The Sims 4 Growing Together expansion pack added family dynamics to add realism to household relationships. However, there's no doubt that romantic partnerships work quite differently compared to family relationships, which is why the Lovestruck expansion pack added any type of dynamic to The Sims 4: romance dynamics.

sims 4 attraction
The Sims 4: Attraction System Complete Guide

In The Sims 4, Sims will feel attracted to others based on their turn-ons and turn-offs - here's how it works.

Players can now set the type of romantic dynamic two Sims have with each other so that these relationships feel more real than ever. While some of these labels are perfect for lovey-dovey couples, others will fit more problematic relationships.

How to Set Romance Dynamics

romantic dynamics the sims 4

When first creating a household in The Sims 4, players can set the relationship between its Sims, and in the same menu, they will find the option to set romance dynamics.

To set romance dynamics in The Sims 4, players have to open the Household Relationship menu and then select Romance Dynamic. It's only possible to choose a romance dynamic for Sims who are romantically involved, so their household relationship has to be set to "partner" or "spouse."

If the Sim begins a relationship with a household member or finds a partner in the world later on, the game can suggest a romance dynamic for them based on their interactions with one another.

Romance Dynamic Options

romance dynamic options the sims 4

Here are the four romance dynamics available in The Sims 4, as well as a description of each type of dynamic:

Romance Dynamic

Description

How to Boost

Wholesome

"Sims with a Wholesome romance dynamic love one another in the most tender and affectionate kind of way. While these Sims do enjoy romancing each other, they are also fond of interacting in friendly and funny ways. Wholesome partners understand each other on an intimate level both as friends and lovers. These Sims gain Enamored and Close Sentiments more easily."

  • Friendly interactions
  • Funny interactions
  • Romance interactions

Steamy

"Sims with a Steamy romance dynamic can't keep their hands off of each other. These Sims prefere romantic interactions when socializing, especially those that involve physical intimacy. They are more likely to gain enamored sentiments with one another."

  • Romantic interactions
  • Physical intimacy interactions

Unpredictable

"Sims with an Unpredictable romance dynamic are hot and cold with an intense chemistry - they go from a heated argument to a heated kiss in no time. These Sims prefer physically intimate romantic interactions or arguments when socializing, and are notorious fans of a good 'kiss and makeup.' They are more likely to gain Bitter Sentiments towards each other."

  • Physical intimacy interactions
  • Argument social interactions

Strained

"Sims with a Strained romance dynamic have a bit of tenseness in their relationship that is hard to work through. These Sims fail at friendly and romantic socials more than other Sims and gravitate towards mean socials. They are more likely to gain Hurt or Furious sentiments towards each other."

  • Mean interactions

Can Romance Dynamics Change?

new romance dynamic: strained

As fans continue to play The Sims 4, interactions between Sims in a romantic relationship can change significantly, and this may result in the game suggesting a different dynamic for the pair.

Sims might become distant and fail to nurture their relationship accordingly, which could lead to a negative romantic dynamic like Unpredictable or Strained. Alternatively, they could also grow closer and fonder of each other and improve their dynamic to a point in which the game decides to classify it as Wholesome or Steamy instead.

Alternatively, players can activate cheats (testingcheats on) and insert the command "CAS.fulleditmode" into the console to gain access to the Household Relationship panel. This allows them to change manually change romance dynamics at any point in the game.

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The Sims 4 Tag Page Cover Art
The Sims 4
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7 /10
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Released
September 2, 2014
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WHERE TO PLAY

SUBSCRIPTION
DIGITAL
PHYSICAL
Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info

ESRB
T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
Developer(s)
Maxis
Publisher(s)
Electronic Arts
Franchise
The Sims
Platform(s)
PS4, Xbox One, PC
Genre(s)
Simulation
How Long To Beat
N/A
File Size Xbox Series
22 GB (November 2023)