In The Sims 4, Vladislaus Straud often poses a significant challenge for players, disrupting their gameplay by bypassing common vampire deterrents. His persistent presence can lead to unfortunate situations where Sims miss critical work obligations due to exhaustion from his incessant attacks.
Vladislaus is a prominent non-playable character (NPC) introduced with the Vampires expansion pack. As a Master Vampire, he possesses unique traits that distinguish him from other vampires in the game. Unfortunately, these abilities also allow him to evade standard protective measures. Fortunately, there are effective strategies players can employ to keep him at bay and protect their Sims from his hunger.
Strategies to Prevent Vladislaus Straud from Feeding on Your Sims
Players will be notified when Vladislaus takes an interest in their Sims, typically via a speech bubble that signals his arrival. He often greets new residents shortly after they move in and tends to make comments about their necks, a clear indication of his feeding intentions.
Vlad usually makes his appearance during late-night hours, often standing outside the front door. While traditional vampire lore suggests that he should require permission to enter, Vladislaus still manages to bend this rule. Players need to implement effective strategies to deter him.
1. Lock the Doors
The first line of defense is to restrict all entryways by locking the doors in the household. Players can accomplish this by clicking on each door and selecting the option that prevents vampires from using them. While this tactic is effective against most vampires, it is crucial to take additional steps to thwart Vladislaus specifically.
2. Tell Vlad to Leave
Should players find that Vladislaus continues to intrude despite restrictions, it may be due to a special trait that allows him to bypass locked doors. He often teleports into rooms or mesmerizes unsuspecting victims from outside to lure them out.
3. Delete Windows Inside Bedrooms
If your Sim’s bedroom is located on the ground floor, it’s wise to consider removing windows. This prevents Vlad from gazing into the room and using his mesmerizing powers on the Sim. If he cannot see them, he cannot compel them to step outside, where he can feed.
Alternatively, constructing bedrooms on upper floors minimizes visibility and accesses risks. However, due to his teleportation ability, there’s still a likelihood that he might gain entry even with higher windows.
4. Make Garlic Braids and Place Garlic Near Doors
The level of garlic protection required correlates with whether Vladislaus has already fed from the Sim; those he hasn’t bitten yet should accumulate garlic braids and wreaths for every entrance. Developing a proficient understanding of vampire lore is necessary to craft these garlic objects.
Sims can improve their Vampire Lore skills through the following methods:
- Reading Vampire Lore Books
- Researching Vampires Online
- Discussing Vampiric Topics with Others
As Sims advance in the Vampire Lore skill tree, they unlock various crafting recipes, including the ability to create protective charms from garlic. It’s advisable to mass-produce garlic wreaths and braids, given Vladislaus is no ordinary vampire.
Players can buy garlic seeds online and cultivate them, yielding multiple garlic bulbs per seed. Once harvested, Sims can craft garlic wreaths using ten bulbs each. Strategically placing these garlic objects near all entry points ensures Vladislaus suffers from a Garlic Induced Irritation buff, effectively keeping him away.
For those who have already been bitten, players should take additional precautions, as Vlad himself acknowledges that mere garlic isn’t as effective on Sims he has tasted. Therefore, multiple garlic decorations throughout the home are essential along with keeping a stash of garlic bulbs in the Sim’s inventory for added defense.
5. Craft and Drink the Vampire Resistance Cocktail
Vladislaus is notorious for using his Mesmerization ability to trick Sims, but those who proficiently study Vampire Lore can learn to craft the Vampire Resistance Cocktail, providing critical defense against his seductive powers.
Although Sims need to prepare this cocktail nightly since its effects are not permanent, it becomes an invaluable asset for survival against Vlad’s advances. Players can concoct this beverage at any bar, requiring some wolfsbane, which is easily obtainable via online purchases. Drinking it before bedtime ensures that Sims remain safe from Vlad’s enchanting abilities.
6. Activate the Private Dwelling Lot Trait to Deter Vlad’s Visits
Another viable strategy involves activating the Private Dwelling lot trait. While results can vary, this particular trait has shown potential in preventing Vlad and other unwanted visitors from stopping by.
Some players have found that utilizing this trait effectively keeps Vlad from visiting, whereas others have experienced him circumventing it due to his unique abilities. Regardless, enabling this trait is a reasonable step to initially deter Vlad’s advances.