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Something I’ve always loved about the Sims franchise is the quirky touches. And Sims 4 continues the tradition with gnomes, which may just guide you through your most whimsical gameplay yet. But it’s one thing to know that gnomes exist and another to know how to appease them with gifts– or shoo them away when they’re appearing.
If you haven’t heard about gnomes in Sims 4, chances are you haven’t been on Sims 4 Reddit. Now, Sims Reddit can be a little wild in general– but it’s a sure place to find honest opinions about Sims 4 gameplay, building, and even CAS (create a sim mode). And gnomes happen to be a hot topic.
Most of the posts question like gnomes are appearing in homes and creating havoc. From gnomes showing in screenshot pictures to gnomes creating a mess, the main theme is wanting to get rid of them. One memorable post by bby-grl shared a screenshot of a backyard littered with tokens left behind by gnomes. The message was clear: “Dear Gnomes, PLEASE STOP.”
And while I can empathize with the disaster, the truth is that it doesn’t have to be this way. For all the threads complaining about gnomes overtaking their homes, there’s a solution. Gnomes in Sims 4 are not evil, but they do require appeasing.
In this guide, I’ll tell you how to get rid of gnomes or appease them– and some bonuses you may not know about. I’ll also provide a list of all the gnomes you can get in Sims 4, and how to use them to enhance–not frustrate– your gameplay experience.
What are Gnomes in Sims 4?
In case you’ve stumbled on this article and have no idea about what gnomes are in Sims 4, I want to start with a simple explanation– and also a brief history of gnomes in Sims games. Gnomes, called gremlins by some, first appeared in the original Sims game and have appeared in every Sims game since– with some tweaks as to what they do and how your sim can interact with them.
Gnomes in Sims 1
In the original game, gnomes were added to two expansion packs: Livin’ Large and Makin’ Magic. In Livin’ Large, there wasn’t much to them– just simple garden gnomes you could craft using the woodworking table. In the Makin’ Magic expansion, though, players could use magic to animate the gnomes, who could serve as temporary garden helpers.
Gnomes in Sims 2
Gnomes returned in Sims 2, and they could be used as decorations for your front or backyard, but also took on special characteristics with the Nightlife and Pets expansion packs. If you own Nightlife–my favorite pack for Sims 2–there’s a bit of fun (or nuance), as other sims may attempt or successfully steal your gnome decorations. You can also cause mischief and steal other sims’ gnomes. The Pets expansion comes with a special gnome called Shifty Sam. With Shifty Sam, you’ll notice that the gnome has a mind of its own, appearing in different places along your lot.
Gnomes in Sims 3
In Sims 3, gnomes could be purchased as decor items, but they got most of their personality with the Sims 3 Pets expansion pack. These garden gnomes had the unique ability to attract cats, dogs, and other wild animals to your home.
Gnomes in Sims 4 have some similarities with these previous games– but differences as well.
What Do the Gnomes do in Sims 4?
Like gnomes in past sims games, gnomes in Sims 4 move– and have some special abilities. Gnomes in Sims 4 move from one place to another on the lot they’re placed on, without your say. They may break your appliances, create messes– or leave you some gifts. Gnomes may also multiply on your lot. So as you can see, gnomes really can impact your environment– and there is a reason why they’re a subject regularly mentioned on Reddit.
Are Gnomes Evil?
However, even if you find the gnomes to be more of a nuisance than helpful, I would never classify them as evil in Sims 4. They are mischievous and add a little chaos to your game. If anything, I find that things like gnomes add a little whimsy and break the monotony of everyday gameplay. Gnomes won’t kill your sims in Sims 4, nor will they entirely ruin your home– unless you want them to. And with the proper knowledge, you can appease gnomes, make them go away, and manage them to your liking.
Where are the Gnomes in Sims 4?
If, on the other hand, you’ve browsed forums and wonder why gnomes never appear on your lot in Sims 4, chances are you don’t know where they can be found in your game. Gnomes are a feature of the Sims 4: Seasons expansion pack– and the holidays give you some gameplay with gnomes as well.
The newest expansion pack, Cottage Living, also offered a gnome– but there’s a big caveat to that. You can find gnomes in the build/ buy catalog under decor/ sculptures and place them just as you would other decor items. But, first, purchase Sims 4: Seasons for the full gnome experience. If you have trouble finding them, you can also use the search feature in build/ buy.
How do you Unlock Gnome On The Go?
The Gnome On The Go– known as the Onward Adventurous Gnome- came with a pre-order of the Sims 4 Cottage Living expansion pack. Unfortunately, that means if you didn’t buy the pre-order when it was offered, there’s no way to access this special gnome. If you did buy the game, it should appear in your decor section along with any other gnomes.
I do know a few simmers had problems with their order at first, though hopefully all of those issues have been resolved. If you bought the pre-order version of the Cottage Living expansion pack, then contact a representative to see if something went wrong. But if you bought the regular version of the expansion pack of Cottage Living then you simply won’t have the gnome. While aesthetically unique, you aren’t missing out on unique gameplay.
Why is There a Gnome in my Picture Sims 4?
You may also notice gnomes appearing in your photography. When you see a gnome in the middle of your photo, it has little to do with appeasing gnomes– a common misconception. Instead, you’ll see gnomes appearing in pictures due to low photography skills. As you work on your photography, you’ll no longer see gnomes ruining your pictures.
Since photography is a skill that comes with the base game (and is enhanced by packs such as Get to Work and the freelance photography career in Sims 4 Moschino Stuff), you will see gnomes in your pictures regardless of the packs you own. Just keep at it, and eventually, you’ll be skilled enough at photography that you won’t see them anymore.
Why are There Gnomes in my House Sims 4?
If you have gnomes in your house, you likely added a gnome and forgot about it, or purchased a furnished home with at least one gnome. Two other reasons are also possible, however. You may have the Sims 4 gnomes lot trait, or, if it’s during Haverestfest, there’s an event of Holiday Gnomes appearing in your home.
What is the Sims 4 Gnomes Lot Trait?
Lot traits impact different effects of a home or community lot. You can add a lot of traits through build mode on the right-hand side at the top of your screen. Choose up to three lot traits. I recommend checking lot traits if you’ve downloaded a lot from the gallery especially if you notice strange behavior.
Lot traits can also be applied to the apartments in both City Living and Eco Lifestyle. The gnomes lot trait is helpful. While some avoid it out of fear of broken objects, it has the opposite effect. Add the gnomes lot trait, and broken appliances will magically be repaired at night. It’s pretty handy if you’re trying to run a store, but also if you have a large family and cheaper appliances that seem to always be breaking.
What to Do With Gnomes in Sims 4?
So, aside from the gnomes lot trait, are gnomes all just a nuisance, or can they be helpful to simmer? The answer is a bit of both, depending on how you interact with them. If you appease gnomes, like previous games, they can help with your gardening. Gnomes will provide seeds, free of charge if they’re appeased. Anger them, and you’re setting yourself up for chaos. And, of course, you can use gnomes as decor, both indoors and outdoors, and even for community lots.
How Do I Get Rid of the Gnomes in Sims 4?
The number on instinct I see, however, is to try to get rid of gnomes. If you want to stop gnomes from appearing in the first place, don’t add any from the build/ buy catalog, don’t add the gnome lot trait, and cancel out the gnome- Harvestfest celebration (though this may make your sims gloomy for a while). But if you have angry gnomes on your lot in Sims 4. The best way to stop them is to try to appease them– which is not nearly as difficult as some think.
How Do I Appease Gnomes in Sims 4?
Appeasing gnomes in Sims 4 requires understanding what they want. During Harvestfest and other holidays– such as Winterfest, Love Day, New Year’s, and Spring Holidays (Flower Hunt and Egg Hunt), Sims 4 gnomes want gifts. Most of the problems with gnomes are not the everyday gnomes in your home, but gnomes angry due to a neglected holiday. But if you want to make it through the holidays, you just need a simple guide to understand what gifts to give your gnomes. In return, you’ll get rid of angry gnomes, and, as a bonus, get some seeds for gardening in the process.
What is a Good Gift for Gnomes in the Sims 4?
However, not just any gift will do for a gnome. Gnomes will only accept pie, salad, fruitcake, coffee, a toy, or the Future Cube as a gift. But before you start whipping up salads for all your gnomes and call it a day, you also need to consider the gnome you’re dealing with. And for that, I have a list of every gnome and what will appease them.
Complete Sims 4 Gnomes Appease List with Pictures
Here are all 12 gnomes you could see during the holidays in Sims 4. Note that each gnome has a special appearance, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all for the best gifts to appease them with. With pictures, a description, and what to give them, it’ll be easy to appease them and keep angry gnomes at bay. Keep in mind that I’m showing the first– and most popular– swatch for each. If you don’t like the colors you see here, you can change them by selecting a different swatch.
Bare Essentials Gnome
The Bare Essentials Gnome is immediately recognizable by the pixelated block appearance on its lower half. This gnome has a red gnome hat, a whimsical smirk, and that block. It’s the most out there in terms of appearance.
Appeased With
- Toys
Bearly Gnome
I’m not sure why, but this silly gnome is one of my favorites. If you haven’t guessed already, the names are full of puns. This gnome’s face is just barely visible, peeking out from a cozy brown bear suit. He has the same white mustache and beard and bulbous nose, with his arms reaching up.
Appeased With
- Pie
Don’t Fear the Reagnomper
You guessed it: this gnome takes on a deathly appearance– in the Sims 4 universe, anyway. The same facial features and hair are there– but this gnome has a rather serious expression, wielding a scythe with the signature black of a grim reaper. Don’t worry– this gnome won’t kill your sims– but they will get angry if not appeased.
Appeased With
- Pie
Ghastly Ghostly Gnome
This gnome takes on a spooky, ghastly appearance. More at home as decor for Spooky Day, this gnome may appear nonetheless during HarvestFest, demanding a gift. Of all the gnomes, this one is the one I’d understand new players thinking it may kill their sims. The nearly transparent appearance, sharp angles, and daunting expression all make it look like decor for a home graveyard.
Appeased With
- Fruitcake
Gnome Matter What I’m Still Your Baby
In a romantic mode or preparing for Winterfest? This gnome takes on a spirited holiday look, donning iconic red and green for a Santa-like appearance. With a jolly expression, this gnome looks great beside a Christmas tree and a cozy fireplace. The open arm position showcases this gnome’s joy– but the gift it wants is a bit of an energy boost.
Appeased With
- Coffee
Guardian of the Gnomelaxy
Guardians of the Galaxy fans or just supernatural fans, this gnome is for you. The white beard is swapped out for a ghastly green, with an alien appearance. The eyes are replaced with beady black pupils. Still, despite the extraterrestrial design, this gnome gives off a friendly vibe and is at home at a nerdy or gamer sim’s collection.
Appeased With
- Future Cube
Happy Gnome Garden Pal
It’s hard not to smile when you see this gnome. Then again, I could see an argument made for how off-putting the wide, exaggerated smile can be– at least if you stare at it too long. This gnome has a signature white beard and mustache, a gleeful expression, and a green tunic with brown pants. Of course, it’s great for decor for a whimsical garden. This is the gnome to go to for garden seeds.
Appease With
- Coffee
Happy Gnomiversary
Get in a celebratory mood with this gnome. Dressed in a spiffy black tuxedo and a celebratory party hat, this gnome is another of my favorites. He’ll look at a place for the New Year’s countdown in Sims 4, though since he holds a cake, he could also work if you build a community cafe or restaurant.
Appease With
- Coffee
Mr. Floppy the Gnome
This gnome is excellent for celebrating Spring in Sims 4. The pink bunny costume suits the Egg Hunt and Flower Bunny traditions during that season. But as bright and charming as it may seem, those floppy ears don’t stay appeased forever. Gift them a Springtime gift and they’ll help you with your Spring garden.
Appease With
- Salad
Poolside Gnome
Of course, there are festivities to celebrate year-round, and this gnome helps you embrace warm weather and lazy Summer days. The Poolside Gnome is one of the most distinct in terms of appearance. This gnome has a cobalt blue hat and a matching blue and white striped swimsuit. Unlike the majority, this is a female gnome, with playful gray-white braids. Her look is finished off with a red pool inflatable and bare feet.
Appease With
- Pie
Strictly Business Gnome
As the name suggests, this gnome means business. The crisp brown suit is paired with a red tie and a suitable red hat. He carries a briefcase and appears to be on the go. While not the most popular gnome, he could be a fun prank for an ambitious sim or a sim who is both a hard worker and has a sense of humor– though I see him as best for indoors rather than out. Bet you can guess what gift this gnome craves…
Appease With
- Coffee
There’s No Place Like Gnome
And our final gnome has a special place in my heart. As a fan of both Wizard of Oz and the Sims, this gnome is simply charming in my opinion, though I do wish they’d done a bit more with his appearance. This gnome has the typically green tunic and red cap, but with his hands at these sides and feet close together. That longing look isn’t so much as wanting to return home, but asking for an energizing gift.
Appease With
- Coffee
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What do I do With Gnomes After Harvestfest?
Answer: After Harvestfest, it’s up to you what to do with gnomes that have appeared in your home. You should make sure you appease them with gifts. If you want, you can keep them around to see if they’ll leave you seeds for gardening. You can also sell gnomes directly from your inventory. You can also get rid of them by kicking them into they dissolve into the trash, but I recommend one of the other options.
Question: How Do you get Gnomes to forgive you in Sims 4?
Answer: If you have an angry gnome, research what gifts appease them. Gnomes will forgive you if you provide them with the proper gifts– just know that different gnomes have different preferences.
Question: How Do You Make Holidays Longer in Sims 4?
Answer: One thing I love about the holidays in the Sims 4 Seasons expansion is that you can customize them. Not only can you create your holidays, but you can also edit existing ones. To make a holiday longer in Sims 4, navigate to your calendar icon. There, you can click on a holiday to make edits and there’s a plus button to add your holidays and traditions. The calendar is available to everyone with the Sims 4 base game, though it has holidays and advanced features with the Seasons expansion pack.
Question: What is the Future Cube Sims 4?
Answer: The future cube costs 325 simoleons in Sims 4 and is a perplexing item. This mysterious white cube can be used to ask questions and may impact your sim’s mood. The most common outcome is a boost of 2 moodlet points– but you do have a chance of a negative moodlet.
Final Thoughts
Gnomes in Sims 4 are often seen as a nuisance, but, treated well, you can get some extra seeds. Gnomes have always been part of the Sims franchise, and seeing them return for holidays in Sims 4 is just a way of continuing the tradition. Each sims game does it a little differently– but knowing what gifts to give allows you to appease your gnomes and help them from breaking your appliances.
Final Buying Recommendations
To celebrate holidays with these gnomes, you’ll need the Sims 4: Seasons expansion pack. However, you could also buy Sims 4: Spooky Day Stuff to accent the Reagonomper and Ghastly Ghosty gnomes with Halloween decorations. But if you love spooky things in general, I love the Sims 4: Paranormal Stuff Pack, and Sims 4: Vampires is great for niche gameplay.
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