Forgotten Grotto is another hidden area in The Sims 4 that players can explore. This hidden area is located in the Oasis Springs world, and players can access it by finding the particular entrance accessible via various lots. However, unlike the other Base Game hidden world, Sylvan Glade, players will also need to have a Handiness Skill to be able to access the area. Once inside the grotto, players will be greeted by stunning rock formations, a crystal-clear pool, and glowing mushrooms. The Forgotten Grotto is also home to rare collectibles, such as crystals and frogs, making it an excellent spot for players who love to collect. While it may not have the fairytale-like scenery of Sylvan Glade, the Forgotten Grotto has its unique charm and is a great location for players to explore in The Sims 4.
Similar to Sylvan Glade, Forgotten Grotto requires players to find the entrance and follow a series of chance cards to gain access. However, unlike Sylvan Glade's serene forest setting, Forgotten Grotto is located in a cave, which is also granting Vampire Sims immunity to sunlight while inside, much like the alien planet Sixam from the Get to Work pack. Curiously, the Forgotten Grotto also features a wooden toilet, providing visiting Sims with relief for their bladder motive. As the entrance to the Forgotten Grotto is through an abandoned mine, it is possible that this area had some previous use.
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How To Get To Forgotten Grotto
Upon entering the Forgotten Grotto in The Sims 4, Sims will find themselves in a serene cave with an otherworldly atmosphere that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Accessing this hidden location is relatively easy, with two entrances located in Oasis Springs. However, unlocking the blocked cave entrance requires a Sim with a high level of handiness skill to perform a few simple interactions.
While this method may be more immersive for players who enjoy a challenge, those who own the Spa Day pack have an even easier way to enter the Forgotten Grotto. Ultimately, it is up to players to decide which method suits their preferences best, whether it be mastering their handiness skill or taking advantage of the wellness skill's added convenience. Regardless of how they enter, players will be rewarded with a stunning and mystical experience in the Forgotten Grotto.
First Method: Interacting With The Abandoned Cave Entrance
To access the Forgotten Grotto in Oasis Springs, players must locate one of the two hidden mine entrances that blend into the environment. The first entrance is situated behind the iconic Affluista Mansion lot, home to the famed Landgraab family, in the Acquisition Butte neighborhood, which is perched high above the canyon. Players can find the entrance by navigating down the cliff behind the mansion. Meanwhile, the second entrance can be found in Desert Bloom Park, located in the neighborhood of the same name. Players must venture past the remote bathroom stalls at the far end of the park to discover this entrance. Both entrances have a similar appearance and require the max level of handiness skill (level 10) to interact with them.
When players arrive at one of the mine entrances, they will need to use their handiness to remove the wooden blocks obstructing the entrance. Once the entrance is open, players can enter the rabbit hole and will be presented with a series of chance cards. Choosing the correct answers on these cards is essential to gain access to the Forgotten Grotto. Although players can opt for trial and error, selecting "Wide Path" followed by "Climb Ladder," "Step onto Ledge," and "Travel to Grotto" in that order is the key to unlocking the entrance without any hiccups. This careful navigation of the chance cards will lead players to the serene and mystical cave of the Forgotten Grotto, where they can explore and uncover its secrets.
Second Method: Wellness Skill
Players who own the Spa Day game pack can take advantage of an even easier method to access the Forgotten Grotto, although it may require some time and effort to develop the necessary skill. By raising a Sim's Wellness skill level to at least 7, they can use the self-interaction to teleport to Forgotten Grotto while meditating, bypassing the need to find and interact with the mine entrances or raising the handiness skill.
Investing in developing the Wellness skill is well worth it, even for players who are not interested in visiting Forgotten Grotto, since it can be beneficial for many positive moodlets Sims can get. Engaging in activities such as practicing yoga or meditation, receiving a massage, or relaxing in a sauna can all contribute to leveling up this skill. Once the skill level is high enough, players can effortlessly teleport from any lot straight to Forgotten Grotto, without ever having to step foot in the Oasis Spring.
Forgotten Grotto Activities
Upon arrival at Forgotten Grotto, players will immediately be drawn to the plethora of opportunities to gather valuable items and plants. These include lily flowers, sage, potato mushrooms, and more. In addition, there are several prime locations for fishing, treasure hunting, and collecting frogs via the logs. While these items can also be found in other parts of the game, the likelihood of discovering rare and unique items is much higher in this hidden area than in other non-hidden locations. For players who are interested in completing their collectible sets, Forgotten Grotto is an ideal location to visit.
It is worth noting that, similar to how Sims have a higher chance of catching the rare Treefish in Sylvan Glade, players have a better chance of catching the rare Batfish without using any bait in Forgotten Grotto. This fish is exclusive to the Oasis Springs and can be a valuable addition to a player's collection. While there are no NPCs to be found in this area, there is a wooden toilet stall that can be convenient for players who may have forgotten to relieve themselves in the bathroom stalls on the way to the mine entrance.
Can Players Build In Forgotten Grotto?
For players who are looking for a peaceful camping spot, Forgotten Grotto may just be the perfect location in the first glance. With a wooden toilet stall already on site, it's an ideal alternative to Granite Falls for those who may or may not own the Outdoor Retreat pack. Vampires or other Sims who are easily spooked will appreciate the lack of creepy crawlies and sunlight in this serene setting. But camping isn't the only option for players in this area. Some may be interested in building their dream home right in the heart of the cave.
Unfortunately, players cannot directly build on the lot due to game restrictions. However, there are ways to bypass this limitation. Players can use cheats or mods that allow them to build on the lot, giving them the freedom to create their own personal haven within the grotto. To activate the cheat, simply open the cheat console and enter "bb.enablefreebuild". Players can also use this method to build on other hidden areas scattered throughout the game, thus opening up even more opportunities for exploration and expansion within the world of The Sims 4.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.