The Sims 4

The Sims 4 is a life simulation game by Maxis and Electronic Arts. Instead of a fixed campaign, you create your own Sims, decide their looks, personality and life goals, and let relationships, careers, families and self-told stories emerge from them.

The PC version of The Sims 4 was released on September 2, 2014. The native versions for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One followed on November 17, 2017. Since October 18, 2022, the base game has been free to play.

The Sims 4 is available on PC and Mac as well as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. On PC, the base game can be obtained via the EA app, Steam and the Epic Games Store, among others. On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, the respective compatible console version runs.

The gameplay is open-ended: you create Sims, set their traits and goals, control their daily lives and decide which relationships, careers and life paths they pursue. Needs, moods and social situations keep generating small new stories.

In Build Mode, you can design lots, floor plans, rooms, furniture and landscapes in detail. Via the Gallery, Sims, households, rooms and lots created by the community can be shared and downloaded directly in the game.

The Sims 4 has an extensive add-on content ecosystem. Expansion Packs add large themed areas and new game systems, while smaller Gameplay Packs and Kits focus on individual mechanics, fashion, furniture or build items.

The add-on content is optional and requires the base game. The free base game remains playable regardless and also receives free updates.

For Windows, Electronic Arts lists at least 64-bit Windows 10, 4 GB RAM and 25 GB of free storage, plus extra space for custom content and save games. Recommended specs include 8 GB RAM, an Intel Core i5 with four cores or AMD Ryzen 5, and a GeForce GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 or better.

The base game has been free to download since October 18, 2022. This applies to PC and Mac as well as the supported PlayStation and Xbox systems. Optional expansions and other add-on content remain paid.

The switch to free-to-play did not replace the basic structure of the base game: Create a Sim, Build Mode, households and the regular base game worlds remain the starting point.