Secret skill

Secret or hidden skills are skills that a Sim can gain with practice but will not appear in the interface. Cleaning is a secret skill in The Sims. There are several secret skills in The Sims 2 and The Sims 3.

The Sims

 * Cleaning
 * In The Sims, Cleaning is a hidden skill that's mostly used by the maid, community lot janitors, Servo and Bonehilda. All playable Sims and Townies have Cleaning skill, even if it's zero. However, the skill doesn't appear in the Control Panel. It cannot be changed or improved within the game, unless Sims use an object that has been hacked to affect Cleaning. Some third-party character-editing programs may allow the player to edit a Sim's Cleaning skill.

The Sims 2

 * Study
 * If a household member who is a teen or older offers or is asked to Help with a child's or teen's homework, that Sim will be able to learn how to study. This usually takes one homework session, and the child/teen being helped and the helper will each get a memory when it is completed. Then, the child or teen Sim will be able to complete homework much quicker.


 * Chess
 * Sims who play chess regularly will have more chances of winning against other Sims


 * Yoga
 * Sims who have three or more Body points get the "Do Yoga" self-interaction. Yoga is not only a skill in its own right, but doing yoga builds fitness and Body skill. However, skill at doing yoga is related to Body skill, not yoga experience. Sims with higher body skill use different animations when doing yoga, and are less likely to lose their balance and fall over, which will cause them to stop. Sims can join other Sims that are doing yoga, regardless of body skill.


 * Unlike many Body-building activities, yoga does not cause a fast drop in the Hygiene meter. Also, if Seasons is installed, yoga does not raise a Sim's temperature. If FreeTime is installed, yoga builds enthusiasm for the Fitness hobby.


 * Painting


 * The more paintings a Sim paints, the more he/she will be paid for them &mdash; even if (especially if) he/she has already maxed his/her Creativity.


 * Writing
 * One Writing skill point is gained whenever a Sim completes a novel. Like the Painting skill, the higher the Writing skill, the more a Sim's novels will sell for.


 * Meditation
 * Meditation is a skill that Sims from teens on up acquire if they have three or more Logic points and eight or less Playful. (Note that if a Sim's Playful score is exactly 8.00, he or she will be able to meditate.) While a Sim meditates, their motives; such as Energy or Hunger do not decay; neither does their Aspiration bar. This makes meditation useful to "save" a Platinum mood for later, such as for a promotion. It can also be useful for sick Sims, pregnant Sims, and Sims who wake up in the middle of the night. If a Sim meditates for a certain amount of time, they could learn to teleport. Meditation takes half a Sim hour to begin and up to another half an hour to stop. (It takes less time to stop if the Sim is not levitating.)


 * Dancing


 * This is a hidden skill that involves Sims getting better at the activity of dancing. Sims who are at the bottom end of the skill have very entertaining actions and moves. Teen Sims that achieve a high level in the dancing skill can qualify for the §1000 Tsang Footwork Award. A Sim with a relatively good Dancing skill has access to the social "Entertain. . . Bust a Move", which is available to use on Sims at a relatively low Lifetime Relationship of 20-30 and increases lifetime relationship by one or two points.


 * Pool
 * A skill learned by playing pool/billiards. Teens can receive the Phelps-Wilsonoff Billiards Prize of §1000 for having a high pool skill. The better a Sim is at the Pool skill, the more likely he is to succeed at Hustling pool.


 * Tai Chi


 * Sim can learn Tai Chi in Takemizu Village. Most locals there have already learned Tai Chi. Doing Tai Chi will drain hunger but fill up energy. When mastered, doing Tai Chi will build up Body skill. Tai Chi increases Fitness enthusiasm.

The Sims 3

 * Learn to Walk
 * This skill only has one level and only toddlers can have this skill. A teen or older can teach a toddler how to walk. After this hidden skill is learned the toddler can walk around instead of crawl.


 * Potty Training
 * This skill only has one level and only toddlers can have this skill. A teen or older can teach a toddler how to use the potty. After this hidden skill is learned the toddler can use the potty by him or herself. A toddler can learn to use the potty by being repeatedly trained by a teen or older until he or she has learned the skill.


 * Learn to Talk
 * This skill only has one level and only toddlers can have this skill. A teen or older can teach a toddler how to talk. After this hidden skill is learned, Sims will be able to chat with the toddler.


 * Peg Box
 * This skill goes up to level 3 and only toddlers can have this skill. When the toddler ages into a child, they will start their logic skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Xylophone
 * This skill goes up to level 3 and only toddlers can have this skill. When they age into a Teen, they will start their Guitar skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired. If the Late Night expansion pack is installed, then the Bass, Piano, and Drum skills will also be raised.


 * Chess
 * Sims can only build this skill by playing chess on the chess table. Playing chess on the computer does not give a Sim chess experience. The skill goes up to level 10, with that level determining whether a Sim is more likely to win or lose, and what rank they hold in ranked chess tournaments. This skill is essential for completing the Chess Legend Lifetime Wish.


 * Collecting
 * This skill goes up to level 10, with Sims having a better chance when capturing a bug or insect and finding a gem or rock as the level increases.


 * Dancing
 * This skill goes up to level 10. Sims can raise this skill by dancing alone when music is on, but not by dancing with someone else. The level a Sim has in this skill determines how well they dance.


 * Hacking
 * Sims with the Computer Whiz trait can hack on the computer and earn simoleons. Hacking goes up to a level of 10, with the level determining how much money a sim makes.


 * Homework
 * A Teen or child Sim can do Homework. Regularly doing homework increases school performance. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Mooch
 * A Sim with the Mooch trait can mooch off of his or her neighbors or other Sims. This skill goes up to a level of 10. Sims with the Mooch Trait can beg for money and food from Sims around them. The higher the Sim's Mooching skill, the more likely they will be able to mooch large quantities of money. It is harder to mooch from Sims with the Frugal trait. Children can only achieve level 4, and teenagers can only reach level 6.


 * Video game
 * A Sim can play video games on a gaming console. This skill does not apply to computer games or VR goggles. Sims can play against each other. The skill goes up to level 10, but only determines whether a Sim is likely to win or lose when playing against other Sims. The level of this skill affects the animations which are used, but there is no other effect.


 * AirGuitar
 * The Sim will randomly play air guitar (playing guitar without guitar in hands) and get some fun from it. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Foosball
 * A Sim or Sims can raise this skill by playing on the Foosball Table. The foosball skill goes up to level 10, but only determines whether a Sim is likely to win or lose when playing against other Sims. The level of this skill affects the animations which are used, but there is no other effect.


 * Child Cooking
 * Only child Sims can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3 and when the child ages into a teen, they will start their Cooking skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Diving
 * Prior to patch 42, this skill is only available in World Adventures. Sims can increase their skill level by using the dive wells or diving board. Originally, the skill went up to level 5, but with patch 42, it was changed to 2. This caused Sims who already surpass level 2 to reset whenever they try to use the diving board in the pool.

World Adventures

 * Rubble Clearing
 * Sims can progress at clearing rubble in tombs. As their level increases, they are able to clear rubble more quickly.


 * Snake charming
 * The more a Sim charms snakes, the better they get at it. Eventually, at later levels, the Sim can kiss the snake or make it go into other Sims' clothes. This skill goes up to level 10.

Ambitions

 * Consignment
 * As Sims sell objects in the consignment store their consignment skill also increases, allowing them to sell objects for greater returns. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Tattooing
 * Each time a Sim gives another a tattoo, their tattooing skill increases. It goes up to Level 10. Only Young Adults and above can get this skill.


 * Trampoline
 * This skill increases each time a Sim uses the trampoline. It goes up to Level 10, and is available to all Sims who are at least children.


 * Gnubb
 * This skill is used whenever Sims use the Sim Gnubb toy. This skill goes up to level 10, and is available to all Sims who are at least children.


 * Styling
 * This skill increases every time a stylist gives a makeover, or through the use of the drafting table. It goes up to Level 10 and is only available to Young Adults and above.

Late Night

 * Arcade Machine
 * Sims will get better when playing Arcade Machine. This skill goes up to level 10. Higher level Sims are more likely to win games.


 * Bubble Blowing
 * The bubbles become figures in various shapes when a Sim uses the Bubbluscious Bubble Bar . This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Darts
 * Sims can play darts using dartboards. This skill goes up to level 10. Higher level Sims are more likely to win games.


 * Shuffleboard
 * Sims can level up this skill by using the shuffleboard. This skill goes up to level 3, with higher level Sims being more likely to win games.


 * Club Dancing
 * Sims gain this skill from dancing in clubs. This skill goes up to level 3, and is available to children and older.


 * Rock Band
 * This skill only has 1 level.

Generations

 * Sandbox
 * Sims build better sandcastles over time. This skill goes up to level 4.


 * Driving
 * Teens can't drive a car unless an older Sim has taught them to. This skill goes up to level 3, and teens who complete the skill will be sent a framed reward certificate.


 * Hopscotch
 * Sims get better at playing hopscotch as their skill increases. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Child Athletic
 * Beginning with Generations, the Athletic skill is no longer available to children. It is replaced by the Child Athletic secret skill, which is earned when children work out. This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, his or her Athletic skill will start at the same skill level.


 * Child Gardening
 * Beginning with Generations, the Gardening skill is no longer available to children. It is replaced by the Child Gardening secret skill. This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, his or her Gardening skill will start at the same skill level.


 * Child Guitar
 * Only children can get this skill, This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, they will start their Guitar skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Child Bass
 * Only children can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, they will start their Bass skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Child Drum
 * Only children can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, they will start their Drum skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Child Piano
 * Only children can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3, and when the child ages into a teen, they will start their Piano skill at the same level as the skill level they acquired.


 * Ballet
 * Only children can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3 and is unlocked from afterschool activity. This skill unlocks several ballet move abilities.


 * Scouting
 * Only children can get this skill. This skill goes up to level 3 and is unlocked from afterschool activity. This skill unlocks the Salute hidden trait.

Pets

 * Wildlife
 * The Wildlife hidden skill determines whether befriending interactions with minor pets are successful. This skill goes up to level 6.

Showtime

 * Golfing
 * This skill goes up to level 10. This skill is available to teens and older. Sims gain this skill from playing golf.


 * Dominoes
 * This skill goes up to level 10. This skill is available to children and older. The higher the skill, the higher the chance that the Sim will win.


 * Karaoke
 * This skill goes up to level 3. This skill is available to teens and older, and is gained from singing karaoke.


 * Pool
 * This skill goes up to level 10. Sims gain this skill by playing pool. The higher the skill, the higher the chance that the Sim will win.


 * DJ Turntable
 * This skill goes up to level 5. Sims gain this skill from using the DJ booth.


 * Magic
 * This skill goes up to level 10. Sims gain a level every time they are promoted in the magician profession. It changes what types of magic acts the Sim can do.


 * Entertainer
 * This skill goes up to level 10. Sims gain a level every time they are promoted in the acrobat profession. It changes what stunts the Sim can do.


 * Performance Artist
 * This skill goes up to level 10. Sims gain a level every time they are promoted in the singer profession. It changes what songs the Sim can sing, and also makes them better at karaoke.

Supernatural

 * Lycanthropy
 * Lycanthropy is a hidden skill that werewolves only can have and the skill is unique to them. As they level up this skill, they unlock new interactions and benefits for themselves. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * At level 2, werewolves can successfully hunt collectibles around town.


 * At level 3, they can approach any unsuspecting normal Sims and Cursed Bite them. If a werewolf has the Alpha Dog lifetime reward, his Cursed Bite cannot be avoided. The Sim who got bitten will transform into a werewolf two days later.


 * At level 6, they can Hunt For specific collectibles such as metals, gems, insects, etc. This is very useful to Sims who need certain collectables for displaying them or using them as ingredients to mix elixirs.


 * At level 8, they can control when and where they transform. They will be less likely to transform when angered or mood dropped drastically.


 * When a werewolf gets to level 10 of Lycanthropy, they are the "best of their kind". They can find up to four collectables per solo hunt. Their bites and howls during night time will be less likely to fail.


 * Broom Riding
 * A skill that increases when your Sim does stunts in the Broom Arena. The higher this skill the more stunts they do, and possible more tips.


 * Spellcasting
 * At level 1, Witches may cast the Conversion spell that allows the said Witch to transfigure a collectible into a random collectible of random quality.


 * At level 2, Witches may cast the Fire Blast and the Ice Blast. Casting Ice Blast on an appliance will make the said appliance break, while casting Fire Blast on a terrain will cause a fire, unless it is on a lot owned by a sim with the Fireproof lifetime reward.


 * At level 10, Witches may cast the Reanimation Spell, allowing Witches to revive the dead as zombies.


 * Fairy Magic
 * A hidden skill for fairies that determine what magic spells they can use and how likely is is to succeed.


 * At level 1, fairies unlock the ability to project auras.


 * At level 2, fairies can fairy trap objects.


 * At level 3, fairies can fairy repair an object.


 * At level 5, fairies can use bloom on a garden plant.


 * At level 10, fairies can use the "inner beauty" spell.

Seasons

 * Skating
 * Playing ice or roller skating increases the Skating hidden skill. As Sims advance this skill, the interactions to do tricks on a skating rink are unlocked. Sims also get better at skating with higher skill. This skill goes up to level 6, and children and older can learn this skill. Genies, fairies, vampires, and werewolves cannot learn skating skill, as they will hover when using the skating rink or run around instead.


 * Snowboarding
 * Sims learn this skill by playing snowboard on the half-pipe. Sims get better at snowboarding as they master this skill. The failure chance gets reduced from 30%, 20%, and 5% for respective skill level. Children and older can learn this skill. This skill goes up to level 3.


 * Horseshoes
 * Sims learn this skill by playing horseshoes court. They will have higher chance at winning against other Sims with higher level. Children and older can learn this skill. This skill goes up to level 10.


 * Ball Fighting
 * Ball Fighting is a combined skills between snowball and water balloon fighting. Children and older can learn this skill by playing the activity on the lot or with the court. With higher skills, they might be able to dodge snowballs and water balloons and aim at Sims better. This skill goes up to level 3.

Trivia

 * The xylophone and all child music skills are counted separately. For example, a Sim who maximizes the xylophone and all child music skills, will start at level 6 on guitar, bass, piano, and drum when he or she becomes a teen.