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The latest update for The Sims 4 has introduced a new feature called lot challenges. This is actually a reworking of the existing lot traits system and incorporates several existing traits that introduce a layer of complexity to gameplay.
While up to three traits can be applied per lot, the challenges have different rules. Here's everything you need to know about lot challenges in The Sims 4.
What's The Difference Between Lot Traits And Lot Challenges?
Lot challenges now incorporate any lot trait which adds a level of challenge or difficulty to the game. Lot traits on the other hand are now largely beneficial; offering things like skill boosts, lower bills, and specific types of visitors. The image above shows the old lot traits and you'll notice that many of the more difficult ones are now absent from this list as they've moved into the new challenges section.
So, in short, if you want a boost, you can choose up to three lot traits, and if you want a new layer of gameplay, you can add lot challenges. Both categories are separate and while lot traits are still limited to three, you can have as many lot challenges as you like alongside them.
How Do I Enable Lot Challenges In The Sims 4?
In build and buy mode simply click the house icon in the top left corner. This will open the lot information panel. Here you can change the type of lot, as well as see the value and dimensions of the current plot. Clicking the question mark icon in this panel takes you to Traits and Challenges.
- To select traits simply click the three boxes underneath the house icon.
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To select challenges click the golden cup on the right-hand side.
- This takes you into a new menu where you can select up to 12 Lot Challenges by clicking on them to highlight them.
- To remove a challenge or trait, simply click it again.
What Are Lot Challenges In The Sims 4 And What Do They Do?
The table below shows all the current Lot Challenges, which DLC they are linked to, and the gameplay changes you can expect.
|
Lot Challenge |
DLC Required |
Gameplay Changes |
|---|---|---|
|
Creepy Crawlies |
Jungle Adventure |
Bugs will appear on the lot at random, making Sims uncomfortable and tense. Some of them can be dangerous. |
|
Cursed |
City Living |
Minor annoyances are frequent - food spoils faster, sims get uncomfortable at random and fires start more easily. |
|
Filthy |
City Living |
Anything that requires cleaning, such as counters and toilets, will get dirty much faster. |
|
Gremlins |
City Living |
Breakable items will often get destroyed overnight and will need frequent repairs. |
|
Grody |
City Living |
Sims will randomly get nauseous when eating, drinking, or using the bathroom, and can vomit unexpectedly. |
|
Off-the-Grid |
Base Game |
Sims cannot use power or water unless they generate or collect it themselves. Only items tagged as "works off-grid" will function without generated utilities. Off-the-Grid items often have limited functionality. |
|
Quake Zone |
City Living |
Your house will randomly shake to simulate an earthquake. Items may be damaged and Sims will be uncomfortable after a quake. |
|
Reduce & Recycle |
Eco Lifestyle |
All trash is compostable or recyclable and outdoor trash cans are no longer bottomless. You'll need to manage your waste output or trash will pile up fast. |
|
Simple Living |
Cottage Living |
Your Sims cannot cook anything unless they have the raw ingredients required to make a recipe. These can be bought or grown, and food made this way will be of higher quality. |
|
Spooky |
City Living |
These lots attract wandering ghosts. They are usually quite friendly and don't cause as much chaos as those in haunted houses. |
|
Volcanic Activity |
Island Living |
This trait also causes earthquakes but adds the additional hazards of steam vents and lava rocks, both of which can negatively affect your Sim. However, once cooled, lava rocks can contain some hidden secrets. |
|
Wild Foxes |
Cottage Living |
Wild foxes will appear on your lot and cause trouble. They can upset or even kill chickens, dig up your garden and scare away rabbits, although they themselves are scared of Llamas. |
You'll also notice an extra lot challenge called Landfill Lot that you cannot select on most lots. This is because it fills a lot with trash, fast, and cannot be enabled on any type of residential or restaurant lot.
Why Isn't Haunted House Or Tiny Home A Lot Challenge?
While playing in a tiny home or a haunted house is definitely a challenge, these are actually lot types. This is because the features of them both are far more extensive than any of the Lot Challenges.
Tiny Residential requires you to build your home within a specific tile limit and the number of tiles used will directly relate to the benefits you'll gain. You can find out more about tiny homes in our Tiny Home Challenge Guide.
Haunted Houses are similarly complex, with ghostly visitors, unexpected occurrences, and more all tied to the lot type. Once again you can discover the complexities of haunted houses in our comprehensive guide.
Are Lot Challenges Linked To Eco Footprints?
The short answer to this question is no. The eco-footprint system is unique to Eco Lifestyle and affects the entire world, not just individual lots. However, the longer answer is kind of. This is because, for those who own Eco Lifestyle, the lot challenges merge well with the pack.
Not only does the expansion give you the Reduce & Recycle lot challenge but it also offers both pollution generating and environmentally friendly ways to generate power and water for any off-the-grid lot or in fact any household that wants to reduce their utility bills.
Are There Any Benefits For Completing Lot Challenges?
There are no specific benefits for surviving on a challenging lot, although freshly cooked food made with the Simple Living challenge will taste nicer and offers some nice buffs. Generally, the benefit is to your gameplay, which will be enhanced by these often minor but realistic feeling challenges.
If you start stacking up problems for yourself you can expect your game to become truly chaotic very quickly. For those who want to add some complexity, realism, or even just a whole bunch of problems, to their gameplay then lot challenges are for you.