We are now hosting the rules for Pinstar’s Apocalypse Challenge for the Sims 2. This challenge has undergone SEVERAL changes over the years (many of them by fans). I will try to highlight the changes that were made by someone other than Pinstar as we may not have the answers to questions pertaining to those particular rule changes.

The Story:

It’s the super bowl and all across the region, people are watching. The whistle blows for half time and every Sim in the city goes to use the toilet. Every single toilet in the region is flushed at the same time. The resulting drop in water pressure causes the three nuclear power plants in the area to go critical and melt down, devastating the region. Thankfully, the founder is off at college when this happens, but when he returns to start his family, he finds a very different world he must survive in.

Click here for the Apocalypse Challenge FAQ!

Rules:

The following is a set of harsh restrictions the family must obey. Each set of restrictions is tied to a specific career field. When a Sim reaches level 10 in that career field, that restriction is lifted. A single Sim may only lift one restriction in his or her lifetime.

• To lift all 14 of the main restrictions, it will take 14 different Sims. (The Hopelessness and Alien Technology restrictions don’t count toward the one restriction per Sim limit.)
• Only Sims part of the bloodline and the spouses to heirs can unlock restrictions. Adopted Sims, spouses to non-heirs and Servos cannot lift any restrictions.
• The founder starts as a Young Adult in college. None of the restrictions applies to the founder in college, as the disaster has not happened yet.
• Founders may bring up to 3 items back from college that were purchased with their own money. If the founder graduates, one of these three items MUST be the diploma.
• The founder may not start an off-campus business.
• The founder must leave college after 9 semesters. If the founder goes on academic probation, those extra semesters count against the 9 you are allowed.
  • Founders who graduate on time (8 semesters), may stay for the full post-graduation period. (The 9th semester.)
  • If the founder goes on academic probation once, but still graduates, he or she must return to the neighborhood immediately after graduation.
  • The founder does not need to graduate.
• The family lot must be on a desert or dirt tile set.
• When your founder returns to the neighborhood, move him or her into an empty 5X5 lot.
• Founders who joined the Secret Society may move into a Secret Society safe house instead. These are pre-built houses that have depreciated a bit, so they cost less than building the same structure from scratch. There are three safe houses to choose from. You can download the Bomb Shelter, the Shotgun Shack, or the Witch Hut. You may still opt to start on a blank lot if you want to.
• Founders and anyone who comes after are prohibited from raiding the Secret Society house and bringing objects that were originally there back to the Apocalypse Family house. (Rule updated by the Apocalypse Challenge Podcast)
• If your family has broken any rule or restriction due to a rule change, you do not fail the challenge.
• Objects that were allowed that are no longer allowed due to a rule change may be sold via buy mode without penalty.
• If an object has no value, (such as a used up Aspiration Reward), you may delete it, regardless of existing restrictions.
• There must be no trees or shrubs on the lot when you place it.
• You may use the “level lot” tool before moving into your blank lot or safe house.
• No Sim in the household may sleep outdoors.
• After the founder has returned, any future Sim sent to college may not move into a dorm, and must move into an empty lot (any size). Young Adult Sims that come after the founder must obey any restrictions that have not been lifted yet.
• Neither the founder, nor any Sims that come after may found or join Greek houses.
• The ONLY Sims that may be moved into the Legacy family are Sims that will directly contribute to the birth of the next generation. (In other words, the spouse of each heir.)
• Spares may not take spouses and children produced by spares (via visitor woohoo or aliens) may not lift restrictions. (Rule updated by the Official Sims 2 BBS)
• If a Townie at the top of a career joins the house as a spouse and that career is not lifted, it is lifted instantly, no ifs ands or buts. If that career has already been lifted, the spouse can work on lifting a different career. (Rule updated by Apoca-Borg)
• If you wish to keep score, count the number of days your family is in existence once the founder returns from college. I find the easiest way is to write a tic mark down once per sim week.
• Cheats, mods, or hacked objects that would give you an unfair advantage over a player who didn’t have or use them may not be used.
• You can use any custom object as long as its cost, ability and mood fulfillment exactly mirrors an existing ‘official’ object. (Rule updated by the Official Sims 2 BBS)
• To win the challenge, you must lift all 15 restrictions. The 16th restriction, Alien Technology, does not need to be lifted to complete the challenge.
• If you do accidentally break a rule, just fix your mistake – make up for it, and continue. As long as it was just an honest mistake, you don’t need to consider failing the challenge. (Rule updated by the Apocalypse Challenge Podcast)

Restrictions:

The quote and paragraph in italics are the “flavor text” of the restriction.
The rules of the restriction are listed below.
What happens when you lift the restriction is listed in bold.

• Hopelessness
• Business
• Law Enforcement
• Medical
• Culinary
• Life of Crime
• Military
• Athletic
• Slacker
• Science
• Politics
• Artist
• Paranormal
• Natural Science
• Show Business
• Alien Technology

Hopelessness:

“It is better to light a single candle than to curse the darkness.”

The physical effects of the nuclear winter are clear, but it is only half of the devastation. The damage to the population’s mindset and willpower has also been great. People are starting to give up hope and despair has begun to set in. People have no motivation to band together or leave the shelters they have made.

• You cannot move in or marry in any Sims.

Once your founder reaches the top of a career, (ANY of the 14 careers, it doesn’t matter which), he or she shows the region that the worst is over, and that things can and will begin to get better. A few Sims are even willing to risk traveling the streets to be with the regions new and only ray of hope. You may move-in/marry spouses for your founder and future heirs. You are still restricted to moving in only those who will contribute to thenext generation.

Return to top

Business:

“Your money is no good here.”

The chaos in the region set off by the power plant explosions has broken down the basic economic fabric of society. The value of a Simolean varies wildly from place to place. All major markets have been destroyed or looted dry. With the economy of the region in shambles, people are unwilling to go shopping. The only thing that sells well are stories from survivors, as media outside the region is hungry to know what happened and what it is like to live in such a land.

• Your Sims may not start their own business or purchase community lots.
• You may not sell items via the buy or build tab. (You may still sell build mode items, such as walls and stairs.)
• You may still do the selling and re-buying of the fridge while the Life of Crime Restriction is still in place, but may NOT do so once it is lifted, so be careful about lifting Life of Crime before you have secured another means to acquire food.
• Your Sims may not use the Sell interaction with objects (such as completed paintings, or workbench items)
  • Your Sims ARE allowed to finish writing novels and collect the royalties.
• Your Sims may not hire Service Sims of any kind nor secure the services of the Gypsy Matchmaker.
• You may not Invite Headmaster to get Sims into private school.
• Only Sims currently working in the Business career field may use the Execuputter.
• Due to broken supply chains, Sims cannot use any crafting benches (Flower Arranging, Toycrafting, Robotics). Items crafted in college may be brought back. Flowers and robots must be kept in inventory until their respective restriction is unlocked.

Once an economic leader from the family rebuilds the economic structure of the region, the Business restrictions are lifted. In addition, the Open/Closed sign may be purchased and used from the Miscellaneous Decorative category. The old-style cash register may be purchased from the Electronics tab, even if these items are still restricted otherwise.

Return to top

Law Enforcement:

“Go ahead and call for help, nobody will listen.”

The local police and fire departments are in shambles and unable to do their job. A strong air of anarchy and lawlessness has swept the region. Violent gangs of anarchists prey on the old and weak.

• Your Sims may not purchase smoke detectors, fire sprinklers, burglar alarms or car alarms.
• Your Sims may not use the Emergency tab on the phones.
• Teenage and Elder Sims that have less than a 10 Body may not leave the lot for any reason, including going to work or community lots.
  • Teens MUST have 10 Body points to go to College.
  • Elders do not require 10 Body points to move out.
• Your Sims may not call the police to look for runaway teens.
• Only Sims in the Law Enforcement career field may use the Fingerprint Scanner.

Once a brave hero from the family emerges, the streets are cleaned up and order is restored, allowing police and firefighters to once again help people. The Law Enforcement restrictions are lifted. The smoke detector and burglar alarm may be purchased and used, even if the Science restriction has not been lifted.

Return to top

Medical:

“It’s the dark ages once again.”

The plumbing has been severely damaged in the region. Water brought to the house is dirty and unsanitary. To make things worse, local drug stores have been cleaned out by looters.

• Showers and bathtubs of all types may not be purchased or used at home or on a community lot.
• Dish washers (both types) may not be purchased or used.
• Hot tubs and Water Wigglers are water items, and therefore restricted.
• Pools may not be built or used.
• Sims may not use medicine to become well.
• Whenever Sims Woohoo, they MUST choose Try for Baby. If Try for Baby is not an option, they may not Woohoo. (Unless the Sim is already pregnant, too old to get pregnant or the two Sims woohooing are the same gender.) This rule does apply to visiting female Sims aged Young Adult and Adult.
• You may not purchase or use the changing table.
• Sims may not purchase Vamprocillin-D. (They may use it if they brought a bottle back from college.)
• Only Sims currently employed in the Medical career may use the Surgical Dummy

Once a leader in the medical field emerges from the family and leads the Red Cross restoration effort, clean running water is restored to the region. Supplies of medicine and contraceptives are now available to the people who need it. The Medical restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Culinary:

“Hunger is the best spice.”

The gas lines and power grid have been severely damaged. Running a gas stove or electric appliance carries too much of a risk. The radiation levels are too high to risk using a microwave either. Food is scarce. The quality of the food the Sims can get is very poor and can bring illness to some. Coffee is now scarce in the region due to supply cuts. Fresh food is non-existent.

• Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Ovens or Small Appliance category except for the cheapest grill.
• You may only prepare food once per sim day. Once any Sim has prepared food, no other may do so for the rest of the day. A Sim making a one-serving meal counts. (An easy way to keep track of this restriction is to turn the fridge backwards after a Sim has taken food from it, and keeping it that way until midnight)
• Sims pulling out baby bottles does NOT count against this limit and may be done as many times per day as needed.
• Sims may not prepare Gelatin.
• Sims may not prepare food on community lots
• Sims may not eat at restaurants on community lots.
• You may not use the Delivery menu on the phone to order Pizza or Chinese food.
• Sims may not purchase prepared food from community lots (such as pre-made cakes from a bakery).
• Sims may not hold food in inventory.
• Sims may not flag any food item as “for sale” with the wholesale tool.
• Sims may not purchase or use birthday cakes, wedding cakes, the bakery display case or any catering buffet tables.
• Only Sims in the Culinary career track can make use of the Chocolate Maker.

Once a Culinary master emerges from the household, new ways are invented to preserve food. Sims learn better ways to cook the artificial food and how to rewire home appliances so they can be used again. They also open up supply chains to coffee growers. All Culinary restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Life of Crime:

“Nice place you have. I’d hate to see anything bad happen to it.”

The local organized crime family has taken advantage of the lawlessness in the region to set up a protection racket. Joey “The Comb” and his goons force people to pay hefty sums to ensure nothing “bad” happens to what few possessions they have left. While some try to fight the mob, most just give in and pay.

Life of Crime, Method I

• Once per week, by midnight, your Sims must sell off all replaceable items on their lot and in their inventory, and replace them with exact same item. The “Protection Money” is the loss of depreciation. You must do this weekly, starting 7 days after you begin the lot. You do not have to do this on the first day
• A “Replaceable item” is any item that can be purchased in the buy menu.
• If you do not have enough money to replace all of your items, you must buy back as many as you can. You must pay protection on items, even if you can’t use them yet.
• You do not have to replace any items that are worth $100 retail ($40 fully depreciated) or less, as the mob doesn’t care about small stuff like that.
• Only members currently in the Life of Crime career may use the Lie Finder object.
• Because the mob controls the remaining production centers, they don’t take kindly to the family having too many crafted items. You may have only 1 crafted item of each type (from the toy workbench, robot bench and flower bench) on the lot or in inventory at a time.
• If the Paranormal restriction is unlocked, you do not have to sell off and rebuy the beds.

Life of Crime, Method II
If you find the replacing of items on the lot for the Life of Crime restriction annoying, you may follow this alternative method.

• On a piece of paper, keep a running total of the retail (not fully depreciated) value of all replaceable objects in the house.
• Objects under $100, refrigerators, and objects that have been in sims’ inventories or marked  for sale  for the entire week do not need to be included in this total.
• Once per week, pay 60% of this total using the family funds cheat.
• Sell and rebuy your fridge as normal (to replenish the food).
• If you do not have enough funds to pay the entire bill, you must use method #1
• When you add new Buy Mode objects over $100 to the lot, add their retail value to your total.
• Right after you pay protection, you may throw objects into inventory or mark them for sale. (Provided you can lift them and have room). Subtract the value of any objects over $100 from your running total if you stash them in inventory or mark them for sale.
• Objects put into inventory or marked for sale mid-week still need to have protection paid on them for that week.
• If you bring objects out of inventory or remove their “for sale” status mid-week, you must pay protection on them at the end of the week.
• If the Paranormal restriction is unlocked, you do not have to factor the value of beds.
• Only members currently in the Life of Crime career may use the Lie Finder object.
• Because the mob controls the remaining production centers, they don’t take kindly to the family having too many crafted items. You may have only 1 crafted item of each type (from the toy bench, robot bench and flower bench) on the lot or in inventory at a time.

The first household member to rise to the top of the underworld becomes part of the “family”. While the household does not get a cut of the profits, they no longer have to pay any protection money. The Life of Crime restriction is lifted.

Return to top

Military:

“The government advises all citizens to lock their doors and remain indoors.”

The mobs of radiated zombies wandering the streets make it unsafe to travel anywhere but a select few highways. Neighborhoods are scattered as nobody is willing to risk traveling just to visit with friends. The roads to and from local colleges are blocked. Your founder just barely made it back to the neighborhood.

• Sims may not travel to any community lots.
• You may not invite over any Sims with two exceptions:
  • Sims may invite over other Sims they are have red hearts with, or are engaged to. (True love knows no fear.)
  • If your Sim owns a car (and has it placed on a driveway on the lot), you may also invite over Sims your Sim is best friends with. (Your Sim spins by and picks the buddies up.)
• These restrictions also apply to Parties, Outings and Dates if they are available.
• You may still hail and socialize with walk-bys as normal.
• Sims may not be sent off to college.
• Teenage Sims may not Ask Permission to Go Out or Sneak Out
• Sims may not Find Own Place or otherwise move out of the house.
• Only Sims currently in the military can use the Obstacle Course object.

Once a brave general from the family leads the local National Guard in a strike force against the zombie hordes, the streets will become safe to travel again and the Military restriction is lifted.

Return to top

Athletic:

“Only the strong survive.”

The radiation in the air weakens muscles and bones. As a result, muscle degeneration has set in. Even simple physical tasks have become impossible.

• Any item that takes up more than one square may not be moved or placed back into inventory once placed on the lot, with one exception.
• Items received as Date or Outing Rewards may be placed into inventory or moved one time, even if they are larger than 1 square.
  • Items that have spaces beyond their actual footprint do not count as multi-square objects. The single square dresser and single square clothing rack, despite having space requirements around them, only count as single space items.
• Sims may not restock items, or delete out-of-stock items larger than one square.
• Sims may not sell Buy Mode objects that are larger than 1 square. (You may still move and delete Build Mode objects, regardless of size.)
• Gym equipment may not be purchased or used.
• Sims may not perform the Leap in Arms interaction.
• The Punching Bag may only be used by Sims currently in the Athletic career.
• Sims may carry no more than 3 items in their inventory.
• If a spouse moves in with an inventory larger than 3 items, you must downsize it immediately upon their moving in.
• Earned, but not placed, career reward objects do not count against this inventory limit.

Once a Sim joins the Hall of Fame from the “Mutant League Football” arena, new training techniques are invented to overcome the muscle degeneration set in by the disaster. All Athletic restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Slacker:

“White hot iron, red hot iron, cold black iron. An Iron taste and iron smell, and everywhere an iron sound.” -Bleakhouse

With government regulators unable to enforce fair labor laws and the remaining businesses able to mistreat their workers who are desperate to keep their jobs, standards of employment have gone down the drain.

• Sims may not use vacation days.
• Sims who miss a SINGLE day of work for any reason (including pregnancy) must quit their jobs. (If pregnant Sims are lucky enough to have 2 days off in a row and they time their 2nd and 3rd days of pregnancy on those, they can keep their jobs.)
• If Sims lose employment in a career for any reason (quitting or being fired) they may never take a job in that career again. This cross-applies to teenage, adult and elder careers. (For example, Sims who are fired or quit from a job in the Science career as teenagers may never take another job in the Science career, even after they become adults or elders.)
• Elders may not retire, they must quit if they wish to stop working.
• You may not ignore chance cards; you MUST select one of the two options.
• Only those in the Slacker career may use the Hydroponic Garden reward object.

Once a Sim from the family becomes a Professional Party Guest, a huge party is hostedwith all the leaders of industry in attendance. Little do they know that the federal labor enforcement agents have also been invited. Confronted by the federal agents, the labor leaders agree to follow the proper labor laws. The Slacker restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Science:

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” -Arthur C. Clark

Without the flawless power grid and advanced electronics companies of modern day, the high tech gizmos that were once relied upon have slipped out of the population’s reach again. Technology has taken a step backwards.

• Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Electronics category except for a single computer, a single phone, and a single boombox (the $99 one).
• The one computer you are allowed is nothing more than a typewriter. You may only use the computer to Write Novel or Write Term Paper. (If Sims autonomously play games just cancel the action.)
• Personal electronics (cell phone, handheld game, MP3 player) may not be bought. The founder may keep and use personal electronics if they bought them in college. They may not give these to other Sims and must take them to the grave (the batteries die).
• Sims may not purchase robots, including Servos. Servos may not be moved in or activated.
• You may not call the exterminator (also requires Business to hire Service Sim).
• Sims may not purchase or use the “Non-Deadly” Robot Crafting Station.
• Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Lights category.
• Sims may not purchase or use the trash compactor, electric guitar or bass.
• Only Sims in the Science career track may use the Biotech Station.

Once a great scientist emerges from the family, the knowledge of known technologies is restored to the area, so the gizmos may be produced again. The power grid is repaired enough to use these gizmos and gadgets in the house. There is also a breakthrough in technology, the invention of something that mirrors technology gained from the aliens. You may choose 1 type of Aspiration Reward object. Any Sim may now buy and use that one type of aspiration reward, even if you haven’t lifted the Alien Technology restriction. Only the Sim that lifts the Science Restriction may invent one Aspiration Reward. Other Sims reaching the top of the Science career will not invent additional Aspiration Rewards.

Return to top

Politics:

“Democracy is said to be the worst form of government, except for all the others that have been tried.”

The political scene is a mess, more so than it normally is. Local officials are haggling over the how and when supplies are sent to the region, while the citizens suffer. Corruption is rampant and waste is constant. The mayor has restricted the supply of building materials in an effort “conserve” them. Harsh and unreasonable property laws have been enacted. What is left of the police force seems oddly motivated to enforce this building law in particular while turning a blind eye to the looting and anarchy.

• Sims’ houses may not occupy any larger than an 8X8 area, the rest of the lot must be unused.
• You may not place any items outside of this 8X8 area, nor modify tiles outside of it.
• The trash can, mailbox, sidewalk tiles, delivered newspapers and bills do not count for this restriction. They don’t need to be in the 8X8 area.
• The 8X8 area may be anywhere on the lot, but once designated may not be moved.
• Items dropped off from Dates and Outings may remain outside the 8X8 area. If the items are moved, they must be placed in inventory or within the 8X8 area.
• If a Sim dies outside the 8×8 area, you can leave the tombstone where it is. If you do pick it up and move it, it has to be within the 8×8 area.
• Sims may extend the house underground within the 8X8 area.
• Sims may build upwards, as long as the higher floors do not hang outside the 8X8 area.
• You may use the setHighestAllowedLevel cheat to build as tall as you like.
• Sims may not perform influence actions.
• Only Sims currently in the Politics career may use the Teleprompter podium.

After a great political leader emerges from the family and takes over the office of Mayor, political corruption is cleaned up. Building supplies from other parts of the country are shipped in and distributed to those who need it. The corrupt ‘housing permit’ laws are repealed. The prestige and notoriety gained by the family allows them to sway the actions others, who see everybody from the family as a leader. The Political restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Artist:

“Imagination is more important than knowledge” –Albert Einstein

With survival on everybody’s mind, the arts have virtually disappeared overnight. People are more worried about finding their next meal than attending a concert in the park or buying art.

• No items from the Wall Hanging, Sculpture or Rugs tabs may be purchased or placed.
• No items that build Creativity may be purchased or used except for the computer. (The Lie Finder and the Hydroponic Garden may be used if they are unrestricted by Life of Crime and Natural Science respectively.)
• Only Sims currently in the Artist career may use the Camera.

Once a great Artist is produced from the family, a wave of culture is set off and art and music return to people’s minds. The Artist restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Paranormal:

“One death is a tragedy. 1,000 deaths are a statistic. Stop bothering me before you become a statistic.” –The Grim Reaper

With the death toll in the thousands, the Grim Reaper has been pulling long shifts. He is so tired of hearing pleas he has stopped bargaining for the dead. The whole region has become haunted with angry spirits.

• Sims may not plead with the Grim Reaper.
• A Sim’s grave or urn may not be moved from the place it initially appears.
• Graves and urns may not be sold, even if a sim has smashed them.
• Graves and urns may not be placed into inventory.
• Only Sims in the Paranormal career may use the Resurrect-o-Nomitron.

Once a Sim from the household heads up a cult, they begin to perform rituals to calm down the angry spirits. With the spirits of the dead calmed, the Reaper can take a much needed vacation and is much more willing to bargain with Sims upon his return. The Paranormal restrictions are lifted. In addition, you do not have to sell and replace beds for the Life of Crime restriction, as the cult leader has convinced the mob that doing so will anger the spirits. Graves may moved to any spot on the lot, even if the Political restriction has not been lifted. The special police of the mayor do not dare interrupt the cult’s funeral rituals.

Return to top

Natural Science:

“Why do they call it nuclear winter? Because everything is dead. The snow you see is toxic ash.”

Any and all plant life in the region is dead. Nothing grows anymore. Natural and organic food is non-existent. With no plants to hold the soil together, the whole region is plagued with dust storms that block out the sun and whip across the land.

• You may not place any landscaping items (flowers, bushes, trees).
• You may not alter the ground color.
• You may not buy or place any items from the Plants tab.
• The family house must be on a dirt or desert landscape.
• Other than the founder, the colleges Sims attend must be on a desert or dirt tileset.
• You may not plant the Cow Plant.
• You may not use Hydroponic Garden career reward object (from the Slacker career).
• You may not purchase or use the wedding arch.
• Chef Salads may not be cooked, ordered at restaurants, or bought pre-made.
• You may not order groceries for delivery via the phone or computer.
• Sims may not use telescopes (too cloudy to see anything).
• Sims may not Watch Clouds or Stargaze on the ground.
• Any flowers received as Date Rewards must be placed into inventory or sold by midnight.
• Sims may not buy or use the flower-arranging bench, nor any of the flowers it produces.
• Sims may not use the water tool from the landscaping menu.
• Houses MUST be built on a foundation/deck and/or be built on pillars. (You may still have objects on the ground, but walls may not be placed on the ground level.)

Once a brilliant Natural Scientist emerges from the family, a plant serum is invented that lets plants use toxic ash as fertilizer without making the plant itself toxic. With this serum in wide supply, the region begins to return to life. Food can actually be grown again and people can have lawns. With plants once again anchoring the soil, the raging dust storms cease and the sky can once again be seen. All Natural Science restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Show Business:

“It’s the end of the world and you’re wearing THAT?”

Sims don’t care about personal appearance anymore. They would rather be fed and safe than pretty. Cosmetics, hair care supplies, and clothing stores have all been cleaned out by looters or destroyed. Nobody wants to spend any money to bring these items back to the region. As a result, Sims’ appearances have taken a turn for the worse, leading most to keep to themselves. Large gatherings, socials, brunches and parties have virtually disappeared. The social elite of the region have long since fled for greener pastures.

• Sims may only use the Practice Speech or Practice Romance interactions on mirrors
• Sims may not purchase or use anything from the Wardrobe tab.
• Sims may not purchase perfume or the Love Potion 8.5
• Sims may not throw parties of any kind.
• Sims may not have Outings, casual or scored. <
• Sims may not go on scored dates. (They may still invite other Sims over for romantic interactions, but it won’t be scored as a date.)
• Sims may not purchase or use the stylist’s makeover chair.
• The Diva and Mr. Big NPCs may not be moved into the house for any reason.
• The Show Business career reward object may only be used by Sims currently in that career track.

Once a Sim from the house rises to superstar, they unleash their show, “Stylish Eye for the Zombie Guy” on the world. The Sims of the region, seeing radiated zombies shambling around looking 10 times better than them, gain a renewed interest in appearances. The profits from the show are used to bring fresh supplies of cosmetics, hair care products and stylish clothing to the region. “Fallout Wear” becomes a new trend across the country. Once Sims have bought their new threads and gotten all gussied up, they are once again confident enough to organize social gatherings and show off their new looks. Even some members of the social elite decide to return. All Show Business restrictions are lifted.

Return to top

Alien Technology:

“Earthlings are seen as quite primitive. It is a culture that still thinks digital watches were a pretty nifty idea. Pathetic.”

Sim City has been using Alien Technology for over a year, gained from the crashed remains of an alien saucer. With the labs and factories that held this technology destroyed in the blast, the alien discoveries are once again a mystery.

• Sims may not purchase any Aspiration Reward objects.
• If the founder brings a Reward object back from college in inventory, you may use it. You must delete this object once its special ability is used up (This includes the Love Tub, which must be deleted when the candles go out.)

This restriction can be lifted in one of two ways:

• It is lifted if a Sim is abducted by aliens. The Sim abducted may be any age and of either gender. The abduction does not have to result in an alien pregnancy.
• It is also lifted if a Sim who is a Top Secret Researcher or Mad Scientist goes to work with a satellite in their inventory. This satellite must originate from the family’s lot.

You do NOT have to lift this restriction in order to complete the challenge. Also, a Sim fulfilling this restriction can still fulfill one of the main 14.

Once the Alien Technology is back in the family’s hands, either given to them by the aliens or reverse-engineered from a crashed space craft, they can once again gain benefits from it.

Return to top

Back to normal:

The skies clear, the zombies are gone. The power plants are repaired and life returns to normal. The family stands as a testament to a Sim’s will and ability to survive. The whole city owes a great debt of gratitude to the host of leaders and heroes that have emerged from the family. Congratulations!

Your score is the total number of days that have passed since your founder returned from college. Even if you didn’t keep score, it’s impressive that you completed the challenge!

Want an even harder challenge? Try this challenge again, except start your founder as an Adult.

Return to top

FAQ:

“What happens if I break a restriction by mistake without lifting it first?”
Technically you fail the challenge. However, small goofs won’t cause you to fail as long as you fix them immediately. For example, if you move a couch before lifting the Athletic restriction, you can just move it back to exactly where it used to be when you realized your error and not fail. If you goof and forget to pay protection money, just pay it as soon as you realize. If a Sim autonomously does something that breaks a restriction (like playing games on the computer before you unlock Science) just cancel the action as soon as you notice it. You won’t fail the challenge just because of that. Knowingly breaking an unlifted restriction (giving up) will cause you to fail the challenge.

“Do you have any suggestions as to which restriction I lift first?”
I have my personal favorite, but I don’t want to say. The first two restrictions lifted (one by the founder, one by their spouse) have the largest implications. I’m curious to see what unique pairs of restrictions people decide to lift first to make the 2nd generation easier. All I can advise is that you look into what each restriction is really doing to you and decide which ones hamper your play style the most.

“What happens if I receive an item from a Date or Outing that is still restricted?”
You may keep the item, but you may not use it. You may sell it if you have lifted the Business restrictions. You may put it into inventory if you have room.

“My Sim has already hit the top of a career field. Does that mean they are not allowed to go to another career?”
Your sim can go to another career field, and even reach the top of it. However since they already lifted one restriction, reaching the top of a 2nd career path will not unlock its restriction. That doesn’t mean they can’t reach and stay at the top to earn the family money. Just remember that, unless the Slacker restriction has been lifted, Sims cannot return to their old careers.

“What if my system can’t handle a 5X5 lot?”
Move your Sims to whatever size lot your system can handle and use the family funds cheat to reduce their money to the amount they would have, had they moved into a 5X5 lot.

“What if I lift a restriction on an item when another restriction still says I can’t use it. Can I use the item?”
Unless a restriction specifically says you can use an item, even if other restrictions are in place, you must lift all the restrictions on an item to use it. For example, the Science restriction says you cannot use anything from the Electronics tab. The smoke alarm is in this tab, and thus restricted by Science. The Law Enforcement restriction also says you cannot buy or use Smoke Alarms. If you lift the Science restriction, but not Law enforcement, you are allowed to use electronic items but the Law Enforcement restriction still restricts the smoke alarm. If you lift the Law enforcement restriction, but not Science, you may use the smoke alarm. The text of the Law Enforcement restriction specifically says you may use the smoke alarm, even if it is still restricted by others. The same goes for actions. While lifting the Military restriction will allow you to invite anybody over, even for parties, you still have to lift the Show Business restriction to have parties at all.

Return to top