USD ($)
EUR (€)
While The Sims 4 is fun, it really comes to life with the addition of expansion packs. Unfortunately, if you're new to the game, trying to figure out which of the many Sims 4 expansions to go for is a bit of a minefield.
At the time of writing, there are a whopping 11 expansion packs for The Sims 4. (There are also 11 'Game Packs', 18 'Stuff Packs', and 12 'Kits', but let's not go there right now). That's a lot of options to spice up your gameplay.
Whether you're looking for yourself or you're planning to surprise a sims-obsessed loved one, here are 5 essential additions to the game. We'll be linking to the PC versions of the game, but you can find our console editions by checking out this tag.
Seasons
Seasons is a fan favourite for good reason. It introduces (perhaps unsurprisingly) seasons to the game, giving your sims the opportunity to enjoy the snow, spring showers, and thunderstorms (just watch out for those lightning strikes).
Seasons introduces some interesting activities for your sims, including beekeeping, ice skating, and scarecrow-befriending. It also allows your sims to celebrate holidays throughout the year, even allowing them to receive gifts from Father Winter. Harvestfest brings with it the infamous Gnomes, which are surprisingly threatening. Appeasing them will bring rewards, but getting it wrong will end in disaster.
Most importantly, Seasons brings a sense of atmosphere to the game that is otherwise lacking. The weather changes make the game feel grounded in reality, providing a bit of variety to your usual activities.
Cats and Dogs
Cats and Dogs is a must-have for animal lovers. You can customize your virtual pets to your heart's content. You'll have a range of breeds to pick from if you want to keep things realistic, or you can graffiti all over their fur for more of a unique look. Plus, you can engineer their personalities to suit your game. Make them snooty, standoffish, warm, cuddly, clumsy, skittish - it's up to you.
Cats and Dogs introduces the neighbourhood of Brindleton Bay, which is one of my favourites. It has a pet park and a mysterious lighthouse, and plenty of plots for your sims to move into.
It also introduces the 'Vet' career path, allowing you to control your sim as they diagnose and treat neighbourhood pets.
Cottage Living
Many Simmers were desperate for farming content for The Sims 4, and Cottage Living ticked a lot of their boxes. The neighbourhood of Henford-on-Bagley looks like a quaint English village, which feels familiar and comforting to UK players. Your sims can grow crops, raise chickens and cows, befriend local bunny rabbits, and chase off foxes.
Cottage Living has a backstory, which you can slowly uncover by chatting to the locals. Head down to the pub and enjoy the gossip if you want to know the lore.
This is a great choice for rags-to-riches players. If you don't know what this is, it essentially means starting your game with a sim (or sims) with no money, surviving on whatever you can scavenge, and slowly working your way up in the world. If you love the idea of living off the land, but can't quite make it work in reality, Cottage Living offers a nice bit of escapism.
Island Living
Island Living is one of the most beautiful Sims 4 expansions. Sulani is completely different from the suburban neighbourhoods, and it offers some interesting gameplay mechanics. Your sims can help to clean up the island of Mua Pel'am, gradually cleaning up the beaches and transforming it from a polluted cesspit into a beautiful, wildflower-adorned haven.
This pack introduces mermaids to the game, which is great if you enjoy supernatural gameplay. Mermaids can choose to keep their true nature secret, although they will need to be in the water as much as possible. They can communicate with dolphins, which is very cute, and they can sing lullabies to do anything from making another sim feel flirty, to summoning an ocean threat, which is slightly more sinister.
It's fun and relaxing to potter around on Sulani, and your sim can enjoy a career in conservation or become a lifeguard to protect the locals.
City Living
City Living introduces another interesting setting, and it also brings apartment buildings to the game. The city of San Myshuno has plenty of places to explore, including an art gallery, a karaoke bar, and a beautiful central park. Your sims can enjoy festivals, which are fun to join in with.
Apartment buildings allow you to switch up your gameplay. Will you start your sims in a run-down apartment, or design them a lavish penthouse suite? You'll also have to navigate new challenges, like roach infestations, power outages, and extremely noisy neighbours.
The build items are excellent if you like a sleek, modern look. City Living introduces some new careers too, including the Social Media career, which will enable your sim to become an internet sensation (or to manage other sims by going down the PR route).
What Do You Think?
The good thing about the amount of Sims 4 expansions available is that there should be something for every gamer. Whether you prefer your sims lives to be rooted in reality, or you love to dream up crazy scenarios, there's a pack out there that will allow you to fulfill your (virtual) dreams.
What do you think? If you're a simmer, do you agree with my list, or have I overlooked your favourite? Let us know!