After a quick Lunar New Year break to rest, relax, and celebrate, the team of Developers on InZOI have put their noses to the grindstone to collaborate with the community on new updates and developments for InZOI, only a little over a month before the one year anniversary of InZOI’s early access release. March 28th is coming quickly, so let us dive into what the developers have been working on and putting together for both the upcoming and later future updates!
InZOI Updates from Developer: Incoming Hotfix, New In-Development Features, and More!
○ Zois will perform specific actions that influence the zois around them, called “Active Actions” currently. While not described more, it seems to be actions like startling or scaring groups of other Zois.
○ An extension of last week’s feature that included being able to hold different objects in each hand, is that object that your zoi is holding can be quickly swapped between hands, or swapped with another object.
○ Car wheels will now turn based on how much you’re steering.
○ Lights will not automatically turn off when every household member is sleeping. They will turn on again when one Zoi wakes up.
○ Floral Design and creating Floral Arrangements like bouquets is now in-development
○ You can perform massages as a small business.
○ The traditional outfits applied in last week’s update have been adjusted to be available for small business work uniforms.
○ The announcement on the InZOI Official Discord also includes a way to receive a new horse mask item for Zois child and older that was previously included in a giveaway!
InZOI Developer Update – February 20th, 2026
Hello. I’m posting a little earlier than usual today.
This week is a long holiday period in Korea, so there isn’t much to show in a video. Instead, I’d like to share what will be updated next week.
Next Week Hotfix
Reduced the frequency of natural disasters and adjusted disaster compensation.
Fixed an issue where Zoi would continuously walk into walls or objects and get stuck.
Fixed an issue where “Refill Fruit Drink” would not restock the display when the business was closed.
Fixed an issue in CAZ where some character Zoi presets could not be saved.
Fixed an issue where underwear was exposed when worn with certain outfits.
Fixed an issue where the cushion in the Hanok Studio background appeared abnormally thick in Customize mode.
Fixed an issue where certain areas of the rattan drawer cabinet could not be customized in Build mode.
Improvements Decided and Currently in Development
Improving an issue where infant needs and interactions were not processed correctly.
Adding a user option to adjust rotation/movement and zoom-out speed.
Lights will automatically turn off when everyone is asleep.
Improving the issue where conversations would prioritize sitting if chairs/benches were nearby.
Adding the ability to save makeup and hairstyle per outfit situation.
Adding an option to lock outfits by situation.
Graphic improvements for high-end users and fixing awkward distant vehicle movement.
An emotion system to better show feelings/relationships between two Zoi.
More variety in bed/sleeping motions.
We are continuously reviewing all the feedback you send us, and it truly helps a lot. I honestly believe that without your feedback, inZOI would not have developed this far. This genre is complex—fixing one thing can sometimes break another. Since it functions similarly to a tool, there are countless possible interactions. For example, adjusting a single window frame can cause unexpected issues depending on its position and surrounding objects.
That’s why we chose to keep refining the game based on your reports and suggestions. Please enjoy this week’s video as well. Thank you.
kjun
Do you have features in-development that you’re hoping to see sooner rather than later, or anything that has been previously discussed in the past that you’re hoping to see this year? Let us know!
Make sure to follow The Sims Community to keep up to date on everything in the Life Simulation genre!
If you’ve ever wanted to turn your household into a lasting legacy built on influence and ambition (and a little bit of drama), the dynasty system that comes with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy delivers exactly that. It’s a layered progression system that blends prestige, politics, relationships, and generational power into one cohesive framework.
Here’s everything you need to know about how The Sims 4 dynasties work and how to rise to the top.
The Sims 4 Dynasties Guide
What Is A Dynasty?
Dynasties are essentially a formal family power structure. As well as founding your own, you can find them through the Social Groups menu, marry into one, or join through family connections.
Creating a Dynasty
When you create your family dynasty, you’ll become the first dynasty Head and get to choose the name, crest, and, most importantly, the values for dynasties to live by.
Values
Values define what your dynasty stands for and what it discourages.
They determine which activities and careers are encouraged and which are discouraged. This directly impacts how your Sims behave and how your dynasty earns (or loses) prestige.
There are two types of values: skill values and ideal values. You can choose up to three of each type.
Certain values unlock special ways for members to challenge the dynasty Head. Depending on your chosen philosophies, leadership can be decided through duels, chess matches, or outright fights.
Skill Values
Members who engage in the encouraged skill activities will generate prestige for the dynasty.
Members will engage in these activities more often on their own, but only if autonomy is set to full in your settings. If their preferences are set to dislike that skill/activity, that will also stop them from doing it autonomously.
The more packs you have, the more skills you will have to choose from. Hovering over the skill will also tell you which activities are encouraged for your dynasties.
Ideal Values
These are the values that will sit at the core of your dynasty.
Choosing certain options will also limit your ability to pick others – you can’t have conflicting ideals.
Here is a breakdown of all the different ideals, as well as their encouraged/discouraged activities.
Not all members will agree with you
Each dynasty member has their own personality traits and preferences. Some will fully support your chosen values. Others may secretly (or openly) hate them. Sims who support a value are more likely to perform encouraged activities, and Sims who dislike a value may actively engage in discouraged behaviour.
Changing values isn’t just a button click; it’s a political decision. Make too many unpopular changes, and you could trigger a unity crisis within your dynasties.
Prestige: A Dynasty’s Reputation
Prestige is the main measure of your dynasty’s success and influence.
Every member contributes to prestige through their actions, but the dynasty Head and Heir have a much bigger impact. Their wins (and mistakes) carry more weight.
When your dynasty reaches a new prestige level, two things will happen: the Head earns dynasty perk points, and those points unlock dynasty perks that benefit all members, except outcasts.
But be careful: if members behave poorly, you can lose prestige levels along with the perks you unlocked from them.
How to Gain (Or Lose) Prestige
When an interaction option has an impact on prestige level, you will see either the green or red symbol
You’ll gain prestige when your dynasty acts in alignment with its values. Some of the main ways include:
Doing encouraged activities
Working in encouraged careers
Getting good grades
Making friends (the higher the friendship the better)
Hosting social events
Marrying into other dynasties
Starting alliances or rivalries
The higher the members’ career level, grades, or event scores, the greater the reward. Interacting with high-prestige dynasties also boosts your own.
Prestige can drop if your Sims:
Perform discouraged activities
Work in discouraged careers
End alliances or rivalries
Get caught in scandals
More severe scandals and higher-level discouraged careers mean bigger losses.
Prestige also slowly decays over time, so your dynasty can’t just coast forever (but this can be disabled in the game settings).
Dynasty Perks & Inheritable Traits
Perks for dynasties are much harder to unlock than perks from similar systems like the clubs from Get Together. Every prestige level unlocks dynasty perks, rather than points accumulating the more you do a certain action.
Some perks require certain prestige thresholds, and many have three upgrade tiers with stronger bonuses at each level.
Also, only the dynasty Head can purchase these perks. If you open the perks panel using another member of the dynasty, it will all be greyed out.
If you manage to reach maximum prestige, you will be given enough perk points to unlock all of the rewards, so don’t worry about choosing which ones you prefer; they’ll all be yours with enough hard work (or cheats).
Here is what each perk unlocks.
Good Grades
All students will make faster progress with their grades.
Nepotism
Members progress in their careers faster, so they get more frequent promotions.
Tutor
You can now hire a tutor from the services menu on the phone. This is a Sim with a lot of high-level skills and can mentor other Sims in the household as well as help children and teens with homework.
Market Manipulator
Members will have a new PC interaction available, which allows them to increase the value of their stocks.
Arrange Promotion
The head of the dynasty can arrange a promotion for any dynasty member through this phone interaction.
Respected Head
Heads of dynasties with this perk have more successful interactions with each other.
Discreet
Dynasty members will have a higher chance to find other Sims’ secrets, experience shorter scandals and have reduced information broker fees.
Gracious Host
Dynasty members will have an easier time reaching gold in social events.
Easier Alliances
The dynasty’s Head will have an increased chance of success when asking the Head of another dynasty to form alliances.
Matchmaker
Dynasty members will have an easier time building romantic relationships, a better chance of proposal success and an increased prestige gain from marriage.
Friends In High Places
All members will build friendships faster, and those relationships will decay more slowly.
One of the most exciting features is inheritable traits. These are legacy gameplay taken to the next level, as these special perks give babies born into the dynasty a chance to receive unique affinity traits. Over generations, these traits grow stronger, reinforcing the idea of a powerful bloodline.
Unfortunately, these don’t apply to any children who are part of the dynasty before you purchase these perks.
Mental Affinity
Babies born to dynasty members while this perk is active will gain the Mental Affinity Level 1 Trait and will build Mental Skills faster. The level increases for their children, and so on.
Social Affinity
Babies born to dynasty members while this perk is active will gain the Social Affinity Level 1 Trait and will build social skills faster.
Physical Affinity
Babies born to dynasty members while this perk is active will gain the Physical Affinity Level 1 Trait and will build physical skills faster.
Creative Affinity
Babies born to dynasty members while this perk is active will gain the Creative Affinity Level 1 Trait and will build creative skills faster.
Leadership: Heads, Heirs, and Power Shifts
The Dynasty Head is in charge. They’re the only Sim who can:
Change values
Purchase perks
Assign an Heir
Designate outcasts
Invite or remove members
Their actions have increased prestige impact, and they receive social advantages within the dynasty.
The Head keeps their role until they die, lose a challenge, or step down. If they die without naming an Heir, the highest-ranking eligible member automatically takes over.
Dynasties with no members left will end, so you need to select a dynasty heir and keep memberships up if you want to keep it going. Dynasty heirs, as your next-in-line, also experience increased prestige impact and social benefits.
Unity: Stability Or Crisis
Unity measures how well members get along.
When relationships are strong, the dynasty reaches stability, and friendships build faster.
When relationships break down, a unity crisis can occur. During a crisis:
Relationships grow slower
Friendships change to average level
Members struggle to get along
Some may make demands or even threaten to leave
Spending quality time together helps maintain unity, but controversial decisions (like excluding members or changing the values of dynasties) can quickly destabilise everything.
You can also use this cheatstats.set_stat rankedStatistic_Dynasty_Unity 130 to max your unity level. Or change the number to any number between 1 and 130 to change how balanced dynasties and their unity levels stay. This cheat also only works if you have the dynasty Head selected and you have enabled cheats.
Outcasts: Exile, Revenge, or Redemption
If a Sim repeatedly harms the dynasty and refuses to comply, the dynasty head can declare them an Outcast. This will result in them:
Having reduced prestige impact
Being unable to become the heir
Losing access to all dynasty perks
Struggling to influence others
Some may try to redeem themselves. Others may grow resentful and attempt to blackmail or extort the dynasty head to regain their status.
Dynasties turn your household into something bigger than just a family; they become institutions.
They give us lots of new potential for gameplay – while they are useful for the noble active career, they aren’t limited to activities from this pack, any family can be dynasties and have a set of core family values and priorities.
This is a gameplay feature we can see being used and utilised in tons of generational gameplay and legacy challenges.
What do you think about the new dynasty features? Is there anything we missed? Let us know! You can also read our other Royalty & Legacy guides here.
Be careful who you trust, because Sims Scandals and Secrets now travel through the streets, altering relationships, tainting Dynasties, and exposing confidential information with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy!
Table of Contents
Sims Scandals VS Secrets
Scandals and Secrets bring a whole new aspect of gameplay to relationships for Teens, Young Adults, Adults, and Elders in The Sims 4. Actions now have greater and longer lasting consequences that your Sim won’t be able to ignore. You might want to think carefully next time your Sim wants to mischievously send a letter, absorb an emotion, vandalize a statue, or WooHoo with their Maid.
Sims Scandals are born out of hidden Secrets. A Sim can try to keep their Secret to themselves and Undiscovered until it Fades into Obscurity, but if it is Discovered it could become a full on Sims Scandal. Secrets are triggered by specific actions depending on the Secret. View the table below to learn the trigger for each Secret/Scandal!
Icon
Name
Description
Impact
Trigger
Severity
Abandoned at the Altar
“Looks like this Sim got cold feet on their wedding day, and left their intended at the altar!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Being left at the altar or leaving a Sim at the altar triggers this Secret.
Medium
Bad Dog, No Biscuits
“Fetch the spray bottle, this Sim has been using their Werewolf powers to scare other Sims!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Scaring other Sims with Werewolf abilities or while in a Rampage will trigger this Secret.
Medium
Ballroom Blunder
“This Sim has certainly caused a stir, dancing with a mere commoner. How ungracious!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige.
A Noble Dancing Romantically with a Commoner at a Grand Ball Event will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Bring Me My Brown Pants
“How embarrassing! This Sim has made a mess of themself, it would be horrid if anyone discovered this!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige.
Bladder failure will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Clowning Around
“Some Sims are scared of Clowns, but lucky for this Sim, that’s not a problem in this relationship!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige, Increased Success with Prank Interactions.
Being romantically involved with the Tragic Clown will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Daddy Winter
“This year this Sim met someone extra special under the mistletoe. Father Winter is feeling the festive romance!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige.
Being romantically involved with Father Winter will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Defaced the Monument
“This Sim defaced the Monument in Bellacorde. The Nobles won’t be happy.”
This Scandal does not have any true impact, but Sims with this Scandal should be careful who is watching when vandalizing monuments.
Defacing the statue in Bellacorde will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Forbidden Friend
“Despite their Dynasty’s differences, this Sim has forged a friendship with a Rival!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Befriending a Sim from a Rival Dynasty will trigger this scandal.
Medium
Forged Family Tree
“This Sim has falsified the records of their family lineage.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Using the Family Tree Tapestry to Forge a Family Tree will trigger this Secret.
Major
Frog Kisser
“Warts and all? This Sim has been kissing quite a lot of frogs in their search for true love.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige. Reduced success with Romantic Social Interactions. Other Sims will Mock this Sim in public.
Kissing the Royal Frog too many times may trigger this Secret.
Minor
Gone Baby Gone
“This Sim has had a child taken away by Social Services.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public. Unable to Adobe via the Agency and Trying for a Baby will be less successful.
Losing a Child, Toddler, Infant, or Newborn to Child Services will trigger this Secret.
Major
Grim Lover
“Turns out this Sim likes ‘em tall, dark, and haunting! They are in love with the Grim Reaper.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige.
Being romantically involved with Grim will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Ignoble Duel Loss
“This Sim lost a duel against a Commoner! How humiliating.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige and Swordsmanship Duels. Reduced success socially, and high chance of being mocked by other Sims in public.
A Noble losing a Duel to a Commoner triggers this Secret.
Medium
Indecent Employer
“This Sim hooked up with the hired staff! A little unprofessional, don’t you think?”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige. Increased success with Romantic Social Interactions.
WooHooing with a hired staff member will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Nasty Little Letters
“Tired of seeing all those loved up couples, this Sim forged a breakup letter to tear them apart!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Using the mailbox to send a forged breakup letter will trigger this Secret.
Medium
Plasma Thief
“Grab your garlic braids, this Sim has been drinking Plasma without permission!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Vampires who Compel Drinks from other Sims will trigger this Secret.
Medium
Public WooHoo
“This Sim got a bit frisky in a public space. Very naughty, and maybe a little scandalous.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige. Increased success with Romantic Social Interactions.
Sims who WooHoo in public will trigger this Secret.
Minor
Robbing the Neighborhood
“This Sim is the one who has been stealing from the Rich to give to the poor!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
The Sim responsible for Robbing the Rich will have this Secret.
Major
Secret Child
“It turns out this Sim has lied about the parentage of their child.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Becoming pregnant while having the Unfair Affair Secret or Scandal active will trigger this Secret.
Major
Secret Lover
“Shh…don’t tell anyone. This Sim is keeping their relationship a secret.”
This Scandal negatively impacts social interactions, career performance, skill gain speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social and Bladder Needs will decrease at a quicker rate, and this Sim will be Shunned in public.
Having a high romantic relationship with a Sim while in an established relationship with a different Sim will unlock the Become Secret Lovers Romantic Social Interaction. Choosing this will trigger this Secret.
Major
The Shadow Broker
“Looks like this Sim is the secret puppet master behind all the scandalous information circulating.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
The Sim who is the Information Broker will have this Secret.
Medium
Star-crossed Lovers
“This Sim has fallen in love with a loathed enemy. Will her family’s ancient grudge tear them apart?”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Being in a romantic relationship with a Sim from a Rival Dynasty will trigger this Secret.
Medium
Sticky Fingered Filcher
“It turns out this Sim has a penchant for stealing!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public. Increased social success with Evil, Klepto, and Shady Sims
Stealing an item triggers this Secret.
Medium
Stolen Hearts
“Looks like the Burglar has stolen something really valuable this time- your heart!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Dynasty Prestige, Increased social success with Kleptomaniac and Shady Sims.
Falling in love with Robin Banks will trigger this Secret.
Minor
To Do Voodoo
“This Sim has been using the Voodoo doll on other Sims, they won’t like finding out their autonomy was turned off!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public
Doing Voodoo on another Sim will trigger this Secret.
Medium
Unfair Affair
“It looks like this Sim is involved in an affair!”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Having an affair will trigger this Scandal.
Minor
Unfair Fairy
“That’s not very peace and love of this Sim. They have been using their Fairy powers to torment others.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
A Fairy Sim using powers to negatively affect other Sims, like Absorbing their Emotions, will trigger this Scandal.
Medium
Very Suspicious Circumstances
“This Sim just got married…then their spouse passed away. How suspicious.”
This Scandal negatively impacts Social Interactions, Career Performance, Skill Gain Speed, and Dynasty Prestige. Social Bladder needs will decrease faster. Other Sims will Shun this Sim in public.
Having a spouse die immediately after marriage will trigger this Secret.
Major
Got a Secret, Can You Keep It?
In The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, your Sim can be a Secret Holder or a Secret Keeper, depending on which end of the Secret they’re on. Each role has different choices they can make.
Secret Holder
Once a Secret has been created, the Secret Holder Sim runs the risk of it being discovered by other Sims. The Secret Holder may be a little more Tense than usual as they try to hide their guilt. To ease their mind, they can confide in a trusted Sim with the Share Own Secret Gossip Social Interaction.
Secret Discoverer
If your Sim has stumbled upon a Secret, they have several different ways they can handle this information. Sell Secret to the Information Broker, Expose the Secret on Social Media, Expose the Secret or Extort the Sim through Malicious Social Interactions, Share the Secret to other Sims through the Gossip Social Interaction.
Sims can be Extorted for Simoleons, relationships at work, Dynasty decisions, and more. If the Secret Holder doesn’t give the Sim what they want, they might just expose their Secret as a Sims Scandal.
Digging Up The Dirt in The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy
Curious Sims who want to innocently learn more about their neighbors, have a handful of ways to scour their world for Secrets waiting to be turned into Sims Scandals.
The easiest way to discover Secrets about other Sims is via the Computer and contact the infamous Information Broker. The Information Broker is willing to sell a Secret for the fair price of only 2,000 Simoleons. If your Sim well versed in the Programming skill by having a skill level 2 or higher, they can also Hack for Secrets about the Sims in their life.
Sims may also discover Secrets other ways, including:
Gossiping with other Sims through the Ask for Secret About… Social Interaction
Talking to Connie Fidential, the Information Broker
Using the Enchanted Mirror in Bellacorde
Witnessing a scandalous act taking place
It’s a Scandal! It’s an Outrage!
With The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy, an exposed Secret quickly spirals into a massive Sims Scandal. Scandalized Sims become social outcasts and dynastic disasters as they wander the world with their sad, gloomy, dark cloud hanging above their head as long as their Scandal is active; an ever-present reminder of their shame.
Annoyed by the dark cloud hanging over your guilty Sim’s head? Don’t worry! This can be toggled off by selecting the Sim, and Scandals can be disabled altogether in Game Options.
Own It or Bury It
A scandalized Sim has two options: accept or deny responsibility. Using the Computer, your Sim can choose to Write a Scandal Denial Statement or Write a Scandal Apology Statement. If they write a statement of denial, it may be accepted by the public, or it may enrage them even further. Similarly, the apology statement can be accepted, easing tensions slightly, or denied.
The Notebook
In The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy, all Secrets and Scandals are kept in your Sims’ Notebook, found next to the Phone and Calendar. Depending on the Secrets and Sims Scandals your Sim has or knows, there can be up to four tabs: My Secrets, My Scandals, Other Sims’ Secrets, and Other Sims’ Scandals. From here, you will be able to see the time remaining, severity, and impact of your Sim’s Scandal or Secret.
Have your Sims been caught in any Sims Scandals or dug up any Secrets? What are your thoughts on the Secret and Scandal system in The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy? Let us know your thoughts below!
Midsummer Studios, Co‑Founded by Former Maxis and The Sims Director Grant Rodiek, Has Closed, Bringing Its Life‑Sim Game Development to an End.
Midsummer Studios, co-founded by former The Sims Director Grant Rodiek, has announced it is closing its doors in a statement from founder Jake Solomon. Solomon confirmed that they were working on a new Life Sim game, or more accurately, “life sims + Truman Show”, titled Burbank. A brief trailer for the canned project has also been shared, giving us a glimpse at what could have been. No details on why the studio is being closed have been announced as of the writing of this article. Grant Rodiek, Former lead on The Sims 4 (Who you may know as SimGuruGrant), left Maxis last year to join this new Studio and to work on Burbank.
Rodiek’s last project at Maxis was Project Rene as a Game Director. The game evolved since his last work in early 2024 into a mobile exclusive project, with Grant’s involvement in Burbank being the next project that lasted for almost two years.
Table of Contents
Midsummer Studios Statement of Closure
We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I’d like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into. It’s like “Life Sims + The Truman Show,” but it’s more than that. I believe people are storytellers, and I want them to share whatever stories and characters they can dream up. Burbank let’s you do that. We have moments playing this game where characters come alive in a way we’ve never experienced. And for an old game developer like me that’s special. What you’re about to see is definitely pre-alpha. But this game was a dream of mine, our team made it come true, so watch and dream with us.
We built a studio, we made a game, and I'm really proud of both. Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I'd like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into.
It's like "Life Sims + The Truman Show," but it's more than that. I believe people are… pic.twitter.com/RuYvDhdEZO
Burbank was slated to be a cross between a Life Sim Game and The Truman Show, allowing players to direct their own TV show, choose a cast, define a plot, and upgrade cast abilities. It seems as though this was somewhat of a spiritual successor to Lionhead Studios’ The Movies. The actual Life Sim Game elements involve the personal lives of your cast, and how they interact and build relationships with fellow cast members.
AI Confirmation Statement
Solomon followed up the post with a statement confirming that Artificial intelligence was used for some aspects of gameplay within Burbank, all artwork was created by a dedicated art team, and they had no intention of ever replacing human creatives with AI.
Contrary to this statement, the trailer does, however, seem to confirm that they were using AI-generated voice models to voice the characters, replacing hard-working voice actors who would have otherwise been hired for their talents. It also seems the writing in the game is generated from user-defined prompts, generating responses as part of the in-world TV show. It seems as though this would lead to some bizarre and rather nonsensical responses.
What are your thoughts on Burbank? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Sims Community for all the latest on upcoming (or cancelled) Life Sim Games!
Tick tock, what’s behind the clock?! With the new The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy expansion pack comes an interesting new gameplay object with a whole spectrum of opportunity to go with it… secret passageways!
As much as some Simmers might love the idea of actual underground passageways to travel along, others don’t want to deal with how long it would take the Sim to walk down into the tunnel and across the map just to be greeted by a loading screen to slowly and painfully go into the next lot anyway. So as much as snooping around tunnels may have been fun, this is sadly a rabbit hole/a way to travel between lots… or maybe not sadly as it still brings some fun gameplay!
Her Majesty Whatshername – Puddlef00t
Our beautiful model for todays article is Her Majesty Whatshername made by Puddlef00t and of course her royal highness Princess Cordelia with a guest appearance by Bella Goth!
The Sims 4 Secret Passageways Guide
What is a secret passageway?
Well, what is a Sims 4 secret passageway you might ask? Secret Passageways are a new build/buy and gameplay hybrid system designed for castles, palaces and legacy homes, but they can be used pretty much anywhere. It is an object with more uses than meets the eye, subtly (or not so by the sheer size) in the form of a grand father clock with a variety of beautiful and fabulous colors.
Not just a bookcase door like we have seen before (though the bookcase doors could lead into a some-what secret room which could be locked…), but a proper hidden passageway to another area in your Sims world. This brings proper castle intrigue, hidden corridors and scandal-filled storytelling to your fingertips and lets you play out some rather fun scenarios.
If The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy expansion becomes part of your game, it delivers the most advanced hidden architecture system The Sims 4 has ever seen. These are not just decorative doors, they are a fully integrated gameplay mechanic tied to secrets, scandals and royal intrigue. For the first time, Sims don’t just walk through hidden doors – they use secret routes for gameplay reasons and vanish into the unknown to discover a world of possibilities. This is next level secret trees, werewolf tunnels and overgrown jungles.
But how does it work?
Secret passages function as a hidden routing network, you may not be able to see it but I promise it is there. Once your Sim has discovered more than one secret passageway they may travel between them, much like going from lot to lot. The only difference here is that it is linked directly to an area, room, or lot where the opposite secret passageway resides. Think Sylvan Glade and Forgotten Grotto vibes, how going through a tree or mine shaft brings you out to a secret lot, only the lots you come out onto are made or placed entirely by you opening up a world of storytelling.
First up is to “inspect clock” on any of the very large, very intimidating grand father clocks that can be found on any particular lot of your (or Maxis) choosing. Currently in game there are about 6 for your Sims to find and ‘unlock’ in the world of Ondarion.
Unlocking the passageways
To use The Sims 4 secret passageways your Sim needs to follow the next prompt that appears after inspecting the clock – “explore secret passageway“. It really is, unfortunately, as simple as that. First inspect then explore. No pop up menus on which way your Sim should go or what path your Sim should follow, like in The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure. Simply ‘explore’ and off they go. The animation is somewhat fun, your Sim um’s and ah’s around the clock before pressing onto two hidden panels and voila – the doors open! Then off they sneak into the unknown.
It is not hard to unlock, it isn’t even remotely difficult. In my opinion this is unfortunate, and a missed opportunity in terms of making players work a bit more or try figure out some kind of puzzle before moving ahead. But either way, here we are, any old Sim could use a secret passageway whenever they like if they find it (and with it being such a large object it’s not hard to miss).
Using the passageways
To use the passageways as a form of transporting your Sims from one particular point to another, your Sim needs to find two points in order to travel between them. Found more than one grandfather clock – ire. a destination point? Your Sim can choose where to travel to when clicking on the clock and selecting “travel to“. Even if the two clocks are on the same lot! Think about that for a second and let it sink in… same lot… same prison/tower/secret room…
Using the passageways for secrets or other things is as simple as going exploring, there is no secret formula, there are no prompts to follow, just go explore the secret passageways. You simply enter and hope for the best on your travels if you are looking for anything in particular, some juicy news about your neighbor pehaps?
Be careful of exploring too many times as your Sim will become dazed after too many attempts at finding all those hidden secrets.
What you may discover
Secret passageways tie directly into the new secrets and scandals gameplay system that comes with The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy expansion pack. Using these ‘hidden’ passageways your Sims may discover a very steamy yet very secretive romance amongst your neighbors. Hidden heirs might be hiding out in plain, or not so plain, sight. Of course there is always the blackmail element that comes with the new secrets & scandals system and maybe even some political conspiracies.
Living Room – darikosims
Beware the coocoo clock!
Being struck while repairing the clock is not just funny, it’s fatal! It may be a darkly comedic nod to aristocratic mansion accidents, but also a very entertaining interaction to witness. Your Sim will try their hardest to dodge the coocoo clock bird but fail more than once until they are hit with the final blow. The minute your Sim attempts to fix/repair a sabotaged clock is the minute their fate is decided. No cancelling out unless it is queued up, no second guessing – your Sims final breath is sealed by a tiny electronic birds beak.
But what’s the point?
Well have you ever started a story line where there is a secret affair? Or perhaps a secret heir exists out there in the world that no one knows about. Hidden princesses in castles? Sounds like a Disney movie in the making… or some kind of horror film – you are the narrator, you tell us! As a fun side note, once the secret passageway has been discovered the door to one of the rooms can be deleted, making a secret room only accessible by the secret passageway. You see the potential right?!
Whether you want hidden lovers sneaking through corridors to secret hidden getaways, secret heirs tucked away in a far off neighborhood, or full-scale palace conspiracies that you have hiding up your sleeves, the secret passageway system adds a whole new layer of storytelling and gameplay.
Your Sims can also share the secret knowledge of finding secret passageways with other Sims by selecting the “gossip” option from the friendly social category and then “share secret passageway access“.
Ontop of all of that, your Sims can find some super random items along the way while they are out on their exploring adventures. From potions to parts, your Sims could come across some ‘treasures’ instead of secrets, but who are we kidding – we are here for the secrets!
Your Sims’ homes are no longer just houses, they could now be full blown houses full of secrets. No one wants their super secret, super hidden, room of treasures discovered! Your homes are now a connected system made up entirely of your wildest dreams, like tree roots snaking out into the world. Hide and seek for your neighbors to sniff out. So Simmers let your imaginations loose and let them run wild. A whole new adventure awaits, and we aren’t talking about the previous expansion!
And to top it all off?? This new grand father clock is also a new woohoo spot, as if we weren’t spoilt enough with just this one object being full of surprises. At this point we all know simmers love when the team adds new deaths AND woohoo spots! So this new grandfather clock is definitely a top tier item.
For more information about The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy expansion pack have read through all of our other articles covering the latest pack, and let us know what fun things you have concocted with the new secret passageways in the comments below!
Here are 4 stories about Romantic Royals from Players like you!
Valentine’s Day might have passed, but the drama in The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack has just begun. Released on February 12th, 2026, just in time for Valentine’s Day, this pack lets players build dynasties, create allies, and spread scandal across the land. Players have been eager to tell their stories of scandal and romance ever since The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy first dropped. Here are a few racy royal romance stories from the community that will get your heart pounding:
Table of Contents
Long Time Rivals, Unknown Lover, Future Scandal – Annabelch’s story (Reddit)
Annabelch retells the story of Daryl and Callum of Ondarion, two men from a long-standing, royal lineage. Growing up, Daryl and Callum were close friends. Sadly, in their pursuit for prestige, their relationship was corrupted. Annabelch writes, “They quickly became bitter rivals and constantly sabotaged each other.”
Callum and Daryl having a midnight tryst in disguise. They are wearing masquerade mask from The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack. Photo by user Annabelch.
Daryl utilized the brawn of his magic skills while Callum fought back with wits. Shockingly, fate had other plans for them. Annabelch writes, “They unknowingly ended up becoming lovers. So while they sabotaged each other during the day, they were each other’s best friends and confidants at night.” Midnight trysts in disguise, each unaware the other was his bitter enemy. Unexpectedly, they fall in love. But what happens when their masks fall off? How does their devastating dalliance end? You’ll have to read the story to find out.
Local Neighbor Drops Off Some Sugar — Foxxybox’s story (Reddit)
As beautifully orchestrated as some stories may be, most Simmers find that their romantic playthroughs tend to act a bit more…chaotic. No one was as surprised as Foxxybox when Mortimer arrived with unexpected intentions – “like a good neighbor”, indeed. Foxxybox writes, “I’m honestly shocked.” Foxxybox posts a picture of Mortimer Goth passionately kissing Vanessa (Foxxybox’s Sim) in a deep and fiery embrace.
Mortimer becomes a little too friendly with his new neighbor. Photo by user Foxxybox.
There were no hints at all that Mortimer was dating, let alone interested in Vanessa before this kiss. Foxxybox states that Mortimer wanted to “just talk” to help their dynasties. Now she’s earned the Valentine’s Day secret ‘Unfair Affair’ with Mortimer Goth. So, who is going to tell Bella?
Royalty & Legacy: Vampire Edition – Crafty-Sun1734’s story (Reddit)
As if some romances aren’t haunting enough, Crafty-Sun1734’s playthrough of the new royals pack involves Vlad and his beautiful blushless bride – can’t blush if you’re undead. The two are the heads of a dynamic dynasty and have given birth to their first heir, a girl.
Vlad and his queen gaze lovingly at their new child, Organa. Photo by user Crafty-Sun1734.
Crafty-Sun1734 tells readers a bit about their bundle of darkness, “A baby girl I named after Vlad’s first love. Meet Organa [Staud sic].” Will she become the rightful head of the Straud’s haunting hierarchy or will they replace her with a male heir in the future?
Does Blue Blood Taste Better than Red? – AresValley’s story (Reddit)
A picture is worth a thousand words, and I like what this story is saying. A regal king stands in his courtyard with a noble crown upon his brow. Before him, stands a mysterious woman dressed in matching scarlet gown and gloves. Though her face is elegant and appealing, the onyx talons on her fingers and armor on her shoulders imply that she is ready for war. Her weapon of choice? Seduction.
Vampire Countess seduces her way to the top. Photo by user AresValley.
She flirts with the king, leaving him enraptured in the lady’s glowing eyes. He is fully convinced that he has found the object of his affection, while she is convinced that she has found the source of her power. She nuzzles the king’s neck, plunging her fangs into his jugular, but quickly escapes when she sees that the paparazzi have arrived – not scared but satisfied. What are her plans for when she takes the throne?
So many amazing stories are being uploaded to social media every day. The Sims 4 community is filled with a plethora of playful players ready to tell a tantalizing tale.
You can share your own dynasty disasters or romantic conquests in the comments, tag us on socials (@TheSimCommunity), or submit via Gallery/Reddit spotlights – we’d love to feature you next!
If you’re looking for the best The Sims 4 tattoos CC and piercings CC, check out this list of amazing content I have compiled from some of the best creators! When it comes to expressing individuality and creativity in The Sims 4, few things let your Sim stand out like custom tattoos and piercings. While the base game offers a handful of body art options, why settle for a small star on the wrist when your Sim could be rocking a full sleeve of neon dragons, or a septum ring that screams “I am the one and only”!
The Sims 4 Tattoos CC and Piercings CC: 30 Sets We Recommend
Tattoos
2000s Tattoo 1 by bbtaylor19
Splashes of pink, purple, blue, and black await you in the 2000s tattoo 1 pack by btaylor19. This right upper arm sleeve features many different 2000s graphics, such as video game icons, nostalgic candies, and sparkly gems. This sleeve set comes in 3 different swatches and is base game compatible.
The Lotus Glow Tattoo created by ANGISSI is a full back tattoo for both men and women. There are 3 different swatches available, and works with all skin tones. Each swatch features a giant, beautiful lotus flower with a few sparkles!
Not enough finger tats for your Sims? Check out the Knuckles Ink Tattoo set by SNOOTYSIMS! These tattoos come in 6 different swatches, featuring different geometric patterns and lines.
Party like its the 80’s with the 80s Things Sleeve Tattoo by unidentifiedsims! Classic 80’s symbols such as computers, milkshakes, and headphones all create a very unique sleeve for your retro Sim. There are a total of 6 different colors, 5 different shades of black, and it is available for all genders; teen to elder.
For your music-loving Sims, Melody-Rose Tattoo by fairyreese is a quarter-sleeve tattoo that comes in 6 swatches. In this tattoo, you will notice a microphone surrounded by music notes, a rose beneath, and the word “Misunderstood” on the inner bicep. This piece will look amazing on any Sim strumming a guitar or stepping up to the microphone, and could work great for storytelling!
Randomness and adorableness are combined in Full Sleeve Tattoos by demondare-sims. Available for left, right, or both arms and features American traditional tattoos like a snake with roses, cherries, and sparrows. There is even a lovely lady wearing a bonnet and mystical hands!
Tattoo Pack N1 by emmibouquet is completely customizable; there are 5 designs located on different body parts with two package files, so you are able to mix and match different designs. They all feature animal skulls (Even a Cow Plant!) with flowers, and some have geometric patterns or symbols. This set will look amazing on any Sim!
When your female Sim needs a little something extra, HAND TATTOOS #1,2 by BYDIV.studios will be sure to make her hands stand out! There are a total of 6 swatches, and features small details such as, flowers, butterflies, smiley faces, and bees.
This beautiful American traditional sleeve of flowers and sparrows by myshunosun comes in 6 different swatches for all genders. The different color hues all match perfectly, whether you want a pop of color or black and grey.
Old School Tattoo Sleeve, Right Arm (American Traditional) by Venerian
Bats, cowgirls, skulls, spiderwebs, and more await you in the Old School Tattoo Sleeve CC pack by Venerian. This tattoo set is found in the lower right arm category with 6 swatches, and has no gender restrictions. American traditional maybe considered “Old School”, but this set will definitely have you standing out in the crowd!
TuPu Art Collab Vintage Pinup V1 Tattoo by unidentifiedsims
Pinups may be vintage, but they never go out of style! TuPu Art Collab Vintage Pinup V1 Tattoo by unidentifiedsims features two cute pinups, with other small designs like flowers and sparrows. There are 2 colors with 5 different shades, and you will find this amazing piece in the upper left arm tattoo category. This is also base game compatible and will work with both Alpha and Maxis Match skins!
Aye Aye, Captain! Roger Tattoo by Theasimzcc features nautical designs as well as skulls and roses. Perfect for any skin tone, this download will be a perfect addition to your male Sims tattoo collection.
Knee tattoos are not for the weak! Show others how tough your Sim is with Ravyn Tattoo by NekoChan-Simmer. You will find 4 different swatches that include 2 different placements and sizes of an awesome, realistic skull with its mouth wide open.
For the gothic style Sim, Laurie Tattoo by NekoChan-Simmer features a mystical tattooed hand holding the Lovers tarot cards. There are 6 different swatches to let you place this in multiple different areas, and it is not gender locked. These would look fantastic on any magical Sim!
Wanting to switch up your male Sim’s style a bit? VHSync has also created Full sleeve tattoo, a collection of 14 full arm tattoos for male sims, all in black ink! There are many different styles to choose from, including simple, American traditional, and flash sleeves.
For Sims who just love their cats! Traditional Cat Tattoo by VHSync features 12 different kitty and American traditional designs that make up a full sleeve. Some of the designs you will find are a cowboy cat, a mystical cat, skulls, and a skydiving penguin! This can be worn on the left or right arm by either gender.
Random Back Tattoos by shanverse features 4 swatches with different designs like an owl, a sun/moon, a dragon, and a sword. These tattoos fill the entire back, but they are located in the lower back in CAS. Whether you are looking for thin lines or an entire piece, this set might just have the tattoo for you!
Back tattoos can be the statement that every stylish Sim did not know they needed! IMF Back Tattoos created by IZZIEMCFIRE includes 6 different designs in black ink, including a mermaid and a dazzling rose!
The Youngbloods Tattoo Set by Simsnectar is a black and grey realism sleeve featuring a heart with a dagger, dice, a dragon, and more! Available in 3 swatches: upper half, lower half, and full sleeve.
Roses, flowers, lemons, moths, and more await you in Heartlines Tattoos by myshunosun! There are 3 different placements for tattoos: the chest, left arm, and right arm, and they are all base game compatible. Whether you want black and grey or all the colors, there are between 3 and 12 swatches for each tattoo, giving you a little more freedom to customize how your Sim looks!
This piercing set is a statement piece that will set any Sim apart from the rest. GROOVE Cheek Piercings by Pralinesims has the option of wearing the left, right, or both sides, as well as a double cheek piercing! This amazing set comes in 15 different colors and is available for all genders.
Gothi is Rock Collection – Piercing Set by Blue Craving
Spikes and rings for the hardcore Sims! Gothi is Rock Collection by Blue Craving featuring 4 different piercings: a spiked bridge, a lower lip spike, 4 mouth rings, and an asymmetrical septum piercing! These can all be combined as well to give your Sim the look of your dreams.
The one piercing missing from The Sims 4? The tongue ring! Dahlia Tongue Piercing by Pitted0live fills this gap with this lovely little ring that has a small diamond on top. This would look amazing on any Sim and with its coloring could be paired with any outfit!
The Sims 4 has added lip rings, but not nearly enough of them. Ava II Lip Piercing by WisteriaSims includes a double lip ring on both sides of the lower lip and is available in 2 colors: silver and gold.
This CC set by PralineSims is absolutely stunning! JEKYLL & HYDE has 2 piercings, anti-eyebrows, and lip corner piercings. These piercings are very unique, and to make things even better, they come in 15 colors each! These can all be combined and work well with facial movement and sliders!
BLASPHEMY Eyebrow Stud Piercing Selection by PralineSims
PralineSims has also brought to life BLASPHEMY Eyebrow Stud Piercing,s which includes 12 total piercings, 6 for the left and 6 for the right. These options also allow you to play with the piercings in multiple eyebrow spots. This set, as well, comes in 15 colors and would look great combined with their other creations!
Belly button piercings have also been forgotten by The Sims 4, but thankfully, we have amazing CC creators to help us fill our game out. Happy tummy! Ring collection by Mewo-ita! features 11 different super cute unisex belly rings! You will find charms like lollipops, a rubber ducky, a donut, a strawberry, and many other cute designs. These will be perfect for Summertime looks or trips to the beach!
Nawany Septum Piercing by Maxi Moons is such a beautifully crafted piece! Available in 5 swatches, this septum ring features 1 larger colored heart trailed by 2 smaller metal colored hearts. Perfect for any occasion!
Sometimes the most subtle piercings can make the biggest statements! Calliope nose rings created by Overkill Simmer feature a metal septum hoop, followed by a lovely chain septum adornment that transfers over to the side nose ring. These piercings come in 5 swatches, perfect if you want to pair with your Sim’s different outfits.
Bridle piercing set created by Blahberry Pancakes is definitely a standout and unique piece for any alternative Sim. This set features 4 different piercings: Septum, High Nostril, Double Nostril Piercing, and Septum. These pieces stack absolutely stunningly together, and with a whopping 28 different swatches, the possibilities are endless!
What are your thoughts on our list of recommended The Sims 4 Tattoos CC and Piercing Sets? Let us know in the comments down below and see more of our Sims 4 Custom Content spotlights!
The Sims 4 has introduced many helpful service NPCs over the years, from butlers and nannies to ranch hands and inheritance lawyers. Now, with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy expansion pack, players get not one, but three exciting new service options to elevate gameplay with any household, not just the royals ones. An Upgrade Technician, a One-Time Tutor, and a Scheduled After-School Tutor are the new services you can expect! In this guide, we will walk you through exactly how to hire each one, what they do in your game, and why they’re game-changers for making your Sims’ lives run smoother than ever.
The new Service NPCs from The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy
A new Upgrade Technician
What is an Upgrade Technician
Tired of forcing your Sims to grind their Handiness skill at a woodworking table just to upgrade household objects? Imagine them focusing on what really matters instead: climbing the career ladder, unwinding with friends, or heading out on that perfect date. Enter the long-awaited Upgrade Technician, the newest service NPC from Royalty & Legacy that’s here to handle those tedious upgrades so you never have to touch a Handiness book or woodworking table (unless you want to for the fun of it!). Don’t confuse this service with the base game’s Repair Service, which your Sims call when appliances break down. The Upgrade Technician has one clear mission, right there in the name: improving the quality of appliances, plumbing, electronics and furniture, freeing up your Sims’ time for bigger ambitions in any household.
How to hire an Upgrade Technician
The great news? This service isn not exclusive to dynasties or nobles, any Sim from any world can hire the Upgrade Technician! Just like other services, access it easily from your Sim’s computer (via the Household menu) or phone (in the Home app). Any teen Sim and up can make the call, no need for an adult to handle it.
Word of caution: Time is money here, and this is the priciest service NPC yet, at §1,200 upfront + §95 per hour. Make sure your Sims have deep pockets (or a hefty household fund) before calling in the pro!
You can call and ask for an Upgrade Technician at any time in the game, though it is worth noting that if you call starting 9:00 PM, the Upgrade Technician will not come before 7:05 AM the next day. If you call during the day, expect him to arrive in the next 15 minutes.
Important:
you cannot hire more than one Upgrade Technician at a time.
you cannot hire another Upgrade technician as long as the other one is still working. As soon as you get the pop-up telling you they are done, you are good to call again, even if the technician is still on your lot.
What happens when the Upgrade Technician comes
As mentioned above, the Upgrade Technician‘s main job is to boost the quality and reliability of your Sims’ household objects so they break less often (or never), stay cleaner longer, or provide extra moodlets and perks (just like manual Handiness upgrades, but without the skill grind!). Once the Upgrade Technician arrives on your lot, a prominent pop-up appears asking you to select a preferred upgrade category. Your options include:
Electronics
Furniture
Kitchen
Plumbing
No preference (the Upgrade Technician will randomly start upgrading any available object).
If you pick one of the first four categories, they will prioritise objects in that group at first. However, you cannot specify an exact item to start with, they will choose what needs upgrading within the category.
A few handy notes on how it works in practice:
If your chosen category has no eligible objects left (e.g., everything’s already maxed out) or none exist on the lot, the Upgrade Technician will move on to other available objects.
Even if there aren’t enough items in your selected category to fill their time, they will happily upgrade other types if present, so you get the most value from their visit!
Not happy with them branching out? You can dismiss or fire them at any moment to stop the process (handy for controlling costs or preferences).
Like other service NPCs, you can also give them a §100 tip for great service.
If your lot is packed with eligible objects (especially in a royal estate or big legacy home), don’t expect the Upgrade Technician to upgrade everything in a single visit. They typically stay for 3–4 hours (depending on how much there is to do), focusing on as many items as time allows within your chosen category (or randomly if “No preference” is selected). Once their time is up and they leave, you will need to hire the service again if you want them to continue upgrading the remaining objects. This makes it a premium, ongoing investment, perfect for phased improvements, but it does mean budgeting for multiple calls on larger lots.
Once the Upgrade Technician has upgraded an equipment, all eligible upgrades will be applied at once.
Pro tip: Prioritise high-impact categories first (like Kitchen or Plumbing for daily use) to get the biggest bang for your simoleons early on. And remember, you can always dismiss them mid-visit if costs start adding up or priorities change!
Complete list of eligible upgrades by Technicians
Here is a complete list of all eligible objects divided by category.
Electronics:
Burglar Alarm
Computers
Dew collectors (Eco Lifestyle)
Dr. June’s Weather Control Device (Seasons)
Drones (Get Famous)
Dryers (Laundry Day)
Fireplaces
Gaming consoles
Gaming mats
Heaters (Snowy Escape)
Karaoke machines (City Living)
Radiators (For Rent, Vampires)
Radios & Speakers
Robot Vacuums (Cats & Dogs); both the base and the robot get upgraded, except for The Mold -Buster Dehumidifier upgrade.
Solar panels (Eco Lifestyle)
Tablets
Televisions
Trash chutes (Discover University and Lovestruck)
Vacuums (Bust The Dust)
Video stations (Get Famous)
Washers (Laundry Day)
Water generators (Eco Lifestyle)
Wind turbines (Eco Lifestyle)
Furniture:
Beds
Fire lamps (Dine Out and Adventure Awaits)
Treadmills
Vertical gardens (Eco Lifestyle)
Kitchen:
Coffee machines
Espresso machine (Get Together)
Grills
Microwaves
Pizza ovens (Home Chef Hustle)
Refrigerators
Stand mixers (Home Chef Hustle)
Stoves
Waffle makers (Home Chef Hustle)
Plumbing:
Bathtubs
Hottubs
Saunas (Spa Day)
Sinks
Showers
Oddly enough, it seems that most of the functional items from For Rent and some other packs are not upgradable by Upgrade Technicians, although the items themselves are upgradable. The list includes:
Blenders (Adventure Awaits)
Bowling alleys (Bowling Night)
Fuze boxes (For Rent and Restoration Workshop)
Kettles (Adventure Awaits and For Rent)
Pressure cooker (For Rent)
Water heaters (For Rent and Restoration Workshop)
Another key limitation we have noticed: the Upgrade Technician will not apply eco-upgrades that come with The Sims 4Eco Lifestyle. Those still require manual Handiness work. Despite this (and a few other non-upgradable items), this NPC is a total lifesaver for all play-styles, especially no-cheat players! Upgrading can eat up hours of your Sims’ day, but now they can hire a specialist to handle most of it. For the rare items the Upgrade Technician skips, a quick manual upgrade does the trick. Overall, we were thrilled with their efficiency and your household will thank you!
Two new dynasty-exclusive Tutors
Unlike the universally available Upgrade Technician, the two new Tutor services are exclusive to Dynasty members and unlocked via a specific Dynasty Perk (typically starting at Level 2 Prestige). The two types of Tutors are:
One time tutors.
Scheduled After-School tutors.
Their have identical roles: once hired, the NPC simply appears with a Tutor role with no visual distinction. These multi-talented pros teach skills to Sims of all ages (from kids to elders) and provide targeted homework help for children and teens. Perfect for busy parent Sims juggling home and work tasks, or even adults needing a quick boost in career-critical skills like Charisma, Handiness, Logic, Cooking, Painting, and more (covering a good amount of in-game skills with exceptions will cover later). Whether it is acing school reports or maxing out that promotion requirement, Tutors bring expert mentoring straight to your lot, no rabbit holes required!
So what’s the difference? They both teach skills and help with homework, the only difference is the time at which they will visit your Sims’ lot, that’s it.
One Time Tutors:
Come every day of the week, weekends included.
If you call between 9:00 AM and 8:59 PM, your Tutor will come in the next 15 minutes.
If you call after 9:00 PM, you will have to wait until 9:05AM of the next day for your Tutor to come.
Scheduled After-School Tutors:
Come from on business days, so from Monday to Friday starting 3:35PM.
If you call on weekdaysbetween 3:30PM and 8:59PM, the Scheduled After-School Tutor will come in the next 15 minutes.
If you call on weekdaysafter 9:00 PM, you will have to wait until 3:35 PM of the next business day for your Scheduled After-School Tutor to come.
If you call during the weekend, you will have to wait until Monday 3:35 PM until the Scheduled After-School Tutor comes.
How to hire the dynasty-exclusive Tutors
As mentioned earlier, this service is exclusive to dynasty members. Quick Dynasty refresher: Every time your Dynasty hits a new Prestige Level, the Head receives Dynasty Perk Points to spend. Access the perks via the Dynasty menu (under Social or Household tabs). The Tutor Perk costs 50 Perk Points and unlocks both hire options. Here’s the official description: “Dynasty Members can hire a Tutor via Hire a Service in the Phone. The Tutor is a highly-skilled Sim who will help Children and Teens with their homework, and can mentor any Household Sim on their Skills.” Without this perk, Tutors won’t appear on phones or computers. Resetting perks also removes them from the available services list.
Key notes:
Only teens and up can hire Tutors.
Dynasty outcasts cannot hire Tutors.
Like other services, you can hire Tutors via computers as well (Household menu).
If you hire a One time Tutor, you can hire an After-School Tutor as well, but if you hire an After-School Tutor first, you cannot hire a One time Tutor.
Keep in mind that you cannot have both Tutors at the same time on your lot, as the game considers them as one type of NPC.
Both kinds of Tutors cost §100 upfront + §30 per hour, which is much more affordable than Upgrade Technicians.
At any point before the Tutor comes, you can cancel your tutor service via the phone. Depending on how much time there is left before the NPC comes, you might still be billed §100 even when canceling.
What happens when the Tutor comes
Once the Tutor arrives on your lot, they will automatically seek out Sims engaging in mentorable activities, like children and teens tackling homework, or any Sim practicing skills (e.g., rehearsing a speech for Charisma, cooking in the kitchen, playing chess for Logic, and more). Want to direct them to a specific Sim? Click the relevant skill object (e.g., a mirror), select Mentor > Ask for [Skill] Mentoring (like Charisma), then choose the Tutor from the pie menu. Tutors will generally stay a couple of hours but never all day long.
Key notes for homework:
For faster help, have your young Sim sit or stand right next to the Tutor, or use “Come Here” to bring them over. Speed up those straight-A’s in your dynasty!
Children and teens cannot actively ask the Tutor for help, but once they start their assignment, the Tutor will autonomously swoop in to assist.
Like any other Service NPC, at any point you can:
You can dismiss or fireTutors to stop the process (handy for controlling costs or preferences).
Like other service NPCs, you can also give them a §100 tip for great service.
What can Tutors really do
To confirm these Tutors are the real deal (and not just for show), we cheated one into our household for a closer look. We are pleased to report they come packed with high-level skills, many maxed out at level 10! While exact levels vary slightly between Tutors, the core skill set remains consistent, ensuring reliable mentoring every time. Skills Tutors can cover include:
Charisma
Comedy
Cooking
Fitness
Gourmet cooking
Guitar
Logic
Mixology
Painting
Piano
Programming
Research & Debate (Discover University)
Singing (City Living)
Swordsmanship (Royalty & Legacy)
Violin
Writing
Tutors appear to be modelled after real-life private tutors, emphasising skills typically taught in structured lessons or academic settings, so practical, hands-on “craft” skills like Handiness, Flower Arranging, or Gemmology seem to be intentionally left out. Your Sims will still need to level those up the old-fashioned way: practicing manually, reading skill books, or, if you have The Sims 4Businesses & Hobbies installed, attending Lectures for a more guided boost.
Even with these limitations, the service proves incredibly useful in tons of scenarios, whether it’s speeding up homework for the kids, pushing adults toward career promotions, or giving your dynasty heirs that extra edge. It’s exciting to see more specialised NPCs added to The Sims 4, even if this one’s got a touch of elitist exclusivity reserved for Dynasty members only!
What are your thoughts on these new NPCs with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy? Are you excited to hire them? Have you already done so? What are your thoughts? Share with us in the comments down below.
Electronic Arts boasts new benefits for The Sims Creator Program.
Electronic Arts and Maxis have released a brand new The Sims Blog post entry today, talking more about the new benefits coming to the already existing The Sims Creator Program. Which is just another way of naming The Sims subdivision within the EA Creator Network!
Within this blog announcement the team revealed some new benefits for the closed circle of players who are in The Sims Creator Program. Including new workshops and classes throughout the year for channel building and doing your own fundraisers through livestreaming. Sounds like a good way to forget about that EA buyout deal!
Table of Contents
See what the team revealed in their latest blog post announcement:
The Sims Creator Program is Evolving: Official The Sims Blog
Sul Sul!
We’ve got some big updates to share about The Sims Creator Program, our global creator community made to support, uplift and collaborate with creators across our family of Sims experiences.
This program is all about celebrating your creativity, your ideas and opening the door to exciting opportunities with The Sims.
As part of the program, creators can receive things like early access to new expansion packs and opportunities to collaborate with The Sims team, all while continuing to build your own unique voice.
Now we are opening things up even more.
We’re expanding the program to welcome more creators, more perspectives and more play styles! Players connect with The Sims in so many different ways, beyond traditional gameplay, and we want to celebrate all of it.
New or Established, Your Voice Belongs in The Sims
We’re inviting creators of all kinds who express themselves through play, storytelling, design, identity, culture, humor and world-building — both inside and outside The Sims. Whether you’re just starting out, an established creator, have something new to say or are SIMply passionate we are excited to hear from you.
You may be a builder, storyteller, custom content (CC) creator or community leader. Orrrr… you may be a cozy gamer, artist or lifestyle influencer.
Even if you’re new to The Sims or create other kinds of content, you’re welcome here.
Join us to help shape stories, build community and influence how The Sims grows next!
Perks, Support, and Possibilities for Every Type of Creator
When you join, you’re not only getting our support, you’re getting access to exclusive content, opportunities and perks. These activities and offers are our way of thanking you for your continued passion and creativity in The Sims community. No matter what kind of creator you are, we’ll meet you where you’re at, and support you during exciting moments and milestones.
Here’s what that includes:
Access
Free game codes at new launches for you and your community
Early access to new launches (where applicable)
Occasional sneak peeks and early previews, including opportunities to preview content with Sims developers
Chances to receive Sims swag or other physical goodies during key Sims milestones
Access to a private Discord where you can chat with The Sims team and fellow creators
Access to the EA Creator Network platform, for opportunities across The Sims and other EA titles
Access to the Support-A-Creator (SAC) program, where you receive your own Creator Code to earn a commission
[New] SAC Community reward discounts during select windows
[New] Exclusive creator discounts at Shop The Sims
Collaboration
Opportunities to take part in campaigns, livestreams and activations
Opportunities to collaborate with us both in-game and out, such as live events, workshops and more
Opportunities to join virtual and in-person feedback and beta playtesting
Support
A direct connection with a Sims team member in your region
Regular creator feedback surveys, sessions and listening opportunities
Resources to support safety, well-being and platform best practices
[New] Learning and education sessions throughout the year to help you grow as a Sims creator
[New] Opportunities to apply for support to facilitate tech needs or creator-led events and charity fundraisers
A Place to Create, Be Seen, and Be Supported
Our creators inspire us every day, and we know that creativity looks different for everyone. That’s why we aim to support your unique vision in a way that feels right to you. Your voice matters to us, and that individuality is what makes our community special.
We’re committed to fostering a welcoming space where creators feel respected, valued, supported and celebrated for who they are. As creators grow their online presence, we provide guidance and encouragement to help navigate the journey. We’re here to ensure everyone feels safe and empowered to show up as themselves.
Supporting diverse voices is not just something we care about; it’s a core value of The Sims and where we are headed in the future.
We hope you’ll join us. We can’t wait to build that future with you.
Request to join through the EA Creator Network and select The Sims as your primary franchise. If you don’t see a fitting description for yourself, don’t worry; choose whichever describes you best. We believe there’s a creator in everyone!
Do I need to only create Sims content?
No. We welcome creators who make Sims and Sims-related content, as well as those whose content is adjacent (cozy games, lifestyle, design, storytelling, humor). If you’re creatively aligned with The Sims, you can request to join.
I haven’t posted in a while — can I still request to join?
As long as you’ve created Sims or Sims-related content in the last 90 days, you can request to join. We encourage creators to engage at a pace that feels sustainable and authentic to them.
Does follower count matter?
Not as much as you think! Creativity, tone, involvement, and consistency matter more.
What is the difference between The Sims Creator Program and the EA Creator Network?
They work in tandem! The Sims Creator Program is built with Sims creators in mind. The EA Creator Network is home to creators across all EA games, but it’s also where we share perks and opportunities tied to The Sims Creator Program. Once approved as a Sims creator, you can expect to hear from us there.
I’m already a member of the EA Creator Network, but not of The Sims Creator Program. How can I request to join The Sims Creator Program?
If you are a member of the EA Creator Network and have The Sims listed as your primary franchise, you’re already in The Sims Creator Program! You can also adjust your primary franchise at any time. Please reach out to your local point of contact to find out what opportunities and perks you can access.
How often do you review spots for The Sims Creator Program?
We value every creator who requests to join The Sims Creator Program, and we carefully review each request. Reviews are ongoing at the team’s discretion. You can expect new creators joining every month or two.
Who is not eligible for The Sims Creator Program?
The Sims Creator Program is not open to anyone who has violated the terms of any previous EA creator program (e.g. EA Game Changers), the EA User Agreement, or the EA Creator Network Trust and Safety Guidelines, or who is employed by another game developer or publisher. Those removed from any previous EA creator program are also not eligible to rejoin or be reinstated.
I requested to join the The Sims Creator Program and meet all the requirements, does that mean I’ll get in?
Participation in the The Sims Creator Program is at EA’s discretion. Meeting eligibility criteria does not guarantee acceptance or continued participation. EA and The Sims team do not provide individual feedback on selection decisions.
I’m a parent, talent manager, or agency representative and I represent a creator that wants to be a part of this program. Can I be a part of the program on their behalf?
Unfortunately we don’t allow talent agencies, talent managers, or parents to apply or take part in this program on behalf of individual creators.
I’m not a traditional streamer or Youtuber but I run a Sims fansite/fan community. Can I apply to The Sims Creator Program?
Yes, creators who operate fansites or fan communities dedicated to The Sims are welcome to apply, and will be required to sign the same agreements as other EA Creator Network creators.
What opportunities are available?:
Early access, livestreams, content spotlights, UGC showcases, campaigns, Creator Grants, educational resources, and more!
Do I need to be an on-camera creator to be accepted?
No! Off-camera creators (builders, storytellers, custom content creators, community leaders, etc) are equally welcome.
Is the program global?
Yes — and we’re expanding to more regions over time.
What is the Support-A-Creator initiative?
Support-A-Creator is an optional program where Sims community members can support creators by purchasing eligible EA content. Participating creators can apply for a unique Creator Code. Players who use the code during eligible purchases on the EA App, EA.com, or in-game may earn the associated creator a commission under the program’s terms. To join, creators must review and accept a separate Support-A-Creator agreement, which is distinct from the EA Creator Network and The Sims Creator Program agreements. Participation is not automatic; eligibility, setup, and terms are shared with invited or applying creators.
Are Sims Creator Program members paid?
The Sims Creator Program members may participate in unpaid and paid opportunities. Receiving early access or creator benefits does not automatically mean content is paid or commissioned. When creators participate in paid, sponsored, or commissioned campaigns, this will always be clearly communicated in advance and requires appropriate paid disclosures based on region and platform.
Are there expectations around how creators talk about The Sims?
No. Creators are encouraged to share their honest feedback — positive or critical — as long as it complies with EA’s Trust & Safety Guidelines and is applicable platform rules. Participation in the program does not dictate opinions.
As a member of the The Sims Creator Program, do I have to participate in every opportunity that I’m invited to?
Not at all! Creators can choose to participate in as many or as few opportunities as they like.
Am I required to make content for every opportunity or hit a content quota to remain in the program?
No! While we always love seeing Sims content from you, creating content while you’re in the program is never mandatory unless you’re participating in a paid brand partnership, which are typically short-term sponsorships. We want you to create on your terms — there is never any content quota from us.
I requested to join but was not successful or my submission wasn’t reviewed. Can I reapply?
If you received an email inviting you to reapply, you can do so 90 days from when you received that email. If you don’t receive an email from us after 90 days, please log back into the EA Creator Network site to check your status and eligibility to resubmit a request again.
Do creators need to disclose when their content is part of The Sims Creator Program or EA Creator Network?
Members of The Sims Creator Program are expected to follow disclosure policies and applicable law for content that reflects their relationship with EA. Clear disclosures keep things transparent, honest, and healthy between creators and their communities. Creators are responsible for including clear and prominent disclosures in accordance with applicable laws, platform rules, and EA guidance.
Do creators’ actions outside of EA games affect their participation in The Sims Creator Program?
Yes. If you see a creator who is part of The Sims Creator Program behaving in a way that you believe may break our Trust & Safety Guidelines or The Sims brand values, whether directed toward other creators, community members, or EA, you can report them here.
Can I participate in third party paid sponsorships while being a member of The Sims Creator Program?
You may receive sponsorship or promotional opportunities from companies outside of EA. That’s generally permissable, and EA doesn’t object to you pursuing them. However, you aren’t permitted to use or feature EA brands, logos, or games (like The Sims) in those campaigns. The only exception is if a third-party paid sponsorships violates our EA Creator Network guidelines. If you’re unsure whether a sponsorship requires prior approval, we recommend reaching out to us before proceeding.
As a creator, can I use The Sims IP in third party paid sponsorships?
How can I, a representative of a third-party organization, collaborate with EA and/or The Sims and The Sims Creator Program participants? Who should I reach out to first?
What are your thoughts on the new The Sims Creator Program benefits and updated rules? Let us know in the comments down below and stay tuned for all the latest Sims news right here on Sims Community!
Freezing during marriage and Family Tree fixes should be fixed with the latest Sims 4 Update!
A new Sims 4 Update has been released across PC, Mac, Xbox and Playstation supported platforms, just a week after the previous Hotfix Update release. As stated this Tuesday, the latest Sims 4 Update is a hotfix for two issues: Freezing during Marriage events and additional fixes to the Family Tree layout, overlapping and more.
You can download the latest Sims 4 Update by checking for a Patch through the EA App, Steam or Epic Games launcher for Desktop. If you have Automatic Updates enabled the update will automatically download through your client program. In case your EA App is not working properly ensure you’ve cleared your app cache!
If you play The Sims 4 on Xbox Series X / S and Playstation 4 and 5 you can request a new update by checking for updates under The Sims 4 game in the Main Menu. If you’ve enabled automatic updates the Patch should download right away.
There’s also a handy official guide to Mods and CC maintenance, as well as backing up your Saves! Click here to learn all about healthy upkeep of your The Sims 4 files.
Official Sims 4 Patch Notes
Update 2/19/2026
PC: 1.121.372.1020 / Mac: 1.121.372.1220
Console: Version 2.30
Sul Sul, Simmers!
Here is a small update to address some important fixes related to Royalty & Legacy. Thank you so much for your continued reports via the EA Forums!
-The Sims 4 Team
Bug Fixes
Base Game / Multipack
Live Mode
[EA Forums] Resolved an issue found in some save files where the game would freeze when Sims are getting married.
Family Tree portraits will no longer overlap after a Spouse’s death when there’s a Secret Child.
[EA Forums] Resolved an issue in some saves where missing connections were appearing in the Family Tree and Sims portraits were not highlighted when selected.
[EA Forums] Resolved an issue where the game would stop responding when clicking on a Sim from the Family Tree in some save files.
What’s your experience with downloading the latest Sims 4 Update on your platform? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned for the latest Sims News!
Power Shifts in The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy: The Magical Moments That Can Crown You… Or Curse You!
The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack contains FIVE new ‘Power Shift’ moments, gameplay opportunities that can either launch your Sim to the peak of nobility… or completely ruin their lives! There are many ways for your Sims to take the crown, and Power Shifts are by far the quickest, but not always easiest, way. Let’s take a look at all the storybook moments to discover in the new world of Ondarion!
The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy: Power Shifts
The Crystal Slippers – On The Steps of the Palace
These exquisitely crafted, magical shoes bring elegance to every step. Slip them on and any Sim is instantly swept into dazzling finery. Those who dance the Grand Waltz in these shoes may find new love or see their fortunes change among the Nobles. If a dance falters, even a Noble may face unexpected twists of fate.
The first of the five power shifts is the Crystal Slippers, enchanted shoes that are sure to woo any noble at a Grand Ball. Getting your hands on a pair of these slippers doesn’t have to be Agony, so let’s take a look at where to nab a pair for yourself!
The Crystal Slippers can be found in treasure chests throughout the world. These spawn next to the rocks marked with an X and an arrow. If you are struggling to find these treasure spots, make sure to check out our Ondarion World Guide! If lucky, your Sims will receive a pair of Crystal Slippers.
You can also cheat the Crystal Slippers in by enabling ‘testingcheats’, Shift + Click on your Sim, Select ‘EP21 – Royalty & Legacy’, ‘Power Shift Events’, and ‘[DEBUG] Create Crystal Slippers.
Once your Sim has a pair, you can enable the Power Shift Event by selecting them in your Sim’s inventory and choosing ‘Wear Shoes’. This will have your Sim instantly change into formal attire and their newfound slippers. You will also receive a notification encouraging you to plan a Ballroom Event, perfect for meeting Nobles in Ondarion!
At the Ball event, make sure to find an eligible Noble and choose either ‘Dance for Romance’ or ‘Dance for Status’, the latter granting your Sims the title of the chosen dance partner. Be warned, a failed dance can lead to upset and a broken heart!
Simcalibur – The Sword in the Stone
Simcalibur beckons a Sim trusted and true, Adept with a blade and ready to pursue. A Kingdom awaits their guiding hand, where Commoners trust and understand. But if they fail to prove their worth, The Sword’s displeasure shall quake the earth.
Simcalibur is the rarest sword in The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy, and there is only one in existence in your save. Be careful who you choose to pull it! The sword is located next to Ye Olde Voyager bar in the region of Verdemar (see below)!
You can select ‘Examine Prophecy’ to learn more about the sword. The prophecy claims that only Sims with great standing with common people, and a proficiency in Swordsmanship are worthy of pulling the sword from the stone. If successful, the sword will be added to your Sims’ inventory. The sword acts as any other sword does in-game; it can be used in duels, to be trained with, or mounted on the wall. You can also perform two interactions unique to Simcalibur: ‘Ascend to Kingdom Leader’, and ‘Simcalibur’s Radiance’.
Choosing ‘Ascend to Kingdom Leader’ does exactly what it says on the tin: the chosen Sim will be instantly granted rank 10 of the Noble Career and will depose any Sim with that rank. The ‘Simcalibur’s Radiance’ interaction will grant your Sims an 8-hour confidence moodlet. You will need to wait for Simcalibur’s power to recharge before performing it again!
Noble Frogs – Kiss (Or Eat?)
Among the frogs that hop and roam, Some once called a Sim-life home. Twisted by a trickster’s curse, From Noble lines to fates far worse. Yet only true love, pure and warm, Can break the spell and shift their form.
When kissed, these amphibians have a chance of transforming into Noble Sims, all ready for romance. As a noble, the transformed Sim will recognise your status and may instantly propose. Commoner Sims, on the other hand, have a chance of being rejected.
Frogs found in logs or water pumps in any world can be kissed! Simply click on a frog either in your Sims inventory, or one they have in a tank on the active lot, and select ‘Kiss Frog’.
You can also cheat the Noble Frog in by enabling ‘testingcheats’, Shift + Click on your Sim, Select ‘EP21 – Royalty & Legacy’, ‘Power Shift Events’, and ‘[DEBUG] Create Noble Frog.
Regular frogs are not noble, and will not grant your Sims the same benefit; they will still result in an instant engagement if you choose to accept the suitor’s proposal. Noble Frogs can be distinguished from regular frogs by the pillow they sit on and the crown on their head. Both types of frogs can be found in the usual places. Noble Frogs have a much rarer chance of appearing.
If you have The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature and your Sim is Level 5 or higher in the Natural Living Skill, they can choose to eat the noble frog if they so wish.
The Enchanted Mirror – Pick Number 3 My Lord
Gaze within to test your chance, Blessed ascent or shadowed stance. Rise in rank or fortune’s glow, Or watch your luck and rivals grow. Seek a truth the glass may stir, But risk the fate it may confer.
The Enchanted Mirror can be found in a small island in the lake found in Bellacorde. This mirror can be interacted with, and if you choose ‘Examine Enchanted Mirror’, you will be given a poem (see above) tempting your Sim to seek their fortune, along with a healthy dose of warning.
Choosing to ‘Investigate Secrets on…’ will allow your Sim to uncover a scandal that another Sim is hiding, allowing you to find dirt on a rival that you can use to your advantage. Be warned, as this can backfire, leaving your Sim with a +1 Embarrassed moodlet that lasts 4 hours.
You can also choose to ‘Gaze into the Future’, either granting a boost in noble rank or increased career performance if your Sim is in any other profession than Noble. As with investigating secrets, this too can backfire, leaving your Sims with a penalty in career performance, and the quality of any crafted items being lowered.
Anansi’s Well – Spider Senses
Anansi, sly weaver of tales untold, Calls forth a Sim both curious and bold. To enter his Trials is to dance with the sly, Where riddles twist under the spider’s eye. The wise earn boons from challenges met, But careless Sims find tangled debt.
Anansi’s Well can be found between Zanbira Market and Dambele Palace in the region of Dambele urrounded by spiders crawling along the ground. Anansi is a trickster god from West African and Carribbean folk lore, so take his advice with a pinch of salt.
You can ‘Ask for Anansi’s Advice’, which costs one Simoleon and will result in an advice notification popping up, with helpful hints on how to become a noble, how to help those around the world, and how to generally get by in Ondarion.
You can also choose to undertake four different trials set by Anansi. You must do these trials in order and they will see your Sim undertake challenges of skill to earn rewards. Take a look below at how to complete each trial:
Trial
Clue
Action
Trial One: Weave a Story
Spin a tale with wit and weight. Speak a story, and let Anasi decide your fate.
Learn a secret and share it with others.
Trial Two: Offer a Secret
Whisper what hides beneath your smile. Hold a secret too tightly and the web may twist, but share it and Anasi’s favor finds you.
Learn a sceret and share it with others.
Trial Three: Spin the Web
Weave a trick. Twist a thread. Let another stumble while you rise. Let Anasi judge if you are clever enough to dance in the web.
Successfully perform Deception interactions under the Mischief category.
Trial Four: Fulfil the Thread
Gather the words that linger in your mind, and bind them to the page. If written with excellence, it will endure gracefully in Anansi’s web. This is your final trial.
Write a book with Excellent Quality.
You will have 3 days to achieve each task successfully to avoid a penalty. Upon completing the final trial, you will be granted the ‘Threadshifter Trait’ that will allow your Noble Sims to change their alignment between Commoner and Royal.
Are you going to take the risk for the chance to changeyour Sims’ lives? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Sims Community for all guides on The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy!
If you love immersive family gameplay in The Sims 4, the Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack is about to become a must-have in your Mods folder. Created by the incredibly talented SIXAM CC, this pack focuses on realistic nursery design, heartfelt storytelling moments, and beautifully crafted build/buy items that make preparing for a new Sim baby feel truly special.
Designed with family players and legacy challenges in mind, the Baby On The Way CC Pack adds depth to pregnancy gameplay by letting your Sims slowly build and decorate their nursery, right down to assembling the crib in-game.
Currently, the pack is in Early Access on Patreon, meaning players who want it now will need to subscribe for immediate download.
Table of Contents
What Is the Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack?
The Baby On The Way CC Pack is a thoughtfully designed nursery-focused custom content series by SIXAM CC that brings realism, storytelling, and cozy family moments into your gameplay. Part 1 includes a beautifully crafted set of 18 decorative and build/buy items, while Part 2 introduces a special gameplay mod that allows you to fully assemble the crib in stages.
Inside the pack, you’ll find a variety of scene-setting details — from moving boxes and painting supplies to baby essentials waiting to be unpacked — perfect for creating realistic pregnancy storylines and nurseries that slowly come together over time. The crib is designed in unassembled stages inspired by flat-pack furniture, making it ideal for storytelling builds.
Players can also build and customize the baby mobile, choosing between two décor themes: birds or space. As your Sim family grows, the crib can even be upgraded and converted into a toddler bed, adding long-term value for legacy gameplay.
Important note: The Part 2 crib-building mod requires the The Sims 4 Parenthood Game Pack in order to function properly.
Build & Buy Catalog Preview
Below is a complete catalog of every item included in the Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack, along with detailed preview images for each piece.
Swatch Previews
Take a closer look at every object in the set, showcasing all available color variations and design options.
How You Can Build Your Own Baby Crib In-Game
One of the most unique features of the Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack is the ability to fully build your baby’s crib through interactive gameplay instead of instantly placing a finished object. Once your Sim is ready, they can interact with the “Build the Crib” box and select “Start Working Carefully.” As they work, building the crib also boosts both Mental and Handiness skills.
The crib begins in unassembled stages inspired by flat-pack furniture, allowing your Sims to gradually put it together across two phases as the pregnancy progresses. This creates realistic preparation moments that feel immersive and rewarding.
Interestingly, chatting with a partner or another Sim in the room slows the process down, making it take noticeably longer than building alone. During the interaction, Sims receive a Focused moodlet labeled “Working on a School Project.” A partner can even assist with the build (though the animation does clip slightly).
Once the crib is complete, you can add a lovely baby mobile that spins gently and plays soft lullabies, bringing even more warmth and realism to the nursery space.
Overall, it takes around 3–6 in-game hours (if including the mobile) to complete the crib depending on whether your Sim works solo or with help, which feels surprisingly realistic for such a hands-on project.
A Cozy First Time Parent Apartment That Showcases the Pack Beautifully
One of the most charming showcases of the Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack comes from Sims content creator Gryphi, who built the most adorable First Time Parents Apartment using items from SIXAM CC’s collection.
The build perfectly captures that early-parenthood energy with cozy, realistic, and thoughtful details that make gameplay feel warm and lived-in.
Gryphi also shared a full build video and uploaded the apartment to the Gallery, so players can download it directly into their game.
Important note: To experience the build exactly as shown, you’ll need to download several of SIXAM CC’s currently free custom content collections in addition to the Baby On The Way CC Pack.
Once everything is installed, the apartment looks absolutely stunning in-game.
Early Access Details – How to Download It Now
The Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack is currently available in Early Access on Patreon. Linked in the button below!
• A subscription is required to download it right now • Supporters get immediate access • It will be released publicly later, typically a month after the initial Early Access release
If you love high-quality CC and want to support amazing creators, Early Access is a great way to do both.
Our Final Thoughts – Is the Baby On The Way CC Pack Worth It?
Absolutely!
The Sims 4 Baby On The Way CC Pack is one of those additions that quietly transforms gameplay. It doesn’t just add furniture, it adds emotion, realism, and storytelling depth.
If you enjoy:
• Family gameplay • Legacy challenges • Cozy builds • Realistic life moments
This CC pack is a perfect fit for your save files.
Between the modular nursery pieces, adorable decor, and in-game crib assembly, it’s easy to see why this pack feels so special.
Discover even more Sims 4 CC packs, custom content reviews, and gameplay-enhancing mods in our Sims Community CC articles, where we regularly feature new releases, in-game previews, and other family-focused gameplay inspiration.
Maxis announces a new The Sims 4 Patch drop for this week!
The Sims Team has announced through their official Discord channels that there is going to be a new Sims 4 Hotfix Update. Set to release for this Thursday – February 19th, 2026! Here’s what you can expect from the latest hotfix patch:
The Sims 4 Hotfix Update Announcement
The Sims Community Manager EA_Cade shared a new message, revealing a new Sims 4 Hotfix Update for this Thursday. In this update you should expect fixes for issues with Sims freezing during marriage, as well as “additional Family Tree fixes”.
Sul Sul, Simmers, We’ll have a small Base Game update available this Thursday, February 19th containing fixes for issues with Sims freezing when getting married as well as additional Family Tree fixes.
What’s up with Family Trees?
A lot, in fact! Players who have never used CC / Mods have started reporting several issues with The Sims 4 Family Trees ever since the recent Sims 4 Updates hit the game this February. With reports on wrong connections, a family tree layout that’s way too stretched out and overlapping relations and interface that just makes no sense.
EA Forums member ToutouXL reported five different examples of how Family Trees have broken down in their game:
The new family tree is not working at all! Now I can’t understand nor use this family tree function! PS I didn’t use any mod nor cc!
The biggest problems lie in the overlap of the family members, I can’t see clear connection of any family. Besides, some of sims are married with kids in the family tree which are obvious image expression error! Not to mention that I am not able to tell who are the kids or siblings of one family. I show some pictures below, can you tell me HOW CAN I UNDERSTAND?
Example 1, the sim marries with a kid in family tree( actually not)! Plus a mess and serious overlap.
Example 2, unable to recognize one family.
Example 3, what does this white stripe mean? I can’t even tell the latest generation relationships.
Example 4, I pressed the little kid in the end of family tree, next thing I see is without this kid and all the people irrelevant to neither mother nor kid.
If the bugs is too time-consuming to fix, can you just return to the old logic and design which functions super well?! Thanks.
The upcoming Sims 4 Hotfix Update is expected to fix only two game issues, so you shouldn’t expect your recently-updated Sims 4 Mods and CC to break again with the upcoming Update release. We’ll keep you posted if that’s not the case though!
You can keep track of all the current Sims 4 Patch release notes right here.
Are you ready for the 3rd Game Patch for The Sims 4 for this month? Let us know in the comments down below and stay tuned on Sims Community for the latest news on the upcoming Sims 4 Updates!
How to Earn All Rewards in The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 2!
Welcome to The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3! Make sure to check out our previous guide for week 2 if you haven’t completed it yet before jumping straight into week 3. Players have until March 16th 2026 (subject to extension) to complete all quests and claim all the rewards before they are gone for good. Let’s dive straight in and see how to unlock all of the rewards in The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Week 3!
Table of Contents
The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3 Introduction
Another week, another Ondarion family to research and uncover their mysteries. This week, we will be getting further insight into Princess Cordelia and the Thebe family. You can check out the new quests and this week’s rewards either by selecting ‘Event’ on the main menu, or by clicking the Event icon in the top-left corner of the screen in Live Mode!
‘The Pirate Princess’ Quest Walkthrough
With a new key found and the Envoy’s behavior growing stranger by the moment, it’s time to find out about the last family mentioned: the Thebes.
The first quest pop-up of The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3 may take a moment to show, but once it does, hit ‘OK’ to continue. The first steps will be listed in the top-left corner of Live Mode. The Envoy should now appear at your lot, and you need to select ‘Ask About the Thebe Family’. The Envoy will then tell your Sim that she is setting a challenge. Time to prepare for whatever the challenge entails.
Our first task in preparation for the challenge is to research the Thebe family. Head to any computer and the interaction will appear on the first page of the pie menu.
We’re told that Cordelia Thebe has an interest in paintings and stolen treasure. Interesting. The next task is to train our chess skills. Head to any chess table and select ‘Ponder Moves’.
Our final of the three tasks is to ask another Sim about Cordelia. To undertake this piece of market research, select any Sim and choose ‘Ask About Cordelia’
Now we’re ready for our challenge. The Envoy said that once we are prepared, we should meet her in ‘the park’. The specific park is Magnolia Blossom Park in Willow Creek!
NOTE: Some players have reported issues with the task not completing when travelling to non-default lots.
Once at the park, either find Marina the Envoy at a chess table, or choose a chess table and select ‘Play With…’.
Now that our Sim has beaten Marina, she storms off and promises to tell us what she knows later.
After a tense chess match, frustarted by the loss, the Envoy abruptly stormed off. The Envoy’s behavior continues to grow stranger.
‘The Pirate’s Treasure’ Quest Walkthrough
After overreacting to a defeat at chess and storming off, the Royal Envoy is on the move again.
Return home to begin the next quest in pursuit of knowledge (and Event Points!) Our first task of the second quest of The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3 is to watch the News on a television. The News report tells our Sim that paintings from the Thebe family’s collection are being displayed at the Municipal Muses Museum.
As instructed previously, we need to call the Envoy once we are ready to know more. You can either call Marina via the phone or find her portrait in the relationships tab on the UI, select it, and choose ‘Call’. She is insistent that we check out Municipal Muses Museum, the same place mentioned on the news.
And the Municipal Muses Museum is exactly where we’re heading next. As with the travel destinations found over the last couple of weeks, Municipal Muses is located in the Crawdad Quarter of Willow Creek.
At the Museum, we are tasked with examining three paintings on the lot. Select any painting and choose ‘Inspect Painting’. Tough luck though, as our Sim will find absolutely nothing of note in the paintings…
Did you know that there is a statue of Cordelia in the museum? Neither did I, and our next goal is to inspect it. The statue can be found to the right of the ground-floor entrance. Unlike the paintings, the statue is of note! There is a code concealed at the base of the statue!
Now that we’ve found a mysterious code, it’s time to call the Envoy again. Select the envoy from the phone or via the relationship tab. The Envoy will tell us that she already knows of the code, and she tried it on a bench. Perhaps we should do the same?
Time to search a bench, I guess. Select any bench and choose ‘Search Bench’. Once searched, your Sim will discover a box… but it’s empty? I guess this is a case for the final set of quests next week.
Once complete, your Sims are free to do whatever they want for another week without being harassed or judged by the Royal Envoy.
The Envoy has dissappeared and taken a treasure! Were they trying to take it for themself this entire time?
That’s it for The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3! Make sure to claim your rewards in the Event tab!
The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Week 3 Rewards
For week 3 of The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event, there are a total of 6 rewards up for grabs with your newly earned points. Let’s take a look!
Small Rewards
This week’s small rewards are two books: Logic Vol 1 and Piano Vol 2. These books will be added to your active Sims inventory when you claim the reward.
Creepy But Cool Skeletal Key
Only one key can be claimed this week, and this time it’s all about pirates! You can display the key alongside the others in the Antique Curio Display Table we claimed in week 1.
Regal Residence Lot Trait
With this lot trait, your Sims’ needs will decay at a much slower rate, allowing them to pursue hobbies and relationships undisturbed. Sims living on this lot will be able to use the ‘Brag About My Luxe Life’ social interaction!
Embossed Filigree Eyepatch
The eyepatch actually comes in two varieties in Create-A-Sim, one for the left eye and one for the right! Both eyepatches come with 7 swatches that loosely match the robes and rings from prior weeks.
Ceremonial Dedication Fenestra For Cordelia Thebe I
The Ceremonial Dedication Fenestra For Cordelia Thebe I is a new window that comes in 9 swatches, with three stained glass designs in total, each in 3 variations of woodenframes. These can be found in the ‘Windows’ category of Build/Buy Mode.
9 swatches
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Future Event Rewards
You can check out the promotional image below to sneak a peek at the future rewards up for grabs in The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event.
That’s all for this week, but make sure to check back next Tuesday for our full walkthrough of The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event week 4!
What reward are you most excited for in the latest event? Let us know in the comments below, and stay tuned to Sims Community for all the latest on Live Events in The Sims 4!
The 21st Sims 4 Expansion pack brings an exciting new swordsmanship 10-level skill for your Sims. While you can challenge any Sim to a duel wherever you please, official tournaments are locked to the gazebos in Ondarion‘s three neighbourhoods: Dambele, Verdemar, and Bellacorde. But don’t sheath your sword yet – there’s a clever vanilla workaround to host them on any lot in any world! Here’s your full step-by-step guide.
The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Guide: Swordsmanship Tournaments in All Worlds
Swordsmanship tournaments in Ondarion
The Sims 4: Royalty & Legacy introduces three distinct Swordsmanship tournament types, live events where your Sims battle it out to prove they’re the ultimate blade master. These live competitions spawn opponent Sims for duels, building tension round by round as your Sim climbs the ranks. Different amount of simoleons are given as a reward to a Sim who finishes up 1st, 2nd or 3rd place. You can launch a tournament anytime during Sim time (no waiting for schedules!). Just interact with one of the two special objects:
Gazebos (found in each of Ondarion’s three neighborhoods: Dambele, Verdemar, and Bellacorde).
Duel carpets (also scattered in those same spots for dramatic showdowns).
These objects can be used to enroll, start the next round, duel an opponent, or forfeit if things get too heated for your Sim. Both objects can be used for these interactions, but the duel carpet is where the duel will happen, so its presence is mandatory.
What The Sims team forgot to do
Like most gameplay objects in The Sims 4 worlds, I fully expected the gazebos and duel carpets from Royalty & Legacy to appear in the pack’s debug catalogue, the hidden build/buy catalogue full of collectibles, books, nature decorations, functional items and more. To access the debug catalogue (on PC/Mac or console), open the cheat console:
PC/Mac: Ctrl + Shift + C
Console: Press all four back triggers at once
Then enter these cheats one by one:
testingcheats true
bb.showhiddenobjects
bb.showliveeditobjects
To my surprise, several gazebo variants appeared – but only one is actually functional for starting tournaments (just like in Ondarion). The duel carpet? Completely absent from the list. Worse still: even with the functional gazebo placed, Sims simply stand frozen during a duel attempt – no swords clashing, no action whatsoever – because the interaction depends on the duel carpet being present.
A quick look at the objects’ code revealed that the duel carpet had been flagged differently (likely an oversight in categorisation or visibility), so it remained locked away. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen something similar. Remember The Sims 4: High School Years? The iconic ice cream stall in Copperdale appears as a decorative façade in debug, but the functional vendor side (where the vendor actually serves) is still hidden to this day – requiring similar tricks to unlock properly.
Fortunately, a simple vanilla workaround exists to get tournaments working anywhere (no mods or CC required) — and that’s precisely what this guide covers next!
Host Swordsmanship Tournaments outside Ondarion
The steps for hosting a swordsmanship tournament on any lot in any worlds are quite simple, and 100% vanilla, so this works on consoles as well.
Keep in mind that you do not need the gazebo to host tournaments, only the duel carpet is essential. Here’s what to do:
Select the lot where you want to host tournaments and go to build mode.
Go to the gallery and search for my profile: Plumbocat.
You’ll find the following room I have uploaded, which includes the duel carpet inside it.
I recommend saving the room to your library (second button on the bottom left) in case you need the object in the future without needing to access the gallery.
Click on the install room button (on the bottom right) then place the room anywhere you want on your lot.
Select the carpet and place it where you need it.
You can safely delete the entire room, you don’t need it anymore.
It is worth noting that:
Since this is a debug item, you will not be able to use the eyedropper to copy the object.
You can place more than one duel carpet on your lot if you wish (handy for larger tournament setups or aesthetics), but bear in mind: only one tournament can run at a time. No simultaneous duels or overlapping events – your Sims will use one single carpet at a time.
This works on any residential or community lot type in your game.
You will not be able to host a tournament while another event is already taking place on your lot.
If you want to install the gazebo as well, simply use the debug cheats from the previous paragraph.
Once you click on the carpet or the gazebo and start the tournament, the regular goals for this event will show up as they would in Ondarion.
And now, your Sims can duel in any world you want, like mine is doing right now in Nordhaven (from The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies).
Hopefully, the Sims team will flag the duel carpet correctly in a future update so it appears properly in the pack’s debug catalogue, just like the functional gazebo variants. What are your thoughts on hosting swordsmanship tournaments in other worlds? Will you be using this workaround to set up epic duels in worlds like Willow Creek, Sulani, or even Forgotten Hollow? Or are you sticking to Ondarion for that authentic renaissance feel?
