In The Sims 4, death is not necessarily the end. Whether a beloved Sim passed away from old age, an accident, or even something supernatural, players often want to bring them back. The game offers a variety of ways to resurrect Sims, from using gameplay mechanics to unlocking secret interactions. Resurrecting Sims in The Sims 4 can add emotional depth to your storylines, give closure to your characters, or simply allow you to continue their legacy. This guide explores all the primary methods to bring Sims back from the dead, along with the conditions and items you’ll need to succeed.
Understanding Death in The Sims 4
Types of Death and Their Impact
Before learning how to resurrect Sims, it’s important to understand how death works in The Sims 4. A Sim can die from several causes:
- Old Age
- Fire
- Electrocution
- Starvation
- Drowning
- Extreme emotions (e.g., hysteria, rage)
After a Sim dies, their body disappears, and a gravestone or urn is left behind. Their ghost may eventually appear and haunt the lot, and interactions with this ghost can influence the resurrection process.
The Role of Ghosts
A Sim must have a gravestone or urn on the lot or in the household inventory for most resurrection methods to work. Ghosts are key to bringing a Sim back, so don’t delete the urn or gravestone if you plan to attempt resurrection later.
Methods to Resurrect Sims in Sims 4
1. Using the Book of Life
The Book of Life is one of the most powerful tools for bringing back a Sim. Here’s how it works:
- Have a Sim reach Level 10 in the Writing skill.
- Unlock the Bestselling Author aspiration and complete it to gain the ability to write the Book of Life.
- Use the Write Book of Life interaction on the computer and bind it to a living Sim.
If the bound Sim dies, another Sim can then use the Book of Life to Restore Life, effectively resurrecting them. This method only works if the book was bound before the Sim’s death.
2. Pleading with the Grim Reaper
Immediately after a Sim dies, another household member can try to plead with the Grim Reaper to spare them. The result depends on a few factors:
- Relationship level with the dying Sim.
- The pleader’s mood and traits.
- Random chance also plays a role.
If successful, the Grim Reaper will grant the Sim a second chance at life. However, this method is only available during the death event and cannot be used afterward.
3. Ambrosia: The Gourmet Resurrection
Ambrosia is a special dish that can resurrect a ghost Sim. This method requires effort but is highly effective. Here’s what you need:
- Cooking Level 10andGourmet Cooking Level 10
- Recipe for Ambrosia (unlocked via Gourmet Cooking skill)
- Three ingredients: Angelfish, Death Flower, and a Potion of Youth
Steps to cook Ambrosia:
- Catch an Angelfish in fishing spots with a medium chance.
- Grow or purchase a Death Flower, which requires grafting plants.
- Buy the Potion of Youth from the Rewards Store for 1,500 Satisfaction Points.
Once you cook Ambrosia, place it near a ghost Sim. If they eat it, they’ll return to life immediately. This is one of the few in-game methods that does not require cheats or mods.
4. Dedeathify Spell (Realm of Magic)
If you own the Realm of Magic game pack, Sims who become Spellcasters can learn the Dedeathify spell. This is a direct resurrection spell that can be cast on a ghost Sim.
- Reach Rank 5 in Spellcasting.
- Learn the Dedeathify spell, usually by experimenting or asking other Spellcasters.
- Cast the spell on a ghost Sim.
This magical method instantly restores the ghost to life. However, spells can backfire, so use with caution and save your game beforehand if needed.
5. Wishing Well (Romantic Garden Stuff)
With the Wishing Well from the Romantic Garden Stuff pack, you can make a wish for resurrection:
- Place the well on your lot.
- Have a Sim interact with it and select Wish for Life.
The result can vary based on the well’s mood and the Sim’s relationship with the deceased. Outcomes include full resurrection, partial ghost resurrection, or no effect. It’s a gamble, but it can work.
Additional Tips for Resurrecting Sims
Keep the Urn or Gravestone
Never sell or delete the urn or gravestone of a deceased Sim if you plan to bring them back. These items are essential for summoning the ghost and completing most resurrection methods.
Invite the Ghost to Join the Household
Some methods, like Ambrosia or Dedeathify, require the ghost to be part of the household. You can befriend the ghost and use the Invite to Household interaction once the relationship is high enough.
Use Cheats (If You Prefer)
Though not required, cheats can make the process faster. For example, you can use:
testingcheats truetraits.removetrait Ghost[DeathType]to remove ghost status
This effectively brings the Sim back to life. Use this method responsibly, especially if you’re playing in a challenge or legacy-style save.
Resurrection for Pets (Cats and Dogs)
Ambrosia Treat
If you have the Cats & Dogs expansion, you can resurrect pets too. Use the Ambrosia Pet Treat:
- Reach Level 10 in the Vet skill.
- Craft the Ambrosia Treat at the surgery station.
- Feed the treat to a pet ghost to bring them back.
This is the only way to revive pets without using cheats.
Emotional and Storytelling Impact
Adding Drama and Meaning
Resurrection isn’t just a gameplay feature it can add deep storytelling elements. You might revive a lost spouse, return a Sim to complete their goals, or even create a fantasy plot involving magic and mystery. It’s a feature that blends seamlessly into the sandbox nature of The Sims 4.
Be Mindful of Consequences
Bringing back a Sim can alter relationships, reset goals, and influence the mood of the entire household. If you’re using resurrection as part of a story arc, consider how it affects other Sims and your overall game plan.
There are several ways to resurrect Sims in The Sims 4, from culinary masterpieces like Ambrosia to magical spells and even pleading with Death itself. Whether you prefer a challenge or a quick fix, the game offers both traditional and fantastical paths to bringing a Sim back to life. Knowing how to resurrect Sims gives players the power to undo tragic events, continue favorite storylines, or experiment with supernatural elements. With creativity and the right tools, no death in The Sims 4 has to be permanent.