LIVING Off The GRID
Welcome to one of the best challenges out there... the "LIVING Off The GRID challenge".
[CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN: ..... A link directly to this challenge ( which should begin with: http://sims4challengesrules.blogspot.com ) must be displayed on any page you post this... even in a Youtube description. (since I have reformatted, tweaked, added Difficulty Levels to this challenge, + changed/added the point system, etc., thereby creating this new version of the Challenge).]
[CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN: ..... A link directly to this challenge ( which should begin with: http://sims4challengesrules.blogspot.com ) must be displayed on any page you post this... even in a Youtube description. (since I have reformatted, tweaked, added Difficulty Levels to this challenge, + changed/added the point system, etc., thereby creating this new version of the Challenge).]
*********************************
INTRO:
*********************************
Just Imagine It Like This...
If the power went off in most peoples house right now (not a Prepper's house, and if you had no generator, batteries, or any ability to use powered items; ie. a phone), what would you be left with that was usable, and what might you have to do to survive?
The Concept, Or The Spirit Of The Challenge :
The Concept, Or The Spirit Of The Challenge :
Imagine that your Sim is so against depending on "the grid", that they've consciously taken all steps to remove all electric devices, etc. from their home. They don't even want solar panels or any kind of generator. I know, this is kind of extreme, but they've actually decided to live so free of electricity that the early 1800's comes to mind.
That's the spirit of the challenge in a nut shell.
STARTING OUT:
Lifespan must be set to normal. In CAS create one Sim (male/female). Make him/her a Nature aspiration, Subcategory Freelance Botanist.
Build a starter house, making no bathroom. The bathroom is to be an outhouse, with the cheapest toilet and shower. Furnish the house as you wish, but with nothing using electricity. No stove is be added, you can only cook outdoors (grill). The Kitchen should almost be none existent. No refrigerator is allowed.
If you choose to start a family, that's perfectly fine. I don't see how that would interfere with the challenge, except it may make it either harder or easier, depending on whether you utilize the other household members to do things or not (like finding collectibles).
That's the spirit of the challenge in a nut shell.
STARTING OUT:
Lifespan must be set to normal. In CAS create one Sim (male/female). Make him/her a Nature aspiration, Subcategory Freelance Botanist.
Build a starter house, making no bathroom. The bathroom is to be an outhouse, with the cheapest toilet and shower. Furnish the house as you wish, but with nothing using electricity. No stove is be added, you can only cook outdoors (grill). The Kitchen should almost be none existent. No refrigerator is allowed.
(Update- 11/21/14)
PLAYING AS A FAMILY: (ie, playing with a Sim, Sim's spouse, and maybe even Sim's children) (Playing as a family was suggested by cultures on the forums ).
PLAYING AS A FAMILY: (ie, playing with a Sim, Sim's spouse, and maybe even Sim's children) (Playing as a family was suggested by cultures on the forums ).
If you choose to start a family, that's perfectly fine. I don't see how that would interfere with the challenge, except it may make it either harder or easier, depending on whether you utilize the other household members to do things or not (like finding collectibles).
For example (not required for you), after I officially play-tested it, I then played it with a family, but without keeping points, just for fun, and I had my Sim garden, and her hubby fish (at the same time). Playing it like this was easier than playing it alone because my Sim had help completing the required tasks.
Family Rules + Points: When I created the rules for this challenge, I never really thought about the family aspect, so there are no specific points or rules associated with them (at this time).
*********************************
LIVING Off The GRID challenge
(Update- 10/26/14) SO HOW DO YOU TRAVEL THEN (when the phone can't be used)? Well... I found that you can travel by scrolling to the edge of the neighborhood, + clicking the mouse when it turns to a magnifying glass, or simply press "M" on your keyboard.
Tip: The trick with some plants is to take a cutting asap, and graft it onto a plant you own. "Carl's" e-guide comes highly recommended as it's the guide that helped me collect all the plants and also teaches you all the secrets of gardening better in the game.
Remember, if you can get your Sim "focused" your Sim will garden faster, and learn skills faster, so you can complete it in time. There are lots of things in the world to control this emotion.
FOR HELP WITH THIS CHALLENGE: Please use "Carl's" e-guide at http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/skills/gardening/
VERY IMPORTANT: As New Expansion Packs, Updates, Etc. Are Released, These Rules May Make Less Sense Due To The Changes, Additions, Or Subtractions Made To The Game. Due To This Fact, You'll Need To Rely More And More On Common Sense To Help Guide What Should And Shouldn't Be Allowed or Not Allowed In This Challenge In Order To Keep In Line With The General Spirit Of The Challenge.
Add
100 - Each gardening collectable (for each type, NOT each individual item. ie. 10 strawberries, does NOT equal 1000 points.)
100 - Each level of gardening
100 - Reach Garden Variety (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
1000 - Reach Nature Walker (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
1000 - Reach Nature Nurturer (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
5000 - Reaching Freelance Botanist (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
Subtract
100 - for missed bedtime
100 - for each day after aging into an adult, that it takes for you to complete your goals
1000 - for using a phone
1000 - for each reward point use
SPECIALIST POINTS
3000 - For completing the whole challenge before becoming an Elder
3000 - For completing the Specialist Difficulty Level ( and becoming a Sims 4 Specialist )
4000 - For achieving the entire "Angling Ace" fishing aspiration
-300 - For every extra day you need to complete the challenge after Elderhood
LEGENDARY POINTS
4000 - For achieving the entire "Angling Ace" fishing aspiration
5000 - For completing the whole challenge before becoming an Adult
5000 - For completing Legendary Difficulty Level ( and becoming a Sims 4 Legend )
-300 - For every extra day you need to complete the challenge after Adulthood
[CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN: ..... A link directly to this challenge ( which should begin with: http://sims4challengesrules.blogspot.com ) must be displayed on any page you post this... even in a Youtube description. (since I have reformatted, tweaked, added Difficulty Levels to this challenge, + changed/added the point system, etc., thereby creating this new version of the Challenge).]
The "Living Off The Grid Challenge (a.k.a The "How To Live Off The Grid Challenge")
RULES:
*********************************
- Lifespan must be set to "normal" (default).
- Aging must be on.
- They must start as an Young Adult.
- You may use the resetSim cheat if your Sim gets "stuck" in an interaction or somewhere around town
- NO ITEMS THAT REQUIRE ELECTRICITY (UPDATE- 10/25/14): exception a small battery powered radio IS allowed - suggested by SimsShoe )
- (UPDATE- 11/7/14) Bedtime is now 9 P.M {closer to actual TS4 sundown}. (This bedtime is because there will be no lights, and only sunlight for your daily activities. Please Note: By going to sleep early; 9 P.M, your Sim should also, naturally, wake up earlier.
- (UPDATE- 10/25/14) Whenever your Sim wakes up is to be considered the start of your day if you can't get them to go back to sleep.
- NO job/career You may earn money any other way you can think of (for example: painting).
- Buy a microscope NOT a telescope ( I'm going to assume this microscope is not electric). I think you may like + need it (a microscope has the added ability to make a Sim become "Focused". Becoming "focused" makes a Sim able to complete tasks + skills quicker + also learn quicker).
- NO telescope because it's electric. (Exception) If your Sim has a whim to have a telescope well.... this is the only exception to the no electricity rule. (a telescope has the added ability to make a Sim become "Focused". Once again, becoming "focused" makes a Sim able to complete tasks + skills quicker + also learn quicker.
- NO cheats/ No mods (for example: CC such as the buyable pond, however, clothing cc is fine., a phone mod, like the one mentioned below, is fine.)
- You DO have to pay bills.
- You may NOT move in with anyone.
- You may NOT not use any of the Reward Points you receive.
- (Update- 10/23/14) Refrigerator is NOT allowed.
- A grill CAN be used for food
- NO stove
- NO phone (Sims use their phone to browse the internet, play games etc., so if you see this action it must be canceled immediately.) (side note: If you have a mod to stop the action, that's o.k, and it will be the only mod allowed in this challenge. Here's one: http://www.modthesims.info/download.php?t=536411 )
- Coolers CAN be used since coolers are indeed used when the power goes out. Also, because coolers don't use electricity either.
- (Update- 3/2/2015 suggested by chococat9 ) Candles CAN be used because people w/o electricity would definitely use them even if they did go to bed early. Also, because they don't use electricity.
- (Update- 4/19/15 ) Oil Lamps CAN be used because people w/o electricity would definitely use them even if they did go to bed early. Also, because they don't use electricity.
- (UPDATE- 9/27/16) You are allowed to have a piano, violin and/or a guitar (because if Sims get bored, playing music often works). Please Note: The problem is that... with all the things that will need to be done during this challenge, which can get kind of "challenging" at times, finding time to play instruments will only make it even more "challenging".
(Update- 10/26/14) SO HOW DO YOU TRAVEL THEN (when the phone can't be used)? Well... I found that you can travel by scrolling to the edge of the neighborhood, + clicking the mouse when it turns to a magnifying glass, or simply press "M" on your keyboard.
Tip: The trick with some plants is to take a cutting asap, and graft it onto a plant you own. "Carl's" e-guide comes highly recommended as it's the guide that helped me collect all the plants and also teaches you all the secrets of gardening better in the game.
Remember, if you can get your Sim "focused" your Sim will garden faster, and learn skills faster, so you can complete it in time. There are lots of things in the world to control this emotion.
VERY IMPORTANT: As New Expansion Packs, Updates, Etc. Are Released, These Rules May Make Less Sense Due To The Changes, Additions, Or Subtractions Made To The Game. Due To This Fact, You'll Need To Rely More And More On Common Sense To Help Guide What Should And Shouldn't Be Allowed or Not Allowed In This Challenge In Order To Keep In Line With The General Spirit Of The Challenge.
*********************************
FINISHING THE CHALLENGE (Goals):
*********************************
The challenge is over when:
- Collect all Gardening Collectables (except UFO plant)
- You must max out the gardening skill
- Complete the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration.
- as long as its before your Sim dies ( for Novice + Normal difficulty levels )
*********************************
DIFFICULTY LEVELS:
*********************************Novice - No bedtime. You are also allowed to have a refrigerator in the house.
Normal - Follow the regular rules (given at the top).
{** Advanced Levels (seen Below)!!! **}
Specialist - You must complete the challenge before becoming an Elder, which for you, also includes completing the "Angling Ace" Aspiration.
Legendary - You must complete the challenge before becoming an Adult, which for you, also includes completing the "Angling Ace" Aspiration.
*********************************
SCORING:
*********************************Add
100 - Each gardening collectable (for each type, NOT each individual item. ie. 10 strawberries, does NOT equal 1000 points.)
100 - Each level of gardening
100 - Reach Garden Variety (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
1000 - Reach Nature Walker (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
1000 - Reach Nature Nurturer (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
5000 - Reaching Freelance Botanist (in the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration)
Subtract
100 - for missed bedtime
100 - for each day after aging into an adult, that it takes for you to complete your goals
1000 - for using a phone
1000 - for each reward point use
*********************************
ADVANCED LEVEL SCORING:
*********************************
{ These are for those going for the Specialist + Legendary Difficulty Levels.
These are bonus points to all the above points. }
*********************************
{ These are for those going for the Specialist + Legendary Difficulty Levels.
These are bonus points to all the above points. }
SPECIALIST POINTS
3000 - For completing the whole challenge before becoming an Elder
3000 - For completing the Specialist Difficulty Level ( and becoming a Sims 4 Specialist )
4000 - For achieving the entire "Angling Ace" fishing aspiration
-300 - For every extra day you need to complete the challenge after Elderhood
** Congratulations! You're now a "Sims 4 Specialist" !!!**
LEGENDARY POINTS
4000 - For achieving the entire "Angling Ace" fishing aspiration
5000 - For completing the whole challenge before becoming an Adult
5000 - For completing Legendary Difficulty Level ( and becoming a Sims 4 Legend )
-300 - For every extra day you need to complete the challenge after Adulthood
** Congratulations! You're now a "Sims 4 Legend" !!!**
Well... I Hope You Enjoyed The "Living Off The Grid Challenge" (a.k.a The "How To Live Off The Grid Challenge")
Substitute the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration with "The Curator" aspiration.
Source (Credit): Simalot (myself)Well... I Hope You Enjoyed The "Living Off The Grid Challenge" (a.k.a The "How To Live Off The Grid Challenge")
*********************************
FOR EXTRA FUN!
*********************************
(After you finish with the challenge):
FOR EXTRA FUN!
*********************************
(After you finish with the challenge):
Substitute the "Freelance Botanist" aspiration with "The Curator" aspiration.
****************************************
[CREDIT MUST BE GIVEN: ..... A link directly to this challenge ( which should begin with: http://sims4challengesrules.blogspot.com ) must be displayed on any page you post this... even in a Youtube description. (since I have reformatted, tweaked, added Difficulty Levels to this challenge, + changed/added the point system, etc., thereby creating this new version of the Challenge).]
The "Living Off The Grid Challenge (a.k.a The "How To Live Off The Grid Challenge")
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
==============
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
==============
LIVING Off The GRID
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
==============
LIVING Off The GRID
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LIVING Off The GRID
==============LIVING Off The GRID
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LIVING Off The GRID
==============LIVING Off The GRID
==============LIVING Off The GRID
==============
Tags:
*****
JOIN THE CONVERSATION |/
30 Comments Section:
I am doing this challenge and have completed the Botanist aspiration before I aged into an adult. I have collected 13 gardening collections. I have been to all the neighborhoods in 1 of the worlds. I visit them every day. I have even been to the glades, in the tree every day. The trees that I need are growing but never are ready to harvest, This is very frustrating for me. I can find the cherry tree and the pear tree but not the lemon tree and have some flowers but can't find others.
No problem. Please don't be frustrated. Other Simmers have successfully completed this challenge even on the higher difficulty levels, and even when the bedtime was 7:30 pm. (instead of 9 pm). I say this as encouragement, and to let you know this challenge is definitely doable (and was designed to be a little more... challenging, but far from impossible).
The trick with some plants is to take a cutting asap, and graft it onto a plant you own. "Carl's" e-guide comes highly recommended as it's the guide that helped me collect all the plants and also teaches you all the secrets of gardening better in the game. Remember, if you can get her "focused" she will garden faster, and learn skills faster, so you can complete it in time.
You can find out more at "Carl's" e-guide (below... copy it into your browser address bar at the top of your browser,and press the Enter key) and you can google: ("sims 4" focused) .
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/skills/gardening/
I have to ask why no candles? It's not electric or battery run, but you CAN have a radio? Why?
You're right. That makes no sense... and since I can't remember the reason for making that a rule in the 1st place, I have now removed it from the rules. Hope this helps
Thanks again,
Ok, cool. That just seemed really odd to me reading through all the rules, because people w/o electricity would totally use candles even if they did go to bed early.
I definitely agree, since that's what I do when a storm hits, and the lights go out.
Bye the way, if you're playing the more advanced levels, like Legendary, it can get a little challenging, but let me know if you run into any snags, and I can help.
You can get instant help by reading "Carl's" Sims 4 gardening e-guide (below... copy it into your browser address bar at the top of your browser,and press the Enter key)
http://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/skills/gardening/
also, you can google: ("sims 4" focused),
and, the trick with some plants is to take a "cutting" asap, and graft it onto a plant you own.
Good Luck.
Are we allowed to use coolers? :D
Sure. I really don't see why not, since coolers are indeed used when the power goes out. Also, because coolers don't use electricity either.
So please feel free to use coolers, it's o.k....
I'll add it to the rules above, so that it's clear to everyone else.
Thank you for your interest in my challenge!
It really makes me feel proud of making it.
From Scoring
100 - Each gardening collectable
I am wondering on this is the point for each type, 100 points for strawberries or is it for each item, 1000 points for 10 strawberries?
Do we need to get the outdoor retreat plants? Can we travel to Granite Falls?
What about the oil lamp would that count the same as the candles?
Yes, in fact they are perfectly fine. Actually, I wrote this challenge before that game pack was released.
The point is for each type, not for each item. Therefore, it would be 100 points for strawberries, 100 points for onions, 100 points for potatoes, etc..
Good question though... I'll add it to the rules above, to clarify it to others.
No, You don't need to get the Outdoor Retreat plants. I wrote this challenge before that game pack was released.
Yes you can travel to Granite Falls. Yes, in Granite Falls there are several plants that could be gathered to complete the challenge. However, you really don't have to travel there though.
Is there any way to cure a sick sim that won't violate the rules?
Hey, I guess you could always apply for Simbamacare...
Just Kidding!
In all seriousness, there is. Simply go to a community lot library, etc., and use a public computer to order your Sim some medicine.
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Hey there!
I'm doing this challenge at the moment and I must say I truly love it! I made such a cute tiny house for my Sim. This challenge really made me fall in love with him. Since I'm nearly through the challenge I also condider playing a legacy with this Sim ☺️
I love the outdoor aspect of this challenge. It was hard though to get some of the plants. And with all the gardening my sim is always lonely (poor guy)
Anyways thanks for developing this challenge!
Just finished this challenge. When I saw it I instantly knew that I had to play it. Gardening is my favorite skill. It was fun building an unconventional house. I initially made it way too big. Then I realized that I didn't need much of anything in it and reduced it to two small rooms.
I played without using the radio. This was just my personal preference.
I really appreciate that your challenges are play tested. I've seen many that aren't and it's starting to become a pet peeve of mine. Sure, you also have to fix some things after you post a challenge but they are relatively minor things. The core of the idea still works.
Sorry if my English is a bit stiff. It's not my first language. Thanks for the challenge!
-GloriaWarrior
Thanks again GloriaWarrior
I agree... unplay-tested challenges are a pet-peeve of mine also.
I'm glad that you can appreciate that the core of my challenges still work... I try improve them with every comment (helpfulones like yours) so that one day they'll be close to perfect.
As for English, I don't detect anything, at all, different than how I speak... and I'm an American, whose 1st language is English.
Anyways, thank you for
enjoying my challeges!
Thanks again,
Sincerely,
RecipeSimmer
Are candles allowed? (Sorry if it's answered-- I'm just skimming) This challenge looks really fun! I'm definitely going to try it!
I have these weird toilet bushes. Can I use a shower from the Outdoor Retreat pack and a bush for the toilet? (Super awkward, I know! Sorry!)
Hi! I have a quick question and a comment!
My first question is: Do you have to finish the Freelance botanist aspiration AND collect all the plants?
My comment is: This is really fun!... But if you have a large quantity of windows adorning your house or you supply your home with dozens of candles and oil lamps it can take away from the fun of this challenge. (Just commenting)
This challenge is extremely exciting and I'm really enjoying it! What would you recommend for me to try next? (Just wondering! Thanks!)
- RaiinyDaze
Hi,
Thank you for giving it a try.
Yes, candles Can be used because people w/o electricity would definitely use them even if they did go to bed early. Also, because they don't use electricity.
Thanks again,
Thank You for giving my challenge a try.
Please don't be embarrassed about your question, I can see why it might be asked.
Answer: Showers and toilets are not a concern in this particular challenge... only electricity. So, as long as the items are non-electric, they can be used (unless directly stated otherwise in the rules above).
So yes, you can use them.
Thanks again,
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Hi RaiinyDaze,
Thank You for giving my challenge a try.
Answer to 1st question:
Yes, you have to finish the Freelance botanist aspiration to finish the challenge.
As for the collecting all the plants... only the ones in the base game, not the "Outdoor Retreat" expansion pack plants, or any other expansion pack plants. That's because I wrote this challenge before any game packs were released.
Answer to 2nd question:
I would recommend you try the "Asylum Challenge" next.
As for a large quantity of windows adorning your house or you supply your home with dozens of candles and oil lamps taking away from the fun of this challenge.... I kinda disagree.
I sincerely think it's a matter of personal preference in how people choose to play the challenge.
Some think the lamps, candles, etc. in excess can undo the challenge, but challenging parts of the challenge aren't the lack of lights (a bed-time is mandatory anyway), and think about it, most "preppers" would do the things you mention, besides, isn't that still a very unique way of playing the game?
Thanks again,
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Can they have a piano, violin and/or a guitar? I know the challenge is mostly about gardening, but if the sims get bored, playing music often works. It doesnt say anything about instruments in the rules, so i just wanted to be sure.
Thank you for asking. I guess I did forget to mention this, so here it is.
Yes, you are allowed to have a piano, violin and/or a guitar. The problem is... with all the things that will need to be done during this challenge which can get very "challenging" at times, finding time to do so will only make it even more "challenging".
Thanks again for asking,
Good luck with the rest of the challenge.
Thanks for replying! (:
No problem. I try my best. It's good to see appreciation.
Thank you,
Good luck with the rest of the challenge
By the way,
I also added your suggestion, about instruments, to the official rules above.
Thanks again