Everything You Need To Know About Formative Moments And Reward Traits In The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits!

One of the lesser-known, yet impactful, features of The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits is the Formative Moments system. These moments allow your Child Sims to set themselves goals and work towards unlocking reward traits that can assist them in adulthood. Let’s take a look at each Formative Moments Challenge, how to complete them, and what benefits your Sims can reap!

Formative Moments

The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits comes with 50 (Some require specific packs) different Formative Moments that can help shape a Sim’s childhood, and help them in their future endeavours. If your Sim is already an Adult, they will be able to recall a Formative Moment, which will instantly grant them a reward trait. This can only be done once, however, so pick carefully!

Take a look below at each Formative Moment and what attributes it grants:

Base Game & Adventure Awaits

Formative Moment	Description
Action Packed Childhood	As a Child, this Sim was very active and challenged themselves to do different athletic activities! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Athlete Career.
Annoyed Everyone And Everything	As a Child, this Sim was sort of…annoying. They sure did love a good prank! But hey, they had fun. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Mischief Skill.
Aspiring Author	As a Child, this Sim spent a lot of time reading and writing. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Writer Career.
Center of Attention	As a Child, this Sim was such a ham! They wanted everyone to watch them, and they loved to entertain. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Entertainer Career.
Child Caregiver	As a Child, this Sim loved dolls and infants! They spent time really caring for them and playing caretaker. As an Adult, they’ll build relationships with Infants and Toddlers more easily.
Childhood Collector	As a Child, this Sim started their own collection and had dreams of expanding it in future! As an Adult, they’ll have a better chance at winning collectibles from Buddy Scoop, the Collector Kid.
Childhood Naturalist	As a Child, this Sim really wanted to go on adventures and explore nature! As an Adult, they will enjoy time by themselves, and, as a result, their Social Need will decay slower.
Childhood Ocean Explorer	As a Child, this Sim wanted to explore the whole ocean! Obviously, that was a little impossible to do, but they spent a lot of time in it swimming and Kayaking. As an Adult, they’ll be invigorated while on the water and lose less Energy Need while on a watercraft vehicle.
Childhood of Crime	As a Child, this Sim liked to swipe things and dreamed of a glamorous future in crime! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Criminal Career.
Crafty Kid	As a Child, this Sim spent a lot of time making things. As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Papercraft Skill, as well as in the Painter and Art Critic Careers.
Danger Kid	As a Child, this Sim wanted to push themselves and live dangerously, prove to the world how rough and tumble they were! As an Adult, they’ve acquired a resistance to food poisoning from spoiled food, won’t get scared as easily, and they can better endure Extreme Heat and Cold (Seasons). Guess that risky behavior paid off this time!
Established Image as a Child	As a Child, this Sim challenged themselves to establish their own image in fashion! As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Style Influencer Career.
Everyone’s Little Helper	As a Child, this Sim wanted to be extra useful and helped out with cleaning and caring for the house! As they get older, they’ll advance more quickly in Teen and Adult Part-Time Careers.
Expanded Taste Buds	As a Child, this Sim was very interested in trying food from all over the world! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Gourmet Cooking Skill.
Explorer Extraordinaire	As a Child, this Sim wanted to see the whole world, and they travelled a lot. They learned a lot along the way and made some amazing memories. As an Adult, they’ll remain Energized longer when becoming Energized.
Fed Myself as a Kid	As a Child, this Sim wanted to prove that they were independent and able to feed themselves! They learned a lot about making food along the way. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Culinary Career and the Barista and Fast Food Part-Time Careers.
Formed Bonds Away from Home	As a Child, this Sim got kind of homesick while on a Getaway. They had to work through it and made a new friend along the way! As an Adult, they’ll build friendly relationships with Sims more quickly.
Getaway Champion	As a Child, this Sim wanted to experience true independence and challenged themselves to set out on their own away from home! As an Adult, they’ll remain Confident longer when becoming Confident.
Good Student	As a Child, this Sim really wanted to get good grades and be the best student they could be in school! As an Adult, they’ll remain Inspired longer when becoming Inspired. They’ll also advance more quickly in the Education Career and finish their University homework more quickly. (Discover University)
Had a Competative Best Imaginative Friend	As a Child, this Sim imagined up an Imaginary friend out of their ImagineMe! Doll! They had a lot of challenging adventure [sic] together and also competed a lot! As an Adult, they’ll remain Confident longer when becoming Confident.
Had a Goofball Best Imaginative Friend	As a Child, this Sim imagined up an Imaginary friend out of their ImagineMe! Doll! They formed a special relationship and spent a lot of time being Goofballs together. As an Adult, their pranks will succeed more often.
Had a Creative Best Imaginative Friend	As a Child, this Sim imagined up an Imaginary friend out of their ImagineMe! Doll! They formed a special relationship and spent a lot of time doing arts and crafts. As an Adult, this Sim will build creative Skills more quickly.
Had an Evil Best Imaginative Friend	As a Child, this Sim imagined up an Imaginary friend out of their ImagineMe! Doll! They formed a special relationship and did some questionable things. It was said their Imaginary Friend was kind of…Evil. As an Adult, their Mean Socials will succeed more easily.
Had a Green Thumb as a Kid	As a Child, this Sim learned about plant needs and how to care for them. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Gardening Skill.
Honorary Childhood Swim Team Member	As a Child, this Sim found a lost Swim Team Scrapbook and thought it was pretty inspirational. They spent time trying to follow in the Swim Team’s footsteps. As an Adult, they’ll lose less Energy Need when swimming.
Honorary Childhood Touring Musician	As a Child, this Sim found an On Tour Scrapbook and wanted to follow in those Sims’ footsteps and make their own music! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in Guitar, Piano, Singing and Violin Skills. They’ll also receive more tips!
Inspired Childhood Artist	As a Child, this Sim found a lost Scrapbook and thought the art was amazing. They were inspired to make their own art! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Painting Skill, increase value for paintings sold, and perform better at the Freelancer career.
Into Archery as a Kid	As a Child, this Sim wanted to become a master Archer, just like their heroes! They actually won some competitions and learned a lot about honing in on a target. As an Adult, they’ll remain Focused longer when becoming Focused.
Learned from the Past	As a Child, this Sim really wanted to learn from the past, and they decided to do it by befriending a Ghost! The ghost actually knew a lot about life and passed that knowledge onto the future generation. As an Adult, this Sim will succeed more often when interacting with other Sims.
Lil’ Techie	As a Child, this Sim loved robots and tried to learn everything they could about technology! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Tech Guru and Engineering (Discover University) Careers.
Little Enthusiast	As a Child, this Sim decided to embrace being an Enthusiast and invested in their interests! As an Adult, they’ll be Bored for a shorter period of time when Bored. There’s so much to think about!
Natural Survivalist	As a Child, this Sim was always chasing danger, adventure, and muddy footprints. Whether it was camping in the backyard or exploring the deepest woods they could find, there was always preparing for the wildest life. As an Adult, they will gain more Energy when replenishing the Need outdoor. [sic]
Practically a Fish	As a Child, this Sim loved being in the water. They spent so much time in it they got wrinkled and also really good at Diving and playing around in water. As an Adult, they’ll lose less Energy Need when swimming.
Rebelled Against Authority	As a Child, this Sim bucked against authority and rules! As an Adult, they care a little less about what others think. They will be less Embarrassed when they become Embarrassed.
Rough’n Tumble Childhood	As a Child, this Sim wanted to be a rugged outdoor survivalist, and they spent a lot of time outside learning about nature! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Fitness Skill.
Spy Kid	As a Child, this Sim was always watching, listening, and secretly gathering clues. As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Secret Agent Career.
Super Sibling	As a Child, this Sim spent a lot of time hanging out with their siblings. As an Adult, they will gain Friendship with their family Sims more quickly.
Thoughtful Child	As a Child, this Sim took the time to invest in other Sims and really care for them. As an Adult, when they have relationships, they’ll last longer—even without as much upkeep. That’s the value of being thoughtful!
Was a Best Friend	As a Child, this Sim tried to be the Best Friend they could be to a group of Sims! As an Adult, they’ll be more successful when using Friendly Socials on other Sims.

Cross-Pack

Formative Moment	Description	Pack Required
Aspiring Child Star	As a Child, this Sim aspired to become famous and tried to make it happen! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Actor Career and gain an extra Fame Point.	Get Famous
Born For Politics	As a Child, this Sim showed a flair for politics and got really good at organizing, persuading, and dreaming of a better future. As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Politician Career.	City Living
Business Kid	As a Child, this Sim wanted to be a little Business Sim, and they did it! They sold things, made a good amount of money (for a kid), and got hands-on practice running a “business.” As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Business Career, as well as in the Salaryperson Career.	Snowy Escape
Child Scientist	As a Child, this Sim was very interested in science! They studied the world around them and did scientific experiments. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Astronaut and Scientist Careers. They’ll also perform better when working as an Engineer.	Discover University
Childhood Environmentalist	As a Child, this Sim really wanted to save the planet and took their first steps in doing so! As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Civil Designer Career, as well as in the Conservationist Career.	Island Living + Eco Lifestyle
Childhood Greif Survivor	As a Child, this Sim experienced Grief after a Death and had to work their way through it. It was hard work, but they came out with a new perspective on life. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Undertaker Career, and they are more resistant to acquiring a Fear of Death.	Life & Death
Fisher-Kid	As a Child, this Sim wanted to catch Rare Fish, and they did! It wasn’t easy either. As an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Fishing Skill. They’ll also advance more quickly in the Fishing Part Time Career.	Island Living
Horse Kid	As a Child, this Sim really loved Horses. They even won a Horse Competition! A total Horse Kid. As an Adult, they’ll build relationships with Horses more easily and their Horses will also advance in their Horse Skills more quickly.	Horse Ranch
Morbidly Curious as a Child	As a Child, this Sim was fascinated by death, cemeteries, and the macabre! A little creepy, but now as an Adult, they’ll advance more quickly in the Reaper Career.	Life & Death
Naturally Disciplined	As a Child, this Sim was all about structure, self-control, and discipline. As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Military Career.	Strangerville
Pet Friend	As a Child, this Sim spent a lot of time engaging with pets and learned early on how special animal friendships can be! As an Adult, they will build Friendship more quickly with animals and train pets more quickly.	Cats & Dogs + Horse Ranch
Played Doctor as a Kid	As a Child, this Sim spent a lot of time playing doctor and was interested in learning about health! As an Adult, they will advance more quickly in the Logic Skill, as well as in the Doctor career.	Get to Work
Ran a Club as a Kid	As a Child, this Sim ran their own Club and made it the best they could! As an Adult, they’ll be better at Mentoring other Sims by helping them gain Skills more quickly.	Get Together

Formative Moments Challenges

Formative Moments challenges can be found everywhere, sometimes in places you least expect. Some challenges can be initiated by clicking on related objects, while others will emerge naturally through gameplay. Once a Formative Moments Challenge has been triggered, the tasks required for completion will appear in the Aspirations tab in the bottom right-hand corner. Let’s take a look at a few Formative Moments challenges that come with The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits, a few cross-pack challenges, and how to complete them!

Master Archery Challenge

Kids can activate the Master Archery Formative Moments challenge by choosing ‘Start ‘Master Archery’ Challenge’ on the Bullseye! Archery Target found under ‘Activities and Skills’ > ‘Outdoor Activities’ in the Buy Mode catalogue. You can also start it from one of the several archery targets found around Gibbi Point.

Once started, the Formative Moments Challenge will be added to your Sims’ Aspirations tab. From here, you can check the progress and which goals you need to work towards. You can hover over the task to gain insight into how your Sim can complete this task. Take a look below at the goals your Sim will need to complete!

I bet I can win 3 Archery contests! That’d prove how good I am!

To complete this task, your Sim will need to win 3 archery contests. These contests can be started by Sims who have attained Level 2 or higher in the Archery Skill. You can also visit the William Tell Memorial Archery Competition in Jellyfish Junction during Fitness Fest (Monday to Wednesday, 9 am – 6 pm) to find other Sims to compete against!

I want a super cool bow like all the heroes have!

To complete this task, your Sim will need to attain Level 4 in the Archery Skill. This will allow them to unlock the Expert Bow. Your bow can be swapped by selecting ‘Choose Bow Type…’ on any archery target.

Completing these goals will grant your Sim the ‘Into Archery as a Kid’ reward trait. The trait will allow your Sims to remain in the Focused mood for longer, allowing them to do better in future archery competitions!

Be Crafty Challenge

Another new Formative Moments Challenge in The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits is the Crafty Kid Challenge. This challenge can be undertaken by Child-aged Sims by selecting ‘Start ‘Be Crafty’ Challenge’ on the new DIY Delight Papercrafting Kit found under ‘Activities and Skills’> ‘Creative’ in the Buy Catalogue.

Let’s take a look at the goals and what is required to complete them:

I want my crafts to be the best ever!

To complete the first goal, your Sim must make 4 papercrafts (either origami, cards, or Papier-mâché) that are of high quality. Your Sim will need a high level in the Papercraft skill to be able to craft items that turn out high-quality, so it’s best to get to work!

Gifts mean more when you make them.

To reach the second goal, your Sim must gift 3 papercraft items to other Sims. You can gift papercrafts to other Sims by either selecting the item from your Sims’ inventory, or by selecting another Sim and choosing ‘Friendly’ > ‘Affection’ > ‘Gift Papercraft to SIMNAME’

After completing the challenge, your Sims will be given the Crafty Kid reward trait. This will allow them to progress faster in the Papercraft Skill as an adult, and also grant a progress boost in both the Painter and Art Critic (City Living Expansion Pack) careers.

Establish an Image Challenge

The Establish an Image Formative Moments challenge can be started by selecting either a mirror or a wardrobe. This challenge is all about style and fashion, and grants some well-earned boosts in Adulthood.

Check out the goals you need to complete in the Establish an Image Formative Moments challenge below!

I’m going to plan the coolest, most stylish outfit there ever was!

To complete the first goal, your Sim must use a dresser or mirror to plan a new outfit. This can be in any category.

I need to be seen around in my amaaazing outfits.

The second goal will require your Sim to either change outfits or plan a new outfit at least 3 times.

What colors do I love and what colors do I hate? Need to figure that out!

The final goal will require you to take your Sim into Create-A-Sim via the wardrobe or mirror and select colours in the likes and dislikes panel. You can also naturally discover liked and disliked colours through gameplay, either by talking to other Sims about colour, or by getting your nails done at a Spa (Spa Day Game Pack).

The reward trait for completing the Establish an Image Formative Moments challenge is the ‘Established Image as a child’ trait. This will give your Sims a boost in the Style Influencer career when they are a Young Adult or older.

Feed Yourself Challenge

The Feed Yourself challenge is all about cooking, baking, and self-sufficiency. It’s time to say “on your marks, get set, BAKE!”

To start the Feed Yourself challenge, select ‘ Start ‘Feed Yourself’ Challenge’ on either the refrigerator or the microwave. Once begun, your tasks are as follows:

If I’m going to learn to feed myself, I should probably cook with soemone older than me first. To learn.

This first task will require an Adult Sim to use the ‘Cook Together’ interaction with a Child Sim who is pursuing the challenge 3 times. This can be initiated by choosing ‘Cook Together With…’ on the refrigerator, stove, or counter. You must have at least two counter spaces free.

I’m going to make my own food 3 times all by myself! That’ll prove I can do it.

This second task is much simpler and can be completed through natural gameplay. Your Child Sim will need to have a quick meal or drink, either via the refrigerator or the microwave, at least 3 times.

The reward for this Formative Moments Challenge is the ‘Fed Myself as a Kid’ reward trait. This will grant your Sims the ability to progress faster in the Culinary career, as well as the Barista and Fast Food part-time careers.

Learn From The Past Challenge (Life & Death)

Unlike the previous challenges, this Formative Moments challenge will require The Sims 4 Life & Death Expansion Pack, and will see your Sim becoming friends with a ghost in order to learn about the past. To start this challenge, head to a graveyard lot such as Eternal Hollow in Ravenwood, and select a gravestone to begin the challenge.

Let’s take a look at what it takes to learn from the past:

Ghosts know a lot about the past. I bet if I made friends with one, I’d learn a lot about it too!

As previously mentioned, this challenge will require a ghost to complete. For the first task, your Sim will need to befriend a ghost. There are a number of ways to meet a ghost, such as creating a ghost in Create-A-Sim and moving them into your active household, visiting Mourningvale in Ravenwood, or killing a member of your active household (I would not recommend the latter)

I want to have a really special connection with a ghost!

The second task will require your Sim to earn a positive sentiment with a ghost. These can be gained by interacting with them a lot or by witnessing special moments with them. You can check out our sentiments guide for more!

The reward trait for this Formative Moments challenge is the ‘Learned from the Past’ trait. The Sim who receives this trait will succeed when interacting with other Sims as they grow older, as they are now more worldly-wise!

Unlocking Formative Moments Reward Traits

Any Sim aged teen or older can purchase Formative Moments reward traits from the Rewards Store in exchange for satisfaction points. To access the rewards store, go to the Aspirations tab in the bottom right and select ‘Rewards Store’. You can use the filter in the top left to sort by Formative Moments Traits.

Are you enjoying the new Formative Moments system in The Sims 4 Adventure Awaits Expansions pack? Let us know in the comments below, and check out the rest of our guides for Adventure Awaits!