What are Family Dynamics in The Sims 4?
Read here for a full list of all Family Dynamics in The Sims 4 Growing Together. Also included is what family dynamics are and how to change them once you have them in The Sims 4.
Family Dynamics are a recent addition that forms the main gameplay aspect of The Sims 4 Growing Together expansion pack. Family Dynamics in The Sims 4 are a set of conditions you can put between family members which will determine how they interact with one another. There is a list of available dynamics to choose from, which is slightly larger for parents.
Stick with us as we'll tell you how each dynamic affects gameplay and how to gain certain dynamics in the game.
- Be sure to also check out our guide on how to use a baby carrier in The Sims 4, the easiest way to travel between neighbourhoods with an infant.
All Family Dynamics in The Sims 4
The following are all the available Family Dynamics in the game (the strict, supportive, and permissive options are for parents only, not for siblings). See below for a description of each dynamic and how it will affect gameplay.
|
Family Dynamic |
How it affects gameplay |
|
Close |
Close family members develop strong positive sentiments more easily when spending time together. When socializing they will share Deep Thoughts with each other more often. |
|
Distant |
Distant members make contact less frequently when in separate households and tend to be more reserved when around each other. They have a higher chance of forming bitter sentiments and lean more towards small talk when socialising. |
|
Supportive |
Out of the two sims in the supportive dynamic, the older sim tends to be a role model and offers advice and reassurance more often to the younger sim. The younger sim will vent complaints or ask for help a bit more. |
|
Permissive |
Out of the two sims with the Permissive dynamic, the older sim with give the younger affection and compliments and let them get away with bad behaviour. They're likely to form adorning sentiments toward each other. |
|
Difficult |
They won't get along well and will often complain or perform mean interactions when socialising together. Sims with this dynamic are more likely to form furious sentiments. |
|
Strict |
Of the two in this dynamic, the younger sim will be stressed around the older sim more often but will meet the expectations set for them. The younger sim will resort to small talk around them more often. |
|
Jokesters |
Sims with this dynamic often choose funny interactions when socialising with one another. This may include mischief interactions too and sims are more likely to form close or hurt sentiments towards one another. |
- If you'd rather try out the new Science Baby method of having children, check out our guide on how to have a Science Baby in The Sims 4.
How to change Family Dynamics in The Sims 4
Family Dynamics will naturally occur as you play with the same sims family. As they interact with each other you will get a pop-up informing you that a dynamic has been created. You will also get the option to accept or decline the dynamic if you choose.
You can check which dynamic you have with family members by clicking on their sim profile in the contacts section (bottom right corner of the screen). This will bring up any memories your sim has with the other sim as well as Family Dynamics and formed Sentiments.
Family Dynamics occur between generations from infants to elders, this included extended family so a grandparent may have a close relationship with one grandchild and a distant one with another for example.
You can set up a Family Dynamic through Create-A-Sim directly. To do so, simply select the dynamic you wish to choose from the drop-down menu underneath the walking style presents in CAS.
If you have already created your family and wish to change the dynamics retrospectively, you can do so by using the CAS edit cheat.
- The cheat is: testingcheats on
- Then: cas.fulleditmode
- Then, hold shift and select one of your sims. Then, press the 'Modify in CAS' option which will take you to full CAS mode.
- Check out our guide on how to use cheats in The Sims 4 if you're unfamiliar with how.
About The Author
Kiera Mills
Kiera is a former GGRecon Guides Writer.
