Child Skill Upgrades, New CAS Options and Gameplay Improvements. This is The Sims 4 March 2023 Update!
Maxis has released a New Patch for The Sims 4 on March 14th across PC and Consoles, featuring the long awaited Infants. However the 3.15GB Update (on PC at least) boasts other big improvements and additions as well. There are upgrades for Newborns, Life Span Changes and so much more. Let’s dive into each important feature added to The Sims 4 Base Game!
This is an overview of the general new features added with The Sims 4 March 2023 Update. Expect a full guide to Infants very soon!
Face and Body Scars
There are two new Create A Sim categories for Face and Body Scars! The new Scars cover different aspects including Birth Marks, Cesarean Scars and Stretch Marks.
When it comes to Face / Birth Marks, you can find them in the Skin Details section when creating a Sim. There are 5 different variants to choose from, which go from light red to and pink to shades of brown, to greyish.
Check out the 6 different options for Face Scars:
Body Scars and Skin Details
There’s now a new category in the Body section of CAS – Body Scars! This category now includes the Cesarean Scar. However, if you have The Sims 4 Werewolves Game Pack installed, you’ll be able to see Claw Scars too.
Check out the preview:
The Skin Details Category is also new, bringing different variants of Stretch Marks and Birthmarks.
The availability of these new Categories goes across all Life Stages, thanks to The Sims 4 March 2023 Update. Starting from Infants all the way to Elders!
Sim Lactation Features
There’s a new feature in the Customize Gender section in Sims 4 CAS. You’ll now be able to select will your Sims be able to produce milk or not. This toggle is available for both Masculine and Feminine Sims!
Likes & Dislikes Upgrade
The previous cap limit for selecting Likes & Dislikes has now been lift in preparation for Sims 4 Growing Together. The new limit for all Base Game players is now 50!
Crib Upgrades and Conversions
Did you know that certain Cribs and Toddler Beds can be converted in Live Mode? All you need is a Handiness Skill at Level 2 and 50 Simoleons. You’ll be able to switch a Crib into a Toddler Bed and vice versa!
Crib Baby Mobiles
Yet another Upgradable addition for Cribs are Baby Mobiles! If you go into the Upgrade > Add Baby Mobile – you’ll be able to select two new decor addons for your Crib. Both Birds and Space Baby Mobiles can be upgraded for 100 Simoleons!
These are convenient for Infants as they help them go to sleep faster. Plus they’re really cute.
Looking for a full Build Mode overview of the new objects? We got you!
What is a Science Baby? A Sims 4 explanation!
Truth be told, you might’ve already noted that The Sims 4 is introducing Surrogacy in the form of Science Babies! But still, it’s worth explaining that the existing option we have feels a bit incomplete. Luckily there’s a quick mod solution for that!
Either way, to get a Science Baby all you need to do is click on your Phone, select the Home Category and you’ll be given two options:
- Have Science Baby as Single Parent
- Have Science Baby With…
- If your Sim has formed a romantic (or non-romantic) relationship with other Sims they can choose this option!
Having a Science Baby with other Sims will also correctly predisposition the offspring’s genes.
If you’re looking for a solution that lets your Sims go through a whole pregnancy with the Science Baby option – there’s a Mod for that! Lumpinou’s Mods have released a new addon which lets you choose to go through a Pregnancy. Click here to learn more!
Sims 4 March 2023 Update – Newborn Updates
Newborns now have important visual and gameplay enhancements. The Newborn offspring will now accurately depict a more accurate skin tone depending on the parents skin tones. Also, certain animations have been enhanced. Plus, they now sound and scream differently. What joy!
New Sim Life Span
Of course, the addition of a new life stage means that some tweaks need to be made to the Sim life span!
@TheMarshyBear confirmed for us the new Normal Sim Lifespan, including:
- Newborns – 1 Day
- Infans – 5 Days
- Toddlers – 7 Days
- Children – 14 Days
- Teens – 21 Days
- Young Adults – 28 Days
- Adults – 43 Days
- Elders – 14 Days
Aging up from Newborns to Infants. And from Infants to Toddlers!
We’ve recorded a short video showcasing the Age Up animations from Newborns to Infants, as well as Infants to Toddlers. Check it out!
Social Interactions – Pie Menu Revamp
Finally, no more going through endless social interactions searching for the one! There are now new categories in Friendly, Funny, Romance, Mischief and Mean interactions. Properly organizing the interactions for their meaning and conversation topic.
Other than the new Social interaction categories, you’ll also find more meaningful organization depending on your Sim’s personality. The Sims 4 March 2023 Update might need some time to getting used to when it comes to Social Interactions. Still, the categorization isn’t too hard to grasp!
Child Skill Upgrades
Your Child Sims can now start practicing early because Children Skills have been improved!
There are now two Skill Categories for Children: Fundamentals and Skills.
Fundamentals are usual skills that are age-appropriate to your Child Sim. On the other hand, Skills is a category that lets you get an advancement in more adult Skills as you age up.
For example, you can have your Sim practice in front of the mirror and they’ll advance in both the fundamental Social Skill and bonus points for Charisma.
Still, there are certain Adult Skills that your Child Sims won’t be able to develop until they age Teen and up.
Skill UI Improvement
Sims across all ages get the new Skill User Interface revamp. Above the skill bar you’ll now find a clear Skill indicator in the circle, letting you know exactly which Skill your Sim is building.
New Pack Features
The Sims 4 March 2023 Update introduces new gameplay if you have select Expansion, Game or Stuff Packs installed.
Got Laundry? With The Sims 4 Laundry Day Stuff, you can choose between Cloth and Disposable Diapers for Newborns!
Parents can brush up their Parenthood Skills with Infant Care if you have the Parenthood Game Pack.
If you have the Cats & Dogs Expansion, you can unlock new interactions between Infants and Pets!
And finally, players who have Nifty Knitting Stuff will unlock a new Hat and Outfit for Infants!
That about settles it! Let us know if we’ve missed anything down in the conversation down below. And of course, let us know what you think about the Sims 4 March 2023 Update.
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