Gaming

The Sims 4 Expansion Packs, Game Packs, Stuff Packs & New Features


The Sims 4, the latest instalment in the hugely popular life simulation game franchise, was announced by EA in May 2013 but didn’t hit the shelves until September 2014, followed by the Mac release in February 2015.

Since then it’s gone on to have a number of added packs to widen the gameplay and offer new ways to explore the game. But when are the next The Sims 4 packs coming out, and what will they be called?

Here, we bring you the official Sims 4 release dates, news, and also take a closer look at all the other packs that are on sale now.

If you’re looking for information about the version for consoles, visit The Sims 4 for PS4 & Xbox One latest news.

The Sims 4

What Sims 4 games are available?

EA launched The Sims 4 on PC in 2014, then in February 2015 for Mac as a digital download from the Origin store. If you already downloaded the game for PC but now wish to play it on your Mac, you can do so simply by using the product code on the box. All buyers of the Mac version will get a PC copy and vice versa.

You can buy The Sims 4 from Origin here, or from Amazon here.

In comparison to its predecessor – The Sims 3 – this game has quite a lot of improvements, including advanced Create a Sim modes which allow players to completely customise the look of a Sim by clicking and dragging directly on the Sim’s body. The same mechanics have also been applied to the build mode.

The new emotions feature also added a whole new layer to the game, making a Sim’s mood impact on the gameplay and bring out new interactions with other characters, objects and events.

After launching the base game, EA has gone on to release a plethora of content which can be divided into three types:  

Expansion Packs are the biggest of the three, usually offering a new world, a whole heap of gameplay options, items and much more.

Game Packs tend to focus on a smaller area of life that’ll bring some new fun things for you to experience with your Sims.

Stuff Packs only offer a minimal add-on to the base game, which mostly include new items, features in Create a Sim and new career paths.

The next game in The Sims 4 franchise will be a Game Pack called The Sims 4 Realm of Magic.

The Sims 4 Realm of Magic

When is The Sims 4 Realm of Magic due to be released?

EA has announced that The Sims 4 Realm of Magic will be available to buy on 10 September 2019, with pre-orders open right now.

As the name suggests, Realm of Magic will focus purely on magical elements, making it the first pack to do so since The Sims Makin’ Magic, originally released in 2003. The pack will include a new world called Glimmerbrook. Whilst it may appear like a quiet town on the surface, there’s a portal that lies within the town that can take Sims to whole other dimension.

Realm of Magic will also introduce a new life state, spellcasters, who will be able to use spells and curses, create potions and even acquire familiars which include dragons, fairies and even pets if you own the expansion pack Cats & Dogs.

Dress Sims up in full witch or wizard gear and kit out your lot with all the new mythical items and clothes that are available. Even watch your Sim ride about on a broomstick – which we can all agree is the superior method of transportation.

Check out the brand new trailer below!

The Sims 4 Expansion Packs 

There are currently seven Expansion Packs available for The Sims series, all offering different forms of gameplay. Here’s what’s already been released:

The Sims 4 Get To Work

The Sims 4 Get To Work brings three new active careers that offer fully playable career venues, which means you’ll get to go to work with your Sim. It also brings businesses to The Sims, so you can have your Sim set up their own bakery, clothing boutique, art gallery, bookstore and more. You’ll also get new skills including Photography and Baking, and if that’s not enough, you also get Aliens (random!).

The three playable careers are Doctor, Police Officer, and Scientist. As a Doctor, your Sim will spend their day treating patients, performing surgeries and delivering babies. As a Police Officer, you’ll investigate crime scenes, interrogate Sims and arrest criminals. And as a Scientist, you’ll get to build inventions, collect unique specimens and decide whether you want to use your creations for good or evil.

You can get The Sims 4 Get to Work here.

The Sims 4 Get Together 

Get Together, which was the second full expansion pack to arrive for The Sims 4, introduces lots of new features for the socialites among you.

The world of Windenburg brings with it a hedge maze to explore, natural pools and some ancient ruins for the more adventurous Sims. Your Sims can also visit cafés, pubs and clubs with new objects and activities including foosball, bonfires and dance parties.

Skills introduced in this pack include DJ and dancing, and you can throw parties absolutely anywhere. There’s also a walk-in closet (which is also a new location to WooHoo if that’s what you’re into), and an exclusive private island to visit within Windenburg.

You can get The Sims 4 Get Together here.

The Sims 4 City Living

EA’s third expansion pack brings a new city called San Myshuno to the game, and that city features four different neighbourhoods. There are new career tracks including Politician, Social Media and Critic, the latter two of which have never been seen in The Sims before.

You can now move your Sims into apartments, you can take them to Karaoke bars, Geek Con, the Spice Festival and lots more.

You can get The Sims 4 City Living here.

 The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs

Cats & Dogs brings lots of the elements that we loved in The Sims 3 Pets to the newer version of the game, with a new Create a Pet tool to allow you to personalise your cat or dog’s appearance. You can even dress your pet in various cute accessories.

Pets in The Sims 4 have minds of their own, which means you’ll be able to train them and watch their personalities develop. But it’s not just pets that you’ll get – the new veterinarian career lets you run your own clinic, hire staff and look after all of the animals in the neighbourhood.

Cats & Dogs also introduces the world of Brindleton Bay, a coastal town that’s perfect for pets, with beaches and a lighthouse and a harbour. 

You can get The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs here.

The Sims 4 Seasons

The purpose of The Sims 4 Seasons, as the name suggests, is to introduce seasonal changes to the lives of your Sims. That means you can expect to see crisp snowfall in the short days of winter and sweltering heat in the summer, with seasonal changes affecting your world in unique ways.

Along with the four seasons, you can expect seasonal activities. You can ice skate in the winter, host a summer pool party or, for those rom-com fans out there, share a kiss in a fresh spring downpour. You can celebrate traditional seasonal celebrations, as well as create your own holidays on specific dates. 

Seasons also introduces the Gardening Career, allowing you to follow your flower-inspired dreams to become a Botanist or Florist.

You can get The Sims 4 Seasons here.

The Sims 4 Get Famous

With the rise of social media and a generation of kids that want to be influencers when they grow up, it makes sense for EA to introduce the ability to become famous in The Sims – and that’s exactly what Get Famous delivers. You can rise to fame in your current career, or ditch the old job and take on something a little more interesting. Whether you aspire to be a world-class actor, actress or influencer, Get Famous has you covered.

As you rise in fame and popularity, you’ll attract more attention, perks and starstruck fans that’ll want to meet you. You can put in the extra work creating custom costumes, learning lines and more, all with the aim of getting that big break.

Get Famous introduces the trendy district of Del Sol Valley where your Sims are the talk of the town. Featuring starter homes in Mirage Park to stunning, high-end houses in the hills of The Pinnacles and nightclubs for your celebri-Sim to party in. And as you rise through the ranks of stardom, you’ll gain access to luxurious perks including gold-plated furniture or unique statues that reflect various achievements in your career.

You can get The Sims 4 Get Famous here.

The Sims 4 Island Living

Experience beach and ocean life in Island Living. Bring your Sims to a paradise and explore everything that the beautiful world of Sulani has to offer. From exploring caves and discovering hidden island secrets, to taking to the ocean and meeting mermaids… yep, mermaids!

Island Living also introduces the new Conservationist career, so you can help save the environment of the surrounding beaches and make a difference in the world. Take your Sims off the grid by moving them into a traditional beach hut without electricity. You can even decorate your home and dress your Sims in traditional native styles, and celebrate island traditions by hosting kava parties.

Alternatively, take on one of the new part-time jobs – Lifeguard, Diver and Fisherman – so you can spend the rest of your time just chilling out on the sands. Just don’t lie in the sun for too long, because your Sims may get sunburnt!

You can get The Sims 4 Island Living here.

The Sims 4 Game Packs

Currently there are seven Game Packs available for The Sims, however this will become eight when Realm of Magic is released in September. If you’re looking to spice up your game with some new features, check out what’s available now:

The Sims 4 Outdoor Retreat

Outdoor Retreat introduces a new destination that Sims can travel to. It’s filled with woods and forests that include new herbs and insects, and also make the perfect location for camping and hiking. New outdoor activities include stargazing and roasting marshmallows around the campfire, and you’ll be able to build your Sim’s new Herbalism skill to create helpful remedies.

You can get The Sims 4 Outdoor Retreat here.

The Sims 4 Spa Day

Spa Day brings with it a venue building, which (you guessed it) is a spa! Perfect Balance Spa invites your Sims to get a massage, have a mud bath, do some yoga and enjoy the sauna to improve their new Wellness skill.

Plus, there are new outfits, objects and decorations, including a new tropical fish aquarium (cool!).

You can get The Sims 4 Spa Day here. 

The Sims 4 Dine Out

Dine Out introduces restaurants to the game, and also lets you build and run your own restaurant should you choose to. There are new items, new Create a Sim elements and new cooking and food features too.

You can get The Sims 4 Dine Out here..

The Sims 4 Vampires

Vampires brought with it the ability to create Vampires that have various powers and weaknesses. It also brings a new residential world called Forgotten Hollow, plus lots of new items and traits that fit the theme.

You can get The Sims 4 Vampires here.

The Sims 4 Parenthood

Parenthood takes children and teenagers to a whole new level in The Sims. There are lots of new traits for younger Sims, and those traits are learned or forgotten through persistence from the parent Sims. Parents can choose to be strict, for example, or be nurturing.

You can get The Sims 4 Parenthood here.

The Sims 4 Jungle Adventure

Jungle Adventure allows Sims to book a vacation to Selvadora, where they can experience a new culture and go exploring across ancient ruins. This game pack also introduces a new skill to level up – Archaeology.

You can get The Sims 4 Jungle Adventure here.

StrangerVille

Remember Strangetown from The Sims 2? StrangerVille plays homage to that mysterious desert town, presenting the player with a complex mystery for them to solve. Sims across the town are being possessed by a mysterious force, and it’s up to your Sim to solve it. Strangerville also introduces the Military career for sims.

You can get The Sims 4 StrangerVille here.

The Sims 4 Stuff Packs

The following Stuff Packs are currently available for The Sims, and all are available to download by following the links below to the Origin Store:

The Luxury Party Stuff will get you new party outfits, buffet tables, chocolate fondue and more. You can get The Sims 4 Luxury Party Stuff here.

The Perfect Patio Stuff pack offers new garden furniture including hot tubs, and several new outdoorsy outfits. You can get The Sims 4 Perfect Patio Stuff here.

The Cool Kitchen Stuff pack gets you (you guessed it) new kitchen stuff! That includes counters, cabinets and appliances. You can get The Sims 4 Cool Kitchen Stuff here. 

With Spooky Stuff you’ll get Halloween-related items and costumes, as well as a new spooky party option. You can get The Sims 4 Spooky Stuff here. 

Movie Hangout Stuff gets you bohemian clothing, a home theatre and new items like a popcorn maker. You can get The Sims 4 Movie Hangout Stuff here. 

Romantic Garden Stuff brings new outdoor objects and even a whispering wishing well, but be careful what you wish for! You can get The Sims 4 Romantic Garden Stuff here. 

Kids Room Stuff adds new items for children’s rooms as well as new hair and clothes for them. You can get The Sims 4 Kids Room Stuff here. 

Backyard Stuff does exactly what it says on the tin, with loads of new stuff for your backyard! You can get The Sims 4 Backyard Stuff here. 

Vintage Glamour Stuff is a lovely one, with Old Hollywood inspired clothes, hair and items as well as a new butler feature. You can get The Sims 4 Vintage Glamour Stuff here. 

Bowling Night Stuff offers new bowling lanes for players to build in the neighbourhood, as well as other bowling themed items and clothing. You can get The Sims 4 Bowling Night Stuff here. 

Fitness Stuff introduces a new rock climbing treadmill and lots more including new fitness clothing. You can get The Sims 4 Fitness Stuff here. 

Toddler Stuff includes new clothing items for Toddlers, as well as new playground equipment and toys. You can get The Sims 4 Toddler Stuff here. 

Laundry Day Stuff introduces a new laundry system so your sims can clean clothes and live a more rustic lifestyle with the country-themed decor and clothing. You can get The Sims 4 Laundry Day Stuff here. 

My First Pet Stuff compliments the Cats & Dogs expansion pack by including smaller pets like hamsters and hedgehogs, as well as clothes and objects for existing cats and dogs. You can get The Sims 4 My First Pet Stuff here. 

Moschino Stuff was a result of a collaboration between EA and high-end fashion house Moschino, which introduced new clothes, as well as the freelance fashion photographer career path. You can get The Sims 4 Moschino Stuff here. 

The Sims 4 updates

The Sims 4 Updates

Now that we’re in the digital age, this gives EA a chance to add some improvements to The Sims 4, and some fun and exciting tweaks, through DLC packages that are free to the user.

One of the biggest free updates include the introduction of freelance careers. Sims can choose from one of three paths – Freelance Programmer, Freelance Artist and Freelance Writer – and pick and choose their own hours and gigs for a more flexible lifestyle.

EA also introduced new gender customisation options that aren’t restricted by gender boundaries that were previously in place. You can create a Sim with any type of voice, walk, physique, clothing and hairstyles no matter which gender you choose.

The game studio also released a brand new world, Newcrest. Newcrest came with 15 empty lots ready for you to fill with whichever houses and buildings you choose. It’s cool to have a blank canvas that you can build from scratch.

After high demand from many users, Toddlers were also added to the game. This new life stage allowed Sims to build new skills, have new interactions with their parents and (most importantly) gave players a whole bunch of adorable outfits to choose from.

Other community requested improvements (it’s nice to know that EA is listening) include eye colours and the return of pools and ghosts – which can actually be playable characters.

The Sims 4 trailer

If all the other packs are confusing you and you just want to know what bog-standard base game is like, check out the official trailer for it below!





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