Sims have a very limited degree of self-sufficiency in The Sims 4. The AI algorithms powering the game can successfully keep your Sims alive if you’re not in Live Mode but won’t keep their needs in the green.
For example, if the toilet is broken, your Sims will wait until they pee themselves rather than autonomously repair the toilet or call a plumber. The same is valid if the shower is broken.
To make your Sims self-sufficient so that they automatically take care of their needs and do activities that make sense, you need to use mods such as MCCC.
Why won’t my Sims take care of themselves?
One reason why Sims won’t autonomously fully take care of themselves is that The Sims 4 is a life-simulation game where you’re supposed to control your character and make decisions related to their wellbeing.
You need to specifically tell your Sims what you want them to do. You’re in charge of their lives. You have the opportunity to steer their progress in whichever direction you want.
Sims are not self-aware and their autonomy level is quite limited. That’s why you need to hand-hold them every step of the way.
If you want certain events to happen, you need to have your Sims take specific actions that will lead to that result.
Even with Full Autonomy on, your Sim’s life won’t change at all. Sure, they’ll go to work in the morning, earn money, cook something when they get home and interact with other Sims autonomously, but nothing major will happen.
They will not pay the bills or have children on their own. If you want your Sim to find a partner, get married, have kids, earn job promotions or dedicate more time to a specific hobby, you need to specifically instruct them to do that.
That’s how the game works.
Do you wish Sims were more self-sufficient? Share your thoughts in the comments below.