In The Sims 4, players have the opportunity to take on various Scenarios, each presenting unique narratives and missions. These scenarios introduce different Sims, storylines, and challenges, which not only enrich the gameplay experience but also offer valuable insights into various game mechanics, as well as inspire players with fresh ideas applicable to their own virtual environments.
Completing the Stuck in Their Shadow Scenario in The Sims 4
The Stuck in Their Shadow Scenario centers on the character Nova Curious, who aspires to join the Tech Guru career. However, her path is complicated by a rival from her past who has always eclipsed her success. As players navigate this competitive environment, strategic choices are crucial to ensure Nova secures the top position.
Upon initiating the Stuck in Their Shadow Scenario, players will first need to choose a World and house for Nova. Fortunately, this selection is largely a matter of individual preference. Players have the freedom to pick a setting they enjoy, allowing them to personalize Nova’s living space to their liking.
Once she’s settled in, players should prioritize Nova’s Aspirations. Achieving these aspirations yields Reward Points, which can be used to acquire beneficial traits or bonuses. Investing in two specific buffs, the Night Owl, which enhances skill acquisition at nighttime, and Esteemed Entrepreneurial, which accelerates promotions, can significantly facilitate progress through the Scenario.
The Night Owl trait requires 1,000 Reward Points, while the Esteemed Entrepreneurial trait costs 2,000 Reward Points. By working on Aspirations, players unlock points necessary to gain these advantages for Nova.
The challenge escalates quickly, as each Scenario includes multiple possible endings. This guide will focus on achieving the Haters Gonna Lose ending. For players seeking the Enemies to Lovers conclusion, developing a friendly rapport with Lewis and establishing a romantic relationship is key.
Phase 1: Initiating Nova’s Tech Guru Career
In the first phase, the players will have Nova embark on her Tech Guru career. Begin by selecting the phone option to get Nova hired in this new role, which will bring her into contact with the story’s antagonist. The primary objectives for this phase include:
- Join the Tech Guru Career
- Achieve Level 4 in Programming Skills
- Answer a Mysterious Phone Call
- Get Promoted to Project Manager
- Control Anger
- Become Focused
Players also have optional objectives that can influence the storyline’s outcome. Completing these tasks may set up specific endings, so focusing on them for desired results is recommended:
- Maintain Nova’s Needs
- Lock the Laptop
After joining the Tech Guru career, players should prioritize developing Nova’s programming skills, as reaching Level 4 is essential for her promotion to Project Manager. To enhance her work performance, select the briefcase icon while she’s at work and select “Work Hard”to speed up her advancement.
At a certain point, Nova will receive an unexpected call from Lewis Sancho, an old competitor from her school days who currently works at the same company. His call reveals his intention to obstruct Nova’s progress, prompting her to take action to manage her emotions. Players have multiple ways to fulfill this objective:
- Take an Angry Poop
- Take a Cold Shower
- Calm Down at a Mirror
Once Nova has found a way to calm her anger, players will need her to shift her focus back to her goals. Engaging in programming practices will help. If difficulties arise, consider using Reward Points to purchase a Focused Potion, which will enhance her focus instantly.
Maintaining Nova’s happiness and good work habits will naturally lead her towards a promotion to Project Manager. Players are also encouraged to complete optional objectives for holistic progress, including satisfying her basic needs and securing her laptop’s safety by utilizing the “Lock Computer”feature.
Upon Nova receiving her promotion, players will advance to the next phase of the scenario.
Phase 2: Climbing the Career Ladder
Once Nova has achieved the Project Manager role, new objectives arise, including:
- Get Promoted to Development Captain
- Go to Work Feeling Confident
- Answer the Call from Lewis
Additionally, various optional objectives are available that could affect the overall ending:
- Buy a Bed with Comfort 6
- Buy a Shower with Hygiene 7
- Acquire a Voodoo Doll
- Mod a Video Game
- Obtain a Reward Trait
- Create a Virus Plugin
After arriving home, Nova will receive a call from Lewis, who has also earned a promotion. Inspired by his progress, he decides to furnish his space, leading Nova to consider updating hers—though these tasks are optional, they help maximize the wait time for her own promotion.
Players should aim for a bed with a comfort rating of at least 6 to enhance Nova’s rest and boost her programming study efficiency. Additionally, purchasing a Voodoo Doll can unlock specific endings later in the scenario.
Regardless of furniture choices, developing Nova’s programming skills remains crucial for her next promotion. If players haven’t unlocked a Reward Trait yet, acquiring the Night Owl or Esteemed Entrepreneurial traits should be a priority. Players can also work on optional tasks, such as making Video Game Mods or Virus Plugins, which will further elevate her programming skills.
Once Nova reaches Level 5 in Programming, she’ll be well-positioned for her promotion. Players must also ensure she exudes confidence before heading to work, which can easily be achieved by using the “Psych Herself Up”interaction at the mirror pre-departure.
After securing her promotion to Development Captain, players will transition to the next phase of the scenario.
Phase 3: Navigating Office Politics
Having attained the Development Captain position, players will now face several new challenges in phase three:
- Wait for Information About Layoffs
- Be Friendly or Mean to Lewis
- Go To Sleep
- Invite Lewis to Stay or Kick Him Out
Additional optional objectives emerge that could shape the scenario’s outcome:
- Get Distracted by a Hobby
- Bind the Voodoo Doll
- Flirt with Lewis
- Call to Meal
- Reconnect with Lewis
Rumors about potential layoffs circulate within the company, prompting players to fulfill optional objectives like pursuing hobbies while waiting for developments. Eventually, Lewis will reach out and inform Nova that he’s been laid off due to workplace dynamics.
At this point, players will determine how to interact with Lewis, as these choices will influence the scenario’s outcome. Options include showing kindness by inviting him to stay or choosing a colder approach by binding him with the Voodoo doll and dismissing him. Alternatively, developing a flirtatious relationship is another possibility.
To perform the binding ritual, players should access Nova’s inventory, select the Voodoo Doll, and choose the “Bind”option with regard to Lewis. Depending on player decisions, they will either offer him shelter or terminate the relationship, prompting Nova to go to bed and move into the final phase.
Phase 4: Determining Nova’s Future
Once Lewis is out of the competitive picture, Nova can zero in on her ambitions. Key objectives for this phase comprise:
- Get Promoted to Start-Up Entrepreneur or eSports Gamer
- Display Career Reward
- Enable Aura of Career Reward
- Speak to Astronaut Lewis
- Decide Whether to Become an Astronaut
- Choose a Career Milestone
Optional objectives in this phase will further solidify the scenario’s ending, with additional tasks presented if players opted to support Lewis, such as:
- Get Fast Internet
- Fight Lewis
- Hack Work Performance
- Mock Lewis’ Outfit
For Nova to achieve either the Start-Up Entrepreneur or eSports Gamer position, she must attain a Level 6 in Programming. Completing the optional objective to hack work performance may expedite promotions, though it comes with risks of backfiring.
As Lewis reaches out to discuss his career turn, players must decide whether Nova will embark on an adventurous path alongside Lewis or continue her established trajectory. This decision will significantly influence the scenario’s resolution.
Players can have Nova engage in playful teasing or conflicts with Lewis, or they can politely see him off. Those who choose to extend a helping hand will explore additional narrative options aimed at supporting him.
Finally, players will find a Career Reward trophy in Nova’s inventory. Placing it on a desk or table and enabling its aura can elevate Nova’s mood pre-work, enhancing her performance yet again.
Upon completing her final promotion, players choose between becoming a Start-Up Entrepreneur or an eSports Gamer, culminating the scenario. With the steps detailed in this guide, players who maintained a competitive edge will achieve the Haters Gonna Lose ending, while those opting for kindness towards Lewis may uncover the Enemies to Lovers or Keep Your Enemies Close conclusions, depending on whether Nova pursued a romantic relationship with him.
The Stuck in Their Shadow scenario serves as an excellent opportunity for players to gain an in-depth understanding of Nova’s character and her complex history with Lewis. With numerous endings available, players can enjoy a varied and engaging gameplay experience within The Sims 4.