Detonation

An ability introduced in The Sims 3: Ambitions, sims who are Young Adult and older with at least 6 points in the Inventing skill have the ability to blow up objects for scrap metal using Detonation Packs. Most objects including cars, furniture and appliances can be detonated for a small fee ranging from 5 to 65 simoleans depending on the size and value of the object. When choosing to detonate an object, a sim throws a timed explosive at the object and runs for cover. After a set period time, the Detonation Pack explodes, singeing any sims and destroying or burning any objects nearby as well as scorching the floor. As a result of the explosion, scrap metal is scattered around the area which can be collected. Other objects caught in the blast radius also have a chance of exploding and may start a chain reaction, as such, using a Detonation Pack on a large field of small cheap decorative objects can be an extremely effective way to create a massive explosion. This is a highly efficient method in which to achieve the Diabolical Detonator challenge as well as any detonation related Wishes to blow up x amount of objects.

It should be noted that although the sim who is detonating usually runs to a safe distance automatically, this is not always the case and he or she may get caught up in an unpredictably large explosion such as when exploding large junk piles or if a chain reaction occurs and get singed. Sims cannot die from being caught in a blast so it is safe to continue blasting and getting blasted even after being singed. Typically, the more expensive the detonation, the bigger the explosion will be with car and large junk piles typically resulting in the biggest individual explosions. Additionally, the more expensive the item being exploded, the more pieces of scrap metal you will receive in return.

Sims who detonate objects on public property outside of the Junkyard risk the chance of being fined after a first warning and put on a 7 day notice as a result of further mayhem in which the chance of being fined for destruction of public property will increase. Fines will arrive in the form of a bill, as such, sims who have the No Bills Ever Lifetime Reward can essentially detonate indescriminately. Having met the Diabolical Detonator challenge will also reduce the chance of getting caught as well as reduce the price for detonation and result in more scrap metal from explosions. Sims can also detonate objects free from fines on their own lot, however, unlike on a community lot, fires can occur and there is a chance any sim caught in the blast will not only be singed but will be set on fire as well.

Typically, the most practical way to obtain scrap metal via Detonation Packs is by visiting the Junkyard and detonating junk piles. However, any cars that drive onto Junkyard property are also free game and may be exploded without risk of fines or surprisingly even the fury of the sim who's car you just exploded for a great deal of scrap metal in one shot. Burnt or salvaged objects can also be detonated, but will usually result in only a single piece of scrap metal due to being worth zero simoleans. This rule also applies to blowing up Fire Trucks, Police Cars or other objects with zero value.