The Sims 4 is asocial simulation game developed byMaxis and published byElectronic Arts. The game was released on September 2, 2014 forWindows, and is the fourth main installment inThe Sims series, followingThe Sims 3 (2009). As with previous games in the series,The Sims 4 allows players to create and customize characters called "Sims", build and furnish their homes, and simulate their daily life across various in-game regions. This installment introduced a newly developed customgame engine, with enhanced character creation and house-building tools, along with a more complex in-game simulation.
Development plans forThe Sims 4 initially included a stronger focus on online functionalities, but these plans were dropped following the negative launch reception of Maxis' online-onlySimCity in 2013. In the months leading up to the game's release, Maxis revealed that several features from previousSims titles, such as swimming pools and toddler Sims, would be omitted, citing development time constraints and technical challenges; this decision led to backlash from players. Upon release,The Sims 4 received mixed reviews, with critics praising the game's visual design, improvedartificial intelligence for Sims, and streamlined building tools, but criticizing the absence of content compared found in priorSims titles, frequent loading screens, and glitches.
The Sims 4 topped theUkie all-format video game chart in 2014, and as of 2024, has received over 85 million players worldwide. AmacOS version was released in February 2015, followed byPlayStation 4 andXbox One versions in November 2017. In 2022, the game shifted to afree-to-play model, supported by paiddownloadable content (DLC) packs that have been released regularly since launch. These DLC packs includeeighteen expansion packs andtwelve game packs, adding new features, objects, and worlds; the most recent expansion pack,Businesses & Hobbies, was released on March 6, 2025.
Free content updates have also been released, re-introducing swimming pools and toddler Sims, as well as adding more character customization options, building tools, diverse gender identities, sexual orientations, and gameplay scenarios. As of 2025, a new multiplayer-focusedThe Sims title, under the working title "Project Rene", is in development.
The Sims 4 is asocial simulation game, and like preceding titles inThe Sims series, the game isopen-ended, with no primary objectives to achieve or storyline to complete, focusing instead on gameplay through creativity and experimentation.[3][4] Players manage the lives of virtual people called "Sims", directing their actions, attending to their "needs", and helping them reach personal goals and desires.[5][4] Players can also engage in goal-oriented gameplay in if desired — each Sim has a lifelong aspiration, and dynamically generated "wants and fears" goals based on current gameplay.[6][4]
Simoleons (§) are the unit of currency in the game, and Sims communicate in a fictional language calledSimlish.[7] Sims have six "needs"—hunger, bladder, hygiene, social, fun, and energy—that deplete throughout the in-game day, and are replenished through various household items and furniture, for example, taking a shower if hygiene is low or cooking some food if hunger is low.[4][8] Sims primarily make money by acquiring a job, and improve their job performance by developing "skills"; for example, a Sim in the Culinary career needs to develop their Cooking and Mixology skills.[9] A variety ofcheats are available, such as those for unlimited money or unlocking hidden gameplay options.[10][11]
Optional paiddownloadable content (DLC) packs add new gameplay features, objects, worlds, and clothing to the game.[12] Additionally, themacOS andWindows versions ofThe Sims 4 support extensivemodding; fan-designed cosmetic items such as hairstyles, makeup, clothing, and furniture, known as custom content, can be installed for use in the game.[13][14][15][16]
InThe Sims 4's Create-a-Sim mode, Sim facial and bodily features are adjusted by directly selecting and manipulating the respective area.
Create-a-Sim is the main interface for creating and designing an individual Sim or household inThe Sims 4. Facial and bodily features are adjusted by directly selecting and manipulating the respective area.[17][18] Sims exist in eight life stages: newborn, infant, toddler, child, teen, young adult, adult, and elder.[19] Toddlers were added in a 2017 game update,[20] while a 2023 update replaced the baby life stage with newborn and infant.[21][22]
Each Sim has threepersonality traits and an aspiration, which comes with a unique trait.[23][24] Traits shape the personality and behavior of a Sim, while aspirations are lifelong goals with tasks that, once completed, rewards the Sim with a beneficial trait that boosts actions related to the aspiration.[24] A "Play with Genetics" option allows players to can create relatives with inherited features like facial structure, skin tones, hair colors, and eye colors.[25] A 2021 update introduced "likes and dislikes", which reflect the Sim's preferred aesthetics and activities, and are assigned in Create-a-Sim or developed during gameplay.[26][27]
Expansion packs and game packs introduceoccult Sims, such as aliens,vampires,[28]mermaids,[29]spellcasters,[30] andwerewolves.[31]Cat anddog pets are introduced via theCats & Dogs expansion pack, and can be created in Create-a-Sim or adopted during gameplay.[32] A 2016 update expanded gender options, allowing for more inclusive clothing and hairstyle options, as well as pregnancy, regardless of gender.[33][34] In response to player demand, a 2020 update introduced an expanded range of skin tones, as well as additional makeup customization.[35][36][37][38][39]
Build mode inThe Sims 4 includes tools for resizing, moving, and duplicating entire rooms and buildings.
Build mode is the main interface for constructing and furnishing houses and lots inThe Sims 4. Players can construct buildings and design interior layouts, save their custom buildings or lots into the in-game library, or place down pre-made rooms and buildings.[23][44] Rooms are constructed by drawing walls or placing shaped templates, and can be redrawn or resized later.[45] New inThe Sims 4, is the ability to move and duplicate rooms and buildings.[46][47]
Bodies of water, such asfountains,swimming pools,[48] andponds, can be constructed.[49] Interior construction options include doors, archways, half-walls, stairs, and wall and floor coverings.[50] Players can customize buildings extensively, with options for multiple floors, various wall heights, adjustable foundations, and free placement of doors and windows.[51][52] To furnish a home, players purchasefurniture andappliances in Build mode, such as televisions, chairs, showers, beds, and fridges. Each item has a specific function, ranging from fulfilling a Sim's need, building a skill, or simply adding decoration.[53] Some items are locked and become available as Sims progress in their careers or through cheat codes.[54][55]
Worlds included inThe Sims 4's DLC packs frequently borrow inspirations from real-life locations; areas in rural England—such asCotswolds (pictured)—were cited as inspirations for the Henford-on-Bagley world inCottage Living.
A world is a collection of several neighborhoods, and each world contains a fixed number of lots available for players to customize or build from scratch.[56][57] Lots can be zoned as residential or community spaces. Sims can visit lots in any world, regardless of which world they reside in, and Sims from other households appear asnon-player characters roaming within worlds.[56] Unlike its predecessorThe Sims 3 (2009),[58]The Sims 4 does not haveopen worlds; instead, traveling between lots triggers a loading screen, although neighborhoods incorporate limited open world functionality through gameplay objects.[59]
The Sims 4 includes three worlds in the base game: Willow Creek and Oasis Springs contain pre-constructed houses, community lots, and families; Newcrest, a sandbox world added in a 2015 update, only contains blank lots free for players to build on.[56][60] Expansion packs and "game packs" add new worlds to the game, with the added world usually being a core feature of the pack. These worlds borrow inspirations from real-life locations; for example,Island Living introduces a tropical world named Sulani,Jungle Adventure introduces a Latin American–inspired vacation world named Selvadorada,Snowy Escape introduces a mountainous Japan-inspired world named Mt. Komorebi, andCottage Living includes a rural England-inspired world named Henford-on-Bagley.[12][61]
The Gallery is an in-gameonline content exchange that allows players to upload and share Sims, Sim households, rooms, and buildings.[62] Emotion is a new gameplay mechanic, building on the mood systems in previous titles. Emotions can affect and be affected by in-game actions, events, and social interactions.[63][64][65] There are several types and intensities of emotions, such ashappy,sad, andangry.[47][63] A multitasking system allows Sims to perform multiple actions simultaneously, such as having a conversation while cooking.[65][66][67]
Maxis began development ofThe Sims 4 with a strong focus on implementing online gameplay features, as part of publisher Electronic Arts' (EA) commitment to releasing titles with online capabilities.[68][69] EA labels president Frank Gibeau stated in 2012, "I have not green-lit one game to be developed as a single player experience. Today, all of our games include online applications and digital services that make them live 24/7/365."[69] These plans were altered following the negative launch reception of Maxis'SimCity in March 2013, which was plagued with widespread technical and gameplay problems relating to the game's mandatory network connectivity.[70][71][72] Maxis confirmed in 2013 thatThe Sims 4 would be a single-player and offline experience.[73][74] Development ofThe Sims 4 was also affected by layoffs atEA Salt Lake in January 2014, which was assisting in development of the game. The failure ofSimCity led to the eventual closure of its developer, Maxis Emeryville, in 2015.[75][76][77] Remaining EA Salt Lake and Maxis Emeryville employees working on the game were transferred to Maxis'Redwood Shores, California studio.[78][79]
The Sims 4 uses a newly developed proprietarygame engine, marketed as "SmartSim".[80] In conjunction with this engine, Maxis focused on developing the new Sim emotion system forThe Sims 4, as well as more expressive and complex Sim animations, and described Sim behavior in previousThe Sims titles as "robotic" in comparison.[64] Development of walking animations and facial expressions centered around better illustrating the emotions of Sims in gameplay, as well as making social interactions between Sims appear more natural and lifelike.[65]
Ilan Eshkeri's music compositions for the game were designed to highlight the new Sim emotion system during gameplay.
British neoclassical composerIlan Eshkeri composed the game's orchestral soundtrack.[64] This included over 140 brief sound effects to accompany various "key emotional moments" for Sims, such as encountering a fight, a first kiss, a wedding, or a toilet breaking.The Sims 4's soundtrack was designed to emphasize the impact of Sim emotions during these gameplay events.[64] Eshkeri cited difficulty in composing music for the game due to itssandbox nature, contrasting it to his previous works with film scores. All music was recorded at theAbbey Road Studios in London, and performed by theLondon Metropolitan Orchestra.[64]
The Sims 4 was announced by Maxis on May 6, 2013, to be released in 2014.[81] Early gameplay demos and trailers were unveiled atGamescom in August 2013.[82] More gameplay trailers were released onYouTube in May 2014, such as a Create-a-Sim trailer showcasing the variety of Sim customization options, and a Build mode trailer showcasing the game's new interface and building tools.[83][84][85] A presentation at theElectronic Entertainment Expo (E3) on June 9, 2014 included gameplay demonstrations, as well as the various release dates for theWindows version of the game in September 2014: September 2 in North America, September 4 in Australia and Europe, and September 5 in the UK.[86][85] A free playable demo of the Create-a-Sim feature was released on August 12, 2014 for Windows.[83][87]
AmacOS version of the game was released on February 17, 2015.[88]PlayStation 4 andXbox One versions were released on November 17, 2017, co-developed withBlind Squirrel Games; in contrast to previousThe Sims entries on consoles, the console versions ofThe Sims 4 are direct ports of the macOS and Windows versions, and are compatible with the same DLC packs.[89][90]
SteelSeries released aSims-themed gaming headset, mouse, and "Plumbob" USB light as part of the game's launch in 2014; LED lights in the peripherals change color according to the playable Sim's mood.[91] A 2019 collaboration with Italian luxury fashion houseMoschino featured a collection of clothing with pixel art inspired by the franchise, and a Moschino-themed stuff pack titled Moschino Stuff.[92][93] Areality competition TV series,The Sims Spark'd, premiered onTBS from July 17 to August 7, 2020, featuring twelve contestants from popularYouTube channels in theSims fan community; contestants were tasked with gameplay challenges withinThe Sims 4, and to create characters and stories following the challenge's themes and limitations.[94][95] The "Sims Sessions" in-game music festival was a limited-time event hosted from June 29 to July 7, 2021, accessible within a special area in the game world.[96][97] SingersBebe Rexha,Glass Animals frontman Dave Bayley, andJoy Oladokun recorded Simlish versions of their songs "Sabotage", "Heat Waves", and "Breathe Again", respectively, for their in-game performances during the event.[96][97]
In the months leading up to the game's release in September 2014, Maxis revealed that several key gameplay features present in previousThe Sims titles, such as swimming pools and toddler Sims, would not be included inThe Sims 4.[98][99] Additionally, the open worlds and the "Create-a-Style" color customization gameplay technologies introduced inThe Sims 3 would also be excluded from the game.[66] These announcements sparked backlash from players, leading to a petition onChange.org.[98][100][99] Maxis responded in a statement, explaining that development resources allocated to the newly developed game engine,artificial intelligence simulation system, and revamped Create-a-Sim and Build modes, led to the omissions. They stated, "it was not possible for us to include every single feature and piece of content we added toThe Sims 3 over the last five years", but left open the possibility of reintroducing these features in future updates or DLC.[100][98][99]
The Sims 4 received "mixed or average" reviews from critics upon its release, according toreview aggregator siteMetacritic.[101] Reviewers frequently criticizedThe Sims 4's missing gameplay features and content compared to previous titles, particularlyThe Sims 3's "Create-a-Style" color customization tool, open worlds, and gameplay elements from its expansion packs;[66][105] reviewers also noted encountering frequent loading screens and occasional glitches.[111] The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of the game, released in 2017, received additional criticism for its controller-based game controls,[102][103] as well as various bugs, glitches, and performance issues.[112][113]
Jim Sterling ofThe Escapist described the gameplay as "boring", andThe Sims 4 as "shrunken and sterile".[114] Kallie Plagge ofIGN was disappointed by the lack of "cool objects" in place of missing content, and noted a lack of furnishing options in Build mode compared toThe Sims 3.[107] Nick Tan ofGameRevolution describes the game as a "case study forloss aversion", noting frustration amongSims fans due to the missing features and content, concluding that the game is "woefully incomplete".[104] Steve Hogarty ofPCGamesN described the base game as "feature-light and skeletal" without any DLC packs.[47] Reviewers speculated that the significant lack of content was in lieu of features for potential future paid DLC packs, and is an intentional financial decision by EA.[107][110][114] Lee Cooper ofHardcore Gamer concluded that the game is "a glorified freemium app with multiple expansions on the horizon that should have been part of the core-game."[106] Griffin McElroy ofPolygon summarized the game's overall lack of content as: "In one in-game lifetime, I felt like I'd seen everything there was to offer, killing any desire I had to start over."[66]
On the positive end, reviewers praised the game's improved graphical quality, intuitive Build mode and Create-a-Sim tools, the Sim emotion and multitasking systems in gameplay, and the Gallery feature.[105][111][115] Plagge ofIGN commended that she did not need to micro-manage Sims' interactions with the multitasking system.[107] Cooper ofHardcore Gamer described the new Create-a-Sim as a "veritable hodgepodge of options", despite the omission of Create-a-Style.[106] VanOrd ofGameSpot praised the visual and audio design, and expressed the combination of the emotion and multitasking systems as a "sheer delight".[105] Tan ofGameRevolution lauded the "unbelievable" animation quality, intuitive game interface, and better performance and stability compared to previousThe Sims titles.[104] Chris Thursten ofPC Gamer highlighted the ability to download lookalike Sims of real-life celebrities via the Gallery, and noted that the emotion system "changes the feel and flow of the game".[110] Alexander Sliwinski fromJoystiq commended the new search function in Build mode.[109] Hogarty ofPCGamesN highlighted the game's "clean sheet" stability and greater simulation depth of individual Sims compared toThe Sims 3.[47]
The Sims 4 has received over 85 million players worldwide across all platforms as of May 2024, according to EA.[116][117] This includes 31 million players gained since the game went free-to-play in October 2022.[118] EA also reported in 2019 that the game had generated over $1 billion of total revenue, including DLC pack sales.[119] Following its first week after its release in 2014,The Sims 4 topped theUkie all-format video game chart, and was the first PC-only game to do so sinceGuild Wars 2 (2012).[120][121] EA reported in 2018 that all expansion packs combined had sold over 30 million units.[122]
In response to player criticism about missing features, Maxis pledged to support the game with free content and featureupdates.[123] This includes features from pastThe Sims main titles that were excluded at launch such as swimming pools,[48][123]genealogy, toddler Sim life stage,[124] and basements. Other major features added in updates include an additional sandbox world,[60] gender and pronoun customization in Create-a-Sim,[34][40] gameplay scenarios,[125] terrain manipulation tools,[126] "Neighborhood Stories" gameplay storytelling system,[127] a "wants and fears" goal system,[6] newborn and infant Sim life stages,[22] andpolyamory.[128] It was noted by some reviewers that some features added in free updates required DLC packs, such as newborns and infants inGrowing Together, to be fully fleshed out.[129][108] Content and feature updates continue to be developed for the game, as of 2024.[130]
An example of player-designed custom content for the game.
EA affirmed their commitment to long-term support of the game in 2021, citing a "shift across the entire games industry to support and nurture our communities long-term".[131] InIGN's re-evaluation of the game in 2024, Sarah Thwaites praisedThe Sims 4 as "maintaining the bar for life simulators", and highlighted the game's strong community support.[108] In an October 2022 livestream, Maxis announced a partnership with mod distribution platformCurseForge to provide an official distribution method forThe Sims 4 mods and custom content.[132][133] Following growing criticism of bugs and instability in the game, Maxis "assembled a team" in 2024 to focus on more frequent bug fix updates, as well as better performance.[134][135][136]
EA announced in September 2022 thatThe Sims 4 base game would becomefree-to-play on all platforms, starting from October 18, 2022.[137][138] This makesThe Sims 4 the fourth free-to-play entry in the series, followingThe Sims Social,The Sims FreePlay, andThe Sims Mobile.[138] For a limited time, existing players who had previously purchased the game were entitled to a free copy of the Desert Luxe Kit, a DLC pack containing a small variety of furniture and Build mode items.[137]
Maxis also revealed in the October 2022 livestream that a new title inThe Sims series is in development, under the working title of "Project Rene", and showed footage of potential game functions, such asco-op multiplayer in Build mode and cross-compatibility with desktop and mobile platforms.[139][140][141] Multiplayer is expected to be a core feature of the game.[142][143] "Project Rene" is set to be a free-to-play title, and is not intended to be a direct successor toThe Sims 4.[141][142][144]
Since 2015, paid DLC packs have been released forThe Sims 4, divided into four pack categories: "expansion packs", "game packs", "stuff packs", and "kits".[145] Expansion packs are the largest packs, introducing major new features centered around a specified theme. Game packs are similar, but include a smaller amount of content. Stuff packs are minor packs containing only a small number of furniture and clothing items. Kits are the smallest, each focusing exclusively on either new furniture or clothing. According to Metacritic, expansion packs and game packs have received reviews ranging from "generally favorable" to "mixed or average".[146]
Introduces clubs with customizable rules and activities, aEuropean-inspired world to explore, and community events for Sims to attend.[148] New world: Windenburg
Encouragessustainable living through crafting eco-friendly items and influencing the environmental state of the neighborhood.[155] New world: Evergreen Harbor
Introduces a simpler lifestyle in thecountryside, with opportunities for Sims to grow food, raisefarm animals, and participate in village activities.[157] New world: Henford-on-Bagley
Focuses on the teenage experiences ofhigh school, including after-school activities, teen romance, and emotional complexities.[158] New world: Copperdale
Focuses on family dynamics, rearing children, multi-generational gameplay, and expands gameplay options for the new infant Sim life stage.[159] New world: San Sequoia
Introduceshorses as pets or companions, with gameplay around horse care, riding, and competitions, in aSouthwestern United States-based world.[160] New world: Chestnut Ridge
Introduces arental housing system, allowing Sims to manage rental properties or rent homes, in aSoutheast Asian-inspired world.[161] New world: Tomarang
Introduces the ability to run small businesses that based on Sims' skills and interests, and adds new skills such as tattooing and pottery.[164] New world: Nordhaven
Provides opportunities for Sims to explore wilderness areas, go camping, hike, and connect with nature, in a new rustic world.[165][166] New world: Granite Falls
Expands on the experience of raising a family, offering new gameplay features for different life stages, and additional challenges of parenting.[165][166]
Sims can visit aLatin American-inspired jungle world to explore ruins, uncoverartifacts, and learn about local cultures.[165][166] New world: Selvadorada
VisitBatuu, aStar Wars-themed world. Complete a campaign, and unlock items from the franchise. NotableStar Wars characters such asRey andKylo Ren are included.[165][167] New world: Batuu
Introduceswedding planning gameplay, including customizing details, choose traditions, hire vendors, and experience potential mishaps.[165][168] New world: Tartosa
Allows Sims to transform intowerewolves, explore werewolf lore, join packs, and experience wild aspects of their nature.[165][31] New world: Moonwood Mill
Star Wars: Journey to Batuu, the ninth game pack forThe Sims 4, was announced on August 27, 2020. The announcement was met with negative reception from players, who felt it overlooked community-requested features and content; some speculated it was a contractual obligation given EA's ownership of theStar Wars video game franchise.[167][169] Prior to the pack's announcement, an independent poll byDigital Spy asked players which themes they would like to see in futureThe Sims 4 content packs;Star Wars ranked last out of twenty-one possible choices.[170] In response to the backlash, Maxis shared development updates on selected community-requested features and upcoming content, assuring that they were not impacted by development of the pack, but acknowledged encountering "foundational technology" issues in developing these features.[167]
My Wedding Stories, the eleventh game pack forThe Sims 4, was announced on February 8, 2022. The following day, Maxis announced that the pack would not be released inRussia, citing Russian video game laws prohibiting content that promoteshomosexuality as a societal norm.[171][172] Following strong backlash and feedback from Russian players, Maxis reversed their decision, stating that they "reassessed their options", and Russia was included in the pack's worldwide release on February 23, 2022, without any content alterations.[173][174] However, since March 4, 2022, EA has suspended all video game sales in Russia due to the ongoingRussian invasion of Ukraine.[175][176] Following the release ofMy Wedding Stories, it received additional criticism from players and reviewers for its numerous bugs and glitches, including significant glitches rendering the game's headline wedding event feature unplayable.[177][178] The pack received an aggregate critic score of 62% onMetacritic, the lowest for aThe Sims 4 game pack to date.[179] An update released on March 31, 2022, addressed some of these glitches.[180][178]
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