I’ve been a Sims fan for over two decades—since my cousin Jessica let me play the original on her PC back in the early 2000s. I was instantly hooked. Fast-forward twenty-something years, and The Sims 4 continues that same beautiful blend of creativity, chaos, and storytelling… with one big, annoying asterisk.
Let’s get this straight: I love this game. I still spend hours building houses, recreating my friends and family, and then sitting back and watching absolute nonsense unfold. Someone’s on fire? Someone peed themselves? The dog is in the pool and the Grim Reaper is flirting with the neighbor? Sounds like a regular Tuesday in my Sim neighborhood.
The Good Stuff
Building Mode is GOD TIER.
Seriously—whether you’re designing a modern mansion or a cursed trailer home from the depths of the suburbs, building in Sims 4 is smooth, intuitive, and deeply satisfying.Creating Sims is still a blast.
Want to recreate your friends? Easy. Want to make weird versions of historical figures and have them all live in a tiny home with no toilet? Do it. No judgment here.The game engine feels great.
It runs smooth, looks good, and the personalities/traits system allows for some wild interactions. It’s the ultimate sandbox for playing god with pixel people.
But Let’s Talk About the Money Suck
Look… The Sims 4 is monetized like a vampire on a blood subscription plan.
You want holidays? Pay up.
Want actual seasons? Yeah, that’s a full expansion.
And while I can kinda understand stuff like pets, vampires, or new careers being DLC, locking basic features like seasons and holidays behind a paywall is a major letdown.
It makes the base game feel strangely lifeless unless you shell out cash. And yes, I know The Sims has always had expansions, but in Sims 4, it feels more like they shipped half a game and then sold you the rest in 42 tiny pieces.
Shoutout Time: Stephanie & LilSimsie
Huge shoutout to my wonderful girlfriend Stephanie, who’s the reason I got hooked on The Sims 4 again. Watching her build dream homes and tell unhinged stories with Sims brought me right back into the madness—and honestly, it’s some of the most fun we’ve had together.
Also, shoutout to LilSimsie on YouTube (@LilSimsie)—her Sims 4 series is incredible. We throw her videos on in the background while we play, and she somehow makes every household more entertaining than the last. If you’re into The Sims, her content is an absolute must-watch.
Still… the Chaos Is Worth It
Even with the monetization gripes, Sims 4 delivers that signature brand of bizarre, sandbox mayhem I’ve loved for years. Whether you’re designing your dream home or setting your Sim on fire after they cheated on their spouse at the neighborhood BBQ—this game always finds a way to entertain.
Final Verdict
The Sims 4 is incredibly fun, endlessly replayable, and still manages to feel like The Sims at heart. But be ready to open your wallet if you want it to feel complete. The bones are solid—it’s just missing a few essentials that EA kept behind a paywall.
I love it, I play it, I yell at it—but man, do I wish I didn’t have to buy a $40 weather pack.
