Getting into The Sims 4 in 2023 can be daunting, especially with the seemingly infinite list of additional content that's offered to players. New Simmers shouldn't fret though, as only some add-ons are worth buying for a game-changing experience, whereas the others can be skipped without much consequence, due to a lack of meaningful content. This sentiment can be applied to all four of The Sims 4's different DLC types: expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, and kits. Though price points (and thus, the amount of content therein) will vary between categories, some of each stand out as the most essential packs for the game.
After all, with the shocking cumulative cost of The Sims 4 in 2023, not many players will be able to afford the full price of the game - and with a new DLC already on the way, this will only become increasingly true. The Growing Together expansion pack, which is a modern interpretation of The Sims 3's Generations, certainly won't be short on content. It will change the ways Sim families develop and interact, and it will also include a fresh map called San Sequoia, two new families, and more. However, whether the Growing Together expansion is essential to the game remains to be seen, unlike the must-haves listed below.
The Sims 4 Isn't The Same Without The Seasons Expansion
Out of the twelve expansion packs currently available, Seasons is by far the most conducive to realistic gameplay in The Sims 4. Whereas the base game takes place in a strange limbo of neutral weather and nonexistent seasons, this expansion quickly fixes that problem. Not only can weather and seasons change the environment, but they'll also affect Sims (for example, thunderstorms can cause them to become frightened). It's also responsible for introducing the Calendar function and customizable Holidays, which can be a life-changer for Simmers who like to attend social events in The Sims 4.
Cats & Dogs Is An Essential Sims 4 Expansion For Animal Lovers
Some families aren't complete without their furry friend, and this rings true for those who own The Sims 4's Cats & Dogs expansion pack. As its name would imply, this DLC brings both cats and dogs into the lives of Sims as friendly pets, and players can interact with them in a plethora of ways, such as feeding, training, and playing with them (although some unexpected interactions, such as a strange glitch that turns a cat into a salad, can also occur). Besides caring for pets, Cats & Dogs also gives Sims the ability to turn their love for animals into a profession by opening up their own veterinary clinics.
Sims 4's Parenthood Game Pack Makes Children Interesting
The Sims 4's game packs are priced lower than expansion packs, henceforth they contain slightly less content - but the Parenthood DLC is still one of the most impactful additional purchases for The Sims 4. It completely revolutionizes the way in which parent Sims interact with their children, giving an otherwise lackluster function of the base game a lot more meaning.
Toddlers, children, and teens all receive five core character values: Empathy, Responsibility, Manners, Conflict Resolution, and Emotional Control. Parent Sims can influence the status of these traits through the way they interact with their kids, and when children become adults, their personalities may be affected by the way they were raised.
Dream Home Decorator Game Pack Is A Sims 4 Must-Have
Although some Simmers get creative in Build Mode (for example, recreating Hogwarts without CC in The Sims 4), the Dream Home Decorator game pack lets them unleash their skills in-game. Not only does this DLC introduce much more exciting furniture, like sectional sofas and built-in stovetops, but it also lets a Sim take on a career in interior design. An interior designer will be tasked with revamping various areas, from a small room to an entire business space, and meeting their client's needs as they do so. For example, they'll need to appeal to a certain Sim's Likes and avoid their Dislikes to get the highest rating.
Tiny Living Stuff Pack In The Sims 4 Packs A Punch
Stuff packs are a step-down from game packs in The Sims 4, but the Tiny Living stuff pack is chock-full of content nonetheless. Its focus lies in furniture and building, so Simmers who don't enjoy deg and decorating houses might not be as enthusiastic about it - but for those who do, these bite-sized items are perfect for filling tight spaces (like this tiny home approved by a Sims 4 developer). It also added the Tiny Home Residential lot assignments, which challenge players to create the smallest homes possible.
The Sims 4's Paranormal Stuff Pack Is Scarily Good
Simmers who prefer not to spend their time browsing furniture might enjoy the action-filled Paranormal stuff pack in The Sims 4 more. This DLC introduces the Paranormal Investigator career, which has the Sim visit NPC homes and clear them of pesky, unwanted spirits. This profession is certainly more exciting than a boring desk job, and it even beats many of the other active careers included in the game's pricey expansion packs.
Everyday Clutter Kit Adds Realism To The Sims 4
Finally, kits are the smallest possible add-ons that players can buy, and since they're more or less purely cosmetic, they don't add much in the way of substance. However, the Everyday Clutter kit adds a surprising amount of flavor to the game that makes it worth buying, unlike most Sims 4 kits. It can transform a house into a home with decor that makes the space look lived in, like car keys, used sticky notes, and cups of coffee.
The Sims 4's Bust The Dust Kit Is Far From A Chore
The Sims 4's Bust The Dust kit is one of the only DLCs of its type to include a new gameplay element - and although vacuuming and getting rid of dust bunnies may not seem like an appealing task in real life, it's a fun touch of realism. Plus, herein Dust Bunnies are living creatures who can inhabit a Sim's home. Players can have them search for lost valuables and even name them, making for some unusual, yet nonetheless lovable pets.
From expansion packs to simple kits, this handful of DLCs is essential to improving The Sims 4 experience. Of course, players should stick to the base game if they so please - after all, it's quite possible to have fun in The Sims 4 without expansions of any sort. But for Simmers who are new to the game and looking to spice things up, these add-ons should be the first in their shopping carts.
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