The Mystical Methods (Base Game)

Death in The Sims 4 is a fact of life, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. Whether your beloved Sim met an untimely end by Cowplant, electrocution, or old age, there are multiple ways to bring them back to the land of the living. From mystical concoctions to powerful artifacts, this guide will walk you through every method of resurrection in the game, ensuring your Sim’s legacy—and life—continues.

The ability to bring a Sim back from the dead adds a layer of depth and drama to your storytelling. It’s a key feature that allows players to fix a tragic mistake or simply defy the Grim Reaper. While some methods are available in the base game, others require specific expansion or game packs.

These methods are your go-to options if you’re playing with only the base game. They require dedication and a bit of a grind, but they are a surefire way to bring a Sim back.

• Pleading with the Grim Reaper: This is a classic, high-stakes option. When a Sim dies, a living Sim can plead with the Grim Reaper for the deceased’s life. This is not a guaranteed success, but if your Sim has a good relationship with the dying Sim and is in a strong emotional state, the Grim Reaper may grant their plea. If it fails, you’ll have to use another method.
• The Book of Life: This is a powerful, guaranteed method of resurrection. To create it, a Sim must complete the “Bestselling Author” aspiration. Upon completion, they will unlock the ability to write the Book of Life. The key is that the book must be written about a living Sim. If that Sim later dies, the Book of Life can be used to “Summon Ghost” and then “Resurrect” them, restoring them to their former self. The Book of Life is a one-time-use item for resurrection, but it is one of the most reliable options.
• Ambrosia: The ultimate culinary creation in The Sims 4. Ambrosia is a special dish that, when eaten by a ghost Sim, instantly brings them back to life. However, the ingredients are incredibly difficult to obtain. You will need a Sim with level 10 Cooking and level 10 Gourmet Cooking. The recipe requires the following rare ingredients: a Death Flower, an Angelfish, and a Potion of Youth (purchased from the rewards store with Satisfaction Points). The Angelfish is found by fishing, while the Death Flower must be created through the complex process of plant grafting.

Expansion Pack Resurrection Methods

Certain packs add new, and sometimes easier, ways to cheat death. These are great alternatives if you own the corresponding content.

• Wishing Well (Romantic Garden Stuff Pack): This is a great, but risky, option. A ghost Sim can go to a Wishing Well and “Wish for Life.” You can choose to donate Simoleons to increase your chances of a successful wish. A successful wish will instantly bring the Sim back, but a failed wish can result in a number of negative outcomes, including an angry ghost or even a new Sim death on the lot.
• Dedeathify Spell (Realm of Magic Game Pack): If you have a Spellcaster Sim, they can learn the “Dedeathify” spell, which falls under the Untamed Magic school. This spell can be used on a ghost Sim to instantly resurrect them. To learn this spell, your Spellcaster will need to reach a high skill level and may need to befriend one of the three Sages in the Magic Realm. It is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to revive a Sim, provided you have a capable Spellcaster.
• Vitality Nectar (Horse Ranch Expansion Pack): This new method is a welcome addition for those with the Horse Ranch pack. A Sim can learn how to make Vitality Nectar, which has a similar effect to Ambrosia. The recipe requires a Death Flower and Spinach. When a ghost Sim drinks Vitality Nectar, they will immediately be brought back to life. This method is often considered easier to execute than making Ambrosia due to the less demanding ingredients.

The Ultimate Cheat: Instant Resurrection

For those who prefer a no-fuss approach, there is a simple cheat code that can instantly bring your Sim back.

• Using Cheats: First, you must open the cheat console by pressing Ctrl + Shift + C on PC or R1 + R2 + L1 + L2 on consoles. Type testingcheats true and press enter. Next, you must add the ghost Sim to your household (either by maxing out the relationship bar or by shift-clicking on them with testingcheats enabled and selecting “Add to Family”). Once they are in your household, shift-click on them again and select “Remove Trait…” Then, find and click on the “Death by…” trait that corresponds to how they died. This will instantly remove the ghost trait and turn them back into a living Sim.

While a Sim’s death can be a somber moment, The Sims 4 provides an incredible range of options for resurrection. Whether you choose to work hard to earn the right to resurrect them through gameplay or take a shortcut with cheats, you can always ensure your favorite Sims live to see another day.