Skill | Age | EP |
---|---|---|
Cooking | Adult | |
Mechanical | Adult | |
Charisma | Adult | |
Body | Adult | |
Logic | Adult | |
Creativity | Adult |
Skills are talents that Sims need in their everyday life and to advance in their working career.
In The Sims, only adults can earn skill points. In The Sims 2, The Sims 3 and The Sims 4, however, any age group from toddlers on up can gain at least some skills.
In The Sims 2, certain aspiration reward objects such as Smart Milk, the Thinking Cap, and the SimVac can also aid in the building of skills, as do the career reward objects which focus on one skill. All 7 main skills (Cooking, Cleaning, Mechanical, Logic, Creativity, Body, and Charisma) are covered by at least one object. If Seasons is installed, drinking a veggie cocktail will aid in skill building, and drinking eggplant juice will give a random skill point. All skill building is also boosted during the fall season. If a Souvenir Rack has five Far East Souvenirs on it, all nearby sims will build skills faster.
In The Sims 3, skills have been expanded, and something roughly similar to the talent badges from The Sims 2 has been worked into the skill system. Skills still have 10 levels of proficiency. Sims who have maxed out any skill receive a certificate which can be sold for §1,000 (price will drop after some time) or hung up proudly on their wall. The interface for The Sims 3 was redesigned, so that information about a skill, statistics and challenges can now be found in the skill journal. Additionally, classes in all the skills can be taken at various community buildings. Another difference from previous games is that Sims can learn skills on any lot. Previously, Sims could not gain skills on community lots, though some expansion packs for The Sims 2 had limited exceptions to this.
In The Sims 4, skills work similarly as they do in The Sims 3. Skills usually have the max level of 10, and unlike previous games, there is no "level zero" with skills. Instead, Sims will immediately start at level 1. After a Sim has started learning new skills, the information regarding those skills along with the statistics will be stored in the skills panel. As in The Sims 3, Sims can learn skills on any types of lots such as community lots, if the required conditions is met. Toddlers and children also have their own unique set of skills that are not available to teens and older. If a toddler has mastered all of their skills, the Sim will gain a special reward trait after aging up. If a child has mastered their skills, they can start learning normal adult skills, which will be transferred after aging up into a teen.
Skill | Age | EP |
---|---|---|
Cooking | Adult | |
Mechanical | Adult | |
Charisma | Adult | |
Body | Adult | |
Logic | Adult | |
Creativity | Adult |
Icon | Skill | Age | EP |
---|---|---|---|
Cooking | Teen and older | &BG | |
Mechanical | Toddler and older | &BG | |
Charisma | Toddler and older | &BG | |
Body | Child and older | &BG | |
Logic | Toddler and older | &BG | |
Creativity | Toddler and older | &BG | |
Cleaning | Child and older | &BG |
Skill | Age | EP |
---|---|---|
Chess | Child and older | &BG |
Dancing | Child and older | &BG |
Drafting | &EP07 | |
Meditation | &BG | |
Painting | Child and older | &BG |
Pool | &EP01 | |
Study | Child and older | &BG |
Tai chi | &EP06 | |
Writing | Child and older | &BG |
Yoga | &BG |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced technology | What will the Future hold? It's anyone's guess! Advanced Technology might appear daunting at first, but the Advanced Technology Skill will be gained at an accelerated rate while visiting the Future. With practice and patience, (Sim name) will know how to use Advanced Technology like a pro! Novices will have the ability to change the Future on the Time Portal, program the Fruiti Bobs recipe into the Food Synthesizer, and unlock additional Dream Pod dreams. | Child and older | 10 | &EP11 | |
Alchemy | (Sim name) has taken the first step into the mystical magical world of alchemy. There are lots of elixirs to create, each with their own unique power to transform a Sim's life. Those elixirs won't mix by themselves so get cracking! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP07 | |
Artisan | Are you a true artisan? Build your Artisan skill by trying to make glass gnomes jewelry, statues, stained glass windows and more with the ARtisan's Glassblowing and Jewelry Making Station. (Sim name) can unlock new glass objects and accessories as his/her skill increases. Even if the blowtorch explodes in your face, don't give up! | Teen and older | 10 | &Store | |
Athletic | Some Sims seek to trim a few carbs so they look good in a bathing suit, whereas others see health fitness as a 24/7 lifestyle choice. It's time to invest in some athletic equipment! (Sim name) now also has the option to avoid breaking a sweat while exercising. | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Bass | Draw the crowd's attention with the beautiful low-pitched sounds of the bass. No matter what the skill level, admirers will flock to watch (Sim name)'s pizzicato technique. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Bot building | A Bot Builder is a tinkerer at heart who's capable of building everything from simple mechanical Nanites to complex Sim-like Plumbots. It'll take time and practice before (Sim name) is ready to build advanced Plumbots, but even a novice acan design or create Trait Chips and Nanites to get started! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP11 | |
Charisma | (Sim name) is ready for the lifestyle of fantastic conversation, becoming a socialite of renown, and always knowing the right thing to say. To become more Charismatic, (Sim name) will constantly need to get out and socialize with Sims in the neighborhood! | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Cooking | (Sim name) is ready to jump into the frying pan of the culinary crafter, the kitchen specialist, the deliverer of delicacies! It'll take a lot of time behind the stove and in front of a cook book, but Holden will never be without company when everyone knows he can perfect their favorite foods. | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Dancing | So many dances, so little time. Whether you're performing a ballet or dancing the [sic] The Smustle, (Sim name) will be dazzling on the dance floor before you know it! | Child and older | 10 | &Store | |
Drums | Drums your way into the heart of any Sim with the smooth drum beats! The rat-a-tat rhythm of (Sim name)'s drums will bring venues and parties to life! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Fishing | Nothing beats watching the sun rise over calm waters. Fishing is for Sims of great patience and determination. The waters can be a cruel mistress, but with fishing rod in hand and the right attitude, any fish can be caught. Fish can be sold to the super market for Simoleons, used as fertilizer, or cooked fresh at home as a tasty meal. | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Gambling | As if the daily minefields of everyday life aren't risky enough to satisfy your sense of adventure; Grab your lucky rabbits foot and your four leaf clover, and hold tight to your uncanny intuition which allows you to believe the odds will actually be with you. Your volatile courtship with Lady Luck begins today...GO ALL IN... you are now a Gambler! | Teen and older | 10 | &Store | |
Gardening | Anything worth doing requires a little dirt under the fingernails, at least if you're a gardener. (Sim name_ should be prepared to fertilize, weed, water, and talk to every plant he encounters. Go forth (Sim name), with spade in hand! You now have some seeds in your inventory to plant! | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Guitar | The rocking lifestyle of the guitar is often heroic. Gifted musicians can both move and entertain an audience with a song. Has (Sim name) found his muse? | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Handiness | Common household objects are built with so many widgets and whats-its these days that something breaking is inevitable. With hammer in hand, (Sim name) will hopefully be able to fix any mechanical or electrical situation gone awry, and perhaps make some things just a bit better in the process. | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Inventing | Throw safety goggles to the wind and harness the power of invention! A brilliant mind and blowtorch can turn yesterday's Scrap into tomorrow's must-have life improvement gadget. Who knows what nthe next big discovery or explosion will yield? | Child and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Laser rhythm-a-con | Playing the Laser Rhythm-a-con is like no other instrument ever invented! It takes a unique blend of quick feet and a steady hand to throw down some serious beats. Music will never be the same after mastering this exotic instrument! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP11 | |
Logic | Mind over matter, the successful application of logic to solve conundrums, and the pursuit of science and truth are what should compel (Sim name) in his/her study f Logic. Games of Chess, Stargazing, and books are a good place to start, but the journey of logic is long, winding, and at times perilous! | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Martial arts | Martial Artists study Martial Arts for self-defense and self-enrichment. THey can improve their skill by training with the training dummy and board breaker objects, or by meditating alone in a quiet place. Martial Artists can Spar with other martial artists by asking them to spar. At a high enough level, Martial Artists may travel to China, where they can set up tournament matches using the telephone. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP01 | |
Mixology | (Sim name) has started the path that will make him a true chemist of the liquid world. True mixologists will be able to concoct liquids of incredible power, from instilling romance to keeping you up all night. With practice he/she can make quite a bit of cash moonlighting at various bars as well. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Nectar making | Your Sim has learned the Nectar Making skill! Nectar Making is an art that has been passed down through generations. Great Nectar can only be made from the best fruits! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP01 | |
Painting | With brush and canvas, (Sim name) hopes to better define the world in which he/she lives. The limitations of the paints are few, as it's the creativity and imagination that (Sim name) must nurture and push to become a true master. | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Photography | The entire world is a canvas for photographers! Every touching moment between Sims, the triumphant look on a child's face, or the setting sun can be instantly recorded onto film to cherish forever. | Child and older | 10 | &EP01 | |
Piano | Tickle the ivories of the Piano and jam out the tunes. Venture to venues and jazz up the night. (Sim name) will surely find others ready to sway along. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Riding | (Sim name) has decided to see life from the back of a Horse! It takes more than a rear end to sit in the saddle, but after a little riding time with a patient four-legged partner, (Sim name) will soon be blazing trails, leaping gates, and training Horses like a pro. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP05 | |
Science | As a Scientist, (Sim name) receives performances and salary bonuses to Science and Medical careers and could start his career at a higher than normal level. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP09 | |
Scuba diving | (Sim name) is ready to begin his/her underwater adventure exploring the deep depths of the ocean floor. (Sim name) can continue building on this skill by snorkeling or scuba diving. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP10 | |
Sculpting | All the world is a sculptor's canvas; will it be clay or ice, chainsaw or chisel? Only you can answer these questions as you seek to craft the subtleties of your subject matter. Be bold and savvy and your skill could reap great rewards! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Social networking | With a few swipes of his/her finger, (Sim name) has discovered the vast, digital world of Social Networking! From texting to blogging, his/her customizable Smart Phone will take (Sim name) to new apps and beyond. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP09 | |
Street art | As a Street Artist, the world is (Sim name)'s canvas and nothing can escape a random act of art! Put a Street Art Kit in your inventory and paint the town! | Teen and older | 10 | &EP09 | |
Violin | It is said that the violin is one of the hardest instruments to learn how to play, so (Sim name) has his/her work cut out for him/her. However, as the old saying goes, "Practice makes perfect!" | Teen and older | 10 | &Store | |
Writing | Can words move another Sim to cry? To laugh? To fall in love? (Sim name) has begun the literary path, one that is not always the less traveled, but perhaps one in need of Excellence. Will the next bestseller be penned by (Sim name)? | Child and older | 10 | &BG |
Icon | Skill | Description | Species | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Hunting | Stalk a variety of prey including birds, bugs, reptiles, and more! No matter what the skill level, delicious creatures are just a prowl away! Devour critters on the spot, or Present them to favorite Sims to show how much they are loved. | Cat only | 10 | &EP05 | |
Hunting | All breeds of dogs can learn to hunt! Proper training will prepare any dog's nose to sniff out the rarest of collectibles hidden throughout the neighborhood. | Dog only | 10 | &EP05 | |
Jumping | Some horses might be content to stay on the ground, but (horse name) has taken a different path. Becoming a skilled jumper will take a lot of practice on different jumping obstacles and courses, but with dedication and the right rider (horse name) could be come an equestrian legend! | Horse only | 10 | &EP05 | |
Racing | (Horse name) feels the need...the need for speed! He/she might be pokey now, but if he/she keeps galloping to and fro, follows a race training routine, and finds a good jockey, he/she could join the storied ranks of the greatest racehorses of all time! | Horse only | 10 | &EP05 |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Learn to talk | Every toddler learns to talk eventually. It takes dedication and patience from the parent to get verbal skills up to snuff. | Toddler only | 1 | &BG | |
Learn to walk | A child's first steps are some of the most rewarding for parents. Teaching children to walk takes time and patience, but is worth every step! | Toddler only | 1 | &BG | |
Peg box | Being knowledgeable with pegs during childhood is instrumental in successfully wielding the power of Logic later in life. | Toddler only | 3 | &BG | |
Potty training | Potty Training is a crucial component of a Sim's formative years. The day when dirty diapers no longer occur is a momentous one. | Toddler only | 1 | &BG | |
Xylophone | Child musicians often grow up to be adult prodigies! | Toddler only | 3 | &BG |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ballet | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Blocks | Young children that exhibit a skill with the blocks often grow up to be quite handy around the home! | Child only | 3 | &BG | |
Child athletic | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Child bass | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Child cooking | Childhood cooks tend to grow into culinary masters as adults. Always start 'em early! | Child only | 3 | &BG | |
Child drums | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Child gardening | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Child guitar | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Child piano | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 | |
Scouting | N/A | Child only | 3 | &EP04 |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Driving | Learning how to drive is an exciting yet embarrassing rite of passage for any teen. You've just taken your first step towards independence. It will take time and extreme patience, but it will all be worth it in the end when (Sim name) earns his/her driver's certificate. | Teen only | 3 | &EP04 |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acrobat career | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Air Guitar | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Arcade machine | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Band | Playing in a band is a special bonding experience. Through the language of music, you communicate an experience within the group as well as with the audience. Regular topics include strife, drama, excitement, and the number 11. | Young adult and older | 1 | &EP03 | |
Bowling | On the surface, bowling looks like a wacky and simple sport. Throw the ball, knock some pins over, and earn a strike. Or better yet a turkey! Knocking pins down is tougher than it looks, but it sure is fun! DO NOT TRANSLATE [sic] | Child and older | 5 | &EP09 | |
Broom riding | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP07 | |
Bubble blowing | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Bug eating | N/A | Child and older | 3 | &EP11 | |
Chess | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Club dancing | N/A | Child and older | 3 | &EP03 | |
Collecting | Become a renowned collector of precious gems, valuable minerals, moon rocks, and all sorts of bugs. Scavenge the town for collectables! | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Consignment | The consignment store's services are perfect for inventors, sculptors, farmers, fishermen, painters, photographers, and more! | Young adult and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Dancing | It takes time for Sims to dance their way out of a second left foot. Practice makes toe tapping perfection! | Child and older | 3 | &BG | |
Darts | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Diving | Graceful dives come after lots and lots of practice. Be prepared to get wet! | Child and older | 2 | &BG | |
DJ turntable | N/A | Teen and older | 5 | &EP06 | |
Dominoes | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Firewalking | N/A | Teen and older | 2 | &EP10 | |
Foosball | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Gambling | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Gnubb | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Golfing | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Hacking | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Homework | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Hopscotch | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP04 | |
Horseshoes | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP08 | |
Karaoke | N/A | Teen and older | 3 | &EP06 | |
Magician career | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Mooch | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Pool | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Sandbox | Playing in sand all day long is not the neatest way to have some fun, but it may just benefit those artistic Sims in other ways! | Child and older | 4 | &EP04 | |
Shuffleboard | N/A | Teen and older | 3 | &EP03 | |
Singer career | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | |
Skating | Looks like (Sim name) is getting better at skating. He/she hardly slips anymore. | Child and older | 6 | &EP08 | |
Snake charming | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP01 | |
Snowboarding | (Sim name) has gotten a hang of snowboarding. Keep practicing and he/she may learn a few tricks. | Child and older | 2 | &EP08 | |
Styling | N/A | Young adult and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Table tennis | Time to bust out the rubber paddles and learn the art of Table Tennis! Serve it up and hit the ball back and forth waiting for the perfect time to hit a blazing smash shot past your opponent. | Teen and older | 5 | &EP09 | |
Tattooing | N/A | Young adult and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Trampoline | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Tricks | N/A | Adult dogs and older | 5 | &EP05 | |
Video gaming | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &BG | |
Water balloon / snowball fight | Looks like (Sim name)'s throwing arm has gotten stronger! He's/she's now a better dodger and a more accurate chucker in snowball and water balloon fights. | Child and older | 3 | &BG | |
Waterskiing | N/A | Teen and older | 10 | &EP10 | |
Wildlife friend | N/A | Child and older | 6 | &EP05 | |
Windsurfing | N/A | Child and older | 10 | &EP10 |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Acting | Teen and older | 10 | &EP06 | ||
Archaeology | Teen and older | 10 | &GP06 | ||
Baking | Baking is science in action. You can't just throw random ingredients into a bowl like some chef. You have to plan. Fortunately, the plan involves large helpings of sugar. Increasing your baking skill will unlock new Baked Goods for your Oven and Cupcake Factory. | Teen and older | 10 | &EP01 | |
Bowling | Teen and older | 5 | &SP10 | ||
Charisma | When in a conversation, Charisma skill can be your best friend. Whether making friends, romancing, or calming down strangers, the charismatic Sim knows how to proceed. Charisma can be worked on in the mirror or in conversations with other Sims. Increasing this skill will unlock new Socials as well as new Social Media Interactions on the Computer. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Comedy | As soon as one realizes that everything is a joke, being a comedian is the only thing that makes sense. Comedy skill is useful when talking with other Sims and with the microphone stand. Increasing this skill will unlock new Joke Socials, Comedy Routines, and the ability to Improvise Routines on a Microphone. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Cooking | Anyone can cook, but Sims who are epicurious will benefit from spending a little extra time and attention in the kitchen. Cooking skill is built primarily by cooking with the fridge, stove, and counter. Increasing this skill will unlock new Cooking Tricks, Moodlets, and Recipes. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Cross-stitch | Teen and older | 5 | &EP03 | ||
Dancing | Sims with this skill can never resist the urge to bust a move. They love to move and are always ready to hit the dance floor. Dancing can be improved by shaking it on the dance floor, moving along to the music of a DJ booth or stereo, and even by practicing in a mirror. Improving the Dancing Skills unlocks new dance moves for your Sim to use. |
Teen and older | 5 | &EP02 | |
DJ mixing | Anyone can scratch a record, but only Sims with the DJ Skill are always ready to drop a beat. They can play on the DJ Booth, create mixtapes, and entertain a crowd. DJ Skill is gained by practicing on a DJ Booth or by playing for a crowd. Incresing this skill unlocks new genres and interactions on the DJ Booth. |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP02 | |
Entrepreneur | Teen and older | &EP12 | |||
Fabrication | Teen and older | 10 | &EP09 | ||
Fishing | Most Sims with this skill aren't shy to admit that they're hooked on fishing. Others who say otherwise are just koi. The fishing skill is improved via fishing, more fishing, and reading about fishing. Increasing this skill will unlock Fishing with Bait and Increases the likelihood of catching bigger and better fish. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Fitness | While all Sims want to stay healthy, fitness-minded Sims frequently go above and beyond the call of duty to keep their bodies in tip-top shape. Fitness can be worked on via the treadmill, weight bench, or punching bag. Increasing this skill will unlock new Workout Interactions and Socials. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Flower arranging | Arranging flowers in intricate ways takes some mad floral skills. Develop these skills to not only create beautiful organic creations, but also create feelings in Sims they might not even understand themselves. Flower Arranging Skill is built by using Violets are Blue Flower Arranging Table. Increasing this skill will allow Sims to create different types of arrangements with different flowers. High-skilled Sims will also be able to Scent arrangements with flowers, allowing Sims to have an emotional response to the arrangements. |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP05 | |
Gardening | How does your garden grow? It can bloom with flowers and fruits galore, but such an endeavor takes time and effort, and more than a bit of Gardening Skill. Gardening Skill is built by working with plants, seeds, and planters. Increasing this skill will allow Sims to be more efficient when Gardening as well as unlock new Gardening Interactions and Socials. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Gourmet cooking | Ready to take your culinary creations to new heights? The Gourmet Cooking skill can help deliver some fancy foods to your mouth and your guests. Gourmet Cooking is developed through cooking gourmet foods on the fridge, stove, and countertop. Increasing this skill will unlock new Gourmet Cooking Tricks, Moodlets, and Recipes. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Guitar | Guitar: the one instrument that defies class, genre, and boundaries. A guitar can be a good fit for a romantic evening, a casual get-together, or a sold-out performance. Use the guitar to improve Guitar SKill. Increasing this skill will unlock new Songs and Interactions on the Guitar, including the ability to Write Songs and Serenade Sims. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Handiness | Do it yourself! That's the motto of a handy Sim. Handy Sims aren't afraid to repair things when they break, can upgrade regular household objects, and may even dabble with a bit of woodworking. Handiness is built by repairing and upgrading objects, or using the woodworking table. Increasing this skill unlocks new craftables on the Woodworking Table and improves Sims' ability to Repair and Upgrade objects. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Herbalism | How can a nature lover best take advantage of the gifts of the forest? Rare and wondrous Herbs aren't just leafy greens, but precious ingredients! The Herbalism skill is built by Identifying Herbs after collecting them and Brewing Remedies on the Grill or Stove. | Teen and older | 10 | &GP01 | |
Juice fizzing | Teen and older | 5 | &EP09 | ||
Knitting | Teen and older | 10 | &SP17 | ||
Logic | A practiced mind can be a wonderful thing, and Sims who focus on Logic want to hone their minds until they're sharper than a llamacorn's horn. Logic is built on the chessboard, telescope, and microscope. Increasing this skill will unlock new Interactions on the Microscope, Observatory, and various Collectibles. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Media production | Teen and older | 5 | &EP06 | ||
Medium | Teen and older | 5 | &SP18 | ||
Mischief | Mischief-oriented Sims tend to be sly devils, delighting at tricking, pranking, and otherwise mocking their fellow Sims. Life's a party, and a Mischief Sim is out to crash it. Mischief is mainly tied to social interactions and the voodoo doll. Increasing this skill will unlock new Mischievous Socials on Sims as well as Mischievous Interactions on the Voodoo Doll, Computer and Phone. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Mixology | Mixing drinks and making small talk seems easy enough, but the right proportions of juices and the right amount of chatter is a subtle skill. Mixologists primarily use the bar. Increasing this skill will unlock the ability to make new Drinks, Bar Tricks, and Mixology Socials! |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Painting | The art of putting brush to canvas and creating something that can evoke an emotional response is not easy. For those Sims that explore the Painting Skill, colorful creations - and maybe some big sales - lie in their future. Painting is primarily tied to the easel. Increasing this skill will unlock new Painting Genres and Sizes! |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Pet training | Teen and older | &EP04 | |||
Parenting | A skilled parent knows when to influence, when to encourage, and when to discipline children. They know the best way to clean a kid up and how to solve their needs. Parenting skill is built by caring for children, talking to other parents, and researching on the computer. Increasing this skill will unlock new ways to parent children and solve their motives. |
Teen and older | 10 | &GP05 | |
Photography | From a phone to a fancy camera. Sims who are skilled in Photography will have greater success as they hone their skills by taking lots of pictures, upgrading their equipment, experimenting with picture settings and using the In a Flash Photo Studio. | Teen and older | 5 | &BG | |
Piano | When ivories need tickling and aural senses need soothing, a pianist is the only Sim that can help. Practice, practice, practice that Piano Skill and while you may never be a rock star, you'll be played in elevators forever. Piano Skill is improved on the Piano. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Pipe organ | Teen and older | 10 | &GP04 | ||
Programming | Almost like speaking a second language in today's world, programming is becoming more and more essential. Get ahead by learning to make machines do your bidding! Programming is done on the computer. Increasing this skill will allow Sims to create Plugins, Games, Mods, and Mobile Phone Apps. Sims will also be able to Hack on the Computer! |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Research & debate | Research & Debate is all about learning information and then utilizing it—whether that be in a debate or through social influence. This skill can be improved and used with the Research Archive Machine to Research varying topics, and the Mirror to Practice Debating. |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP08 | |
Robotics | Technology should help make a Sims [sic] life better. By creating robots to do chores, protect, and entertain the masses Sims are freed up to do... other Sims specific things! Robotics Skill is built by Tinkering at the Robotics Table and repairing Utili-Bots and Servos. Increasing this skill unlocks new craftables on the Robotics Table. |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP08 | |
Rock climbing | Teen and older | 10 | &EP10 | ||
Rocket science | There are those who'd rather keep their feet on the ground, their eyes looking down. Not you! Throw off the shackles of what-is and take on the challenge of what-can-be. Build, upgrade, and fly where no Sim has gone before with the Rocket Science Skill. The Rocket Science Skill is built using the rocket ship. Increasing this skill will increase build speed and unlock new Upgrades on the Rocket Ship. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Selvadoradian culture | Teen and older | 5 | &GP06 | ||
Singing | While any Sim can sing, can they sing well? Sims with the Singing Skill love to belt it, no matter where they are at. Sims love to sing using the Karaoke Machine, but they can also sing using instruments or the Microphone. Skilled singers will unlock more songs, have the ability to Sing in Shower, and serenade other Sims. High skilled singers can write lyrics on instruments and even license lyrics to earn a few more Simoleons! |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP03 | |
Skiing | Teen and older | 10 | &EP10 | ||
Snowboarding | Teen and older | 10 | &EP10 | ||
Vampire lore | Teen and older | 15 | &GP04 | ||
Veterinarian | It takes a steady hand, compassionate heart, and good knowledge of animal medical anatomy to be a great veterinarian. Examine and Treat pets at your Vet Clinic to increase this skill! |
Teen and older | 10 | &EP04 | |
Video gaming | Being good at video games used to only be good for bragging rights against your siblings, but in this brave new world, video game prowess can actually make money and bring fame! What wacky times we live in. Video Gaming SKill is improved via the computer, motion game system, and tablet. Increasing this skill will unlock new Video Gaming Socials as well as new Interactions on the Computer. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Violin | Whether a haunting dirge or a lively dance, the violin can evoke a myriad of emotions. Work up from unpleasant screeching to dulcet chords with the VIoling Skill. Violin Skill is improved via the violin. Increasing this skill will unlock new Songs and Interactions on the Violin, including the ability to Write Songs and Serenade Sims. |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG | |
Wellness | Teen and older | 10 | &GP02 | ||
Writing | Putting pen to paper (or more likely, fingers to keys) is no easy task. The blank page can be one of the most daunting foes, but writers take on the challenge of finding a way to put emotions into words day after day. Writing is primarily done on the computer. Increasing this skill will unlock new Writing Interactions on the Computer as well as the ability to Publish and Self-Publish books! |
Teen and older | 10 | &BG |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Creativity | Using imagination is one of the hallmarks of childhood, and developing that imagination can pay big dividends in the future. The Creativity skill can be developed on the activity table as a child sim and an easel as an adult. Increasing this skill will unlock new Activity Table Drawings, Dollhouse Interactions, and Socials! |
Child only | 10 | &BG | |
Mental | The minds of children may be physically smaller, but they are also less cluttered with junk, like fun facts about llamas or algebra. Kids that can hone their mental muscle early may find themselves more easily able to grasp more complex logic later in life. Mental Skill is built on the science table and chessboard. Increasing this skill will unlock new Science Table Potions, Computer Interactions, and Socials! |
Child only | 10 | &BG | |
Motor | Motor Skill is essential for all children, but beyond simply enabling them to walk, run, and jump, Motor Skill can be focused on to build early muscles and prepare for a lifetime of fitness. Motor Skill can be built on monkey bars and jungle gyms. |
Child only | 10 | &BG | |
Social | Learning to talk is the first step in every child's journey to becoming a social creature. For those children who decide to focus on Social Skill, friendships are sure to come easier to them throughout life. Social Skill can be developed on the dollhouse and stuffed animal. Increasing this skill will unlock Sim.tv on the Computer, Doll Interactions, and Socials! |
Child only | 10 | &BG |
Icon | Skill | Description | Age | Max level | EP |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Communication | Talking is a huge step for any Toddler. Communication skill teaches Toddlers advanced socials. Improve it by talking with others, and studying advanced Flash Cards. |
Toddler only | 5 | &BG | |
Imagination | Toddlers with Imagination play in their own world. Imagination skill teaches Toddlers to read and create fantastical worlds with their toys. Gain Imagination skill by playing with Toys and Dolls, listening to music, or looking at Toddler Books. |
Toddler only | 5 | &BG | |
Movement | Toddlers who focus on Movement really get around. Movement skill helps Toddlers walk faster, run, climb stairs, and dance, dance, dance. Improve it by walking around, building with Nesting Blocks, dancing, or via Play wrestling with adults. |
Toddler only | 5 | &BG | |
Potty | Toilet training makes dirty diapers a thing of the past. Potty skill teaches toddlers to use the Potty Chair. Improve it by having an adult Train the toddler. |
Toddler only | 3 | &BG | |
Thinking | Thinking Skill helps toddlers throw fewer tantrums and be more capable of taking care of themselves. It reduces defiance, and helps to solve needs. Thinking Skill is improved by being curious, or by playing with Flash Cards, Nesting Blocks, or the Tablet. | Toddler only | 5 | &BG |
A few examples of skills that are needed in everyday life:
This section describes features that are only available in The Sims 2 and The Sims 3.
In The Sims 2, Sims of any age and aspiration may roll wants to gain a skill point or to gain a point in a specific skill. These wants are more common for Knowledge Sims, and Knowledge Sims may also have wants to increase a specific skill to a certain level, to maximize a specific skill, and to maximize all skills. These wants have higher values, and are also influence wants. Also, Fortune and Family Sims have a somewhat higher chance of rolling skill-related wants. Fortune Sims will frequently want to gain skills needed for promotion, while Family Sims will often want to gain cooking and cleaning skill.
The Sims 2: FreeTime changes this somewhat, in that Sims who do not have Knowledge as a primary or secondary aspiration may have wants to increase a specific skill to a certain level. Sims with hobby enthusiasm may have wants to increase skills related to their hobbies.
In The Sims 3, Sims above the toddler age may also wish to gain a particular skill point or to increase their skill in a particular area. These wants are influenced by a Sim's traits or lifetime wish (artistic Sims will want to gain points in the painting skill, Sims who wish to be monster makers will want to gain points in the inventing skill).
This section describes features that are only available in The Sims 3.
Players do not see a skill in the Sim panel until the first point is unlocked, then they can view the skill journal. Each skill has a tab in the skill journal detailing the level of the skill, statistics, what the challenges are, and sometimes other special information. For example, the athletic skill journal shows the statistics: hours of cardio workout, hours of strength workout, distance jogged. The skill journal is viewed by pressing the J key in-game or selecting the skills tab and clicking the small document that appears at the end of the skill bar after unlocking the first point.
Various challenges are also available in the skill journal. For example, in the painting skill journal, a challenge to paint thirty paintings is available. When completed, the Sim earns a reward of being able to paint significantly faster than normal Sims.
There are multiple skill challenges for each and every skill, as well as collections. All of them earn some kind of benefit, such as quicker completion, better results, etc.
This section describes features that are only available in The Sims 3.
There are certain rabbit holes where Sims can go to learn skills:
Skills | Rabbit holes |
---|---|
Advanced Technology | Stellar observatory |
Alchemy | Vault of Antiquity |
Athletic | Stadium, plumbot competition arena(Plumbot only) |
Bass | Theater, college of arts |
Bot Building | Plumbot competition arena |
Charisma | City hall, college of business, plumbot competition arena(Plumbot only) |
Cooking | Diner, bistro, college of arts |
Drums | Theater, college of arts |
Fishing | Grocery |
Gardening | Science lab, college of science |
Guitar | Theater, college of arts |
Handiness | Military base, annex |
Inventing | Science lab, college of science |
Laser Rhythm-a-con | Theater |
Logic | Science lab, college of science |
Mixology | Bistro, college of arts |
Painting | School, college of arts |
Piano | Theater, college of arts |
Riding | Equestrian center |
Science | Science lab, college of science |
Scuba Diving | Science lab |
Sculpting | College of arts |
Social Networking | Office building, college of business |
Street Art | College of arts |
Writing | Office building, college of arts, college of business |
These lessons take a few hours to complete, and are available to children and older. The lessons may cost around 300 - 600 Simoleons. They are also a much more efficient way to train skills, due to their price. Sims can only be trained once for each skill. They'll need to use other methods (read books, practice, etc.) after the class.
Dates featured: April 2013.