Tutorials / Sims 3 / View
Posted by DragonQueen on Nov 6, 2009• How to create a waterfall
Introduction
Creating a waterfall can be a challenge, but the view they add to a property makes the time and effort well worthwhile.
Step 1
First of all, I like to start with a level lot. Open the build menu and select the shovel icon/terrain tool. Level the entire lot, including the land beneath the mailbox and trashcan. If you choose, paint the lot with ground cover.
(I like to play with a waterfall that obeys the natural laws of gravity, i.e. water flows down, not to the side or up. At this point, I build a small pond, just to look at the water in motion. I make note of which direction the water’s current is flowing, in order to build the waterfall with that orientation in mind. I then delete the “test” pond and begin to create my actual waterfall.)
Step 2
Next, open the raise terrain tool and use it to create your hummocks, hills and mountains. This is when you decide where you would like your waterfall to be placed, and the way in which the height of the lot will look in general during play.
Step 3
Open the soften terrain tool and smooth out any sharp corners on your hills, try to make them look weather-worn and natural.
Step 4
Now it's time to add the water. Open the water tool and place a pond at the bottom of your hills. Think of real ponds. Try to avoid too many sharp corners.
Step 5
The key is to make sure that wherever you decide to place the waterfall, the “base” of the waterfall is where the pond is the deepest.
Step 6
Return to the build menu and purchase one or two columns. (I find that more than a couple of columns can be difficult to find and retrieve later.)
Step 7
Simultaneously press and hold the Control, Shift, C keys to open the cheat menu and type: moveobjects on Pick up one of the columns and place it in the water at the "bottom" of the waterfall. The land will fall away to reveal water. Just remember: Always turn off the cheat code before exiting the lot.
Step 8
You can also hold down the Alt key for more precise control during the positioning of your columns.
Step 9
As the columns are placed, more water will appear to “cascade” down the slopes. Don’t worry if there is a bit of land exposed at the bottom of the waterfall that can be camouflaged later.
Step 10
Continue to place your columns until you have a waterfall you’re happy with. Be patient. Don't rush. Take the time to be "picky."
Step 11
Retrieve the columns and delete them.
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