Autonomy Tweaks

Over the past month, these mods have been reworked to remove overrides. Overrides have consistently caused instability after patches, so the goal has been to transition everything to a no-override structure.

This process was still ongoing when the March 17 patch released. That update introduced a new cooldown system, which works by applying buffs that temporarily block certain autonomous actions (for example, limiting repeated computer use).

In practice, this system reduces how often Sims perform certain actions, but it does not improve decision-making. It does not prevent:

• Sims from using objects they don’t own (e.g. visitors using your PC)

• Contextually inappropriate behavior (e.g. gaming at the hospital, doing push-ups at social events)

• Poor priority handling (e.g. rushing to the computer immediately after waking instead of addressing needs)

These mods now integrate with Maxis’ cooldown system rather than overriding it. They extend it by adding contextual restrictions, so autonomy is not just limited, but also more consistent with the situation.

Examples of added logic:

• Sims will not swim in cold weather

• Sims will not swim in inappropriate venues (e.g. restaurant decorative pools)

• Sims will not use computers they don’t own, except in specific allowed contexts (e.g. small businesses, GeekCon)

• Sims will not cook if valid prepared food is already available on the lot

The overall goal remains the same: reduce autonomy spam while making behavior more coherent.

Important:
This version introduces a shared resource file. It is required for all related modules to function, as it contains references used across multiple packages.

I'm still in the process of reworking everything so not all previous files are included. I'll add a link to the old files (Legacy Versions) but they're not updated for the March 17 Patch.

All the packages require the Core Library (*)

G-Drive Folder

Legacy Mods (Not Up-to-date For March 17 Patch)

Individual Files

UPDATES:

Added exception to the test in the "Creative Skills" package for bartenders.

Shared File

Contains resources referenced across all the other files, always required.

Bath - Sims are heavily biased toward taking baths instead of showers, which often leads to inefficient routines, especially in the morning. Bath autonomy is now restricted to after 5 PM or when the Sim is in a highly distressed state, increasing the likelihood of choosing showers during normal daily routines.

Computer - Maxis introduced a global cooldown to reduce computer use, but it does not address context or priority issues (e.g. Sims rushing to a computer immediately after waking or using any available PC regardless of location).

This adjustment limits computer autonomy to after 9 AM and adds contextual checks. Sims will only use computers they own or those placed in appropriate public venues (e.g. cafés, libraries, student commons, GeekCon).

Creative Skills (BG) - Currently applies to painting and guitar (more skills will be added). Sims tend to autonomously engage in creative activities without context: using objects they don’t own or prioritising them over basic needs and daily routines.

This update adds contextual restrictions to make usage more consistent. For example, Sims will not pick up a guitar in public venues (e.g. lounges) unless they are professional entertainers, and will be less likely to prioritise these activities over essential needs or scheduled obligations.

Food and Drinks - Food-related autonomy is highly permissive by default: visitors may grab food or start cooking as if they own the lot, and Sims may begin cooking even when a group meal is already in progress or food is available.

This package adds contextual restrictions to prevent these conflicts. Sims will no longer cook redundantly or treat other households’ kitchens as their own, unless explicitly allowed by specific situations (e.g. City Living “munchies” visitors).

Gaming - Handled separately from general computer use to allow trait and preference-based restrictions. Functions similarly, but with additional checks so Sims are less likely to engage in gaming outside appropriate contexts or when it conflicts with needs and routines.

Gardening - Currently limits visitors from tending gardens on lots they don’t own. No additional restrictions are applied for active household Sims at this stage, as gardening autonomy seems already low. Further adjustments may be added later if needed.

Reading - Reduces excessive autonomous reading and prevents visitors from picking up books. Exceptions are made for keyholders and stay-over guests, who retain normal access.

Rubbish - Prevents visitors from cleaning, stops Sims from repeatedly emptying already empty bins, and reduces excessive rummaging in trash.

Singing - Limits excessive autonomous singing and practice singing, reducing how often Sims engage in these interactions without player direction.

Stereo and Dancing - Prevents Sims from autonomously dancing in inappropriate venues (e.g. restaurants) and stops them from turning on multiple stereos across the lot. Also reduces cases where Sims start playing music while others are sleeping.

Swimming - Prevents Sims from using any available pool without context and blocks swimming during unsuitable weather (cold or rain). Mermaids are exempt from these restrictions.

TV - Restricts excessive autonomous TV and movie watching. Visitors will no longer turn on or use TVs unless they are already on, with exceptions for keyholders and stay-over guests.

Various - Applies smaller autonomy restrictions that do not warrant separate modules. Currently includes:

• Blocking “make a mess” interactions on community lots (unless Responsibility is already negative)

• Blocking light fireplaces on community lots

• Restricting swing use to children or Childish Sims

• Adding a cooldown to snow shovelling and leaf raking

• Blocking play in puddles, dust piles, or rain (unless child or Childish)

• Restricting stargazing to appropriate venues (e.g. parks)

View Art - Prevents excessive autonomous “view” interactions on paintings and sculptures outside appropriate contexts. Sims will only engage in these interactions in relevant venues (e.g. museums, arts centres) or when acting as small business customers. This avoids art viewing becoming the default fallback when other autonomy options are restricted due to its high Fun motive weighting.

Watch Performance - Performance-related interactions attract excessive autonomy. By default, the game does not distinguish between practising and performing an instrument, treating both as equivalent.

This mod separates practice from actual performance for autonomy purposes and reduces how often Sims stop to watch performances.

Workout - Maxis added a cooldown to workout autonomy but did not account for exceptions such as Active Sims or those with the Energetic lifestyle. It also does not address context issues (e.g. visitors using gym equipment or Sims doing push-ups in inappropriate venues like libraries).

This module layers additional restrictions on top of the cooldown system. It limits workouts to appropriate venues, blocks visitors from using equipment, and restricts certain activities (e.g. push-ups) outside fitting contexts. It also adds time-based limits to prevent Sims from autonomously working out at unrealistic hours.

Others

Music Channels Autonomy : Maxis put considerable effort into developing an in-depth Music Preferences system, yet little was done to meaningfully integrate it into autonomy. The tools to fine-tune this behavior have existed since day one, but Sims were never properly instructed on how to act on their stated preferences.

This package adjusts autonomy so that Sims are more likely to turn on a stereo playing music they like and less likely to select genres they dislike. It does not increase or decrease how often Sims use stereos; it only influences which channel is chosen when autonomy rolls.

TV Channels Autonomy : same as above but for TV and based on personality/age instead of preferences.