The Sims 4: Vampires is the fourth game pack of The Sims 4 franchise and offers a dark and mysterious twist to the traditional Sims gameplay. Released on January 24, 2017, it introduces a new occult species to the game - vampires. Players can create their own vampire Sims and explore a world filled with eerie mansions, hidden secrets, and supernatural powers. With the ability to turn other Sims into vampires, players can create their own vampire clan and rule over the night. This pack offers a unique experience for players who are drawn to the mystical and supernatural elements of gameplay.
In Vampires, players will experience a supernatural focus as they delve into the world of immortal creatures. While it doesn't have a direct predecessor, it builds on previous packs like The Sims 3: Supernatural and The Sims 2: Nightlife. The game pack provides players with a unique way to live their Sims' lives as vampires, with various abilities and interactions that allow them to immerse themselves in a dark and mysterious world. Players can create their own vampire Sims, complete with custom powers, weaknesses, and personalities. They can then use their powers to hypnotize other Sims, drink their blood, and even transform into bats or mist. Additionally, the pack includes new objects and clothing items that are perfect for creating a gothic and spooky atmosphere. In comparison to expansion packs, game packs offer fewer features, but Vampires provides a rich and immersive experience for players who love supernatural themes.
Sources for this article and its images include EA.com and SimsCommunity.com .
Everything New In A Nutshell
- New Occult Lifestate: Vampires
- New World (Forgotten Hollow)
- New Lot Traits (On A Dark Ley Line, Registered Vampire Lair, and Vampire Nexus)
- New Aspirations - Vampire Family (Family), Master Vampire (Knowledge), and Good Vampire (Popularity)
- New Skills (Pipe Organ and Vampire Lore)
- New CAS, Build/Buy Items
Vampires
The Sims 4: Vampires game pack introduces the Vampire occult life state, which adds a new level of gameplay to the Sims world. Vampires are immortal creatures with a thirst for plasma and have unique needs, powers, and weaknesses. As with all supernatural beings, vampires have specific traits that set them apart from regular Sims, making them a unique and exciting addition to the game. Vampires in The Sims 4 have a variety of powers and abilities that players can explore and develop. These powers include super speed, turning into a bat, and Vampiric charm, to name a few. In addition to these powers, vampires can alter their appearance between their regular and dark forms, each with its unique set of features. Players can create their own vampire Sim straight from Create a Sim with the help of unique CAS options, such as editing their eyes to be unnatural eye colors, different fang types, pale skin tones, and veins. The customization options for vampires are extensive, allowing players to create unique and individual characters. It is also possible to turn pre-existing Sims to vampires without going through the CAS screen. The vampire will bite the Sim and then offer them their blood, which the Sim can drink. Sims will not immediately transform and experience certain negative moodlets before their transformation is complete.
Vampires have their own unique skill tree, which allows them to level up their powers and unlock new abilities. They will also need to obtain certain weaknesses, some of which will conflict with some of the perks. The powers available to vampires in The Sims 4: Vampires are extensive and players can choose which powers to gain as they gain more experience and become stronger. Vampires have different needs in comparison to regular Sims. The hunger need is replaced with a "Thirst" need for plasma. To survive, vampires need to drink plasma, which can be obtained by drinking from other Sims or from plasma fruit. However, drinking from Sims can have negative consequences, such as leaving them weakened or angry. Vampires also do not need to worry about bladder needs, and their energy need is elongated and replaced with "Vampiric Energy." Vampires in The Sims 4 also have unique weaknesses that players need to manage. One of the most notable weaknesses of vampires is their vulnerability to sunlight, which can cause them harm. It is possible to diminish some of the effects of sunlight with certain perks. Otherwise, to avoid sunlight, vampires can quickly go indoors, thanks to their bat form or super speed. Vampires also have the ability to compel other Sims to do their bidding, which can be a valuable feature in managing their needs and relationships.
Forgotten Hollow
Forgotten Hollow is a haunting and atmospheric world that is perfect for a spooky and mysterious gameplay experience. It is inspired by Victorian and old Transylvanian architectural styles, featuring creepy-looking trees, a dense fog, and a perpetual mist. The neighborhood is small, but it is densely packed with lots, ensuring that there are plenty of places to explore and discover. Forgotten Hollow is an ideal place for vampire Sims to live in. The world consists of five lots, with two being occupied by pre-existing vampire households, two being unoccupied residential lots, and one empty lot. There is no pre-built community lot, but at the center of the neighborhood lies a memorial park with a statue of Vlad, the founder of Forgotten Hollow, who is also a playable pre-existing vampire Sim in the world. Vlad tends to visit uninvited and is a popular acquaintance among players, regardless of which world they live in.
What sets Forgotten Hollow apart from other worlds is that the nighttime lasts much longer here than in other worlds. This means that vampire Sims can stay out longer without the risk of being exposed to sunlight, which can have harmful effects on them. The world is also scattered with tombstones and stone statues, adding to its eerie and gothic feel. While it may be a small world with only one neighborhood, Forgotten Hollow offers a unique and immersive experience for players who want to explore the supernatural and mysterious side of The Sims 4.
New Lot Traits
The Sims 4: Vampires pack also introduced new lot traits to the game, including On A Dark Ley Line, Registered Vampire Lair, and Vampire Nexus. These lot traits are perfect for vampire Sims who want to live in a world that caters to their supernatural needs. The On A Dark Leyline has a similar effect to the On A Leyline trait from the City Living expansion pack, which increases the chances of a Sim giving birth to twins or triplets. However, the On A Dark Leyline trait works a bit differently. It increases the chances of a vampire baby being born, even if neither of the parents is a vampire. This opens up new storytelling opportunities for Simmers who want to create unique families or explore the lore of vampires in the game.
The Registered Vampire Lair trait is exclusive to residential lots and provides the household with periodic gifts through the mail. These gifts usually include items related to vampires, such as Vampire Lore books, but somehow not all gifts are desirable for vampire Sims, as the household may also receive garlic wreaths. Additionally, there is the Vampire Nexus trait, which increases the likelihood of vampire Sims visiting the lot. This trait is useful for both Residential and Community lots and is particularly suitable for creating a gathering place for vampires on the empty lot in Forgotten Hollow, or any other location that Simmers wish to transform into a Vampire haunt.
Vampire Family Aspiration
Vampires pack offers three unique aspirations that allow players to delve into different aspects of vampire life. One of these aspirations is the Vampire Family aspiration, which may be misunderstood by some players. Despite its name, it is not about having a large family of vampire siblings, children, and grandchildren. Instead, it focuses on leveling up as a vampire and reaching the highest vampire rank, while also turning other Sims into vampires and forming strong relationships with them. When Sims are turned into vampires, they become "offspring," hence the name Vampire Family aspiration. To complete this aspiration, players will need to have their Sims fully embrace the vampire lifestyle and become the most powerful vampire they can be. While the transformation process into a vampire takes a few days, the steps are not too difficult to complete, making this aspiration a relatively easy one to achieve.
After completing the challenging Vampire Family aspiration, Sim will earn a powerful reward trait - "I am the Master". This trait offers an array of useful perks to players, particularly in terms of controlling their vampire offspring. The most notable benefit is that it makes mind control powers always work on your vampire offspring, giving players the ability to influence their actions and behavior to a significant degree. This can be especially useful for players who are interested in building a thriving vampire household, as it allows them to shape and mold their offspring in ways that are most beneficial to their overall goals. Overall, earning this trait is a significant accomplishment for any Sim player who wishes to fully embrace the dark and mysterious world of vampires in The Sims 4.
Master Vampire Aspiration
The Master Vampire aspiration presents an excellent opportunity to combine with the Vampire Family aspiration, as both require the Vampire Sim to achieve a high level of mastery in the Vampire ranks. However, there is a significant difference between the two aspirations. Sims following this aspiration must focus on learning about Vampire Lore and attaining mastery in this skill. Although the steps are straightforward, completing this aspiration takes time, as the final step requires the Vampire Sim to survive for 20 days as a vampire. It is important to note that this timer only begins when the Sim unlocks the fourth step of this aspiration, regardless of how long they have spent as a vampire previously. Fortunately, vampires do not age beyond Young Adult, giving players ample time to complete this aspiration.
Upon completing the Master Vampire aspiration, the Sim will receive the "True Master" reward trait. Although it shares some similarities with "I am the Master trait", True Master is a much more powerful ability. While it doesn't guarantee success, it significantly increases the chance of success for all mind control abilities such as influencing emotions, not just those involving offsprings. In addition to these heightened abilities, a True Master Sim will also require less vampire energy to perform various powers, leading to less frequent energy replenishment. Overall, this trait is a must-have for players looking to fully embrace the power of their vampire Sim.
Good Vampire Aspiration
The Good Vampire aspiration poses more challenges than the other two aspirations in the Vampires pack, but it is also the most intriguing and unique as it explores the concept of vampires who strive to live as normally as possible, just like non-occult Sims. To complete this aspiration, Sims need to reach the Grand Master Vampire rank and obtain a specific perk, but they also have to build up their Vampire Lore skill and make friends with other Sims. These vampires must rely on plasma packs or drink plasma from willing Sims, managing their thirst skill by obtaining permission. Outgoing Sims may find this aspiration easier as they need to gain the trust of other Sims, and those who have already completed the Friend of the World aspiration will have a head start. Like the Master Vampire aspiration, the Good Vampire aspiration requires patience as the Sim must not drink without permission for 14 consecutive days.
Upon completing the Good Vampire aspiration, the Sim will receive the "Regained Humanity" trait, which helps other Sims feel at ease and more accepting towards them. As a result, Sims are more likely to grant permission for this Vampire to drink plasma, and they will generally have an easier time making friends and building relationships. For players who prefer their vampire Sims to blend in and lead a more "normal" life, this aspiration is an excellent choice.
Pipe Organ Skill
The Pipe Organ skill is a newly introduced musical instrument skill that can be leveled up to 10. While it shares some similarities with the Piano skill, it has a more old-fashioned feel. Interestingly, when playing haunting music, ghosts may appear from the organ, adding an extra element of spookiness. As with other musical instruments, the Pipe Organ skill is best learned when the Sim is inspired, and the only way to level up this skill is by using a Pipe Organ.
While the skill may not be as significant as others, it's an excellent skill for vampire Sims to learn, even if just to create a spooky atmosphere. Moreover, like other musical instrument skills, it's possible to make money by licensing songs. The licensing process is the same as for other instruments, and only one song per instrument can be licensed at a time.
Vampire Lore Skill
The Vampire Lore skill is a crucial ability for Vampire Sims, granting them increased strength and the ability to cure vampirism. Unlike other adult skills, children can learn this skill without maxing out their child skills. With a maximum level of 15, it is the only skill in the entire Sims franchise to exceed 10 levels, but the skill-learning speed is higher to offset this.
There are several ways for Sims to acquire this skill, such as researching "Vampire Secrets" on a computer, inquiring about Vampire History from other Sims, or reading unlocked Vampire Tomes. As Sims progress through levels, more tome books become available. Sims with a higher Vampire Lore skill level can unlock exclusive interactions with other Sims, new crafts such as new ways to do plasma packs, and potent potions to cure the effects of sunlight or to cure vampirism.
New CAS And Build/Buy Items
The Sims 4: Vampires pack adds a range of new Create-A-Sim (CAS) items that suit the Gothic and mysterious theme of the pack. These items include new clothing, hairstyles, and accessories that allow players to customize their vampire Sims in a range of unique ways. From dark, flowing capes to stylish vampire-inspired outfits, the pack provides a variety of styles to suit any vampire Sim's fashion sense. Additionally, there is a range of new makeup options available that allow players to give their vampire Sims the perfect spooky look. Whether the players prefer a classic vampire aesthetic or a more modern goth style, the Vampires pack has plenty of options to choose from.
This pack also offers an array of dark and Gothic-themed Build/Buy items that add a touch of eerie elegance to any Sim's home. Coffins, a classic symbol of vampire culture, are available in different styles and colors, ranging from sleek modern designs to ornate, vintage-inspired models. In addition to coffins, there are also many new furnishings that add a spooky touch to any room. One of the other unique items is of course the Pipe Organ to raise the skill. Gothic windows, doors, and fencing are also available to give any house a touch of vampire charm. Overall, these items provide a great way to add some dark and dramatic flair to any Sim's home regardless of if they are a vampire or not.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S