Of course, that hasn’t changed much with the more recent iterations, in fact, it just increased. There are more than 40 different DLCs in the current game. But with so many expansions of The Sims 4, it’s even hard to know which ones they are and which ones you should buy. To help you with this, we have made a complete guide. On this comprehensive list, we explain the differences between expansions, game packs, object packs, and the free content distributed to players. We will also show what each package has, when it was launched, and its prices. To find out more about all The Sims 4 expansions, just check out the full list below!
The Sims 4 Expansions
To start off, let’s talk about the so-called The Sims 4 expansions and what they are. As the name implies, they are substantial updates that bring great gameplay elements, careers, new haircuts, worlds, clothing items, and dozens of objects to give you more options of how to play, and you can resize the objects that come in all of them! Expansions generally have a specific theme for their gameplay and added objects. Most expansions follow a pattern seen in previous games. After all, fans are so fond of some expansions released in old games that they demand to see them again in the most modern versions in The Sims 4. Because they are so big, they can actually use up quite a bit of space on your HDD or SSD. This is something that can increase the temperature of the PC or make the task of recording games more difficult when many expansions are installed. The normal price for expansions is 39.99 USD in the Origin store. Fortunately, they always go on sale for at least 50%, so you will definitely want to wait a bit before you buy them.
1. Get To Work
The first of The Sims 4 expansions was released on March 31, 2015. As the name implies, it focuses on the Sims’ professional lives and introduces three interactive careers: Medical, Police, and Scientist. Other than that, the package also includes a system for creating and managing stores, something that’s very familiar to anyone who’s ever played The Sims 2’s “Open for Business” expansion. Other new features include aliens, confectionery, and photography skills. There are also two new neighborhoods, Magnolia Promenade and Sixam, a hidden alien planet.
2. Get Together
The next expansion came on December 8, 2015. It brings a world called Windenburg, which was very much inspired by European towns. This package focuses more on the club system, something unprecedented in the franchise. Basically, Sims can create and join Clubs with different interests, personalities, and styles. The package also brought DJ and Dance skills, more Woo-Hoo locations, and certain activities that can be performed as a group. The expansion was somewhat criticized at the time for not bringing so much news beyond the group system. Still, the items, hair, and clothes in the package ended up making it pretty popular due to the variety of them, as well as how they look.
3. City Living
It took almost a year, but the third expansion finally arrived on November 1, 2016. City Living brings the much desired and sought-after apartments and penthouses, something that most fans of the game love. All of this in the new totally urban world of San Myshuno, which has four neighborhoods. Other than that, the package brings no less than three interactive careers: Politics, Social Media, and Critic. There are also public lots and cultural festivals that change every week in San Myshuno. It really is one of the most complete expansions for The Sims 4.
4. Cats & Dogs
More than a year later, one of The Sims 4’s most anticipated expansions was released on November 10, 2017. After many requests, the pet pack finally became available, following the footsteps of another pretty popular expansion pack for The Sims 2. In this package, you can fully create and customize the pet’s appearance and features with a lot of freedom. You can even make your real-life pet animal (that will look like your fur-baby) with lots of details and take a screenshot of the game to show to friends later. Other than that, it has also brought an interactive career as a veterinarian, a new world, and various objects and clothes related to the theme.
5. Seasons
Another highly requested package arrived shortly afterward on June 22, 2018. The fifth expansion pack for The Sims 4, brought the system of seasons and climates that fans wanted so much. Something very similar to The Sims 2’s “Four Seasons” expansion pack. With this package, the seasons change after a number of days or weeks (you can customize it) and there are special events and holidays in each of the seasons, making it even more interactive. There is also the new Botanical career, in addition to clothes, objects, hair, and many other interesting novelties to do with the theme. Your Sims can also suffer from extreme heat and cold, which makes it all the more interesting.
6. Get Famous
The package known as Get Famous was launched on November 16, 2018. As the name implies, it brings back the system of fame that was introduced in the first The Sims in the “Superstar” package. The package brings new clothes, a new world called Del Sol Valley, and two interactive careers: Actor and Social Media Influencer. The expansion is really cool not only due to the new careers with new gameplay mechanics, but also the possibility of getting famous even in normal careers.
7. Island Living
The seventh package was released on June 21, 2019. Tropical Islands brings a theme very similar to that of “Sims 3 Paradise Island”, focusing on the tropical world called Sulani. It brings two interactive careers, known as Conservationist and Lifeguard. In addition, mermaids, boats, and some cool new mechanics have also been added. This is considered one of The Sims 4’s expansions that left most to be desired. It has interesting objects and elements, but it looks much more like a game pack than a proper expansion.
8. Discover University
Recently launched on November 15, 2019, the eighth expansion pack brings back the university system. Very similar to what was introduced in an expansion for the second game. In addition to the academic environment, the expansion adds new clothes, bicycles, and a new world called Britechester. This world has two universities, the University of Britechester and the Foxbury Institute.
9. Eco Lifestyle
Launched on June 5, 2020, the “Eco Lifestyle” expansion is more original than some of the previous expansions for The Sims 4. We say that because we haven’t seen anything that resembles much in any of the other games in the franchise. In this package, you can move to the city of Evergreen Harbor, where pollution takes over all of the city and water around the place. Your role is to try to make a real change in the city by convincing residents to adopt a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle. The cool thing is that the city really changes and gets cleaner according to the actions you take!
10. Snowy Escapade
The “Snowy Escapade” expansion was launched on November 13, 2020, and it is very similar to “Tropical Islands”. The difference is that instead of bringing a world of beaches and sun, the neighborhood of Mt. Komorebi is all covered with snow and inspired by Japanese culture. You will be able to do various activities related to snow, which includes skiing, relaxing in hot springs, and reconnecting with a Zen lifestyle. The package is fun, but it doesn’t bring much news in terms of gameplay, so keep that in mind before buying it.
The Sims 4 Game Packs
A novelty of The Sims 4 is the game packs. They work as a middle ground between large expansions and object packages. After all, they bring some new gameplay elements around a specific theme, but with far fewer objects than a normal expansion. They are great for anyone who wants something different, but at a lower price than the expansions. In general, you can buy them for 19.99 USD at the normal price, but they also go on sale frequently.
1. Outdoor Retreat
The first game pack was released on January 13, 2015. It adds a new world called Granite Falls, in which your Sims can take a vacation outdoors in a national park. This expansion for The Sims 4 adds the new Herbalism ability, the ability that lets you collect insects, and new traits for Sims. There are also achievements, aspirations, clothes, objects, and interactions, all related to outdoor activities.
2. Spa Day
The Spa Day package arrived shortly after on July 14, 2015. It added a new type of lot, the spa, for most of the new activities it introduced. It also featured the new Well Being skill, in addition to new clothes, objects, and game interactions related to this thematic. This includes massages, meditation, mud baths, saunas, and yoga.
3. Dine Out
Another very interesting package arrived on June 7, 2016. Dine Out added a new type of lot, the restaurant, which you can build and manage yourself as your very own business. Perfect if you want to open a restaurant with no risk! For those who have the expansion “Get to Work”, some elements can be mixed, which makes the two packages much more interesting, as well as a great match. As a restaurant owner, you can try new foods, hire and manage employees and make the place grow and become popular.
4. Vampires
The vampire theme pack was released on January 24, 2017. As expected, it allows Sims to become vampires with different powers and weaknesses. A new small residential world known as Forgotten Hollow has also been added. There is still a new aspiration, some cool lot traits, and many items related to the theme of vampires and horror in general.
5. Parenthood
The following package arrived on May 30, 2017. It brought a lot more possibility for interaction in family life, in addition to the ability to become a better parent for your children over time. Other than that, there is much more detail and interaction involving children and teenagers. There are insults, acne, school projects, and a lot more. Going even further, babies, children and teenagers can be rebellious to their parents and other relatives. Parents can treat this new behavior by being rigid or more relaxed, something that will influence children’s personality when they become adults.
6. Jungle Adventure
On February 27, 2018, another package was launched. It added a new vacation world called Selvadorada, which works much like the “Outdoor Retreat”. Other than that, new foods, dances and songs were added. There are also artifacts and relics that can be excavated and examined.
7. Strangerville
The next package took about a year and was only released on February 26, 2019. It added a world known as Strangerville, which promised to bring great mysteries to be solved. The coolest thing about it is that it was the first package to focus almost completely on a kind of story mode. Something we practically don’t see in the main games in the The Sims franchise. Beyond that, the DLC also adds a new aspiration, various objects, hair, and clothing. Everything on the theme of mystery to fit with the package.
8. Realm of Magic
Following these more fanciful themes, another interesting package was launched on September 10, 2019. The expansion Realm of Magic added on The Sims 4 no less than two new worlds, Glimmerbrook and the Magic Kingdom. The package also brought wizards and magical gameplay for your Sims to learn. There are also many different objects and some new features for creating wizard Sims. It really is one of the most fun and different packages.
9. Star Wars: Journey to Batuu
Just going by the name of this game pack, it doesn’t need much explanation about its content. It is basically a package for fans of the Star Wars franchise, with locations and famous objects from the many films. You can even have your own lightsaber and join a faction to complete missions. It is a fun DLC, but it is worth saying that it is more expensive than normal packages and doesn’t offer much if you’re not a Star Wars fan.
The Sims 4 Stuff Pack
The Stuff Packs have been around for a long time and haven’t changed much in The Sims 4. Basically, they offer a small selection of objects, haircuts and clothes of a specific theme. They are more geared towards those who want something much cheaper to have themed objects. Some are very interesting and work well with certain expansions and game packs. In general, they sell for 9.99 USD and also go on sale from time to time.
1. Luxury Party
The first pack of objects was released on May 19, 2015 for players of The Sims 4. It brings several items and clothes for luxurious parties, as its name already indicates. This includes a buffet table and a cheese/chocolate/drink fountain, for example. A kind of niche package, but certainly a very interesting one.
2. Perfect Patio
Shortly afterwards, on June 16, 2015, the collection known as the Perfect Patio arrived. As you can imagine, the package has several items to decorate your patio and other external parts. Other than that, there are some new clothes and a new bathtub, which is something that was very scarce at the beginning of The Sims 4.
3. Cool Kitchen
The third collection arrived on August 11, 2015. The entire focus of this The Sims 4 expansion is on objects to make the kitchens more beautiful and interesting. Overall, the collection includes some kitchen counters, cabinets, and utensils. Other than that, the package brought a very cool ice cream maker with more than 30 different flavors for your Sims.
4. Spooky Stuff
Arriving on September 29, 2015, this package is obviously inspired by Halloween. It features items such as a pumpkin bucket, decorative cobwebs and the option of an amazing themed party. It is very interesting, especially if you use the items with the Seasons expansion events and holidays system.
5. Movie Hangout
Another collection was launched on January 12, 2016. This time, the theme was all about movies, with items such as huge TVs, popcorn makers and comfortable furniture. It also brought a lot of bohemian style clothes that are very pretty. It’s a great package even for those who don’t care so much about the cinema theme just due to its looks.
6. Romantic Garden
The Romantic Garden collection was launched on February 9, 2016. As its name makes clear, it brings many garden objects with a theme more focused on romance. Perfect for Valentine’s Day! There are also new clothes and some new gameplay elements. An interesting package, but not so detailed, so keep that in mind.
7. Kids Room
Until the launch of this expansion pack on June 28, 2016, there was not much variety in the way of objects for children in The Sims 4. Fortunately, it added objects for children’s rooms, in addition to clothes and hair. Among the objects are new beds, a puppet theater, a card game, and a new hairstyle, as well as clothes for children.
8. Backyard
Less than a month later, on July 19, 2016, another collection of external items arrived. This package added several objects and furniture to make the activities in your backyard more fun. This includes nothing less than a water slide with new gameplay elements. There is even a bird feeder, new hair and clothes.
9. Vintage Glamor
On December 6, 2016, the Glamor Vintage collection arrived. It basically includes vintage and retro items with a more chic, old Hollywood feel. There are dressing tables, hidden bars, and even the possibility of hiring a butler. There is also new hair and clothing, all fitting into the vintage style of the package.
10. Bowling Night
A somewhat interesting collection was added on March 29, 2017 in The Sims 4 expansion library. Bowling Night includes items like bowling lanes and an unprecedented skill related to this practice. There are also themed outfits, new furniture, and even wallpapers so you can assemble your bowling alley in the best possible style. Overall, it’s a really fun package, despite being a very specific niche.
11. Fitness
For those who wanted items geared towards the fitness side of things, a package arrived on June 20, 2017. It has several new items fitting in with this theme, including a rock-climbing wall, exercise videos and headphones. New gym equipment has also been added, making it possible to further diversify in the construction of lots of this type.
12. Toddler
The next one was released on August 24, 2017. As the name implies, it was all focused on babies, who received a great free gameplay update after the arrival of the “Family Life” package. The expansion brings to The Sims 4 a new playground for babies to use, as well as objects and clothes related to the theme, so you can make the little ones look much cuter.
13. Laundry Day
A new package arrived a few months later, on January 16, 2018. Best of all, it was chosen by the fans themselves in a poll by the developers of The Sims 4. Believe it or not, many players were looking forward to a laundry package. This collection features technologies that help Sims lead sustainable lives. Other than that, there are washing machines, dryers, and several other related items. One of the most fun packages for those who like more realistic elements (and like doing the laundry).
14. My First Pet
The next stuff package expansion for The Sims 4 arrived on March 13, 2018, with many controversies. It has hamsters, rats, pygmy hedgehogs, and even a miniature bubalus as new pets. But it requires the “Cats and Dogs” expansion to be used. Something never seen before in The Sims, since it was never necessary to have a DLC to buy another DLC. EA, after all, likes to innovate in this area. To this day, it is the package that has received the most negative comments from fans and is easily one of the least popular. We definitely recommend waiting for a sale if you want it in your collection.
15. Moschino
It is not a novelty anymore to see real brands in The Sims games, so this package is not that surprising. Launched on August 13, 2019, this package features various clothing and decorations from the Moschino brand. But that is not what made this DLC popular. It brought the career of Freelance Fashion Photographer and several very fun interactions for those who always wanted to be able to play as a fashion photographer in The Sims 4. This alone boosted sales of the package. Our recommendation is to wait for it to go on sale, as it is not the most complete package on the list.
16. Tiny Living
The next package was released on January 21, 2020. It includes many items and new technologies for Sims who live more compactly. It eventually became a reality after the construction of compacted houses became popular, especially on YouTube. The package has become one of the most popular and it is really one of the best in terms of gameplay innovations, items and elements. In addition to encouraging mini houses, it brings carbon emission reduction technology, by adding carbon-neutral tiles and built-in beds. It would be a good example for real-life, but only if the majority of the pollution didn’t come from companies instead of the consumers.
17. Nifty Knitting
As the name of this package already makes clear, this expansion for The Sims 4 is focused on the activity of knitting. You can learn how to make accessories, clothes and even some cute toys with knitting. In terms of mechanics, this is the only novelty. So, it’s good to take a look at the objects, clothes and hair to see if you think it’s really worth it, and even if you do, wait for a sale.
18. Paranormal
The “Supernatural” package is a mini-expansion that focuses on the ghosts of The Sims 4 and the activities related to them. The DLC added some new types of ghosts and even created the profession of medium for anyone who wants a career in this area. Albeit there is not a lot to do with the theme, the objects, hair, and clothes in this package are very beautiful. Even though it doesn’t have such a strong theme, these objects can be used in any type of home, something that fans of The Sims always like to see.
Free DLCs for The Sims 4
The cool thing is that among so many paid DLCs, there are also some free ones. Of course, they are not as complete as the packages we saw above, but they are still pretty cool to have and can be downloaded regardless of the version of the game you have.
1. New Year’s Eve Party Package
The first free expansion pack for The Sims 4 was launched on December 16, 2014. As the name makes clear, it has holiday decorations and clothes for the holidays of the end of the year. The cool thing is that it already had some annual updates to have new new year themed items. It is worth checking out.
2. Grim Ghoulish Guitar
The special Grim Ghoulish Guitar was released on August 17, 2016. It is basically bonus content for subscribing to the game’s newsletter. As you can imagine, it’s just an item, but it’s quite interesting and pretty cool to look at.
3. Family Portrait
Finally, we have the Family Portrait, which was released on April 17, 2018. It also consists of just one item as bonus content. This time, it was given to anyone who signed up for The Sims Mobile on the day of its release. As such, you can’t get it anymore
Did you like our article about the expansions of The Sims 4?
Did you enjoy our list and manage to find out more about what all the different kinds of The Sims 4 expansions are and what each one offers? Leave your comments telling us which ones you already have and which ones you would like to add to your collection! And, if you like gaming in general, come check out the best free PC games, the best browser games, and the best Steam alternatives!
