The team acknowledges a new issue for Sims 4 Console Players.
The new Sims 4 Update that was released on June 17th, 2025 seems to have caused a new issue where the game is crashing on console for some players. The issue was brought to attention by the official Sims Direct team just moments ago, with the official forum thread on the EA forums website giving new tips and workarounds for The Sims 4 Crashing on Console issue.
Official Statement for Sims 4 Crashing on Console
We’re aware of a crashing issue some console players are experiencing since the June 17 update. While we investigate the cause please manually save regularly, and stay tuned for updates as we monitor any potential impact to the Nature’s Calling Event.
The problem was highlighted on the official EA Forums, with explanations on where the crashing on console bug is most present for players. From very old save game files to complex games, EA_Solaire laid it all out in the following post:
Console Troubleshooting Guide and Known Issues (Patch 2.13)
These crashes are not reproducible crashes, they happen without warning and at different times during gameplay.
This issue is most common with:
Original PlayStation/Xbox Consoles
Very old save files
Saves with lots of played households
Lots of items in builds, including the use of lots of different packs in builds
Lots of Sims in relationship panels of played Sims because of lack of game relationship culling
The use of large lots (50×50, 64×64)
To help prevent crashing you can try:
Placing fewer items on your lots
Set your maximum Sim count to 80 (You can find this setting under Game Options-> Gameplay)
Delete everything from Sim’s and household inventories for all played Sims
Save often
Saving your played Sims and households/houses to the library and placing them down in a brand new save may help with the crashing – especially if you’re playing on a very old or large save file.
Have you experienced any of the issues explained above during your playtime sessions? We’ll make sure to keep you posted on the latest Sims 4 Crashing on Console issue as soon as we get more information.
New looks at The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature have been shared by the devs!
We’re getting new in-game previews from the developers as we near The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Release on July 10th. The dedicated #behind-the-sims channel on the official Sims Discord has shared two new messages and image previews of the new Expansion Pack.
Check out the official previews below!
Fairy Wing Tryouts
They said we could be anything… so we became fairy mascots. From catfish to gnome, the wings stay on. These were captured during the development process and we’re still giggling.
Fearne the Fern
Enchanted by Nature is coming with a bunch of adorable items but this one stole my heart. Meet Fearne the fern!
Glowing Tattoos
Sul Sul everyone! I’m excited to share a special look at our glowing tattoos that were part of our development journey. These designs were initially shared with us during the creative process, and it’s amazing to see them come to life in the final product!
Concept Art of Apothecary Table
You’ve seen the apothecary tools in action in our gameplay trailer, now here’s a look at where they started. These are the original concept sketches that shaped the final designs you’ll soon be able to use in-game.
Recording of Fairy Sound Effects
Get an inside look into what it took to create the sounds of Enchanted By Nature.
We’ll be updating this article with more previews as they get shared through Discord. Stay tuned on Sims Community for all the latest updates on The Sims Franchise and beyond!
A Full Walkthrough to Earning Rewards in The Sims 4 Nature’s Calling Week 1!
Back in May, the official Sims Blog revealed that the next live event would be titled “Nature’s Calling” and showcased the four weeks’ worth of free items up for grabs. Today, on June 23rd, the event has officially begun! Players have until August 5th (subject to extension) to complete the event’s tasks and earn the rewards. The Sims team released a trailer for the event, and you can check it out below. Let’s take a look at how to complete week 1 of the Nature’s Calling event!
Table of Contents
Starting Out
As soon as you open the game, you will be greeted by one of those (honestly annoying) pop-ups, featuring Dahlia Fern. By clicking ‘Play Now’, you will be taken to the event menu, where you can view all quests and rewards.
Once open, you will see a layout similar to past events, with the rewards being displayed along the bottom. By clicking the quests tab, you can view current and upcoming quests available with the Sims 4 Nature’s Calling Event Week 1. You can even claim a starter reward, the ‘Reclaimed Woodworking Table’, without having to do anything!
‘Whispers on the Wind’ Quest Steps
For my playthrough of the Nature’s Calling event, I decided to send Bob and Eliza on a couples retreat to the forests of Copperdale to see if I could fix their relationship. It also makes for a perfect backdrop for the nature of this event!
Once in-game, a pop-up should appear telling you about ancient secrets, and promises of romance, discovery, and tranquillity. Once you click ‘OK,‘ three goals will appear in the top right. The third goal may be an optional goal for players who own specific packs. For me, the goal was to purchase a Romantic blanket from The Sims 4 Lovestruck and place it on my home lot.
For this next step, I had Bob and Eliza sit around the fire pit and roast some marshmallows to complete the ‘Have a Sim Spend Time Outdoors’ goal. My next goal was to visit any park. For this objective, I sent Bob to the nearby Totter Park, just in time for the next objective, ‘Fish in a pond’!
After a brief fishing trip next to a Sim with questionable makeup, it was time for the next objective. It was now time for Bob to ‘Listen to the Wind on a Park Bench’. So I had Bob do exactly that by selecting a park bench and choosing ‘Listen to the Wind’.
After completing this objective, I was given a pop-up notification telling me I had earned some event reward points that could be redeemed in the event reward store. I also received a very strange notification from a mysterious stranger whispering in the wind…
‘Attuned to the Echoes’ Quest Steps
After completing the first quest, the game wasted no time in throwing me straight into the next one. I received a pop-up informing me that the call of nature is growing stronger, and was then given three new objectives to complete!
I took Bob back to the campsite and purchased the ‘Reclaimed Woodworking Table’. I then decided to have Bob spend the afternoon cloudgazing by clicking on Bob and selecting ‘Cloudgaze’.
After Bob was done seeing pancake-shaped clouds, I had him head over to Eliza and perform the ‘Ask About the Whispers’ interaction. It seems as though Eliza is also hearing these strange voices…
I was then tasked with crafting two woodwork sculptures. Thankfully, I had already claimed and purchased the ‘Reclaimed Woodworking Table’, so Bob got to work on his very first sculpture!
After completing a couple of horse sculptures, I sent Bob on an evening jog to complete the next objective.
After Bob returned from his jog, I received a notification informing me that I had completed the second quest. I had now earned enough points to claim all rewards available in week 1. Check them out below!
Week 1 Rewards
For week 1 there are a total of seven rewards up for grabs after completing the two quests. Unfortunatley, the more exciting rewards come in later weeks, but for now let’s take a look at our winnings!
Small Rewards
After claiming all rewards, I could find Touch Grass Weekly, Issue #1, Handiness Vol 1: Try Not To Die, and a potion named Instant Hygiene that is much needed after Bob’s jog.
Odonata Glasses
These fairy glasses, first revealed before the announcement of Enchanted by Nature Expansion Pack, were almost certainly a hint of what’s to come. The official description reads: “These specs give a whole new meaning to the phrase ‘bug eyes'”.
The Reclaimed Woodworking Table
You don’t even have to play the event quests to unlock this one as it is available for free to all players!
Bonus: §5000
I could’ve just typed in ‘kaching’ five times, but it’s always nice to be rewarded for your efforts!
That’s all for this week, but make sure to check back next Tuesday for a full walkthrough of Week 2 of the Nature’s Calling event!
Did you enjoy this week’s event? Which reward are you most looking forward to? Let us know in the comments below and stay tuned to Sims Community for all updates regarding Live Events in The Sims 4!
The Sims Youtooz Collab Collection Officially Releases on June 27th!
After a small teaser over on the official Youtooz social media pages last Friday, we finally have our first full look at the collection, as well as confirmation of a release date of June 27th 2025! Youtooz ships worldwide from China to a number of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, and the European Union. You can find more on international shipping on the Youtooz website!
The news of The Sims Youtooz collection dropped today on social media, unveiling 7 new collectables that will be released this coming Friday. The collection includes 2 vinyl figurines, 4 plushies, and a lapel pin. You can find the full collection over on Youtooz.com. Let’s take a closer look at the collection!
Nothing says a healthy balanced diet like eating the Cow plant, before it eats you! At 4.9 inches tall, this figure showcases the iconic Cow plant growing from within an earthen pot as lush green roots extend from its base. With the stem of the plant reaches for the sky and a black and white cow head protruding from green and red leaves, a cake tipped tongue hangs from their open mouth. The exterior of the packaging has been illustrated to showcase a garden of cow plants growing, while the interior is a light green that’s patterned with Plumbob’s. The protective sleeve then continues this on the sides with a white front as their figure can be seen through the large clear window. This collectible was designed in collaboration with community member @therealracckun and ships in a matte, embossed, protective outer sleeve and a custom-sized plastic protector for maximum protection during shipping.
Youtooz.com
The cowplant will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
The Grim Reaper – Vinyl
Only a few things in life are guaranteed. Death, taxes and that the Grim Reaper’s Youtooz debut! Popping out of the shadows to collect the soul of your Sim that just died from eating poorly made Mac and Cheese, The Grim Reaper stands at 4.6 inches tall and readies to bring down a swing of their jagged scythe. Dressed in grey and green torn robes that obscure their shadowed face, a brown tome hangs from their left hip as a skeleton bunny sits on the right. The exterior of their packaging showcases a nighttime scene from inside a home as a single light illuminates an urn, while the interior is a light green that’s patterned with Plumbob’s. The protective sleeve then continues this on the sides with a white front as their figure can be seen through the large clear window. This collectible was designed in collaboration with community member @therealracckun and ships in a matte, embossed, protective outer sleeve and a custom-sized plastic protector for maximum protection during shipping.
Youtooz.com
The Grim Reaper will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
Freezer Bunny – Plush
Congratulations, you have unlocked the iconic Freezer Bunny Youtooz! At 9 inches tall, this boxy pink bunny is ready to be loved as they stand with short warms raised to either side of an adorable smiling face and a small tail poking out from their back. This plush is packed to the seams with 100% PP cotton and is made of the softest minky material, perfect for cuddling or being iconic with!
Youtooz.com
The Freezer Bunny will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
Cow Plant – Plush
If you need a balanced diet, then the Cow Plant is the perfect thing to cultivate! This 9 inch tall plush shows the Cow Plant growing from a brown pot as a golden bell hangs from their stem and luscious leaves frame the muzzle, utters and horns of the black and white cow face. This plush is packed to the seams with 100% PP cotton and is made of the softest minky material, perfect for cuddling or eating! (don’t eat this plush)
Youtooz.com
The Cow Plant will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
The Grim Reaper – Plush
Don’t worry, this Grim Reaper is too soft and cuddly to be a bad omen! Standing at 9 inches tall and dressed in dark robes, this Reaper is ready to come home with you as in his left hand he holds a blue tablet to show his next victim while the right holds a skeletal bunny. This plush is packed to the seams with 100% PP cotton and is made of the softest minky material, perfect for cuddling or collecting souls with!
Youtooz.com
The Grim Reaper will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
Plumbob – Plush
Have you ever felt like a Sim? Like you don’t have control over your own life? Well now you can fully embrace that feeling with our brand new Plumbob plush! This iconic crystal stands at 9 inches tall, is beautiful shades of green across it’s many faces, and is ready to float above your head! This plush is packed to the seams with 100% PP cotton and is made of the softest minky material, perfect for cuddling or just living with!
Youtooz.com
The Plumbob will cost $29.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
Burglar – Lapel Pin
Attention all our 5 finger discount sims, the Burglar is here! Happily just as a collectible pin though, so your jewels are safe! This brand new 2 inch tall pin is made of high-quality, shiny enamel and is designed to show the burglar dressed in the sneakiest outfit possible as they hold a bag of money which attached by a chain so it moves as you wear it! This pin is perfect as decoration on a cork board or showing off on your tote bag, backpack, fanny pack, jacket or wherever your heart desires, these pins are sure to turn heads and catch the eyes of anyone you pass, letting them know who has an eye on their goodies!
Youtooz.com
The Burglar will cost $11.99 USD + Shipping Fees. You can find it on the Youtooz website here!
The Sims Youtooz collection will be available for this coming Friday, July 27th, and the items are expected to depart in October. If you’re not sure whether or not you want to spend your money just yet, you have three months to decide! You can shop the full collection on Youtooz.com!
What are your thoughts on The Sims Youtooz collection? Let us know in the comments below, and make sure to stay tuned to Sims Community for all the latest news on The Sims franchise!
In just under 3 weeks, the latest Expansion Pack for The Sims 4, titled Enchanted by Nature, will release worldwide! Earlier this month, we received our first glimpse of the June-August roadmap, which revealed that the Expansion Pack would be released on July 10, 2025.
At launch, Enchanted by Nature will retail for $39.99 USD or your regional equivalent. As with previous DLC launches, the pack will drop simultaneously worldwide. This can be a little confusing for those living in different time zones. Don’t worry, as we have you covered with our countdown to release!
Table of Contents
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Release Date & Time
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature is due to release on July 10th 2025. The exact time varies based on time zone, but as it stands, the pack will release at 10 AM PDT/ 6 PM BST/ 7 PM CET. If you want a more simplified overview, you can check out our countdown below!
Countdown to The Sims 4 Enchanted By Nature Release
Coming to PC, Mac, Xbox One, S and X, Playstation 4, 5 and Pro Series.
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The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature will be available on the following platforms:
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature is the 19th Expansion Pack to release for The Sims 4 over its 10+ year history. Just this week, we received two trailers showcasing the Create-A-Sim and Build-Buy items! Next week, we are likely to receive the official Gameplay Trailer, as well as a World Spotlight trailer, giving us a closer look at the new world of Innisgreen. The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature will introduce the fairy occult to The Sims 4 for the first time, as well as expand on off-grid living, herbal remedies, and so much more.
From what we’ve seen so far, it looks like we are going to be able to customise fairy wings in great detail, similar to pets and tattoos, as well as an expanded skin tone range to include more fantasy options. There is also to be a pack livestream with a mysterious special guest before the pack’s launch. If all goes well (unlike the Businesses & Hobbies initial livestream) the this is likely to be the week before The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature’s launch!
Limited Edition Bonus Content
If you purchase The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature before August 21st, then you will receive the Fairy Garden Digital Content, featuring three exclusive items for your game:
Lofty Leaf Pond
Luminous Mycena Lantern
Disguised Dwelling Fairy Home
For all updates regarding The Sims 4 Enchantedby Nature, and all news and updates on the game, stay tuned to Sims Community to be among the first to know!
From Wicked-ly Good to Fantastically Super – Sims 4 Movie CC Inspired by the Last Year in Cinema!
Lights, Camera, Action! If your recent trips to movies have inspired you to bring the magic of the movies to your game, this list of Sims 4 movie CC and Mods will help you recreate iconic moments in-game. From Marvel to Musicals, this list rounds up some of the best CC inspired by some of 2024 and 2025’s cinematic standouts. Quiet on set, let’s get rolling!
The Sims 4 Movie CC Spotlight: 2024 and 2025 Blockbusters
The Fantastic Four & The Thunderbolts* – A Marvel-ous Collection
For the last 15 years, there has been a constant stream of Marvel movies, and now there are even TV series streaming on Disney+! It’s no surprise that some of our favourite superheroes have had their looks translated into The Sims 4.
The Fantastic Four – Mima Busowg
Next month will see the release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, and CC creator Mima Busowg is ahead of the curve. Their recreations of Reed Richards, and Sue and Johnny Storm’s beautifully retrofuturistic Fantastic Four outfits are on point, and perfect for anyone looking to recreate Marvel’s first family in-game. For fans of Marvel Rivals, Mima Busowg has also created their in-game variants!
Fellow Ozians, good news! Thanks to CC creators, you can dress your Sims in Ozian fashion in The Sims 4. Whether you’re a fan of Glinda Upland of the Upper-Uplands or Elphaba Thropp of Munchkinland, there’s plenty of CC and community creations for fans of Wicked to play with while we patiently await the release of Wicked: For Good this coming November.
Glinda The Good Witch Set – Mima Busowg
Previously mentioned CC creator Mima Busowg has recreated six iconic looks worn by Ariana Grande as Glinda/Galinda Upland in Wicked. This set includes the iconic bubble dress, two Shiz outfits, her Ozdust ball look, and the Emerald City and Defying Gravity looks. Check it out below!
I’m holding space for this next one! Elphaba’s iconic Shiz University dress, boots, and glasses have been recreated in The Elphie Collection by RissaRyan on Patreon.
Oscar-nominated body-horror The Substance thrilled audiences with its commentary on ageing, the female body, and stardom. Some of Elizabeth and Sue’s iconic looks have been translated from screen to game with several lookbooks that capture the unique style.
The Substance Lookbook – Clov3r
These Sims created by Clov3r over on Patreon perfectly resemble Elizabeth and Sue from The Substance, with a list attached of all CC used to create them. Check it out!
On to a very recent release now. The much-anticipated follow-up to Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later and its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, has hit theatres globally. This post-apocalyptic British zombie thriller explores human emotion, community, and rage. Here are some post-apocalyptic looks for your Sims wanting to live out a rather macabre fantasy!
Apocalypse Set – Mr Crow
This Create-A-Sim and Build-Buy mashup set by Mr Crow has all you need to turn Willow Creek into the desolate, infected-ridden countryside of the English North-East. The set contains a handful of gory outfits for each life stage, and many bloodied furniture swatches fit for the end of days.
Sacraficial is known for their bizarre, game-changing mods, and the Zombie Apocalypse Mod is no different. With this mod installed, you can turn your Sims’ world into a hellscape with streets full of the undead. You can fight off infected Sims with an arsenal of weapons, join forces with other survivors, and even encounter bosses! This mod is incredibly visceral in its violence, so be warned before installing.
If you haven’t heard of A Minecraft Movie, then I can only assume you have been living under a very large rock. Prior to its April release, you couldn’t escape the constant barrage of memed moments. For fans of Minecraft or of A Minecraft Movie, you can now enjoy elements of another game in this game!
Minecraft Bedroom – Pinkfizz
Over on The Sims Resource, you can find this Minecraft bedroom set complete with bedrock beds, TNT rugs, and Creeper… Well everything! 10-year-old me would have loved this.
What piece of cinema iconography would you like to see replicated in The Sims 4? Let us know in the comments below! Stay tuned for all the latest Sims 4 Mods updates!
I was one of the lucky people who got to try out The Sims Board Game at the UK Games Expo. Here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect, and even a confirmed release date so you know when it’ll hit the shelves.
Table of Contents
A quick disclaimer: Because of the nature of the games expo and tons of Simmers waiting patiently to play, I didn’t get the chance to play a full game, only a few turns. Some elements of the game may also change between now and the release.
Setup
Some board games feel laborious to set up, and by the time that’s all done, people have lost interest in playing, so I am pleased to say this game looks really straightforward.
How to set up the game
Start by putting down the main board. It’s made up of six triangular pieces, making a map of Willow Creek.
Pick six location cards from the pile and add them to the map. There are lots of location cards from all of the different Sims games.
Pick your coloured Plumbob token and the matching needs counter.
Set up the action cards in two rows of four face up, and place an ‘iconic Sim’ card next to each row. The rest of the action cards go in a pile face down next to these.
That’s it!
A sneak peek at The Sims Board Game instructions.
Also, a good thing to note is that the actual quality of the cards and game pieces is great; they feel really well-made and high quality. There was only one game to demo at the entire expo, and by the time I played it had been out and used for three days straight by hundreds of people, yet it still looked and felt brand new.
A breakdown of the different cards
Aspiration cards: These set your main objectives in the game, each showing two interest symbols and rewarding you with three aspiration points when completed by collecting matching symbols from action cards.
Action cards: These represent activities, items, or events your Sim can engage with, each showing two to four interest icons and sometimes a Plumbob symbol that replenishes one need.
Iconic Sim cards: These feature well-known Sims characters, each with a single interest icon. They can be collected for one aspiration point if their symbol matches the location you visit.
Location cards: These form the main board, and each location tile has three different interests and one need symbol. The symbols on these cards show which action cards or iconic Sims are available and which of your Sims’ needs will be depleted when you visit.
Home card: Where you will store your scored/completed aspirations, action cards, and current aspirations.
Needs tracker: How you keep track of your needs, if they all turn red, that’s game over.
Your home card and needs tracker.
Gameplay
Player order is decided by which player has most recently played The Sims.
On your turn, you’ll choose one of two actions – Go Out or Go Home.
Go Out
There are a few different things you can do on your turn.
This is what the board should look like once you are ready to start playing.
Visit somewhere on the board: Each location displays up to 3 interest symbols (e.g., tech, social, money) and 1 red need icon (like hunger or energy). This is what you will need to make go down when you visit it.
Pick an action card: Once you go to a location, choose an action card from the rows that matches one of the interest symbols shown at the location you are visiting.
Meet iconic Sims: Every unique Sim has one personal interest symbol. If the location you’re visiting shares that symbol, you can befriend that Sim, which will add them to your collection.
Refresh the card pool: After selecting your action card (and possibly a sim), refill the empty spot from the deck.
Mingle with other players: This is optional, but it’s a fun touch! If another player is already at the location you chose, you’ll “mingle.” Roll the plumbob dice to see whether you steal an action card from someone else, trade a card, or do nothing.
Complete an aspiration: If you’ve collected 3 action cards that match the symbols on one of your aspiration cards, you complete that aspiration! Score the points and lock them in.
A better look at the Plumbob pieces.
Go Home
You can stay in and focus on recovery if your needs are getting low. Go Home actions include:
Replenishing two needs: Turn any two needs on your card from red back to green.
Draw or discard an aspiration card: Great if you’re stuck with really unhelpful ones. Check your new cards, and if the symbols match the action symbols you have collected, you can bank the points immediately.
The Aim Of The Game
The goal of The Sims Board Game is to be the first player to earn 8 aspiration points. You score by completing aspiration cards (3 points each) by collecting matching interest icons from action cards, and by befriending unique Sims (1 point each).
Like any board game, it does involve some level of strategy. You need to manage your needs, choose optimal locations to gather symbols, and plan around your current aspiration goals. Timing when to go out, when to go home to recover needs or draw new goals, and when to mingle with other players adds a dynamic layer of decision-making.
The Sims Board Game box art.
Review
This is a well-thought-out and well-designed game, which manages to simplify what is arguably the most complex life simulation game on the market.
I was really pleased to see it wasn’t just townies from The Sims 4 that were featured as well, the game has 25 years of lore and history, so it’s nice to see some of that get a little nod.
Because I am so used to thinking of The Sims as a solitary game, I was apprehensive about this edition to the franchise. However, having seen how much care has gone into the development, from giving nods to old townies to just the quality of the actual game pieces, I think The Sims board game is going to be a hit with die-hard fans and people new to The Sims.
A shot of the game in action!
Release date
**drumroll**
For any Sims fans in the US, The Sims Board Game will be available at Target from the 20th of July!
In the UK, The Sims Board Game will be available from the 18th of September, with pre-orders open now on Amazon.
The estimated manufacturer’s suggested retail price for The Sims Board Game goes for $19.99USD, or a price equivalent to your local currency.
Bring the beloved and delightfully unpredictable world of The Sims to life and experience a fresh new take on game night! Join your friends and family — and memorable Sims from years past — as you chart your journey. Will you create chaos and try to outrun Grim or aim for career success? What will you do next when you have to start all over again? The possibilities are endless as you explore familiar venues, connect with iconic Sims, and achieve your aspirations to claim victory! Recommended for 2-5 players, ages 12 and up.
THE SIMS BOARD GAME: A game for Sims fans – and their friends! Create, travel, socialize and achieve your aspirations in this tabletop adaptation of Sims!
BASED ON THE HIT VIDEO GAME SERIES: The popular video game is now a player vs. Player social game. There are so many iconic Sims references that make each game unique. This game is for the avid Simmer, a new time Simmer and everyone in-between.
REAL SIMS REFERENCES: Inside the Box You Will Get Icon Cards, Everything Cards, Aspiration Cards, Variety of Venue Cards & House Cards, Sliding Needs tracker & a Plumbob Turn Tracker
GAMEPLAY: Each game lasts between 30-40 minutes, for extra Simming fun why not increase the points target?
Take a look at other articles we have done on The Sims Board Game here.
Goliath Games also dropped an official teaser trailer, which you can watch below.
Are you excited to be able to bring The Sims Board Game to family game nights? Let us know!
Are you ready for an upgrade to your Ghostly Sims with The Sims 4 ghost powers? Ghosts have been an integral part of gameplay since the inception of The Sims, and especially in The Sims 4. The Life & Death Expansion Pack expands on this and enhances the game by introducing ghost powers and abilities. Your Ghost Sim can now earn Experience Points and progress through the Ghost Mastery Panel to unlock otherworldly abilities that let them influence their world for the better or worse. With this change to the Afterlife, our Sims might not have to be so afraid of facing Grim after all.
The Sims 4 Ghost Powers: Life and Death Guide
The Sims 4 Ghost Powers and the Ghost Mastery Panel
The Sims 4 ghost powers from the Life and Death Expansion pack are unlocked through the seven-level Ghost Mastery Panel. This feature may be familiar to Simmers who use Werewolves or Vampires in their gameplay, as it seems to use the same skill tree layout as seen in other occult-related packs.
The seven levels in this skill tree are Wispling, Ethereal Novice, Phantasmal Ascendant, Spectral Luminary, and Transcendent Wraith. The Ghost Mastery panel offers a Good, Neutral, and Evil skill tree path, allowing your Ghost Sim to hone their powers.
Stamina & Ghostly Abilities
When your Sim performs ghost powers in The Sims 4, they earn Experience Points, which can be used to purchase abilities in the Ghost Mastery Panel. These powers come at a price, however. Each time your Sim performs a ghostly ability, your Sim sacrifices a bit of their Stamina.
To increase your Experience Points without much effort, after enabling cheats, use the cheat stats.set_stat rankedstatistic_ghostpowers_ghostxp [x], entering your desired amount of Experience Points. (Ex: enter stats.set_stat rankedstatistic_ghostpowers_ghostxp 5000 to reach the Transcendent Wraith Ghost Mastery level)
Ghost Sims with Healthy Stamina can use their Ghost Mastery interactions with ease, while Ghost Sims with Low Stamina will start to feel Tense or Uncomfortable. After purchasing the ability, Ghost Sims can take a Spectral Slumber to refill their fading Stamina. You can view this in the information in the Simology Panel.
Can’t wait for your Sim to recharge? To instantly refill your Ghost Sim’s Stamina, enter the cheat testingcheats on and use the Cheat Need… Make Happy interaction when clicking on your Sim. This will replenish your Sim’s needs and bring their Stamina back to Healthy.
Ghost Powers for Good
There are two ability paths for your Sim to explore within the Good skill tree: Comfort and Helpful. Each good interaction grants your Ghost Sim Goodwill Essence.
Embrace the good side by completing enough good interactions in The Sims 4, and unlock the Transcendent Wraith Ghost Mastery level to unlock the Benevolently Bless interaction and be granted the power of the Ultimate Blessing. This will allow your Ghost Sim to bestow the gift of boundless fortune on living Sims. Your Ghost Sim also unlocks the Mark of Good tattoo that can be applied in Create a Sim or directly by clicking on your Sim.
Comfort Abilities Level 1: Solace Embrace
Unlock the Detect Current Mood interaction to learn about Sims’ moods outside of your household, and use the Solace Embrace interaction to remove their negative feelings with a calming hug. The Solace Embrace ghost power is only available for your Sims friends and other Sims they are close to.
Comfort Abilities Level 2: Euphoric Presence
Radiate a positive aura from your Ghost Sim to influence the emotions of nearby living Sims who are in the same room. This ability allows your Ghost Sim to Radiate Assuring Aura, Radiate Happy Aura, and Radiate Fun Aura. Nearby Sims can’t help but be happy to be around Ghosts who use this power!
Comfort Abilities Level 3: Dream Weaver
Give living Sims a good dream, restoring their Energy needs faster. By performing the Weave Good Dream ghost power, your Sim can help others start their day off on the right side of the bed.
With this ghost power, your Sim can instantly improve the quality of crafted items, nurture plants, and restore freshness to spoiled food. They can use this power in The Sims 4 Life and Death to increase the quality of their own items, and even help other Sims by enhancing their crafts from beyond the grave with the Nurture Plant, Improve Quality, and Restore Freshness interactions.
Helpful Abilities Level 1: Dispeller
Unlocks the Dispel Material ghostly ability to instantly remove trash, dirty dishes, puddles, messes, and more, sending them away to the Netherworld. Performing this interaction in front of other Sims will make them happy and increase their social relationship with your Ghost Sim.
Helpful Abilities Level 2: Novice Maintenance
This allows your Sim to transcend the Handiness Skill barrier, giving them a chance to clean, repair, and upgrade instantly. Select an object and choose the Instantly Upgrade, Instantly Clean, and Instantly Repair interactions to use this ghost power. This ability has three tiers, with each tier enhancing the interaction’s success rate. Your Sim may fail to instantly enhance the object until this ability is fully upgraded.
Helpful Abilities Level 3: Grim’s Ride-or-Die
At this point, your Sim has earned some street cred in the Afterlife and is known around the realms as a Good Ghost. With this ability, your Sim has been gifted the power to save a Sim from getting reaped by fist bumping Grim with the Save a Life interaction. While this isn’t always successful, your Sim will have a much better chance at saving their loved one with this power.
Helpful Abilities Level 4: Altruistic Caretaker
This ability unlocks the Bestow Longevity and Give Need… interactions. Fill others’ Energy, Social, and Fun needs and extend the living Sims’ lifespans by channeling the needs of those your Sim is close with, or offering them the comfort of longevity.
Ghost Powers for Evil
There are two ability paths within the Evil skill tree: Scare and Chaos. Pick your poison when you purchase abilities from the Ghost Mastery Panel. Each evil interaction grants your Ghost Sim Fear Essence.
Choose the dark side by completing enough evil interactions and ghost powers in The Sims 4 Life and Death to unlock the Transcendent Wraith Ghost Mastery level to access the Cast Otherworldly Curse interaction and be gifted power of the Ultimate Curse. Your Ghost Sim can cast a malevolent curse on living Sims, causing things to go wrong for them every day. Your Ghost Sim also unlocks the Mark of EvilTattoo that can be applied in Create a Sim or directly by clicking on your Ghost Sim.
Scare Abilities Level 1: Spooky Spectacle
This creates eerie effects to scare nearby Sims; Unlock the Ghostly Bang interaction when clicking on yourself or on the ground, and the Flicker Lights interaction by clicking on the floor of a room or directly on the light object.
Scare Abilities Level 2: Object Manipulation
Sinister Haunt possessable objects or Haunt musical instruments, gaining fun and skill. Your Ghost Sim can possess most items, but items like tables can’t be possessed if they have other objects on them. Children, toddlers, and infants will enjoy these haunting displays, while older Sims might have a different, more negative reaction.
Scare Abilities Level 3: Haunting Shriek
Let loose a terrifying scream to gain fun and elicit fear in nearby living Sims, by clicking on yourself or other Sims. The Haunting Shriek ghost power from The Sims 4 Life and Death can scare other Sims so badly that they can lose bladder control or even pass out!
Scare Abilities Level 4: Levitator
Shake around a living Sim to drop Simoleons or items from their inventory with the Levitate interaction, and see what falls from their pockets. Watch out, though, this can make other Sims Angry and lead to a Fight! This ghost power is not available to use on pregnant living Sims.
Chaos Abilities Level 1: Conjuror
Summon trash, puddles, and spooky objects on the ground to cause chaos. Use the Conjure Material ghost power to conjure substances out of thin air and spawn them anywhere you please.
Chaos Abilities Level 2: Dark Presence
Emit a dark aura from yourself to influence the emotions of nearby living Sims through the Emit Emotional Aura and Emit Distressing Aura interactions, available by clicking on your Ghost Sim. While the aura is active, nearby living Sims will feel an intense negative mood. This ghost power can only be performed by your Ghost Sim every few hours.
Chaos Abilities Level 3: Dream Corruptor
With the Corrupt Dream ghost power, give living Sims a nightmare while they are sleeping. Sims will awaken with negative moods like Terrified or Tense from being unrested.
Chaos Abilities Level 4: Devourer
Use The Sims 4 ghost powers Manipulate the needs and lifespan of living Sims. Your Sim can use the Absorb… interaction to absorb living Sims Energy, Fun, Social, and Hunger needs, or the Drain… interaction to drain living Sims’ Energy, Fun, Social, Hunger, Bladder, and Hygiene needs, with an extra boost for manipulating terrified Sims. Your Sim can siphon a Sim’s life essence, shortening their lifespan. The Siphon Life Essence ghost power is only available to use on each living Sim once.
Neutral Ghost Powers
The Sims 4 Life and Death also adds a skill tree with Neutral Ghost Powers that don’t impact the greater good like the Good and Evil Ghost Powers. These abilities will help your Ghost Sim get the most out of their Afterlife.
Level 1: Ghostly Traverse
Teleport anywhere and enter homes uninvited. Use the Traverse interaction by clicking the ground to teleport, and the Spectral Unlock interaction on residential front doors to enter residential buildings without an invitation.
Level 2: Fear the Night
Evoke the heightened fear by performing ghost powers at night for extra Fear Essence. According to the legend, there may be a mysterious merchant wandering around Ravenwood who will pay top Simoleon for Essence in The Sims 4 Life and Death.
Level 3: Suppress Living Needs
A two-tiered ability that slows down your Ghost Sims’ hunger, bladder, and hygiene needs. The more you Experience Points you put towards this ability, the less you will need to tend to your Ghost Sims’ needs. Now you have one less thing to focus on in the Afterlife!
Level 4: Powerful Endurance
If your Sim is tired of getting tired in The Sims 4 Life and Death, the Powerful Endurance ability is the one for them. This ghost power allows your Sim to use less Stamina when performing their ghostly abilities.
Level 1: Transcendent WooHoo
Ready to heat it up and get it on in the Afterlife? Turn living Sims into a temporary ghost to possess an everyday object of their choosing with them for an ethereal WooHoo.
Level 2: Spectral Slumber
Possess an object, allowing your Sim to nap inside it and restore energy faster using the Spectral Slumber interaction. Warning: Sleeping in cramped or gross places may leave your Ghost Sim feeling restless.
The Sims 4 ghost powers have been a vast improvement to the gameplay, thanks to the Life and Death Expansion Pack. Having playable Ghost Sims with their own mischievous or loving interactions brings another level of excitement, and lets us play with our favorite Sims for even longer.
It’s been a few days now since The Sims Team revealed the upcoming Enchanted by Nature Expansion. Of course, there is now the return of fairies and a whole host of new features on the way. With so much excitement, we were curious to see what some of The Sims 4 Enchanted by Natures reactions were from the community!
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Let’s Catch Up
If you haven’t already seen the trailer, you can check it out below to get an idea of what is on its way.
This sparkling and shimmering reveal is packed full of details just from the trailer alone. Showcasing not only a new occult for players to experience, but also new ways to live alongside nature and experience it in a whole new way.
Additionally, we’ve now also seen the Create A Sim Spotlight for The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature pack. This is the first of several spotlights ahead of the pack’s full release. This showcased a number of the new clothing options, as well as traits and aspirations that are on the horizon for players.
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Reactions
There has been a wave of reactions from the community since the reaction. With many players intrigued to find out more about Enchanted by Nature, especially with the gameplay trailer and more on the horizon.
Firstly, we took to the Sims Community Discord and asked the community there what their thoughts were.
Those who responded to our question in our dedicated Sim Your Summer Channel shared a combined excitement for the upcoming pack alongside a few potential concerns.
Many answered with fond memories of experiencing fairies back during The Sims 3 and how it’s nice to see that they’re making a long awaited return to The Sims 4. Some members also so went on to say how they look forward to finding out more about the apothecary skills, being able to grow plants indoors and exploring nature/living off the grid in new ways.
On the other hand, there were some responses that shared concerns about the potential of recycled content or new features being too similar to things we have in the game already. Keeping in mind there is still a lot that we as a community still don’t know yet about the pack, it was more so in a way that further information would be able to clarify more of the reasonings.
Amongst other The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature reactions from our Discord, was that do fairies belong in an expansion pack, or would they be better suited to a game pack like we have seen with most other occults? Again, this would be a question that will likely get a clearer answer over time once more details are released.
Flying High on Socials?
Alongside our Discord server, we also took to our Bluesky, Threads and X social media accounts to ask the community what they really felt about the upcoming expansion pack.
Will the pack exceed the expectations that may well be present into the run-up to the launch? Maybe the new spotlight style insights will help players make a more informed decision whether they’ll be starting a new journey in Innisgreen.
Out of the replies that we received to our post, many players were happy about the return of fairies and would likely be adding their new expansion to their collection. Again, sharing fond memories and excitement of seeing fairies return to the game.
Those who have currently either decided they won’t be getting Enchanted by Nature or are still unsure, shared some of their concerns, or why they were holding off for now. Most notably, it came down to concerns about similarities to other pieces of additional content we have in The Sims 4, reused elements of the game, for example various animations and rehashed content, as well as worries whether this new expansion actually expanded and opened up new gameplay.
Truthfully, it followed suit with the replies that we saw over on BlueSky. Many players seemed to be excited not just for the addition of fairies but also what appears to be new gardening gameplay as well as Create A Sim. The latter being influenced by the recently dropped CAS Spotlight.
As for more cautious concerns, it was more from the point of view that the only new addition was the fairy type and not much else. However, there’s still a lot that, as a community, we haven’t seen of the new expansion.
One last fun bit of trivia that came from our threads’ post was how players are looking forward to re-creating characters from the likes of Winx Club and those from various popular books such as A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Mischievous Fairy Focus on X
Last but certainly not least is the community over on X (formerly Twitter) and this was where we saw the most replies to our question.
With over one hundred replies to explore, there was a vast variety of responses. While many followed suit with what The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature reactions we had seen on Threads and Bluesky, those on X shared some additional points that we hadn’t seen.
Having gone through the replies, here’s a quick summary of the main points both good and cautious that players shared in response to our question:
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature feels more like a Game Pack than Expansion, with fairies being the only thing that is interesting
The new Create A Sim clothing options (mainly the non-fairy options) feels underwhelming and childish in ways yet some players stating it does have potential for more
Concerned about how it will bring something new to the game other than fairies, as well as what will it actually expand on?
Gameplay feels like features we’ve seen in previous packs, just with a “new look” to work alongside fairies
Would like to have seen some new animations created for the new expansion
Intrigued with what has been shown so far but waiting for more information about Build Buy and Gameplay
It’s not a pack that is interesting or fits my play style however, happy for those who are looking forward to it
Gameplay needs to be interesting for fairies but would love to see some gameplay with more depth in another pack as it feels like a wasted opportunity/feels empty
Even though the points mentioned by those who replied to our question were more on the negative side, it was done so in a way that was constructive and respectful. This mixed alongside those who are excited about the new expansion, sharing how they are looking forward to The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature in general.
An Overall Glimmering Round-Up
In a general overview, based on the responses we’ve seen across our social media accounts, it seems that for many players while fairies coming to The Sims 4 after such a long time will be worth the wait, there are still a number of players with genuine concerns about the upcoming release.
It’s still quite early on in the reveal process. We’ve currently seen The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature reveal trailer, some information shared via blog posts and the first spotlight which focuses solely on upcoming Create A Sim clothing options, new aspirations and trait additions. Currently, we are waiting on the Gameplay reveal trailer, Build Buy Spotlight and World Spotlight. It seems that a lot of players are holding off on any firm decisions about the expansion until those moments.
What are your thoughts on The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature expansion pack so far? Drop us a comment below with your thoughts and feelings!
We have our first look at some brand-new Build-Buy additions!
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Build-Buy trailer has just dropped across social media by the official Sims Team! Throughout the trailer, we get a glimpse at some of the new build-buy items coming with the new Expansion pack, along with some new gameplay footage. According to the roadmap, this is the second of six events before the packs launch, the next being the official Gameplay Trailer!
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Build Mode Items
Throughout the trailer, we get a look at a number of items, many of which are new walls, windows, fences and gates. Check them out below!
Buy Mode Items
We also get a glimpse of some of the new functional and non-functional items included with The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature! While we only get a brief look here, there is no doubt that the pack will release with some of the buy mode staples. Take a look at the new beds, couches, showers and shelves below!
Gameplay Objects
The reveal trailer last week revealed the ability to care for house plants and create elixirs, but something this trailer gives us a better look at is creating nature presses. This popular pastime involves pressing plants and flowers and waiting for them to dry before framing them for display!
Fairy Gameplay
The first piece of footage we saw of Enchanted by Nature was of the fairy house during the Hottie’s Play The Sims Livestream back in May. From this new teaser, we can see that fairies can bathe/play in sinks!
The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Build-Buy Trailer
You can check out the full trailer featuring all new Build-Buy items and features below:
What’s Next?
According to the official roadmap for Enchanted by Nature, the Gameplay trailer should be expected next, followed by a new look at the new world of Innisgreen!
What are your thoughts on the latest Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature Teaser? Stay tuned on Sims Community to be the first to know when the new pack info drops!
LGBTQ+ History of The Sims – A Legacy of Storytelling and Design
For the past 25 years, The Sims has been a genre-defining sandbox game allowing players to explore every corner of identity, including sexuality, relationships and gender expression. While many games have lagged when it comes to LGBTQ+ representation, The Sims quietly, and then loudly and proudly, cemented itself as one of, if not the most, queer inclusive franchises in the history of gaming.
From the moment two female Sims shared an autonomous kiss at E3 in 1999, to the introduction of customisable pronouns, unique sexual orientation, and gender identities in The Sims 4, the series has offered players a unique experience in which they can experiment with and celebrate who they are and who their Sims are. The Sims has not only reflected the real-life social progress seen over the first quarter of the 21st century, but it has also helped simulate it and break down barriers in the gaming industry.
Throughout this piece, I will take you through the queer history of The Sims,examining how the game has shaped its community and how the community has, in turn, shaped the game.
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The Sims (2000) – “You Might Say They Stole The Show”
When the first game launched in 2000, few could have predicted just how influential the game would become, even to the surprise of Maxis and EA. Created and helmed by Will Wright and developed by Maxis, the game was unlike anything on the market at the time. Beneath its seemingly ordinary pastiche of American life, The Sims offered something that, for the time, was quite radical.
The inclusion of same-sex relationships is mostly attributed to one of the game’s programmers, Patrick J. Barrett III. Before Barrett joined Maxis, there were extensive conversations about whether same-sex relationships and interactions would be included in the game. After all, the game was meant to reflect all aspects of everyday life in modern America, so why would they not include it? After fearing public and publisher pushback, the team decided to exclude this aspect. When Barrett joined the team in 1998 he was unaware of this decision, so during his supervisor’s short trip away, Barrett worked on the programming for the social interactions in the game all while following the design handbook that pre-dated the decision to exclude queer relationships. No one questioned Barrett’s work, including the creator of the franchise, Will Wright, who was happy to see same-sex interactions reintroduced.
With the game ready to be shown to the public, Electronic Arts showcased it at E3 in Los Angeles in mid-1999. The demo of a wedding scene shown to the public was supposed to be “on-rails”, due to time limitations and the number of Sims in the scene, Barrett didn’t have enough time to control every Sim. This led to the talk of the convention, a same-sex kiss between two female guests at the wedding. This played out in front of a live audience filled with both gamers and press, and soon lines for the demo of The Sims were forming and became the game that anyone and everyone talked about.
“You might say they stole the show” – Patrick J. Barnett III
At a time where video games, and wider media, either ignored or stereotyped queer identities, The Sims offered quiet validation through freedom of choice. It didn’t need to shout about representation – it simply allowed it.
The Sims 2 (2004) – Till Death
With the success of The Sims and its subsequent Expansion Packs, development began on The Sims 2. Similar to its predecessor, there were no labels for sexuality, no storylines that acknowledged queerness in any form, and very few moments in which the game highlighted LGBTQ+ identities. The franchise remained quiet about its inclusive nature, but players knew it was there.
In The Sims 2, same-sex Sims could now perform ‘joined unions’, a feature that mimicked marriage, containing all the same gameplay elements as marriage, the only difference being in name itself. In every practical sense, this was marriage. In many ways this reflected the legal landscape of the mid-2000s, where queer couples were, then more than ever, fighting for the right to marriage equality. The Sims 2 became a place in which players could imagine what a more inclusive world might look like.
The political landscape was shifting. In April of 2001, the Netherlands became the first country in modern history to legalise and recognise same-sex marriage. In the United Kingdom, civil partnerships were given royal assent in 2004, just months after the release of The Sims 2. The future for same-sex relationships and LGBTQ+ representation in the media was looking brighter than ever.
The Sims 3 (2009) – The New Normal
The Sims 3 took things a step further by officially allowing same-sex marriage. At the point of release in 2009, only 7 countries had permitted same-sex marriage nationwide, alongside a handful of US states. Though lacking explicit LGBTQ+ identities, The Sims 3 normalised queer relationships through gameplay, creating a safe space for more authentic storytelling.
Furthermore, if two same-sex sims are married, then the partner will be listed as a ‘co-parent’ to any adopted children. The Sims 3 also introduced same-sex biological children in the Into the Future Expansion Pack. If two Sims in a relationship, regardless of gender, travelled to the hospital in Oasis Landing, they would have the option to engineer a biological baby for §5000.
The Sims 3 was the first game in the franchise to feature a pre-made same sex couple with the Shear Family from The Sims 3 Roaring Heights Store World. This world also featured the franchise’s first confirmed ‘lavender couple’ with both Sims in the Davies-Welles family having secret love affairs with partners of the same sex.
The Sims 4 (2014) – More Mechanics, More Choice
The Sims 4 released in 2014, and EA and Maxis were willing to take a more deliberate approach into LGBTQ+ representation, moving beyond just same-sex marriage towards activly celebarting queer identnties as a core part of the game.
Two years after launch in June of 2016, Create-A-Sim mode received a huge overhaul, allowing players to meticulously customise a Sim’s gender identity with new options for physical frame, clothing preferences, pregnancy toggle, and even how they interact with a toilet. Voice types were also expanded, allowing Sims to choose any of the 6 voice options regardless of assigned sex. This update allowed players to create Sims who could be considered transgender, nonbinary, genderfluid, or any option they saw fit for the story they wanted to tell.
The Sims 4 June 2016 Update: Gender Customisation Overview
The evolution continued with the pronouns update in May 2022, letting players select how their Sims are referred to both by the game and by other Sims. In July of that same year, CAS received another huge feature added, sexual preference! Throughout the Sims franchise, the Sims themselves were always considered pansexual by the game and could autonomously fall in love with anyone regardless of gender. With this update, Sims could be straighter than ever with the ability to assign both romantic and sexual orientations and the option for romantic exploration. In 2024, this feature was expanded to allow for more customisation of romantic boundaries, allowing for open relationships and polyamorous Sims.
Inclusivity didn’t just come in the form of gameplay options. We have also received a handful of pride updates, with the most recent allowing for more pride flag options, as well as new clothing and build-buy items that all have a pride theme. The Sims 4 Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack featured the first same-sex couple in The Sims 4 with the Hecking Family.
SDX Drop (April 2025)
Despite a cultural and political shift, mostly due to the rise in right-wing media and social media platforms, Maxis and EA have consistently celebrated and supported Pride Month with new additions every year and cementing the Sims as an inclusive space.
The Community – Creators and Storytellers
While The Sims as a franchise has gradually evolved to include more explicit queer representation, it is the community of players that truly make the game what it is; a vibrant, living space LGBTQ+ storytelling and identity. From the earliest days where the game’s systems merely hinted at queer possibility, the players and creators stepped in to fill the games, turning The Sims into much more than just a game.
Mods and custom content (CC) were among the first tools for queer expression. Players have created clothes, Sims, builds, and objects that express who they want their Sims to be. Beyond the modding scene, the community became a safe space for storytelling. Queer legacy challenges, shared on various forums and social media platforms, have allowed players to chronicle their gameplay that focus on coming out, queer living, and individual identity. Platforms such as Tumblr and YouTube became hubs for sharing stories. Many online creators identify as LGBTQ+, and have been platformed by The Sims Team, such as Juno Birch and her wonderfully wacky Sims 2 videos.
Most importantly, the community-led creativity has influenced the official Sims Team, and cues have been taken from what players want and need, incorporating feedback and celebrated identity without prejudice.
In 2023 at the Game Developers Conference, Executive Producer Phillip Ring shared insights into the demographics that make up Simmers worldwide. From this report, we can see that 45% of players identify as something other than strictly heterosexual. 15% of players identify as a label other than cisgendered. This isn’t accidental; Maxis makes a conscious effort in its marketing to engage a diverse audience.
One of the game’s greatest strengths lies in its open-ended design. Rather than prescribing narratives like most big game franchises, it invites payers to create their own stories, including those that center queer experiences. This freedom has allowed generations of players to experiment with gender and sexual expression in a safe and affirming environment.
For many young people, myself included, The Sims was a crucial tool for self-discovery. Much like the frogs that drink the chemicals in the water, perhaps the Sims “turned me gay”. Probably not, but without it, I wouldn’t have had that space to discover who I truly was, as media in the 2000s was lacking in positive, non-stereotyped inclusion.
The Sims 4 My Wedding Stories Game Pack
The Sims is not only a game, but a cultural touchstone for representation, one that continues to grow and evolve as society’s understanding continues. Here’s hoping that Maxis and EA don’t fold in the face of the rising right-wing that consistently attempts to silence and destroy communities. To all the grifters, bigots, and TERFs – this franchise has demonstrated the power of community even in the face of oppression and misunderstanding. This is not a space for you.
We want to wish a happy pride month to all the queer and ally Simmers, past, present, and future. Here’s to love and the freedom to be exactly who you are!
Happy Pride Month! Make sure to stay tuned to The Sims Community by following us on socials for all news and updates!
In the universe of The Sims, you learn to expect the unexpected and in the world of unexpected partnerships, today The Sims Youtooz Collaboration has made its announcement online!
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What is Youtooz? Explained
Now, you might be wondering what is, who or are Youtooz?
Youtooz are described as collectibles made for the internet’s greatest. Having collaborated with a wide variety of well known games/franchises such as Minecraft, Genshin Impact, Elden Ring, PlayStation and Marvel Rivals to name a few.
However, you’ll also find collaborations between various television shows, movies and even musical acts such as Ghost, SpongeBob SquarePants and the movie Ballerina.
That’s not all! When exploring the Youtooz website you can also discover upcoming collectibles from the likes of Neopets, Hatsune Miku, Five Night at Freddy’s and more notable names.
The collectibles appear to come in a variety of styles, from pin badges to plushes and vinyl figurines.
The Sims x Youtooz
The Sims Youtooz Collaboration is exciting for many reasons. It’s something different, and the likes of a collectible series such as this has been something that’s popped up in the community many times over the years.
Now, let’s have a closer look at what Youtooz revealed on social media!
The Sims Youtooz Collaboration has given use two images to ultimately teaser the full reveal of the collection.
First up, The Sims familiar shade of green shadow image.
It’s easy to identify which well-known characters these are from the franchise. We’ve got the Grim Reaper on the left and the Cow Plant on the right-hand side. Based on what YouTooz has on their website, it’s likely these will be part of a vinyl figure range.
As for the second image in this The Sims Youtooz Collaboration, there’s a little bit more here to unpack this time.
Most importantly, these will form part of the plush side of the collection, and we can tell straight away that we’ve got the famous Plumbob and also Freezer Bunny. However, they both have a couple of extras.
The Plumbob has the addition of a plant “mask” as such that looks like it may be removable. It also somewhat reminds us of The Mother Plant from The Sims 4 Strangerville.
As for the Freezer Bunny, they also have some kind of mask however, it’s harder to tell specifically what it is.
The Sims Youtooz Collaboration Release Date?
While no firm release date has yet to be revealed by either The Sims or Youtooz, we should expect more information throughout The Sims Franchise Summer Roadmap!
However, eagled eye players may have spotted an added bit of information about the collection over on the Youtooz Instagram. Amongst their recent Stories, the one for The Sims collection had an important note regarding setting a reminder.
So, if you are interested, Friday 27th June 2025 at 12pm PT/8pm BST is when Simmers’ should keep their eyes peeled for further information then from Youtooz about the collection.
While this smaller bit of information is promising and not too far away, it looks like the Simming community will have a little while longer before being able to purchase The Sims Youtooz Collaboration.
Now, Over To You
What do you think about this newly revealed collaboration? Are you excited about it? Is there something from The Sims series that you’d love to see as either a vinyl figure or plush, maybe even as pin badges in the collection? In case you missed out on the news, The Sims Board Game is also joining The Sims Official physical collection. Stay tuned for more!
Let us know your thoughts and feelings in the comments below and over on our social media!
The Krafton Team releases two stability improvement updates for InZOI.
Game development studio has released two new InZOI Updates through the Steam launcher. Players of InZOI can feel a bit safer playing the early access version of this new life simulator with several crash fixes and stability improvements.
You can download the new InZOI Updates by simply opening up the Steam launcher. The launcher should automatically start the game update for you with the newest game version. If it doesn’t, right click and check for updates!
See what’s been fixed in the official InZOI Patch Note releases below:
[v0.2.4] InZOI Hotfix Details
Hello, Creators.
We would like to inform you that the following hotfix has been applied to inZOI. Please refer to the details below for more information.
◆ Hotfix Details
Patch Date: June 20th, 2025
Game Version: 20250620.4868.W
Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where eyebrow presets were not displaying when selecting the Eyebrows category in Create a Zoi (CAZ).
Fixed a crash that could occur intermittently when launching the game on systems with AMD graphics cards.
We’ll continue working to make inZOI more stable and enjoyable for everyone.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and valuable feedback.
The inZOI Team
[v0.2.3] InZOI Hotfix Details
Hello, Creators.
We would like to inform you that the following hotfix has been applied to inZOI. Please refer to the details
below for more information.
◆ Hotfix Details
Patch Date: June 20th, 2025
Game Version: 20250620.4836.W
Bug Fixes
Fixed an issue where Zoi would frequently engage in negative conversations when their personality chemistry was incompatible.
Fixed an issue where the game could occasionally crash during gameplay.
Fixed a crash that could occur when clicking the Hair category in Create a Zoi (CAZ) after installing an incomplete hair mod.
Fixed an issue where related features did not function as intended when applying Data Asset mods in-game.
Fixed an issue where mistranslated text appeared when a Zoi is angry in the Spanish version.
We’ll continue working to make inZOI more stable and enjoyable for everyone.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support and valuable feedback.
The inZOI Team
Have you gotten a chance to test out the newer InZOI Updates released this month? Let us know your experience in the comments down below!
With Paralives Early Access Build to release on December 8th, we’re leading up to the release with new reveals and details by the development team at Paralives Studio. Léa Sorribès, one of the full-time 3D and 2D artists at Paralives Studio, recently released a new post regarding the Paralives Babies and Toddlers Content that was recently created in an effort to expand customization for smaller Paras!
These new assets fit perfectly with what we’ve already seen regarding the style of the game and how it will look graphically, walking a line between realistic proportions and a comic book-like cartoony style. They also show true genetic variation where you can see individual features that make them unique, shying away from where life simulations often make the youngest stages very similar in appearance and lacking customization.
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Paralives Babies and Toddlers Content: Hairs
The release showed six new hairs we haven’t yet seen for babies and toddlers in Paralives. For the youngest of Paras, seemingly newborns and young toddlers, we have a selection of short hairs from very thin and peach fuzz-like to soft tight coils.
And for Paras that are at the age of toddlerhood, we have a messy mop of curls, a classic bowl cut, and puffy space buns! We also get a peek at possibly having pacifiers, either as accessories or as an in-game mechanic!
Paralives Babies and Toddlers Content: Clothes & Shoes
We got a few categories of clothing, since these are only a preview of some assets that will be available, and we’ve gotten peeks at everyday or casual wear, swimwear, sleepwear or pajamas, and even a costume!
We get both a long and short-sleeved onesie, both pink but likely will be recolorable, and one with duo-tones and the other with a sweet strawberry print!
They also featured a pair of multicolored overalls and another strawberry piece of clothing, specifically a lovely dress with a coral skirt! Likely and per previous sneak peeks we’ve gotten, they will also likely be recolorable in some way.
For sleepwear and cozy wear assumedly for toddlers, we have a pair of long footie pajamas and a tank and underwear!
And we do get a toddlers’ swim category! These include a blue rash guard and a simple striped one piece for those first swimming lessons!
We do get a very cute dog onesie costume, created by Game Artist Sonia M’Hamdi! Léa also specified in the post that it is recolorable, allowing for customization and a multitude of breeds!
And lastly, the teeny tiniest little baby shoes! It looks like toddlers will have an array of options including slip-on boat shoes, a simple pair of sneakers, and sandals!
Paralives Babies and Toddlers Content: Genetics
We also got a closer look at each individual baby and toddler’s face featured in this Patreon post! Léa specified that Sonia created new presets and facial features, and confirmed that babies and toddlers will be customizable with sliders in the Paramaker, which does seem like that players will be able to create Paras as young as newborns or babies in the Paramaker!
Final Thoughts
As long-time life simulation player, I am eager to get my hands on Paralives when it drops in Early Access. I’m especially excited seeing this because I feel that the life simulation genre, even when games have a focus on family gameplay, sometimes lack in features or customization for the youngest age stages. This makes the release on December 8th even more exciting since the team is putting in so much work into little details!
Paralives will be releasing on December 8th on Steam for Windows and Mac in Early Access! The Early Access Build will be $39.99USD or your local equivalent. Follow The Sims Community for updates on the progress of Paralives and any new sneak peeks!
Select Expansion Packs, Game Packs, and Stuff Packs are on sale for a limited time!
The Sims 4 Summer Sale is here! Are you looking to add some packs to your game in preparation for the upcoming release of the Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature expansion pack which releases on July 10th? If so, you’re in luck. Select packs are now on sale during the Sims 4 Summer Sale across multiple storefronts including the EA App, Steam, and the Playstation and Xbox stores.
The sale is on now and ends July 10th!
Note: As of this writing, the sale has not reached the Epic Games Store, but we’ll keep you updated on if and when it’s included.
Sims 4 Summer Sale For Desktop and Console
Sims 4 Summer Sale on EA App/Steam
If you’re a PC Simmer you’re in luck because the best sales are for you! Expansion Packs are on sale up to 60% off depending when they were released while all Game Packs and Stuff Packs 30% off. The sale is consistent across the board between the EA App and Steam.
As Enchanted by Nature has yet to release, it is naturally not part of the Sims 4 Summer Sale. As usual, kits are also not included in this sale.
Expansion Pack Deals
Expansion Sales Rundown:
Businesses & Hobbies – 20% off
Life & Death – 38% off
Everything released from Lovestruck to Cottage Living – 50% off
Everything released from Snowy Escape to Get to Work – 60% off
Game Pack Deals
All Game Packs no matter when they released are all 30% off during the Sims 4 Summer Sale.
Stuff Pack Deals
Like the Game Pack sale, all Stuff Packs are 30% off during the Sims 4 Summer Sale no matter when they released.
Sims 4 Summer Sale on Xbox
Fortunately for Xbox Simmers, the sales on the Xbox Store are almost identical to that of the EA App and Steam. The most minor or differences is that Life & Death is 35% off, not 38% like the desktop equivalent. Aside from that, all of the deals are the same across the board; expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs.
Sims 4 Summer Sale on Playstation
Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for Playstation Store players as their sale is much more limited on which packs are on sale.
Expansion Packs
Life & Death – 35% off
City Living – 50% off
Cottage Living – 50% off
Island Living – 50% off
For Rent – 50% off
Growing Together – 50% off
Seasons – 50% off
Get to Work – 50% off
Eco Lifestyle – 50% off
Get Together – 50% off
Game Packs
Parenthood – 30% off
My Wedding Stories – 30% off
StrangerVille – 30% off
Dine Out – 30% off
Outdoor Retreat – 30% off
Star Wars Journey to Batuu – 30$ off
Stuff Packs
Laundry Day – 30% off
Home Chef Hustle – 30% off
Luxury Party – 30% off
Vintage Glamour – 30% off
Fitness Stuff – 30% off
Cool Kitchen – 30%off
Nifty Knitting – 30% off
Kids Room – 30% off
Sadly not nearly the amount of packs on sale for Playstation as there are elsewhere.
Sims 3 Sale on Desktop
For those interested, all Sims 3 DLC (expansions, stuff packs, store worlds) are currently 50% off as well during the Sims 4 Summer Sale. This deal can be found on both the EA App and Steam. If you’re looking to finish your collection of packs for the previous version of The Sims, now is the time to do it.
We’ll keep this list updated if any changes are made to different store fronts during the sale such as more being added to the Playstation Store or the inclusion of the Epic Game Store in the Sims 4 Summer Sale. Read our ideas for great companion packs to buy during the sale to prepare for the release of the Enchanted by Nature expansion coming July 10th.
Keep in mind that the Sims 4 Summer Sale ends that same day, so you’ll have until July 10th before the deals end.
