The Sims Board Game: Gameplay Review & Release Date

I was one of the lucky people who got to try out The Sims Board Game at the UK Games Expo. Here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect, and even a confirmed release date so you know when it’ll hit the shelves.

A quick disclaimer: Because of the nature of the games expo and tons of Simmers waiting patiently to play, I didn’t get the chance to play a full game, only a few turns. Some elements of the game may also change between now and the release.

Setup

Some board games feel laborious to set up, and by the time that’s all done, people have lost interest in playing, so I am pleased to say this game looks really straightforward.

How to set up the game

• Start by putting down the main board. It’s made up of six triangular pieces, making a map of Willow Creek.
• Pick six location cards from the pile and add them to the map. There are lots of location cards from all of the different Sims games.
• Pick your coloured Plumbob token and the matching needs counter.
• Set up the action cards in two rows of four face up, and place an ‘iconic Sim’ card next to each row. The rest of the action cards go in a pile face down next to these.

That’s it!

Also, a good thing to note is that the actual quality of the cards and game pieces is great; they feel really well-made and high quality. There was only one game to demo at the entire expo, and by the time I played it had been out and used for three days straight by hundreds of people, yet it still looked and felt brand new.

A breakdown of the different cards

• Aspiration cards: These set your main objectives in the game, each showing two interest symbols and rewarding you with three aspiration points when completed by collecting matching symbols from action cards.
• Action cards: These represent activities, items, or events your Sim can engage with, each showing two to four interest icons and sometimes a Plumbob symbol that replenishes one need.
• Iconic Sim cards: These feature well-known Sims characters, each with a single interest icon. They can be collected for one aspiration point if their symbol matches the location you visit.
• Location cards: These form the main board, and each location tile has three different interests and one need symbol. The symbols on these cards show which action cards or iconic Sims are available and which of your Sims’ needs will be depleted when you visit.
• Home card: Where you will store your scored/completed aspirations, action cards, and current aspirations.
• Needs tracker: How you keep track of your needs, if they all turn red, that’s game over.

Gameplay

Player order is decided by which player has most recently played The Sims.

On your turn, you’ll choose one of two actions – Go Out or Go Home.

Go Out

There are a few different things you can do on your turn.

• Visit somewhere on the board: Each location displays up to 3 interest symbols (e.g., tech, social, money) and 1 red need icon (like hunger or energy). This is what you will need to make go down when you visit it.
• Pick an action card: Once you go to a location, choose an action card from the rows that matches one of the interest symbols shown at the location you are visiting.
• Meet iconic Sims: Every unique Sim has one personal interest symbol. If the location you’re visiting shares that symbol, you can befriend that Sim, which will add them to your collection.
• Refresh the card pool: After selecting your action card (and possibly a sim), refill the empty spot from the deck.
• Mingle with other players: This is optional, but it’s a fun touch! If another player is already at the location you chose, you’ll “mingle.” Roll the plumbob dice to see whether you steal an action card from someone else, trade a card, or do nothing.
• Complete an aspiration: If you’ve collected 3 action cards that match the symbols on one of your aspiration cards, you complete that aspiration! Score the points and lock them in.

Go Home

You can stay in and focus on recovery if your needs are getting low. Go Home actions include:

• Replenishing two needs: Turn any two needs on your card from red back to green.
• Draw or discard an aspiration card: Great if you’re stuck with really unhelpful ones. Check your new cards, and if the symbols match the action symbols you have collected, you can bank the points immediately.

The Aim Of The Game

The goal of The Sims Board Game is to be the first player to earn 8 aspiration points. You score by completing aspiration cards (3 points each) by collecting matching interest icons from action cards, and by befriending unique Sims (1 point each).

Like any board game, it does involve some level of strategy. You need to manage your needs, choose optimal locations to gather symbols, and plan around your current aspiration goals. Timing when to go out, when to go home to recover needs or draw new goals, and when to mingle with other players adds a dynamic layer of decision-making.

Review

This is a well-thought-out and well-designed game, which manages to simplify what is arguably the most complex life simulation game on the market.

I was really pleased to see it wasn’t just townies from The Sims 4 that were featured as well, the game has 25 years of lore and history, so it’s nice to see some of that get a little nod.

Because I am so used to thinking of The Sims as a solitary game, I was apprehensive about this edition to the franchise. However, having seen how much care has gone into the development, from giving nods to old townies to just the quality of the actual game pieces, I think The Sims board game is going to be a hit with die-hard fans and people new to The Sims.

Release date

**drumroll**

For any Sims fans in the US, The Sims Board Game will be available at Target from the 20th of July!

In the UK, The Sims Board Game will be available from the ‎18th of September, with pre-orders open now on Amazon.

The estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price for The Sims Board Game goes for $19.99USD, or a price equivalent to your local currency.

Bring the beloved and delightfully unpredictable world of The Sims to life and experience a fresh new take on game night! Join your friends and family — and memorable Sims from years past — as you chart your journey. Will you create chaos and try to outrun Grim or aim for career success? What will you do next when you have to start all over again? The possibilities are endless as you explore familiar venues, connect with iconic Sims, and achieve your aspirations to claim victory! Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up.

• THE SIMS BOARD GAME: A game for Sims fans – and their friends! Create, travel, socialize and achieve your aspirations in this tabletop adaptation of Sims!
• BASED ON THE HIT VIDEO GAME SERIES: The popular video game is now a player vs. Player social game. There are so many iconic Sims references that make each game unique. This game is for the avid Simmer, a new time Simmer and everyone in-between.
• REAL SIMS REFERENCES: Inside the Box You Will Get Icon Cards, Everything Cards, Aspiration Cards, Variety of Venue Cards & House Cards, Sliding Needs tracker & a Plumbob Turn Tracker
• GAMEPLAY: Each game lasts between 30-40 minutes, for extra Simming fun why not increase the points target?

Take a look at other articles we have done on The Sims Board Game here.

Goliath Games also dropped an official teaser trailer, which you can watch below.

Are you excited to be able to bring The Sims Board Game to family game nights? Let us know!