The latest past Sims 4 updates have brought features like fan-favorite deaths and new Create A Sim options, this new addition tops them all. While the update coincides with the release of the High School Years Expansion Pack, and some of the new features appear in an expanded way in the new DLC, the update itself is not connected to the new release.
Although The Sims 4 has over 30 million players worldwide, many long-time fans of the series have found the latest entry to be lacking in several areas. Though the game has been improved since the state it released in - which didn't include basic features like toddlers or pools - lots of players can't help but compare The Sims 4 to past titles and find it wanting in one way or another. Some of the main features brought up by fans include The Sims 3's Color Wheel, open world, and more expansive CAS system that offered things like body hair, and The Sims 2's Wants and Fears system.
While the new base game update for The Sims 4 doesn't address all player concerns, it does make headway on several different fronts. Improvements and additions to the game span Create A Sim, Build and Buy Mode, and general gameplay elements. The update also addresses several bugs throughout many Sims 4 DLC packs as well as the base game, including a few popular player issues.
Sims 4's Update Adds Curved Walls To Build And Buy Mode
Previously in The Sims 4, when building a home from scratch players could only utilize straight or diagonal walls. The Sims 3 had offered players a curved wall option that greatly expanded creative building possibilities, and since release curved walls have been one of the most popular requests for Build and Buy mode. A Sims 4 leak predicted curved walls coming to the game earlier this month, which has proven to be correct. Curved walls now have their own section in the Build section of the game, and can either be combined with straight walls to make a partially curved room, or combined to make a space that is entirely round. Unfortunately, currently not all windows and doors work with curved walls in-game, but a new filter can be applied in Build Mode to show players those that do.
Sims 4 Characters Now Have Sexual Orientation Options With The Update
Until now, there were no settings in The Sims 4 to determine who a Sim is attracted to, both romantically and physically. Interestingly, until now Sims would behave with no preferences at all, meaning players could choose to romance any other Sim they wanted without restrictions. While this is still true, the new optional Sims 4 sexual orientation specifics included in Create A Sim allow players to narrow down these preferences. Both what genders Sims are interested in romantically and that they are interested in Woohoo with are included, meaning players can effectively create asexual and aromantic Sims if they so choose. This is an incredibly helpful addition to the game that helps to expand LGBTQIA identities in-game and helps make Sims feel more realistic.
Phones Got A Major Makeover With The Sims 4 Update
Phones in The Sims 4 are utilized for a wide variety of functions in the game, from travel and purchases to a range of different social interactions and photo taking. However, its previous UI was considered clunky by many s, and it was often hard for players to find the options they were looking for quickly. A new update to the phone's design has replaced bottom tabs with new aesthetically pleasing icons, streamlining how players can find its various utilities.
New selfie poses are also available for Sims, giving a much wider variation in emotional expressions, which is a perfect addition for teens in the new Sims 4 High School Years DLC. Sims now have the option to video call each other, which, although it doesn't differ much from a normal phone call, is a nice addition that adds realism to the game. Phone color customization also features more prominently now in The Sims 4 - instead of a color choice only changing the UI, it will show up when Sims hold their phone as well.
A Body Hair Update Adds Realism To The Sims 4
After years of waiting, Sims 4 players can finally enjoy a myriad of body hair option in CAS for their Sims. This hair can be applied to Sim legs, arms, torsos, and backs in various swatches and styles to both masculine and feminine frames. The feature is available for Sims aged teen and higher, although hair growth can only be turned on and need to be shaved with the High School Year Expansion Pack.
The Sims 4 Update Replaces Whims With Wants And Fears
The Sims 2's Wants and Fears system has finally come to The Sims 4, replacing the game's lackluster Whims mechanic. Previously, Whims did not have much relation to a Sim's personality or interests, and Fears were nonexistent. The new Wants have a few different types: complex Wants that are more long-term, simpler short-term wants, and wants that are situational based on where a Sim is or what they're doing. Both Wants and Fears connect much more to Sims' lives, although they vary from The Sims 2 in some ways.
Fears do not appear at the start, and are instead formed through lived experiences and Traits. For example, a Jealous Sim may develop a fear of being cheated on, and a Sim who starts a fire while cooking will likely develop a fear of fire. Wants and Fears cannot be locked like in The Sims 2, and may disappear if they're not fulfilled within a certain amount of time.
The Sims 4 Received Some Key Fixes In The Update
Since release, bugs in The Sims 4 have always been a problem in one way or another, whether it's visual glitches, problems with activities, or other issues. The latest update has addressed some long-time complaints fans have had with the series, with both tweaks to existing features and the addition of new ones that may seem small, but make a massive difference for many. Some stand outs from the update include the ability for Sims to scoot over on a double bed that's been placed against a wall so a second Sim can occupy the bed, all conversational options relating to Likes and Dislikes being grouped into a single category which massively unclogs the interaction menu, and food reliably being given to toddlers after a player selects to give them a serving.
All of these Sims 4 updates are massively promising for the future of the game, although unfortunately the new patch has brought a new aging issue to The Sims 4. However, initial problems with updates are nothing new for The Sims 4, and developers have assured players they are working on a fix for the issue. The new glitch aside, these additions and tweaks span almost every aspect of The Sims 4 and have overall given the game an impressive new amount of depth.