EA’s release ofThe Sims 4: Growing Together Expansion Pack introduced Family Dynamics. Family Dynamics are shared traits between two blood relatives that determine how these Sims interact with each other. Some of the Dynamics are mentor/mentoree-based, while others can be shared by siblings or married couples. Each Dynamic introduces a precedent for every social situation between family members, ranging from simple moods to complex influences on the entire family.
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While Family Dynamics can be chosen in Create-A-Sim, it’s more interesting - and unpredictable - to let them happen naturally in Live Mode. These Dynamics will appear autonomously as options depending on Sims' Compatibilities, another new feature. Compatibility - a Sim’s natural inclination toward getting along with another Sim - depends on the kinds of personalities they like and dislike. Choosing Family Dynamics requires careful thought, as each one affects gameplay, though some do more than others.
7Difficult
A Difficult relationship is certainly a breeding ground for all kinds of drama within a household. But when it comes to one ofthe best god games out there, wrecking havoc is often the best part. A Difficult Dynamic promises just that, as Sims in this kind of relationship will autonomously argue without end. The fallout is practically inevitable when these Sims are near each other, especially if they’ve interacted enough to gain nasty Sentiments.
The Difficult Dynamic sits in dead last due to its simplistic nature, even if it steals the spotlight in every family gathering. Keeping these Sims away from each other is the only real way to avoid bad moods, unless your goal is to tell the riveting story of how they mended fences. Nevertheless, this Dynamic can be a nuisance when the two Sims interact unexpectedly, and can cause animosity within the entire family unit.
6Jokesters
Siblings who play together or elders who are friendly with their grandchildren are most likely to develop the Jokester Dynamic. As you probably guessed, these Sims generally have a more positive relationship, albeit expressed through Funny and Mischief interactions. Where this mostly positive Dynamic fails is its lack of influence on a relationship between Sims who are fundamentally different.
A Sim with a more serious demeanor is more likely to get angered by teasing, and ill-timed jokes can still cause conflicts between the two Sims. The variables of these interactions often determine whether having a playful relationship will bring the two Sims together or push them apart. However, Jokester relationships are a great neutral space where Sims stressed by more negative family dynamics can relax and have fun.
The unbreakable bond between two Close Sims, specifically as a couple, reminds us of some ofthe best video game romances. We also get that warm fuzzy feeling from Close relatives, who share deep conversations and are more likely to gain good sentiments with each other. The tricky part of this particular dynamic is how vulnerable it makes the Sims involved to other Dynamics in their household.
On one hand, Sims who are Close can comfort one another in the aftermath of a bad argument with another relative, cheering each other up pretty quickly. On the other hand, a Close Sentiment means that when one of the Sims is upset, so is the other. A tightly-knit family with their share of strife will all feel the effects of a negative interaction, making Close a dangerous Dynamic to have. The Dynamic earns fifth for its compounding effects, but doesn’t rank any higher since it’s a relationship of extremes.
A Distant relationship, especially one that occurs autonomously, is a dangerous development for couples and close relatives alike. Should two Sims become Distant, getting them anywhere beyond a polite acquaintance comes with a lot of work. Similarly, any negative interactions are more likely to develop into sentiments between them. For example, a married couple with the Distant Dynamic are more likely to gain the Bitter sentiment if they decide to get a divorce.
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But for the most part, if these Sims are left to autonomously ignore each other, the Dynamic will leave them to simply coexist. Distant stays midrank for having very little influence on either Sim’s mood, and it requires active effort on the player’s part to create something interesting.
3Supportive
The Supportive Dynamic puts older relatives into a mentor position with their younger relative. The elder gives their relative advice and encouragement, and the young Sim is more likely to think highly of their elder. The conversation is kosher but can become distant. Sometimes a child seeking advice from an angry parent gets the cold shoulder. It’s just proof that parents are people too, even the ones who seem to have all the answers.
In a relationship where advice and guidance actually sticks, active communication is key. The Supportive Dynamic is in third for the challenges it introduces between adults and children with incompatible traits, or else the influence this close bond can have on a growing Sim. It doesn’t rank any higher due to the responsibility put on the older Sim to maintain positive sentiments.
2Permissive
It may seem like common sense that a Permissive parent-child relationship would be happier than a Strict one. A permissive caregiver dotes on young Sims and generally doesn’t discipline bad behavior. But the Permissive Dynamic outshines most others for having different effects depending on each Sim’s personality. For example, an energetic toddler with a permissive parent will have constant temper tantrums, lacking emotional control going into their childhood. However, a child with good manners will feel more ignored than spoiled by a permissive parent, especially if they have needier siblings.
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More than any other Dynamic, Permissive’s nature relies almost entirely on how the two Sims interact with others in their family. It loses points for how quickly it devolves into a stressed caregiver with a bratty child, but with careful management, this Dynamic can either make or break a family relationship.
What puts this Dynamic at number one is the sheer breadth of flavors a Strict Dynamic can have. While a child does naturally feel stressed around their strict older relative, that doesn’t always breed bitterness between the two. Sometimes the strict relationship leaves the young Sim perfectly responsible without being absolutely miserable. These Sims can even grow to have a closer relationship as the younger Sim ages, a testament that a strict parent isn’t always a mean one.
Having caregiver Sims autonomously develop a child’s skills and manners can be a huge relief. However, the possibility for animosity is always there if the young Sim doesn’t get enough positive attention. The nuances of these interactions makes the Strict Dynamic the most interesting to watch. It’s worth experimenting with multiple Strict relationships of varying compatibilities to see how each one progresses.
