How to Buy a Birthday Cake in Sims 4: The Definitive Guide
The easiest way to get a birthday cake in The Sims 4 is to use the Bake a Cake option on a stove or refrigerator, then select the ‘White Cake’ recipe and add birthday candles. Alternatively, you can order one from the in-game computer or phone, but baking is often quicker and more personal.
Why Birthday Cakes Matter in Sims 4
Birthday cakes aren’t just decorative items in The Sims 4; they’re integral to the aging-up process and vital for a Sim’s developmental milestones. From toddlers blowing out candles for the first time to elders celebrating a life well-lived, birthday cakes act as the catalyst for aging up. Successfully celebrating with a cake contributes to a Sim’s overall happiness and can influence their future traits, particularly for children and teens. Missing this milestone can lead to sadness and missed opportunities.
The Baking Method: A Step-by-Step Guide
Baking a birthday cake is a straightforward process. It allows for more control over the type of cake and provides a fun, interactive experience for your Sim. Here’s a breakdown:
- Ensure you have a stove and a refrigerator: These are essential appliances for baking.
- Click on the stove or refrigerator: This will bring up the interaction menu.
- Select “Bake a Cake”: Choose from the available cake options. ‘White Cake’ is the easiest to find and decorate.
- Wait for the cake to bake: The baking time varies, but your Sim will eventually complete the task.
- Click on the finished cake: Select the “Add Birthday Candles” option. This transforms the regular cake into a birthday cake.
The Ordering Method: Convenience at Your Fingertips
For Sims who are short on time or lack cooking skills, ordering a cake is a viable alternative. Here’s how:
- Use a computer or phone: Any in-game computer or phone will work.
- Select “Order” or “Hire a Service”: The exact wording may vary depending on available packs.
- Look for “Catering Service”: This option typically includes birthday cakes.
- Pay for the service: The cost varies depending on the type of catering selected.
- Wait for the caterer to arrive: The caterer will bring the cake to your lot.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced Simmers can occasionally stumble when it comes to birthday cakes. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Forgetting the Candles: A cake without candles is just a regular cake. Always add birthday candles after baking.
- Interrupting the Aging-Up Process: Make sure the Sim blowing out the candles is not interrupted. Otherwise, the aging-up may not complete.
- Low Cooking Skill: Sims with low cooking skills may produce lower-quality cakes. Level up their cooking skill for better results.
- Not Having Enough Space: Ensure there’s enough space around the cake for Sims to gather and celebrate.
Enhancing Your Cake: Mods and Custom Content
While the basic birthday cake is functional, many players use mods and custom content (CC) to enhance the experience. This includes:
- New cake designs: CC creators offer a wide variety of cake designs, from simple to elaborate.
- Functional mods: Some mods allow for more complex cake interactions, such as personalized messages or special effects.
- Food mods: Some mods add new ingredients or recipes, allowing for more diverse cake options.
However, use mods and CC responsibly and ensure they are compatible with your game version.
Table: Comparing Baking and Ordering a Birthday Cake
| Feature | Baking | Ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower (ingredients only) | Higher (catering service fee) |
| Time | Longer (baking time) | Shorter (wait for delivery) |
| Skill Required | Cooking skill required | No skill required |
| Customization | More customizable (ingredients, decoration) | Less customizable (pre-set options) |
| Fun Factor | More interactive and engaging | Less interactive |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a cupcake instead of a cake for birthdays?
While cupcakes can be baked, they do not have the ‘Add Birthday Candles’ option necessary to trigger the aging process. You must use a full-sized cake.
How do I age up a toddler with a birthday cake?
Click on the cake, and an adult Sim will have the option to “Help Blow Out Candles” for the toddler. Select this, and the toddler will be aged up. Ensure the adult-Sim isn’t too far away from the cake.
What happens if a Sim doesn’t have a birthday cake?
While the game will eventually age them up automatically, using a birthday cake provides positive moodlets and social interactions. Missing out can result in a less fulfilling experience and potential negative consequences, especially for children.
Can I put birthday candles on any cake?
No, you must choose the ‘Add Birthday Candles’ option that appears when clicking on a finished white cake, chocolate cake, or carrot cake. Some custom cakes may not have this functionality.
My Sim is interrupting the aging-up process. What can I do?
Move other Sims away from the cake area or temporarily pause the game and select “Reset Sim” on the interrupting Sim. Ensure the focus is solely on the Sim blowing out the candles.
How many candles can I put on a birthday cake?
The number of candles is pre-set and cannot be adjusted manually.
Is there a specific expansion pack required for birthday cakes?
No, birthday cakes are a core feature of The Sims 4 and do not require any specific expansion packs.
Can I bake a birthday cake in a restaurant (if I own Dine Out)?
Yes, you can bake a birthday cake in a restaurant if your Sim owns The Sims 4: Dine Out game pack. However, adding birthday candles still requires a regular white, chocolate, or carrot cake.
My cake is burnt. Can I still add birthday candles?
No, a burnt cake is inedible and cannot be used for birthdays. You’ll need to bake a new cake.
Can I buy a birthday cake using Simoleons on my Sim’s birthday without a stove?
Yes. The Catering Service delivers cakes. Alternatively, if you have The Sims 4: Get To Work expansion pack, you can purchase a cake from the bakery retail lot, place birthday candles, and use it there.
What is the best way to level up my Sim’s cooking skill for baking a better cake?
Have your Sim practice cooking frequently by preparing various dishes. Also, reading cooking skill books can speed up the process. Higher cooking skills will result in higher quality cakes, which also contributes to a Sim’s overall satisfaction.
Can children bake birthday cakes?
No, children cannot bake birthday cakes. An adult or teen Sim must bake the cake for them. However, a child can “Help to Clean Up” the cake afterwards if they possess a higher relationship status with the cooker.