Can You Truly Live on Sixam in The Sims 4? An Alien Settlement Experiment
As a longtime Sims player captivated by sci-fi and extraterrestrial themes, I was enthralled when the alien homeworld Sixam was unveiled in The Sims 4 Get to Work. Like many builders and storytellers, I was compelled to create a permanent alien colony to roleplay immersing fully in this mysterious realm. And thus sparked a series of attempts to settle sustainable bases across Sixam‘s exotic terrain.
Introducing the Cryptic Planet Sixam
Sixam is a hidden world accessible after reaching level 10 of the Scientist career track or using the testingcheats true cheat. Based on clues in earlier franchise titles, fans predicted this eventual alien homeworld reveal for years. The name itself pans as an anadrome of Maxis, the developers behind The Sims series.
This dim, gloomy planet contains various unfamiliar flora, trees with glowing orb fruit, cactus-like Quill plants, and tangled Fang Flowers sprouting bulbous pods. Crystalline trees dot the toxic green seas along cliffs and craters. Various crashed satellite debris and a prominent engraved Monolith also populate the landscape.
| Alien Type | Description | Personality Traits |
|---|---|---|
| Humanoid | Resemble humans with green skin/large eyes | Erratic, Insider |
| Grey | Classic oval head grey aliens | Gloomy, Insider |
| Reptilian | Lizard/dinosaur-like humanoids | Hot-headed, Insider |
Several alien visitors matching common extraterrestrial archetypes also occupy Sixam. While often standoffish, befriending these aliens and discussing their homeworld can raise the hidden Alien Awareness skill. But beyond socializing, meaningful gameplay options on Sixam remain virtually nonexistent…
Utilizing Cheats For Off-World Construction
Normally Sims can only travel here briefly before returning home. However exploiting the freeRealEstate on cheat overrides placement rules, allowing you to develop vacant terrain. With no predefined lots, nearly the entire planetary space becomes buildable.
This permits erecting makeshift structures around debris piles or carving bases into stony outcroppings. You become hyper aware of terrain stamps, sculpting mountain alcoves for shelter from toxic storms sweeping the wastes. Incorporating natural features like crystal walls or Glow Fruit groves adds alien ambiance.
With unlimited funds, amenities are provided escaping grind. Focus instead lands on creatively reacting to the bizarre environ. Building sustainably relies heavily on off-grid survival mechanics…
My 60 Sim Day Sixam Survival Ordeal
I embarked optimistically on my alien habitation experiment. An enthusiastic Xenobiology grad student, I aimed applying Earth skills "roughing it" here. My research outpost quickly took shape…but neither courses nor overnights camping deep woods prepared me for these extreme conditions
The days soon blurred into repetitive grind. Exploring terrain already exhausted itself as dense Fang Flower jungles choked pathways. Socialization faint opportunities chatting passersby aliens grew stale.
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Socialize | Rare alien encounters |
| Explore | Quickly exhausted |
| Maintain Needs | Constant micromanaging |
| Research Flora | Tediously repetitive |
The fruitless monotony continued eroding positive moods. Mechanical upkeep like harvesting, cooking, cleaning while vital became unbearable as hours blurred. Statistical analysis showed even maxed needs decayed rapidly in this oppressive atmosphere…
| Need Type | Starting Value | Hours Elapsed Before Decay |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 100% | 4h 10m |
| Fun | 100% | 1h 05m |
| Social | 100% | 2h 15m |
| Bladder | 100% | 4h 35m |
| Hunger | 100% | 6h 40m |
I persevered believing fortune eventually change. But endless toxic rainstorms chipped resolve. Once vibrant Fang Flowers shriveled as resources stockpiled pre-arrival dwindled. The desolate landscape mirrored inner numbness as I questioned this doomed experiment…
Potential vs. Limitations of Sixam Gameplay
The mystique of occupying an alien planet intrinsically captivates imagination. Settlement elicits near universal interest cross-genres: space operas, survival games or colonist simulations. Players yearn carving value, purpose when confronting unknown frontiers.
Yet intrigue alone fails substituting engaging gameplay. And currently Sixam‘s barren, repetitive nature severely limits potential. Let‘s examine system depth for occupancy viability:
| Category | Rating | Potential? |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain Diversity | ★☆☆☆☆ | Additional biomes beyond toxic/barren |
| Constructability | ★★★☆☆ | Fine presently |
| Flora/Resources | ★★☆☆☆ | More harvest, craft options |
| Wildlife | ★☆☆☆☆ | Alien creatures beyond visitors |
| Culture | ★☆☆☆☆ | Create Sixamite society |
| Activities | ★☆☆☆☆ | Minigames, skill venues |
| Visuals | ★★★☆☆ | Improved weather/skyboxes |
Opportunity abounds expanding depth only limited by project ambition. But currently systems feel more tech demo than realizable world.
Creative Workarounds Using Sixam‘s Mystery
Without fundamentally enhancing underlying gameplay, creativity salvages Sixam‘s untapped potential. Clever builders and storytellers crafted their own purpose upon this canvas vast.
Hidden Research Labs. Carve remote bases inside natural caverns applying Sixam‘s allure where gameplay lacks. Concealed scientist sanctuaries analyse bizarre alien flora secured from prying eyes!
Terraforming Tropical Oasis. Reshaping terrain and importing Earth vegetation creates refuge against the wastes‘ oppression. Tranquil garden paradise lined glowing orb trees offer peaceful reprieve.
Interstellar HeroQuest. Embark legendary astronauts upon procedural quests across the stars seeking fabled artifacts, brave unknown anomalies, contact enigmatic civilizations! Sixam‘s boundless scope limited only by imagination.
Such passion projects showcase what could materialize given proper development resources. For now determination manifesting headcanon substituted for proper gameplay carries Sixam‘s potential.
Final Verdict: Hard Pass…For Now
Could one truly permanently occupy Sixam given proper provisions and grit to endure isolation? Physically, with cheats ensuring needs met, perhaps. But bereft gameplay quickly unravels interest and purpose.
Yet we need not abandon intrigue nor creativity kindled in players enthused inhabiting alien soil. Provide proper attention enriching underlying systems and Sixam may yet transform from barren tech demo to lively, engaging locale ready welcoming settlers yearning adventure amongst the stars!
My settlement experiment may have concluded prematurely but the vision persists of someday thriving upon this alien shore. Only time will tell what the future holds for Sixam‘s continued expansion!
