The Sims 4 is a
social simulation game, and like preceding titles in
The Sims series, the game is
open-ended, with no primary objectives or storyline to complete, instead focusing on creativity and experimentation. Players follow and manage the lives of virtual people called "Sims", directing their actions, attending to their "needs", and helping them reach personal goals and desires. Sims have six "needs"—hunger, bladder, hygiene, social, fun, and energy—that deplete throughout the in-game day and are replenished through various household items and furniture; for example, Sims can take a shower if hygiene is low or cook food if hunger is low. Sims primarily make money by getting a job and improve their job performance by developing "skills"; for example, a Sim in the Culinary career needs to develop their Cooking and Mixology skills. A variety of
cheats are available, such as those for unlimited money or unlocking hidden gameplay options. Optional paid
downloadable content (DLC) packs add new gameplay features, objects, worlds, and clothing to the game. Additionally, the
macOS and
Windows versions of
The Sims 4 support extensive
modding; fan-designed cosmetic items, such as hairstyles, makeup, clothing, and furniture, known as custom content (CC), can be installed for use in the game.
Create-a-Sim Create-a-Sim (CAS) is the main interface for creating and designing an individual Sim or household in
The Sims 4. Facial and bodily features are adjusted by directly selecting and manipulating the respective area. Sims exist in eight life stages: newborn, infant, toddler, child, teen, young adult, adult, and elder. Toddlers were added in a 2017 game update, while a 2023 update replaced the baby life stage with newborn and infant. Adult Sims have three
personality traits, while children and teens have two. Each Sim also has an aspiration, which grants an additional unique trait. Traits shape the personality and behavior of a Sim, while aspirations are lifelong goals with tasks that, once completed, reward the Sim with a beneficial trait that boosts actions related to the aspiration. A 2021 update introduced "likes and dislikes", which reflect a Sim's preferred aesthetics and activities, and are assigned in Create-a-Sim or developed during gameplay. Expansion packs and game packs introduce
occult Sims, such as aliens,
vampires,
mermaids,
spellcasters, and
werewolves.
Cat and
dog pets are introduced via the
Cats & Dogs expansion pack, and can be created in Create-a-Sim or adopted during gameplay. A 2016 update expanded gender options, allowing for more inclusive clothing and hairstyle options, as well as pregnancy, regardless of gender. After player demand, a 2020 update introduced an expanded range of skin tones, as well as additional makeup customization.
Preferred pronoun options for Sims were introduced in a 2022 update, developed with the
It Gets Better Project and
GLAAD; players can assign or create custom pronouns for Sims. Another 2022 update added
sexual orientation for Sims, allowing for different romantic and sexual attractions, as well as
sexual fluidity.
Build mode Build mode is the main interface for constructing and furnishing houses and lots in
The Sims 4. Players can construct buildings and design interior layouts, save their custom buildings or lots into the in-game library, or place down pre-made rooms and buildings. Rooms are constructed by drawing walls or placing shaped templates, and can be redrawn or resized later. New to
The Sims 4 is the ability to move and duplicate rooms and buildings. and
ponds, can be constructed. Interior construction options include doors, archways, half-walls, stairs, wall coverings, and floor coverings. Players can customize buildings extensively, with options for multiple floors, various wall heights, adjustable foundations, and free placement of doors and windows. To furnish a home, players purchase
furniture and
appliances in Build mode, such as televisions, chairs, showers, beds, and fridges. Each item has a specific function, ranging from fulfilling a Sim's need to building a skill or adding decoration. Some items are locked and become available as Sims progress in their careers or through cheat codes.
Worlds (pictured)—were cited as inspirations for the Henford-on-Bagley world in
Cottage Living.|alt=A row of cottages in Cotswolds, England. A world is a collection of several neighborhoods, and each world contains a fixed number of lots that players can customize or build from scratch.
The Sims 4 does not have
open worlds; instead, traveling between lots triggers a loading screen, although neighborhoods incorporate limited open-world functionality through interactive objects.
The Sims 4 includes three worlds in the base game: Willow Creek and Oasis Springs contain pre-constructed houses, community lots, and families; Newcrest, a sandbox world added in a 2015 update, contains only blank lots for players to build on.
New gameplay features The Gallery is an in-game
online content exchange service that allows players to upload and share Sims, Sim households, rooms, and buildings. Emotion is a gameplay mechanic, building on the mood systems in previous titles. Emotions can affect and be affected by in-game actions, events, and social interactions. == Development ==