The Sims 4 has just recently been made freely available, and, as such, a whole new host of players will potentially be picking up the game for the first time or even getting back into it after an extended period of time. It can be difficult at first glance in build mode to get a grip on all the options.
Some objects and items that can be found, even in the base game, are incredibly useful for a number of things that Sims might want to do. From helping traits gain quicker to helping gain various skills, a lot of hidden gem items exist without the need for any of the expansion packs.
The Magic Plant Stump
If a new Sims player was told that they could get a tree stump, gather the magic bean versions of the infinity stones and insert them into the stump to create a giant tree, they’d probably be surprised. Even more so when they find out that exploring the tree gives a Sim a magical piece of fruit that can turn them into “A Plant Sim” for five days.
This stump is one of the more completely out-there ideas The Sims has ever come up with. Based more on fairytales, and possibly Avengers: Infinity War, than on any real actions people do day-to-day, it is a fascinating addition. It also includes a lot more gameplay than almost any items that can be found in the base game.
The NanoCan
A very small addition that could be easily missed, the NanoCan is actually a trash can that seems ludicrously expensive for such an item at first glance. However, this recycling powerhouse is actually a moneymaker in-game as well as a great way to add to the house’s green score.
Every piece of rubbish or meal thrown away into this bin will give the Sim house ten simoleons for each Sim living in the house. It is an insane money-making machine that never stops giving, never breaks down, and never changes payment amount no matter how much rubbish is put into it.
Cameras
Believe it or not, when cameras were first introduced into the game it was only as part of the “Get to Work” expansion pack. This was later changed so that this massive addition of content to the game could be accessible to everyone. Taking photos with other Sims, the ability to frame each shot and even hang them up again afterward is excellent.
This huge addition has even made its way into the phones of Sims, making the use of social media and networking options in-game a lot more interesting and content-filled. While cameras may not be the biggest addition for players who aren’t looking for such an aesthetic, it is a massive one for a lot of fans that have been a long time coming.
The Cow Plant
There is a certain elegance to the cow plant. Not only is it not actually a build mode item, but a less attainable one, but it is also filled with possibilities. By opening enough rare seed packets after achieving level 10 in gardening, players can get a cow plant seed which will grow into a large plant that can eat people.
It doesn’t usually keep the people down, but an elixir can be used to give other Sims the emotions that the victims were feeling while they were swallowed and spat back out. This plant is another item that adds a great deal of content to the game and provides a lot of comedy for players as well.
Cupcake Factory
Not only a clear winner for the best item description award, particularly the following excerpt: “This miracle of confection perfection will heal the wounds of your lonely childhood and make you whole again.” The Cupcake Factory is also a fun way to change the monotonous cooking routine that fills the daily lives of every Sim.
The Cupcake Factory has more options with higher cooking skills and with expansion packs, but the base game has a great selection right from the get-go, and the cupcake factory brings a wonderfully pleasant atmosphere to any Sims house.
Rocket Ship
It seems nearly baffling that pets and jobs weren’t and aren’t included as parts of the base game for The Sims 4 when a rocket ship was. The rocket science skill, buying the parts, and creating an actual rocket that Sims could fire off into space all became real things that, although expensive, is a great and achievable goal that adds plenty of content to the game.
Sims can also go on adventures through text-based journeys, have woohoo inside the rocket ship and even, if they so choose, sabotage the ship and make things go a little sideways. This is a huge amount of surprising and fun content that is highly worth trying out for any players, old or new.
Birthday Hot Tub
The Sims added a very special item for the twenty-year release of the original Sims game. This was probably a long time coming considering that they managed to have rocket ships in the base game before pools and hot tubs became a thing.
The birthday hot tub has several uses. Not only is it hugely aesthetically pleasing, and a great place to take a relaxing nap, but you can also woohoo with other Sims in it. This makes it a must-have item for any Sims house, from a bachelor pad to a top-tier family home.
The Sims 4 is available now for Mac, PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S.