The Sims 4 Growing Together expansion pack revolves around family relationships and milestones.
The social chemistry system will make some Sims click and some Sims clash.
Sims that share common traits, preferences, and hobbies are socially compatible. They’ll get along just fine.
Let’s say they’re on the same wavelength.
On the other hand, Sims that have incompatible traits and preferences will often clash.
It’s not that they’ll start a fight the moment they meet. However, they’ll get negative moodlets when they’re around someone they’re socially incompatible with.
Sims now have preferences that determine who they are socially compatible with and who they can’t get along with.
Social Compatibility influences family dynamics
The new social compatibility feature introduces new ways of socializing that will lead to deeper and more meaningful relationships.
The same interaction will feel different with each Sim. The social compatibility feature influences how Sims react in various social contexts.
It also makes family relationships more complex.
Social compatibility typically leads to family unity while incompatibilities lead to tension and opportunities for drama.
Family dynamic settings in The Sims 4
There are multiple family dynamic settings available in The Sims 4 Growing Together:
- Close
- Distant
- Difficult
- Jokesters
- Strict
- Permissive
- Supportive
You can set the family dynamic between any two members of the family. This creates unique tones for each relationship.
Family dynamic settings can influence the autonomous behavior between two Sims and give them unique interaction buffs when interacting with each other.
How to set and change Family Dynamic in The Sims 4
Family dynamics can be gained directly in CAS, via natural gameplay adventure moments, or via the Keepsake Box.
The Family dynamic set in CAS is permanent but you can always add new nuances to your Sim’s relationships via adventure moments and the way they interact with other Sims.
If you have your family dynamic set and you’re playing as those Sims, you’ll notice the social interaction options in the Pie Menu change to reflect that dynamic.
When Sims have been interacting in a certain way for a while, a pop-up will appear on the screen suggesting a certain family dynamic should be enabled.
You can either accept the suggestion or reject it.
This is an example of how the game responds to how you’re playing.
Even if you do have a set family dynamic, there’s a chance it might change depending on how you’re playing with your Sims.
Elders can change the family dynamic
The Ponder the Meaning of Family is an interaction that allows elder Sims to play with the family dynamics.
You can use the power of your family’s legacy to change an existing family dynamic that you may not like right now.
That’s one of the many new interactions available for elder Sims.
You can remove existing family dynamics via a special potion that you can get from the Rewards Store.
Close family relationships
If two Sims have a Close dynamic, they’ll autonomously gravitate toward each other.
For example, if a father has a close dynamic with his daughter and she moves out, they’ll frequently reach out to one another.
The father may call his daughter every day to check on her.
Family relationships with a close dynamic will stand the test of time. They can easily achieve countless family milestones.
Sims that have a close relationship often share common traits, preferences, goals, and hobbies and get along wonderfully.
There’s no tension, no grudges, just good intentions, and full support.
Distant family dynamic
Sims that have a Distant family dynamic will autonomously avoid each other unless you make them interact.
When they do interact, they’ll get a Tense buff and feel Uncomfortable being around each other.
If two Sims have a Distant dynamic and one of them moves out, they won’t reach out to one another.
Difficult family relationships
Difficult family relationships are marked by conflict, tension, and stress. These relationships can take many forms and manifest in different ways.
You can have parent-child conflicts where parents and children have conflicting personalities and traits.
Sibling rivalries happen when siblings compete for the attention or approval of their parents.
Do you remember The Michaelsons? Well, Atlas and Orion have a sibling rivalry. Atlas was once the king of the castle. But after Orion was born, she captured their parents’ attention completely.
Inter-generational conflicts can lead to misunderstandings and disagreements.
Not all Sims will get along with their in-laws should they decide to move in uninvited.
Jokesters
Jokesters are fond of telling jokes. They like making other Sims laugh and enjoy the company of other Jokesters.
The Jokesters dynamic makes Sims autonomously run funny interactions with each other and make each other laugh when they’re nearby.
They’ll also get special Playful buffs.
Sebastian, the father of Celeste Michaelson is a Jokester. He loves joking around and playing jokes on people. He shares this trait with his nephew, Atlas.
Strict family dynamic
In a Strict family dynamic, the older Sims will often ask the younger Sims to run various errands around the house, such as cleaning.
They also expect the young to get good grades, and be respectful.
There’s a clear hierarchy fueled by a deep respect for older family members.
Children do their best and strive to meet the expectations of their older family members.
Unfortunately, this hierarchy makes both Sims more stressed overall.
Despite the high level of stress, younger Sims tend to avoid rebelling against the rules.
Permissive family dynamic
Family dynamics can quickly change depending on your in-game actions.
For example, a Strict Family Dynamic can turn into a Permissive family dynamic.
In a Permissive Family Dynamic, older Sims tend to spoil the younger Sims.
They won’t refrain from showing affection. Enforcing rules is not a priority.
As a bonus, the younger Sims can get away with more than usual.
Supportive family dynamic
In a Supportive family dynamic, adults provide reassurance and emotional support for younger Sims. They provide affection and compliments for each other.
Adults often serve as role models for the young.
What do you think about the new family dynamics in The Sims 4? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy Simming!