Critical Thinking Skill
Complete guide to the Critical Thinking skill in inZOI: a broad intellectual skill leveled through writing, studying certifications, solving puzzles, and reading logic books, with connections to journalism, law, professor careers, freelance income from manuscripts, and the crime scam system.
Critical Thinking is inZOI's intellectual skill, encompassing logical reasoning, written expression, problem-solving, and academic knowledge. It is a broadly applicable skill that supports multiple career paths including law, journalism, and academia. It also has a secondary role in the crime system, where high Critical Thinking increases the success rate of scam interactions.
How to Level Up Critical Thinking
Activity | Notes |
|---|---|
Writing manuscripts | Available on computers and laptops. One of the primary leveling methods and also a source of freelance income. Completed manuscripts can be sold through the Pocket Market. |
Studying for certifications | A dedicated computer interaction that represents taking online courses and professional development programs. |
Solving puzzles | Puzzle activities (board puzzles, logic games) available at certain community lots and as purchasable items for the home. |
Reading logic and knowledge books | Books labeled as logic, science, or knowledge available at bookshelves, libraries, and on tablets. Provides passive Critical Thinking XP. |
Academic studying | Used primarily by Zois enrolled at university through the university system. Study sessions contribute significantly to Critical Thinking. |
What Critical Thinking Unlocks
Low levels (1–3): Basic puzzle interactions. Ability to write short manuscripts. Standard study interactions for career and university purposes.
Mid levels (4–6): Access to more complex puzzle types. Manuscripts can be longer and sell for more. Better study efficiency at university. Improved argument and debate options in conversation (overlapping with Rhetoric).
High levels (7–10): High-value manuscripts. Ability to write advanced academic works. Top-tier puzzle performance. Stronger career promotion prospects in law, journalism, and academia. Most powerful scam interactions become available in the crime system.
Manuscripts as Freelance Income
One of Critical Thinking's most accessible economic uses is manuscript writing. Completed manuscripts are sold through the Pocket Market on the Zoi's Smartphone, similar to how Zois sell paintings, photographs, or baked goods. The sale value of a manuscript increases with both the Critical Thinking skill level and the quality of the writing, making consistent writing sessions a reliable passive income source for intellectual Zois.
Manuscript writing also doesn't require special equipment; just a computer or laptop, which is standard in most residential lots. This makes Critical Thinking one of the more accessible skills to develop from the early game.
Career Connections
Career | How Critical Thinking Helps |
|---|---|
Lawyer at Justitia (Dowon) | Critical Thinking is the primary skill for this career path. Higher levels directly accelerate promotions. |
Lawyer at Themis & Jones (Bliss Bay) | Same as the Dowon law track. Both law organizations require Critical Thinking for advancement. |
Journalist at Mirror of the Times (Dowon) | Critical Thinking supports investigative and analytical aspects of journalism alongside Rhetoric. |
Journalist at Bliss Bay Times (Bliss Bay) | Same as the Dowon journalism track. Both require a combination of Critical Thinking and Rhetoric. |
Professor careers | Academic instruction relies on depth of knowledge and logical presentation; both are Critical Thinking strengths. |
Freelance writing and game development (planned Q2 2026) | Freelance writing will likely require Critical Thinking as a primary skill. Game development may also draw on it alongside Programming. |
Critical Thinking and the Crime System
For Zois pursuing the Scammer path in the Crime skill, Critical Thinking is one of the two key supporting skills (alongside Rhetoric Skill). Higher Critical Thinking improves the success rate of complex scam operations, particularly the advanced interactions unlocked at Crime Skill Levels 3–5 such as running bogus seminars, false investment schemes, and voice phishing operations. A Zoi with both high Crime and high Critical Thinking will almost never fail a scam attempt, reducing the risk of being caught.
Critical Thinking and University
The University system is one of the fastest paths to leveling Critical Thinking. Attending university classes and completing homework assignments gives dedicated Critical Thinking XP, and graduating with a degree provides a lasting career promotion bonus for the law, journalism, and academic career tracks. Players who plan to pursue these careers should consider sending their Zoi through university before or during the early career stages.
Traits Most Aligned With Critical Thinking
Trait | Why Critical Thinking Fits |
|---|---|
Scholar | Driven by learning and study; Critical Thinking is their natural primary skill. Books and studying are core activities. |
Explorer | Analytical and curious; observing, investigating, and understanding are fundamental to the Explorer personality. |
Perfectionist | High standards and meticulous planning align with the disciplined application of logic. |
Social Activist | Justice-oriented Zois who need sharp reasoning skills to argue for systemic change. |
Go-Getter | Achievement-focused and strategic; Critical Thinking supports their drive to optimize outcomes. |
Tips
Writing manuscripts while watching TV or listening to music is not possible (writing requires focused computer use), but Zois can multitask talking with a roommate while studying. Use this to build relationships and Critical Thinking simultaneously.
Leveling Critical Thinking before starting a law or journalism career means fewer in-career struggle points and faster early promotions.
Puzzle-solving at community lots is a social activity; Zois can solve puzzles in parks while also building Rhetoric through nearby conversation opportunities.
The Focused emotion strongly buffs Critical Thinking gain. Completing a brief physical activity or meditation before a study session can trigger Focus in some trait types.