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How do character values work in The Sims 4?

Sims 4 character values: how to raise them and the traits they give

Parenthood gives young Sims 5 character values: Conflict Resolution, Emotional Control, Empathy, Manners, Responsibility. Each runs from −100 to 100. At 90 or more when the Sim ages up, they get a good trait like Responsible; at −90 or less, a bad one. Here is how to raise each value and which traits change where it starts.

Conflict Resolution

Sims can positively increase their Conflict Resolution by being apologetic or reconciling arguments. Parents can Teach to Say Sorry as well. Trying to Help Fix Bad Relationships will also increase Conflict Resolution. Declaring enemies or despising Sims can negatively impact Conflict Resolution, as well as fighting or arguing.

  • At 90 or more when the Sim ages up: the Mediator trait.
  • At −100 to −90 when the Sim ages up: the Argumentative trait.
  • Starts at a random value from −5 to 5, or at +20 with Outgoing, −40 with Hot-Headed.

Emotional Control

Sims who can redirect their negative emotions can build Emotional Control. They can do several winding down interactions on radios and instruments, or jog to clear their mind. Having an emotional breakdown, shoving, or biting will negatively impact Emotional Control. Destroying dollhouses or School Project Boxes will also decrease this value.

  • At 90 or more when the Sim ages up: the Emotional Control trait.
  • At −100 to −90 when the Sim ages up: the Uncontrolled Emotions trait.
  • Starts at a random value from −5 to 5, or at −20 with Erratic, −20 with Jealous, +20 with Self-Assured.

Empathy

Sims can increase their Empathy by Volunteering as a family or choosing socials that help others deal with negative moods. Children can play with their doctor playset as well. Being mean, yelling at another Sim, trolling on the computer, or hitting stuffed animals will decrease Empathy.

  • At 90 or more when the Sim ages up: the Compassionate trait.
  • At −100 to −90 when the Sim ages up: the Insensitive trait.
  • Starts at a random value from −5 to 5, or at +40 with Good, −40 with Mean, −40 with Evil.

Manners

Manners values can increase by friendly introductions, setting the table, cleaning up dishes, or giving compliments. Parents can also teach their kids to say please and thank you. Negative Manners are earned by burping or farting, swearing, and rude introductions. Toddlers taking their clothes off in front of strangers is also bad manners.

  • At 90 or more when the Sim ages up: the Good Manners trait.
  • At −100 to −90 when the Sim ages up: the Bad Manners trait.
  • Starts at a random value from −5 to 5, or at −40 with Slob, +40 with Neat.

Responsibility

Doing Schoolwork and getting good grades will increase Responsibility Character Values. Taking out trash, brushing teeth, and cleaning up toys from the toy box will also have a positive impact. Doing poorly in school, breaking curfew, or disobeying grounding will negatively impact Responsibility. Toddlers and Children making a mess will decrease Responsibility, as will Teens quitting their job.

  • At 90 or more when the Sim ages up: the Responsible trait.
  • At −100 to −90 when the Sim ages up: the Irresponsible trait.
  • Starts at a random value from −5 to 5, or at −20 with Childish, +20 with Perfectionist.

How to raise each value is the game's own text. The ranges and starting values are from the value's tuning; the trait a value starts with is the Sim's own trait, so a Neat child starts with good Manners.

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