The Sims 4 is easily the most intuitive and interactive game in The Sims franchise. This game has changed a lot of core concepts from the original trilogy if you will. However, the expansions themselves are different. When I was still hooked on The Sims 3, I’d have said that you can play just as meaningful a game without any expansions as you could with them. I didn’t need stuff packs because I had The Sims Resource and custom content.
But the expansion packs for The Sims 4 hit differently. Now, we have entire cultures, new experiences, and all-new interactions and gameplay options like laundry that actually gets dirty and a full-on town mystery to solve interactively. Sims 4 is so much more of a holistic and well-rounded experience with expansion packs, and below, we’re going to break down the 10 best packs to invest your hard-earned money in.
The Sims 4: Seasons
It’s pointless leaving the absolute best for last when anyone who has ever played any era of the Sims franchise knows that The Sims isn’t The Sims without Seasons. Seasons is an absolute must-have expansion pack and is well worth the price tag it carries.
You’ll experience near-realistic weather conditions specific to current in-game seasons and neighborhood climates and see how the varied temperatures impact your Sims. Pick a season to start your game in and watch as the world around your Sim gradually changes from picturesque green gardens to snowy driveways and bracing breezes.
TS4: Discover University
The Sims 4 Discover University takes your Sims back to the glory days of university. Remember those base game jobs your Sims never qualified for but somehow ended up being able to pursue? Now your Sims can earn their titles through hard work and perseverance.
Settle into college life in brand-new Britechester. Choose the historical landmark, University of Britechester or enroll at the modern Foxbury Institute and explore campus life to the fullest. Dorm rooms? Yes Please! Spend time getting to know fellow students in the common areas, or break away to the privacy of your very own shared dorm room for a few hours of studying.
The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle
Eco Lifestyle adds all sorts of gameplay aspects relating to sustainable living. Whoever said it’s not cool to be green clearly hasn’t watched a neighborhood become eco-friendly in front of their eyes and seen how it benefits the community.
Evergreen Harbour, the city that ships with this pack, needs your help. Make sustainable choices and vote on Neighborhood Action Plans to take the city from grunge and grime to solar panels and sustainable living.
TS4: Island Living
This may be a polarizing pack, but stunning views of white sandy beaches abound in this new island-themed world. Sit back and relax in the beautiful new world of Sulani. Here you can do all sorts of leisurely things like sailing over glistening waters and swimming with mermaids! If the water doesn’t appeal to you, sit on the beach and build a sandcastle, or relax in a lounger with a refreshing drink.
Why just sit on the beaches when you can help clean them up? Similar to Eco Lifestyle, Island Living gives you the opportunity to take an active role in conservation and sustainability. Watch how the world changes around you when you pitch in and help out.
The Sims 4: Cottage Living
One of the most highly-anticipated packs prior to its release, Cottage Living delivers a new way of life, beautiful scenery, and immersive local stories from across the pond. Experience the all-new lot of challenges that make life in the countryside even more exciting and eventful. The new world, Henford-on-Bagley, is inspired by the English countryside and steeped in lore.
This pack adds a completely new village lifestyle that’s much more slow-paced and rustic than we’ve come to expect from The Sims 4. Immerse yourself in a town where everyone knows everyone and discover all the secrets the village and its surroundings have to offer.
TS4: City Living
There are a lot of ‘living’ packs out by now, but each of them expands on the various kinds of lifestyles your Sims can lead. Why not immerse yourself in a life in the big city? Nowhere is this statement more true than in the titular city, San Myshuno.
No authentic city experience would be complete without occasional drama at the hands of the neighbors down the hall. Make new best friends or gripe about the noisy parties and occasionally rowdy citizens of this unique new world.
The Sims 4: Cats and Dogs
Did someone say pets? Well, no, not exactly as we remember it from The Sims 3 Pets. But at least with this pack, you can add a furry friend to your Sim’s household. Use the new life state in CAS to create, color, and customize your perfect pet. Alternatively, head to the phone or the nearest computer and adopt a pet in need of a loving home.
There’s nothing nobler than dedicating your Sim’s life to creatures in need. Work as a vet or take on the responsibility of running a pet clinic and become the town’s favorite animal doctor. Do everything from major canine or feline surgery to removing the odd tick.
TS4: Snowy Escape
Whether you choose this pack for the Japanese-inspired culture or the beauty of the snowy Mt. Komorebi, Snowy Escape is bound to impress. Give your Sims the ultimate adventure holiday in this stunning new world and its snowy slopes.
If you’re missing the clearly established lore of previous Sims games, this pack is for you. The families of Mt. Komorebi have more to them than meets the eye. Discover family secrets and old flames, or create your own stories with new CAS items and gameplay interactions.
The Sims 4: Get Together
In the mood for clubbing? Whether you want to hit the clubs or simply join a group of like-minded individuals, Get Together is a pack that redefines socialization in The Sims 4. Start a club of your own or join the ranks of an existing new social hierarchy. Unseat the club’s leadership and redefine group activities. Your club will do whatever you decide is the inthing.
From the Fyres to the Bjergsens, Windenburg is full of exciting new characters to meet. Its scenic neighborhoods are inspired by the hottest spots in Europe and offer unique experiences for new connections.
TS4: Get Famous
Del Sol Valley is inspired by Los Angeles, and it truly is the pinnacle of entertainment and celebrity. Rise through the ranks of the new celebrity system in The Sims 4 to become the most famous or infamous Sim in history. You control your reputation. You know what they say, all publicity is good publicity. And all publicity is a sure way to get a diamond in your Sim’s name on the legendary Starlight Boulevard.
Whether you embark on a new path in the entertainment industry or simply live it up in one of the opulent mansions in the most desirable part of town, the Pinnacles, your destiny is yours to create. Surround yourself with finery befitting your newfound social standing and celebrate your very own golden age.
