CAS Suggestion: Bilateral Symmetry for Accessories and Tattoos
I've been spending a lot of time in Create-a-Sim lately and while I love the sheer number of accessories and tattoos, we have, there's one specific limitation that consistently breaks the immersion for my Sims. I wanted to start a discussion about it.
The Core Idea: Accessories and tattoos (like bracelets, armbands, scars, etc.) should have versions for both the right side and the left side of the body. I understand this would effectively create double the amount of CAS objects, but for the sake of true customization, I believe it's the best and most straightforward solution. It's terribly frustrating to find the perfect bracelet for a Sim's left arm, only to discover it's only available for the right.
What works well right now?
The current system for applying accessories and tattoos is, for the most part, intuitive and easy to use. I love the wide variety of styles available, from the delicate jewelry to the bold, statement tattoos. The ability to mix different types of accessories (glasses + earrings, for example) allows for a great deal of personal expression. The color and material customization is also a fantastic feature that lets us fine-tune a look.
What isn’t working or feels frustrating?
The frustration comes from a severe lack of symmetry. Many accessories—especially bracelets, arm cuffs, and watches—are locked to a single arm (typically the right). The same goes for many facial and body tattoos. This feels incredibly limiting.
For example:
- You can't create a Sim who wears a watch on their right wrist and a bracelet on their left, which is a common real-world practice.
- You can't give a Sim symmetrical arm tattoos without using a specific "full sleeve" piece, which limits design choice.
- You can't place a scar on the left cheek if the asset is only available for the right.
This lack of choice forces us to compromise our character's vision or spend an excessive amount of time searching for a workaround that often doesn't exist.
What new ideas or improvements would you suggest?
My primary suggestion is to create mirrored versions of all single-side accessories and tattoos. They could be listed as separate items in the CAS menu, perhaps with a "(Left)" or "(Right)" designation in the name for clarity.
To manage the potential clutter in the menu, a simple toggle filter could be added—much like the filters for packs or custom content—allowing players to show/hide mirrored versions.
Examples of where this would be crucial:
- Careers: A military Sim having a unit patch on their left shoulder, or a chef with a watch on their non-dominant (left) wrist.
- Family Gameplay: Creating a family tattoo tradition where everyone has it on their left ankle.
- Occult Sims: A vampire with an ancient rune scar on their left palm, or a spellcaster with markings that are symmetrical on both arms.
Why would this improve your gameplay experience?
Implementing this change would fundamentally improve my gameplay by granting true creative freedom. It would allow me to build Sims that feel more authentic and unique to their stories. A small detail like which arm a bracelet is on can say a lot about a Sim's personality, habits, or backstory.
This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about deepening role-play and character identity. For storytellers, these details are the finishing touches that make a Sim feel alive. It would make the CAS experience feel less restrictive and more like a true creative toolkit, benefiting every player who loves to customize their Sims to the smallest detail.
Does anyone else feel the same way? What are your thoughts on this?
