If you’re reading this, chances are you’re a fan of The Sims. By now you’ve tried all the tricks, the cheats, and the challenges. But are you using the best trait combinations for your Sims? Maybe you want them to be the most successful in their chosen career, make a load of money, or have big happy families?
Choosing the right traits can put your Sim on the right path, in any direction you want. While you could just pick whatever sounds fun, with this guide you’ll be geared up to create the most efficient (or hilarious) Sim there ever was. Read on for the ten best trait combinations in The Sims 4.
This also means that these new traits pair up well in brand new combinations that can help players tell a story or gain powerful boosts through compatible moodlets. It’s why we’re sharing five additional ideal trait combinations to inspire Simmers in their next game.
15 15. Self-Absorbed + Outgoing
With the Get Famous expansion pack, it was only natural players received an additional trait that would perfectly complement celebrity life. Self-Absorbed Sims basically love attention. They’re at their best when they’re at the center of the stage, noticed and worshiped by everyone.
This pairs really well with Outgoing, which pushes Sims to socialize a lot with others. Being a celebrity, while also being a Loner, is quite challenging and can make fan meetings or paparazzi photo shoots challenging. Having an Outgoing and Self-Absorbed Sim will ensure they’re comfortable in their environment at all times, and easily interact with fans and colleagues with powerful relationship building bonuses.
14 14. Cat/Dog Lover + Loner
For storytelling purposes, players might sometimes be tempted to pick the Loner trait. However, playing the game without interacting with other Sims can be really boring. Loners generally don’t enjoy being around strangers or getting to know new people, as they soon start to feel Tense.
However, pairing the Loner trait with the Cat or Dog Lover trait is ideal. This trait was included in the Cats & Dogs expansion packs, and basically makes it so that a Sim builds relationship faster with cats or dogs. This way, there’s still some form of interaction available for a Sim and they get powerful affection and social moodlets from socializing with their pets.
13 13. Bro + Active
Both of these traits are found in the base game, and they actually work fantastically together when paired. Bros love watching sports, and will get a nice Energized moodlet from it, which can make fitness skill building much easier overtime. It’s also great for anyone in the Athletic career track.
The Active skill pairs well with this as well, as it just further boosts the fitness skill building time. A Sim with both of these traits will be Energized more often, which improves performance at Athletic career jobs, as well as at the gym. Not to mention, they’ll feel an instant connection with fellow Bros.
12 12. Outgoing + Dance Machine
In the Get Together expansion, Simmers were introduced to clubs and a bunch of new hobby related traits, such as Dance Machine. This trait will turn any Sim into an absolute party animal, as they’ll crave going into clubs and dancing the night away. They also get nice boosting moodlets in the process.
The best way to pair this trait is with the Outgoing trait, which will allow a Sim to use their time at the club to make as many friends as possible easily. Not only will they be developing their dance skills and gaining a boost of energy, but also forming relationships at a faster pace in an environment that’s usually packed with Sims.
11 11. Loves Outdoors + Child Of The Ocean
Island Living introduced Simmers to a brand new world known as Sulani. It’s always sunny here and the environment is truly gorgeous in this world. It also brought in two new traits, one of which is the Child of the Ocean trait. Sims with this trait love any type of water activities and feel a connection to mermaids and dolphins.
This trait is absolutely fantastic together with the Loves Outdoors trait. Sims with this trait enjoy spending time outside and taking in the fresh air. With these two combined, a Sim will enjoy at least two positive moodlets at once while spending time on the beaches of Sulani.
10 10. Self-Assured + Ambitious
If you like to focus on your Sims’ careers, this is a great starting combo. Self-Assured Sims are more likely to feel Confident, which helps to get them in the right mood for work. If they perform well, they’ll climb their career ladders quickly, getting promotions and earning more money.
This kind of career advancement pairs nicely with the Ambitious trait, as Sims with this trait gain powerful moodlets when they are successful in their careers. They can get down in the dumps if they aren’t promoted for a while, but the Self-Assured trait should keep them performing pretty well.
9 9. Creative + Genius
If you want your Sim to be a total smarty pants and a master of the arts, these traits will ensure you get maximum rewards. Both Creative Sims and Genius Sims love to share their ideas with others, so with the two together, your Sims can enjoy delving into a creative pool of ideas.
The Creative trait means Sims get upset if they don’t create anything for a while; Genius Sims feel the same with improving their mental skills. So, they’ll be more likely to stay on top of their game in every field. Plus, Genius Sims can often get focused, which will help them to produce awesome work.
8 8. Gloomy + Outgoing
Those who are familiar with the ‘painting goblin’ concept will be interested in this one. Gloomy Sims can become inspired when they’re sad, making higher quality writing, art, music, and meals. So if they were permanently inspired, they’d always be making excellent, valuable art.
How can we make them permanently inspired, you ask? By making them permanently sad. That’s right – give them the Outgoing trait and they’ll become unhappy when their social need goes down (which it will – rapidly). Keep them holed up in the basement and voila! High-quality paintings round the clock. It’s a little dark, but hey, it’s a living.
7 7. Loner + Perfectionist
If you’d rather make your Sims’ art profitable in a less depressing way, try making them a Loner and a Perfectionist. That way they’ll be happy when they’re alone; they won’t receive the negative moodlet that other Sims would.
The Perfectionist trait means they’ll take longer to craft their art but it will be higher quality, and they’ll get a powerful mood boost from creating better work. They’ll be content in their solitude and can work as long as you want them to, churning out paintings or novels in peace and quiet.
6 6. Lazy + Genius
What does a genius need most of all, after some decent brains? A cozy place to sit! If you give your Sims the Lazy and Genius traits, they’ll benefit from kicking back in a nice comfy chair while they do their brainy tasks.
Programmers, for example, will do a lot of sitting around, and if you give them a good quality chair, their Lazy trait will give them a happiness boost. This also amplifies the effects of the Inspired and Focused moodlets, allowing Sims to become ‘Very Inspired’. This will make for better work, and a happier Sim.
5 5. Creative + Art Lover
Want your Sim to be the next Van Gogh, but worried they’ll be too stressed? The Creative trait has another perk you might not know about – Creative Sims can actually raise their fun meter while painting, building their skill at the same time! So not only are they improving their skills, but also their personal well-being. That’s self-care 101.
Also, Art Lovers can become inspired by admiring art, which, when stacked with the random inspired moodlet of a Creative Sim, can turn into ‘very inspired’. So a super inspired Sim creates an absolute masterpiece and has fun while they’re doing it? Sounds good to me!
4 4. Childish + Family-Orientated
While this isn’t the most obvious combination, it’s actually a pretty good idea if you want to play happy families. Childish Sims have a lot of fun when playing with children; they get the playful moodlet which boosts their mood. So while they’re entertaining the kids and making sure they don’t get into any trouble, they can have fun at the same time.
This would also increase the relationship between the parent and the child, so you can keep everyone happy while doing the tricky business of maintaining relationships. Plus, this is basically a recipe for the wholesome goofy dad trope.
3 3. Romantic + Family-Orientated
While this combination may not guarantee a perfect family, it pretty much guarantees a family. Romantic Sims are always wanting to get it on, craving romantic interactions with their partners. They’re more likely to perform these interactions randomly, strengthening their relationship with their other half.
This should lead to higher success rates in proposals, forming better marriages, and eventually a family. You’ll be one step closer to that beautiful, loving home you’ve always imagined for your Sims. With the Family-Orientated trait leading to more time spent and enjoyed with other members, you’ve got yourself a solid family.
2 2. Music Lover + Creative
If you fancy your Sim to be the artsy type, the Creative trait can be paired with Music Lover for the ultimate artistic genius. When a stereo is nearby, Music Lovers can ‘listen deeply’, allowing them to become inspired.
Couple that with the fact that Creative Sims can get inspired randomly and you’ve got one heck of a motivated Sim on your hands! Let them loose on the canvas or in the kitchen, and they’re sure to create something brilliant (hopefully worth some cash, too!) A great choice for writers, painters or chefs.
1 1. Geek + Loves Outdoors
I know what you’re thinking. Geeks… and outdoors? Well, bear with me, we’re not all afraid of sunlight. First off, choosing an outdoor pastime for Sims who have the ‘Loves Outdoors’ trait is a go-to for an easygoing Sim. If you want your Sims to be happy (believe it or not, some people do), this is a good choice.
A great outdoor activity is collecting, and Geek Sims are especially good at this; they tend to find more collectibles, and they’re usually better quality, too. Not only that but they’ll enjoy being outside, so they stay happy and you get awesome items. Success all round!
