The latest Sims 4 roap teased a large base game update alongside new DLC releases this summer, with a recent preview event revealing a complete overhaul of the Whims system. Other base game updates like body hair and other highly-requested features will also be making their way to the game in the near future.
Whims in The Sims 4 indicate things a player's Sim wishes to do, although they are never required to do them. Many players found the Whims system to be somewhat shallow, as in-game Whims often bear little relation to a Sim's personality or Aspirations. Sims titles have always offered some form of Sim desires, with The Sims 3 featuring Wishes and The Sims 2 utilizing the fan-favorite Wants and Fears system. Fears have been a long-requested feature for the game, both for the depth it adds to in-game narratives and the villainous opportunities in The Sims 4 that become available with the system.
During a special preview event for The Sims 4 High School Years, developers announced that the Whims system will be replaced with Wants and Fears. The system was demonstrated through one of the developer's teen Sims, who had a very adolescent-appropriate fear of not achieving their dreams. Although shown during an event for the DLC, developers clarified that the Wants and Fears system will be a part of a base game update that will also include body hair and a new sexual orientation system. Wants and Fears specific to different DLC will become a part of the game as well as ones designed for general gameplay.
This news is bound to be incredibly exciting for many long-time fans of the series, who could previously only access a Wants and Fears system through modding The Sims 4. This Wants and Fears update is a huge step in the right direction for the simulation game, and clearly demonstrates that developers have been listening to fan concerns and feature requests. It also shows that even the most ingrained Sims 4 systems are able to be improved, which is incredibly promising for the future of a game that has many years left in its lifespan. Although there are certainly other elements of The Sims 4 fans wish to see overhauled, the Whims system was hands down one of the largest community concerns.
The fact that the Wants and Fears announcement is only part of the base game update headed for The Sims 4 is undoubtedly a surprise for many fans who were dubious about how much content the free update would contain. The other updates like body hair and sexual orientation are also amazing new additions, and may not even be everything included. It will likely be a long time before fans see the Sims 5 announced, and the fact that the game is receiving additions outside of paid DLC means that Sims 4 fans will be much less likely to burn out on the game in the meantime.
Source: The Sims/Twitter