wearing  what appear to be undergarments,  we presently have no other information on what to expect from the kit.

□Leaked cover art for the Simtimates Collection (Left) and that concept art show from @TheSims Summit Event (Right)□

That outfit looks pretty identical to me □ pic.twitter.com/88zWkK2l4o

— The Henford Hen □□ (@TheHenfordHen) January 11, 2023

I even just checked on the EA App and the Simtimates Collection cover is totally showing up on the Modern Menswear Kit! pic.twitter.com/nY9rOVW71O

— The Henford Hen □□ (@TheHenfordHen) January 11, 2023

Community Speculation

While we have seen the leaked info on one of the alleged packs all we have to work on is the video from the sims team and our crack team of community creatives who have lended their thoughts and speculation based on what the have seen. What we have pieced together from all this speculation:
  • Expansion pack appears to be Generations like in its theme, focusing on family, hinting at the family tree, and we are getting a new adorable hair featured right on the Sims team twitter post
  • The world appears to be possibly modeled on San Fransisco and the name may even be San Sequoia 
  • There is a strong theme of teeth involved with either the pack/kit or both
    • Suspicion that losing a tooth will be a life event
    • Tooth fairy or Tooth Beary may be a new NPC that facilitates this life event
    • Possible new dentists career in the works

You don't have to take our word for it...

We adore our community and the speculation around all things Sims so feel free to get lost in some of the community members who help wrangle all this information into bitesize videos, and discussions all over the internet. From YouTube to Reddit the community is (and will likely be) all a buzz for awhile. As we learn more we will continue to update this post and keep you all looped in.

Be sure to give these amazing creators a follow and like their content if if brings you any value

Reddit Discussion Thread:

Videos:


Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

0 Comments

Streamer Feature - FlufffyMonkey T.O.O.L

11/14/2022

0 Comments

 

FlufffyMonkey

Picture

Twitter | Instagram | TikTok
Twitch | YouTube

What: T.O.O.L Mod Tutorial
When: Saturday 19, November
9:30 am Pacific Standard

Where: Twitch

If you have never attended one of FlufffyMonkey's live streams on Twitch then NOW is the time. Mark your calendars for an amazingly chill and informative live stream this coming Saturday,   As shared below on their TikTok (go follow if you are not already)

So if you have ever wanted to learn about the T.O.O.L Mod in a friendly relaxed environment where you can ask questions, this stream is the stream for you. 

Not sure what the T.O.O.L Mod is, keep scrolling...


@flufffymonkey I heard your pleas, and I'm here to help! Become a tool mod expert by stopping by my stream Saturday, Nov. 19th at 9:30am pacific! #toolmod #thesims4 #thesims #sims4 #sims4builder #twistedmexi ♬ original sound - Braelyn | Sims 4 | ACNH | ADHD
Picture

TwistedMexi

Picture

Twitter | YouTube
Patreon

T.O.O.L Mod

I do not think I can encompass all of the brilliant details that the T.O.O.L Mod can do for  your game, I'll leave that task to the creator of the mod, Twisted Mexi. Who we had the privlege of interviewing on our podcast (featured below also availble in your favorite podcast app)

Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

0 Comments

New Kits leaked, and what we know.

11/2/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
We got an update to from The Sims team the other day and with it our community of super sleuths have discovered and shared information regarding two new kits and this is what we know:

Release date for both pack: November 10 2022


​
Picture
Every Day Clutter Kit

The Icon sporing the coffee cup and envelope has been confirmed to be known as the “Everyday Clutter Kit”

Thanks to SimMattically we also have a screenshot of the splash screens as well as the Everyday clutter assets


Picture
Picture

WickedWhims on twitter shared two screen shots from each of the kits as well. Below you will see the two shots from Everyday Clutter

Picture
Pastel Pop Kit
The second kit leaked is titled “Pastel Pop Kit” and features several items to brighten up your sims dwellings based on the splash screen and screen shots
UPDATE Pastel Pop Kit was developed in collaboration with Plumbellayt:

​

Calling all hens- we mean Simmers! □
Jump into the space of @plumbellayt in the collaborated The Sims 4 #PastelPopKit □ Brighten your rooms with quirky prints & vintage vibes□

And add some personal touches to your home□ with The Sims 4 #EverydayClutterKit
Available Nov 10! pic.twitter.com/M2kXd9N8y4

— The Sims (@TheSims) November 2, 2022
Picture

 WickedWhims on twitter shared two screen shots from each of the kits as well. Below you will see the two shots from the Pastel Pop Kit

Huge shout out to SimMattically  and WickedWhims (consider giving them both  a follow) for sharing their findings with us.

Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!


Keep it tuned in right here as we continue to unravel the details of the kits as our community shares more of their brilliant discoveries. While you wait for more details to drop, enjoy the following creators videos with their individual insights and speculations:

Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

0 Comments

The Sims 4 Free Kit for Long time Simmers

9/15/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture
In a delightful news drop via the official sims account on Twitter, we have learned that the team is granting long time Simmers a free copy of the  Desert Luxe Kit.

This kit can be redeemed on the main login screen to the game starting on September 14th.

Anyone who owned the copy of the original Sims 4 game before September 14th can redeem their free copy up until October 18th.

To our longtime Simmers!

Starting today, all players who own The Sims 4 base game can redeem The Sims 4 #DesertLuxeKit for free until October 17!

Simply log into the game & claim your new Kit through the main menu! pic.twitter.com/XtSRyHTf4M

— The Sims (@TheSims) September 14, 2022

Not without our glitches

Some players from around the world were excited to get this free kit on launch day only to discover that the redeem code did not work (see tweet below from long time Simmer DottyDot89) 

This error took place according to EA Help due to release date/time differences across the world and assured player that this issue would be repaired

@EAHelp Sorry to rain on your parade but the free download is not working in europe. I have updated the game half a dozen times. Click kits, you won it. Open the game, build mode, it says I don't own it. @EAHelp pic.twitter.com/w8zCVkpHRn

— DottyDot89 aka Snow White □□□□□□□ (@DottyDot89) September 14, 2022
Picture

Show and Tell us

We are thrilled to see what all of our amazing community members will create with the new Kit, so be sure to tag us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and/or us our hashtag #SimmersDigest so we don't miss a single one of your amazing creations
0 Comments

A Guide to Werewolves

6/16/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture

Overview

The newest game pack to grace the Sims 4 franchise is Werewolves, a highly-anticipated expansion that features a fresh occult - Werewolves. Players with this pack can have a howling good time as their Sim befriends, researches, explores, and becomes the elusive supernatural phenomenon that is werewolves.

Werewolves in CAS

Picture
When a Sim becomes a werewolf, whether through gameplay or directly through Create-a-Sim, the player can change the Sims’s wolf appearance in CAS. The game creates a werewolf form based loosely on the Sim’s human form. For example, if the Sim in question has a large, bulbous nose, the player can expect the corresponding wolf-form will have a similarly large snout.

However, by unlinking the wolf-form from the Sim-form in Create-a-Sim, the player can customize their ferocious fursona any way that pleases them.
Picture
There are a variety of pre-made pelts to choose from in Create-a-Sim, ranging from regular natural wolf fur to more supernatural appearing fur.
Picture
In addition, players can choose different nose shapes, teeth arrangements, ears shapes, and chin and cheek tufts. Players can even choose a new shape for the top of the wolf’s head. Naturally, manipulating the wolf’s form by pushing and pulling with the mouse is also still available.
Picture
Perhaps most excitingly, however, is the ability to paint directly on the wolf’s form. Just as players can design pets with the in-game paintbrush, they can do the same with werewolves. There are malleable brush sizes, colors, stamps, and even pre-made stencils.

Transformation 101

Picture
There are three ways to become a werewolf: asking to be bitten in game, accidentally being bitten and contracting werebies, and directly becoming a werewolf in CAS.
Picture
After befriending a wolf in-game, the player can choose the dialogue “As for Cursed Bite.” The target wolf will more than likely oblige, and the Sim will be on his way to becoming a werewolf.
Picture
The first moodlet a player’s freshly bitten Sim will display is an uncomfortable one, labeled “Painful Bite.” From here, the Sim’s hunger bar will begin deteriorating rapidly as the Sim slowly begins the transformation process.
Picture
Picture
After several hours, the Sim will finally reach peak hunger, realizing that they are indeed transforming into an insatiable beast.
Picture
Picture
Following transformation, the Simwolf will have a new needs interface sporting a a clawed hand holding a crystal ball. When the ball is filled with red, that indicates that the player’s wolf is filled with Fury.
Picture

Fury

Picture
Fury acts as a spectrum in the game, a barometer that measures the balance between a given wolf’s humanity and more beastly instincts. An empty crystal means peak humanity; a full crystal means the Sim has gone full beast.

When full beast, the Sim will “rampage,” wanting to do little more than roar and destroy things.
Picture
Because a rampaging, full-fury wolf cannot use facilities the way a normal Sim would, they instead urinate outside, sleep on the floor, lick themselves clean, and run on all fours. Because the fury crystal is a spectrum, however, Sims who are still in human form will show beast like behavior as the orb fills. They might stalk around their homes angrily or curl up on the floor to nap like a pup.
Picture
Picture
How does the fury orb fill? A given Sim gains fury when practicing certain werewolf abilities, during the full moon, according to Sim preferences and according to the wolf’s temperament.
Picture
Picture
Temperaments are random but loosely based on Sim personality. A werewolf who is “prideful” will gain fury when embarrassed or uncomfortable. Flirty Sims will
gain fury when frisky; “wracked with guilt” Sims when gain fury when sad.

Joining a Pack

Picture
As one might expect, werewolves often travel, live in, and commune in packs.

In Werewolves, the player can choose from two different packs that tout wildly different philosophies: The Wild Fangs and the Moonwood Collective.

Those in the Moonwood Collective value tradition, communing with nature, and controlling the inner beast for the greater good.By contrast, the Wildfangs believe that wolves should embrace the beast, explore the world, play hard, and work harder.
Picture
To join either pack, the player must, as a werewolf, befriend the Alpha and ask for their blessing. After this, the Alpha will direct the Sim to complete a series of trials. They may have to howl, give food or a similar high-quality gift, werewolf spar, or discuss other werewolf business. Some of these tasks are only able to be completed once the werewolf has gained certain skills, so this task may take time.
Picture
Once the Sim has joined either pack, they can view the standing pack expectations. The Wild Fangs, as pictured below, believe encourage member participation, exploring, and self-improvement. Players can do this by contributing to the pack’s resources, exploring the world and meeting other wolves, and increasing their wolf abilities.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Simwolves can practice these requirements to rank up from an Omega wolf to a Beta wolf. At any point, however, a given wolf can challenge the Alpha, the leader of the pack, for supreme leadership.

Werewolf Skill Trees

Picture
Just like many other occults, werewolves have received a full skill tree in this pack. Through practice, werewolves can gain a many helpful skills like learning to control themselves during a rampage, digging up precious artifacts, turning other werewolves, and much more.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
If this were not enough, werewolves can earn other abilities through gameplay. For example, if a wolf manages to remain away from innocent bystanders while rampaging, they will earn “Transformation Mastery, allowing them to change into beast-form at will and while maintaining their humanity.
Picture
There are many abilities like this, including the ability to read ancient wolf writings, win over werewolf allies, mentor other wolves.
Picture
Picture
Picture
There are many things to love about being a werewolf. What’s your favorite part? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram!
Picture
1 Comment

Moonwood Mill: A Guide + Official Screens

6/14/2022

1 Comment

 
Picture

An Overview

Sims 4: Werewolves launches June 16 to millions of hungry Simmers. This game pack ships with a whole host of changes to Sims 4, not the least of which is the folding of werewolves into standing Sims 4 lore.

Accompanying the introduction of this fresh occult to Sims 4 is the revelation of a new world, too: Moonwood Mill.

Formerly a lumber mill town, the abandoned Moonwood is a thickly forested world littered with the the remnants of industry: looming metal cranes, crusty sewage waterways, busted pipes and barrels, and roughly hewn libraries held together by crumbling brick and beams. According to the world's lore, after a massive conflict between vampires and werewolves, the werewolves took over the town as their own.  

While it only boasts five livable lots, Moonwood Mill attempts the feeling of “open-world”ness, so players can run and roam the punk-inspired paradise unencumbered by pesky loading screens.

Indeed, Simmers will need all the time they can manage to fully explore Moonwood, which houses a host of well-connected, hidden secrets and lore that players can unravel through gameplay.
Picture

Moon Phases

Picture
Naturally, a game pack which features werewolves must orient itself around the moon. Werewolves are famously, physically connected to the moon; a full moon is said to transform affected humans into half-beasts.

The Sims 4 team has deeply integrated the moon and its various phases into every day game play. Simmers will be able to check the current moon phase using new in-game UI and in the game’s calendar.

There are now eight phases of the moon:
  • ​New Moon
  • Waxing Crescent Moon
  • First Quarter Moon
  • Waxing Gibbous Moon
  • Full Moon
  • Waning Gibbous Moon
  • Third Quarter Moon
  • Waning Crescent Moon

Players can toggle how long the lunar cycle is, stick with their favorite phase in perpetuity, or even disable the lunar cycle all together in the gameplay options menu.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Certain phases of the moon will affect werewolf Sims in different ways. As in the picture above, the selected werewolf will experience a buff to their fitness under the “waxing crescent moon.” Other phases will have other effects on werewolves.  According to the developers, the full moon makes werewolves feel a "little more wild." 

But werewolves are not the only Sims whom the moon affects! Various occults will react to the changing moon phases. During certain phases:
  • ​Spellcasters can perform spells more easily
  • Mermaids will lose hydration more slowly
  • ​Vampires recharge their powers slower
  • Aliens will receive special moodlet buffs when “Moon bathing”
If that were not all, children will also now ask about the moon, can say goodnight to the moon, and have moon dreams!
​

Players can easily track the lunar cycle using the in-game calendar, a change which has come to base game.
Picture
In Moonwood Mill, the current phase of the moon affects how easily a player can collect certain fish, plants, or spot a certain infamous werewolf who may or may not be named Greg.

Underground Tunnels

Picture
Picture
Running beneath Moonwood's surface is a complex network of Underground Tunnels. These tunnels were "created by and for" werewolves, according to game developers.  They allow swift travel between key points in the world if discerning denizens take the time to learn the twists and turns of its dark pathways. 

Players can enter the tunnels through an entrance within derelict porta potties, a tree-choked bunker entrance, or the thoroughly slimy sewage drain. 
Picture
Picture
While the underground tunnel network essentially works like a "rabbit-hole," an area of the game that the player does not get to see, the game offers players several pop-up prompts to respond to in order to navigate through the tunnels.  There are a plethora of secrets and treasures to uncover in the tunnels, some of which are only unavailable to werewolves of a certain skill level. 

While non-were humans can also explore these tunnels, they will find it nearly impossible to uncover all of its secrets. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
In the above dialogue box sequence, the Sim has successfully navigated from one point of entry (the porta potty) to a separate point of entrance (the bunker.) Once a Sim has successfully done such a thing, they can easily navigate between these two points without a loading screen. 

Collectibles

Another facet of what makes Moonwood special is the number of special collectibles that players can gather.  During the full moon, players can travel to "Howling Point" the huge cliffside that dominates Moonwood's horizon and overlooks Lake Ludvick, to collect the elusive Moonpetal. This plant only ever sprouts during a full moon, so the discerning Sim must time their visits accordingly.

Similarly, Lake Ludvick dazzles beneath the moonlight, yielding the new Luna Fish.  This special fish will be incredibly difficult to catch; only the full moon will properly assist the wishful fisherman's desires.

Picture
Picture
Moonwood Mill is full of mushrooms, berries, and other collectible plants for harvesting.  A new plant - Wolfsbane - can be found here. 
Picture

Get to Know Greg

While Werewolves offers a whole host of delightful new characters with whom to woo and make nice, Greg is the barrel-chested, broad-shouldered, misunderstood hermit-wolf who has captured Simmer imaginations. 
Picture
Greg is an ornery werewolf that lives in Moonwood Mills.  He is often found skulking around a squat shack in the middle of the forest, baying at the full moon or snacking on large slices of meat.  Hopeful travelers can interact with the homespun caution sign to encourage his appearance. 
Picture
Once he appears, Simmers can try to get to know him through a variety of available socials, but this is no easy task.  Greg harbors a dark past that must be unraveled over time, and he is more likely to acknowledge a Sim who shares his beastly form.  

Otherwise, curious Simmers should be prepared to shiver at the very sound of Greg's voice, which often elicits a fear moodlet from unlucky travelers. But persistent players can rest assured that Greg will eventually open up and relay his story to those he deems worthy. 
Picture
Picture
What are you most excited about in Werewolves? ​Tell us on Twitter or Instagram! ​
Picture
1 Comment

Sims 4 Werewolves: Create-a-Sim Deep Dive + Official Screens

6/11/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Overview

Werewolves, the latest addition to the Sims 4 Game Pack repertoire, is due to drop into Origin and Steam on June 16th, and its Create-a-Sim options promise to be a howling good time. 

Sims developers showed off the pack's assets on June 10th to thousands of squealing fans.  Brimming with the punk-inspired, homegrown alternative fashion that permeated the late-90's and early 2000's, Werewolves's style options will titillate grunge-loving players everywhere. Many of the looks sport patches, holes, rips, and rough ends to suggest a Sim's frequent, violent transformations into a beast form.  This beast form is fairly androgynous and, thusly, the Sims team has crafted a line of clothing that suits both feminine and masculine frames. Indeed, Create-a-Sim offers new functions for a Sim's wolf-form, too, allowing players to modify muzzles and paint the perfect puppy pattern.  (However, these changes will be covered in a separate article.)

The result is a spread of threads that are universally appealing, flattering Sims of many shapes and sizes. The choices are worn but creative, magical but versatile.  

Masculine Fashion

Picture
The many of the masculine looks in the game pack are also offered for feminine frames.  For male Sims, there appear to be:
  • 10 masculine tops
  • 4 bottoms
  • 3 pairs of shoes
  • 8 body accessories
  • 5 facial accessories
  • 2 full-body looks. 
Picture
The half-tucked sweater comes in a variety of puppy-prints with comfortable cuffs and an easy collar. 
Picture
The jackets come with a variety of patchwork patterns, rolled up sleeves, metal zippers, and fine accents that suggest the moon and other natural phenomena.  
Picture
Perhaps one of the most winning looks is the t-shirt with torn hemming.  This item is perhaps the one best suited for the wolf who is constantly bursting into his beast form despite himself. It comes in a variety of swatches, a few with fun prints, others in plain but earthy colors, and still others worthy of any band-loving beast. 
Picture
There are two full-body looks for masculine Sims. The first is a long, patchwork coat with a half-tucked in shirt and comfortable slacks . 
Picture
The other full body outfit is another loosely tucked in knit with a belt and comfortable slacks. The slacks come in tartan, earthy tones, and a few even have moon-decorations on them! 
Picture
There are four masculine bottoms in the pack.  Again, all four sport the torn, patchy work that suggest beast battles and sudden, violent transformations.  The fit of each pant differs from the next, which is deeply refreshing for those familiar with masculine CAS. 
Picture
There are three shoe options, a Converse-inspired high-top sneaker, a torn-toeless sneaker, and tried and true punk boots available in a variety of colors. 
Picture
Picture
There are three masculine hairstyles available in Werewolves: two mullets with braided, banded details: one available in the standard Sim hair colors, and another that boasts a host of punky, ombre colors; and a long wavy style. 
The accessories that come shipped with this game pack are many.  Simmers can expect to enjoy tribal-like nose piercings, coin-shaped earrings, crescent-moon necklaces, and rings, hand bandages, bracelets, and more! 
Picture
Picture

Feminine Fashion

The included feminine fashion follows the same punk, homegrown inspirations as the menswear. Feminine-framed Sims can enjoy flowing dresses in earthy patterns, layered knit looks, essential punky stockings, torn band tees, relaxed jackets, and more. 
Picture
This ankle length dress feels but fantastic and versatile. The leather belt befit with a handcrafted satchel would suit any self-respecting spell or mooncaster. 
Picture
The layered look comes in many attractive plain and plaid patterns. The thigh-level patch at is a great touch. 
Picture
The new stockings, torn and ripped in all the right ways, are available in both neutral tones, funky shades, and two-toned patterns. 
Picture
This attractive knit manages a high-fashion off the shoulder look while maintaining the torn, alternative aesthetic. 
Picture
The button up is available in denim, patchy cloth, and plaid.  It is layered with both band tees, neutral tees, and werewolf-worthy prints. 
Picture
The torn tee is, again, an easy winner. It comes available in camouflage patterns, artsy pop prints, and neutral tones. 
Picture
Amongst the new feminine hairs are a braided mullet, a simple but shaggy shoulder-length style, an undercut up-do available with and without a crescent moon.   
Picture
Picture

Scars and Tattoos

Werewolves offers a plethora of not only cheek and eye scarring but also body scarring for maximum storytelling options.  Any werewolf Sim can appear properly scratched, clawed, and even bitten on their arms, legs, and torso.  There are even special patterns that make the hands appear dirty, as if the werewolf has been digging tunnels for too long.  

These detailed scars and marks can be layered with each other and even tattoos! 
Picture
Picture
Speaking of new tattoos, Werewolves boasts a new lunar moth tattoo and, of course, a wolf back tattoo.  Again, scars can be layered on top of these tattoos for a realistic effect. 
Picture

Child Fashion

Picture
Thankfully, even children get new items in this game pack: a puppy-eared cap, a wolf-patterned suspender set, an adorable wolfy onesie. 

What look are you looking the most forward to? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram! 
Picture
0 Comments

Moonlight Chic Kit: Hot or Flop?

6/5/2022

0 Comments

 
Picture

Moonlight Chic Kit: An Overview

The Sims team kicked off their freshest season of summer content with the announcement of two new kits: Moonlight Chic, a Create-a-Sim kit, and Little Campers, a Build/Buy kit.  Both kits, released May 26th, harnessed the "embrace the night" theme curated by Sims developers. Moonlight Chic, in particular, is a kit that aims to represent the sleek, romantic fashion of Parisian nightlife. Does this 32-piece clothing kit meet the mark? Is it worth the 4.99 USD cost? Let's get into it. 

Feminine Create-a-Sim

Picture
Inspired by the effortless style of French fashion influencer Paola Locatelli, the feminine pieces included in the Moonlight Chic Kit are easy winners. The salmon-pink sweater crop is flirty and fashion-forward.  The texture appears soft and simple, with a cute turtleneck neckline.

Also, the knitted thigh-length jacket with a tube top comes with beautiful braided detailing and little buttons along the sleeves.

The button up top with an almost applique collar finish is also a show-stopper.  The long, loose sleeves end in romantic flower petal like way.  All three tops pair well with high-waisted bottoms which, admittedly, are few and far between in the Sims 4.  It can also be said that, despite the beauty of each piece, that there is no dearth of crop-tops which already exist in the game.  These beautiful additions to Create-a-Sim simply add to the mounting supply of tummy-bearing tops already vastly abundant in Sims 4. 
Picture
Picture
Luckily, this is not the end of Moonlight Chic's feminine offerings. A long-sleeved, disco ball like top offers the kind of curve-hugging glitter that I love seeing in my Create-a-Sim options. When paired with high-waisted bottoms, this top literally shines as a stand-out piece. Similarly, the V-neck soft sweater comes in head-turning colors such as lemonade yellow. It ends in a figure-complimenting cinch, and looks good on many bodies. 
Picture
Picture
Perhaps the two stars of this kit are the slinky silk dress with spaghetti strap shoulders and the snappy trenchcoat-like short jacket. Both are eye-catching and available in pleasing colors. In fact, the silk dress comes in several ombre swatches that make it an interesting addition to any discerning Sim's closet. 
Picture
Picture
The feminine bottoms leave a little to be desired.  The kit boasts a pair of shorts that are acceptably suitable. The looped belting appears painted on and thus flatter than what I'd like.  Similarly, the sequined skirt, also appears a little flatter than what I'd expect, but it still manages to be a pretty piece, perhaps a relic of the past Carnaval Kit. 

There is another piece included in the feminine CAS selection, a suit jacket with a crop top blouse, which is a stunning addition to this kit but... more on that later. 
Picture

Masculine Create-a-Sim

Picture
Personally, Create-a-Sim kits live and die for me according to their masculine offerings. I almost exclusively create masculine Sims with traditionally masculine frames, so any and all additions to their admittedly slim Sim wardrobe is always welcome for me. Eager to slide my men into fresh threads, I jumped immediately into CAS on May 26th. 
Picture
The masculine tops offer the same sort of ease and simple sensuousness that characterizes this kit as a whole. A crisp, color-blocked racing jacket, a loose-fitting and half-tucked in button up, and a daring denim jacket in a variety of colors are stars of the pack. They are joined by a simple sweater with three-quarter sleeves, which comes with a long, nearly bohemian hemp necklace. 
Picture
The flowery button up was a real winner for me: its straight-lined, traditionally masculine silhouette paired with the traditionally feminine floral print is really appealing.  When worn with bottoms from the Modern Menswear kit, this shirt is a must-have.  

​Speaking of bottoms... 
Picture
The kit has five bottoms for masculine Sims, and they all offer the same loose, cargo-like fit and texture. While they may vary according to number of pockets, the bottoms are all lackluster.  None of them particularly push the fashionable envelope, and I daresay that the Sims already enjoys a near endless supply of cargo pants, especially for men. Beyond being fashionably backward, the inclusion of so many items of the same design is just plain disappointing.
Picture
This is not to say that the trousers look badly in-game. They are simple additions, particularly the shorts and slacks, that are well-rendered. The belt and seams on the long shorts look nice. The slacks are available in a variety of interesting colors and sit comfortably on the masculine frame. There are beautiful folds in all trouser selections, a definite plus in the texture department. They are good pants. Acceptable. But a bit boring.

But perhaps I'm overly salty about the menswear. After all, when I saw the initial advertisements for Moonlight Chic, I was over-the-moon excited to slip my men into what I believed was a boundary-pushing masculine suit. In fact, it appeared that this suit - the full-body option with a cropped blouse and high neckline - was indeed for masculine Sims.

In official game renders, the suit boasted broad shoulders that tapered into a narrow waist, a fashionably baggy fit reminiscent of the late 80's, a high neckline, deep pockets, and large lapel that reminded me a little of Yusuke's fits from Yu Yu Hakusho, one of the my favorite animes of all time. (Yeah, I am unfortunately that old.)
Picture
Picture
But when I entered the game and frantically searched the masculine wear for this top, I was sorely disappointed. 
Picture
Despite its branding, the top was unavailable for masculine Sims, even when I removed the "masculine" tag.  To find it for my men, I had to completely change their "fashion choice" to "feminine." 
Picture
Naturally, when I placed the desired top on my masculine framed Sim, the game distorted his body. The trench coat top gave Julian sizable breasts, while the famed crop-top suit gave him fuller hips. In fact, I found that the suit that I'd wanted so badly did not have a tapered waist as was advertised. Instead, it made Julian look larger than he actually was.  I was thoroughly disappointed. 

The Verdict: Flop

Picture
Moonlight Chic has some wonderful pieces for which Create-a-Sim fanatics will find some semblance of use. The feminine CAS pieces are beautiful and flirty; the masculine CAS is acceptable, but limited.  This pack will in no way challenge you or make you rethink fashion; it will not offer many additions that are unlike anything your Sim already owns. The mis-marketing of the suit jacket also, personally, left me with a sour taste in my mouth. 

Is this pack a must-have? Absolutely not. Is it worth 4.99 if you have it to spare? Perhaps. But maybe wait to win it in a giveaway or something. 

What do you think of Moonlight Chic? Tell us on Twitter! 
Picture
0 Comments
<<Previous
    Picture
    Techn0Babble
    Simmer's Digest Creator
    Gamer. Gaming. Gamed. Podcast host
    Twitter
    Picture
    Alaeryn
    Lead Writer
    Sims Mobile News
    ​Sims Nation Admin
    Twitter
    Picture
    WithLoveJulien
    Sims Challenge News Host/Reporter
    Living life. Playing games-Mostly Sims 4. Sims 4 Challenges:  Gallery ID: withlovejulien
    Twitter
    Picture
    Melly
    SimMer Feature Scout/reporter 
    Pro Animal Crossing Player | Simmer and Sinner | SimmersDigest Sim Creator feature scout
    Twitter

    Categories

    All
    Advent 2021
    CAS Challenge
    CC Catalog
    Challenges
    Community News
    Feena's Five
    Forgotten Friday
    From The Gallery
    Gallery Features
    Gallery Walk
    Game Tip
    Let's Watch
    Machinima
    News
    Podcast
    Reddit UP Vote
    SD Build Challenge
    Simmer Feature
    Sims Free Play
    Sims Mobile News
    Something Simlish
    Spark'd Challenge
    Stream-a-thon
    The Sims 4 News
    TikTok
    Tips
    Tutorial
    UpVote
    We Asked Simmers
    YouTube Shorts Shout Out

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019

    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    December 2022
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019

    RSS Feed

    Yeah, it is an ad, want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Simmer's Digest Team
  • Simmer's Digest News
    • Sims 4 News
    • Community News
    • Sims Mobile News
    • Sims Free Play News
  • Simmer TV
  • CC Catalog
  • Sims Nation Magazine
  • Simspiration
  • Sim Challenges
  • Gallery Features
  • SimLit Spot
  • Home REDesign 2022
  • Social Bunny