This article or section is being considered for merging with Intelligence. Reason: Other similar careers are under one parent-like group (Fashion/Retail Clothing, Architecture/Construction, etc.), this seems no different of a situation.
Unique among the possible careers, Investigators work freelance, having no set time or location to work. Instead, they acquire cases either by going to the police station, researching cases on a computer, or waiting for clients to call them.
Cases are solved by rummaging through mail and garbage, snooping for clues at various locations, dusting for prints, and - most importantly - talking with other Sims. However, occasionally problems in the investigation will arise. For example, it may be necessary for an investigator to pick locks in order to get inside homes to search for clues and sometimes other Sims will need to be convinced to talk, either by being befriended, being bribed, or simply by being beaten up by the investigator. Be aware that beating up other Sims make your relationship with that Sim go down, and if you do not have a high athletic skill, you might just lose the fight.
Less ethical investigators (even by investigator standards) can steal objects from locations as being "evidence," much like Sims with the Kleptomaniac trait. They can also use evidence found in mailboxes and garbage cans to blackmail other Sims, although this action is not always successful. Also, Investigators with no love for critters crawling at the outdoors can misuse their magnifying glass to fry the insects and making them explode, negligibly boosting fun for the Investigator. This can also be done at night time, strangely enough.
Investigator Sims also need to hold stakeouts. This can be done on a community lot. The Sim will pick up some bushes, and a random message will appear. Then, if the stakeout is successful, the Sim will see two other Sims exchanging something. The Sim can then go and write a report on a computer, which, in turn, will raise their career performance.
Finally, an investigator can also go to the police station to do "Low level police work" for hourly pay, with options similar to a standard career (work hard, meet coworkers, etc.).
Promotion Levels[]
Investigator Career Levels
1) Eavesdropper
Self-motivation is second only to self-preservation in the solitary career of an Investigator. Track down criminals, solve mysteries, and keep the peace -- when Sims are down on their luck and have nowhere left to turn, they'll turn to you! If you're up for the challenge and can manage the stress, a life of intrigue awaits!
Stipend: §275/week
Exp to Promo: 400xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
2) Small Claims Investigator
Unpaid debts and property damage may not make a splash in the headlines, but hard work and honest investigating will get the job done. With your magnifying glass no clue will be too small, so get out there and start hunting for your next lead.
Perks: Magnifying Glass
Stipend: §340/week
Exp to Promo: 400xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
3) Superfluous Sleuth
You've watched enough mid-day TV courtroom dramas to know this won't be an easy gig. Analyzation is the name of the game and you're just the one to undo any wrong doings before anyone does something rash!
Perks: Free Professional's Frosted Door
Stipend: §400/week
Exp to Promo: 600xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
4) Caper Crusader
It's time to up the stakes. The criminals are getting craftier and to stay on top of their crimes you need to pull out your own bag of tricks. In a world without restrictions you'd always have the last laugh, but for now you'll just have to hope that dusting for prints turns up some solid leads.
Perks: Fingerprint Dusting Kit
Stipend: §525/week
Exp to Promo: 800xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
5) Obscure Clue Summoner
Crime may lurk beneath the surface of where honest citizens call home. As the newest member of the community watch, it's time for you to help create a safe neighborhood for all. Keep an eye open for any suspicious behavior, but remember - no window peeping!
Perks: New Uniform
Stipend: §650/week
Exp to Promo: 1,000xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
6) Gumshoe
Gumshoe isn't just a title -- it's a precursor to snatching bad guys before they're even aware of what hit them. Get your gear and hit the streets, because your training to become a super sleuth starts now.
Perks: Free Investigator's Case Board
Stipend: §850/week
Exp to Promo: 1,200xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
7) Licensed Snoop
The training is paying off and you're able to sidle up to crooks before they can think twice. You're dealing with the heavy hitters now, so it may be time to get a little dirty to clean this city up. You've been assured that the boys in blue will look the other way, so get to work!
Perks: Ability to Sneak
Stipend: §1,125/week
Exp to Promo: 1,400xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
8) Inspector of Iniquities
Your reputation precedes you because of the news from your big busts. The community watch is duly impressed, and they've nixed this year's crosswalk guard's funding to buy you a sleek new sedan instead. Don't disappoint!
Perks: Free Yomoshoto Evasion
Stipend: §1,475/week
Exp to Promo: 1,600xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
9) Flatfooted Investigation Specialist
Criminals are being driven out of town in droves and local politicians are taking notice. When one citizen can be the catalyst for such change, you can be sure to catch the police commissioner's attention. With the backing of authority you can take your business to the next level.
Stipend: §1,850/week
Exp to Promo: 1,800xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
10) Private Eye
You've done it! The solver of stumpers, the evictor of enigmas, the master of mysteries! You've been called it all as citizens around town express their gratitude. There's no time to rest on your laurels though because duty calls and you always answer. Don your new duds and hit the streets -- criminals must know that private eyes are watching them.
Perks: New Uniform
Stipend: §2,475/week
Exp to Promo: 2,000xp
Days: S M T W T F S
Work Hours: Open
Skills: Logic
Responsibilities: Cases, Stakeouts
Career Rewards[]
Investigator's Trophy of Honor: Solve 3 cases
Investigator's Trophy of Heroism: Solve 3 missing sim cases
Eagle-eyed Eavesdropper Medallion: Solve Great Jewel Heist case
Medal of The Mindful: Solve Rogue Cop case
Investigator's Ribbon of Bravery: Solve Fish Kid case
Investigator's Key to The Town: Reach Career Level 10
Investigator's Keepsake: Solve 5 cases after Reach Career Level 10
Trivia[]
Sometimes when snooping for clues, Sims will mention that it reminds them of when Bella disappeared, referring to Bella Goth's disappearance in The Sims 2, which doesn't make sense given that The Sims 2 takes place 50 years later.
Since there is no set time for this career, Workaholics are not affected and therefore the 'Missing Work' moodlet does not appear.
The eligible lifetime wish for this is "Pervasive Private Eye".
Sometimes, if a sim goes into the police station to receive a case, they might walk out without a case being received. This is an extremely minor inconvenience though as they will receive a case when they walk into the police station a second time.