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Reviewed by Benjamin Barr
Expansion packs have always been a big part of The Sims series, and The Sims 4 already boasts some of the most well-rounded and detailed EPs in the franchise. Each pack is unique and interesting in its own right, offering players a wide variety of ways to enhance their game and get the most out of this wild and charming social life simulator. The exceptional quality of the core game allows even the newly-released packs to integrate seamlessly, bringing something new to the table without completely overshadowing the game’s previous content.
So far, eight expansions have been released for The Sims 4, introducing everything from new neighborhoods and Sim customization options to hands-on careers in an array of exciting new professions. The new activities available to players through these packs do a lot to make the world feel a little brighter and more realistic, and are definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a change of scenery or pace.
With that said, the EPs can get a bit costly. Each one runs about $20 – $40 (it varies on PC and console), so buying all of them at once can put a pretty decent dent in the wallet. If you’d like to explore these expansion packs but aren’t sure where to begin, the High Ground team has your back!
Below, we’ve compiled a list of all of The Sims 4 expansion packs and ranked them according to content and general playability. Feel free to read on for more information!
The Sims 4 Expansions Packs Ranked
Starting with #8, let’s work our way down to the #1 best Sims 4 expansion.
8. Get to Work
- Release: March 31, 2015
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $39.99 for console
- Summary: Adds interactive careers, new skills, and aliens
Get to Work was the first expansion pack released for The Sims 4, and it introduces the concept of interactive careers to the series for the first time. Players receive the opportunity to follow their Sim to work instead of patiently waiting for them to return home, offering a whole new range of activities outside the home. The new careers include doctor, detective, and scientist, though players can also start their own retail business and grow their brand from the ground up.
There have been a few complaints about glitches in these career options, but the main reason this particular EP earns our lowest-ranking spot is that interactive career options have become a staple for most of the expansion packs. Get to Work was the first to offer players a more hands-on approach, but other packs built on this mechanic and introduced newer and more varied careers. The pack is still worth looking into, however, as it also includes the ability to make playable alien Sims!
7. Get Together
- Release: December 8, 2015
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $39.99 for console
- Summary: Adds a new world called Windenburg, new clubs and related activities, and customizable social events
The Get Together expansion pack brings an entirely new element of socialization to the game, focusing on connecting players with other Sims. The pack introduces several new activities and locations that players can explore, all within the delightfully entertaining world of Windenburg. Players can show off their newfound expertise in skills like DJing and Dancing, both of which come in handy with the pack’s newly-debuted clubs and customizable social events. True to its name, the Get Together expansion pack offers players an excellent opportunity to socialize.
A few notable downsides for this particular EP are the lack of variety between clubs and (more importantly) the lack of new interactive career options. Considering that every other pack has had at least two new career options on top of other additions, Get Together feels small by comparison. With that said, the world of Windenburg and the delight of the other custom social events and activities are well worth the cost on their own, and are sure to be fun despite the missing pieces.
6. Get Famous
- Release: November 16, 2018
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $39.99 for console
- Summary: Adds new world called Del Sol Valley, new interactive careers, and the fame mechanic
As the name suggests, the Get Famous expansion pack allows players to raise their Sims to the highest level of fame, with all the perks and problems that entails. Players will attract and interact with fans using the pack’s new fame mechanic, allowing them to rise to stardom in a variety of unique interactive social careers like actor and social media influencer. New high-end items are also added to support players’ lavish lifestyles, helping them get into character as they strive to get their name on Starlight Boulevard.
Despite the obvious appeal of this expansion pack, it’s been criticized for lack of variety in its new fame-oriented careers. Not only that, but the new area isn’t as big as some of the other EPs on this list. Even so, the fame mechanic on its own is fun and creative enough to make up the difference!
5. City Living
- Release: November 1, 2016
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $39.99 for console
- Summary: Adds a new world called San Myshuno, new city events and activities, new interactive careers, and apartments
Fans of The Sims 3’s Late Night expansion pack will be thrilled with the new City Living addition. This pack allows players to live city life to the fullest, moving into new apartments and meeting all sorts of new Sims as they interact with their neighbors, explore San Myshuno’s vibrant quarters, and attend various festivals. City Life also introduces a few new interactive careers, giving players the chance to work as a politician, a food or art critic, or a social media manager.
The primary complaints surrounding the City Life expansion pack surround real-world city living problems. Apartments aren’t very customizable, and players aren’t given the option to buy an apartment outright if they find one they’d like to settle in. The pack does offer ample opportunities for upward mobility, though — players start in low-quality apartments and can make their way up to a penthouse suite. Overall, this EP is a lot of fun and encourages players to enjoy the bustling social life of the city.
4. Island Living
- Release: June 21, 2019
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $39.99 for console
- Summary: Add a new island world called Sulani, new activities, new careers, and mermaids
Island Living allows players to live out their wildest vacation fantasies on the island of Sulani. The expansion pack introduces the island world and a wide variety of new activities like swimming and sunbathing, as well as interactive careers like conservationist, fisher, diver, and lifeguard! Other island essentials are included in the expansion pack, including different vacation packages and a vast number of new outfits. Mermaids also make their debut in this pack, though it’s said that the sightings can be pretty rare.
The primary complaint about the Island Living expansion pack is that there’s only one island to choose from. Although players can purchase a number of pre-built island homes of varying swankiness, there isn’t much to explore outside of one island. Regardless, we definitely enjoy the chance to check out some swanky vacation packages, even if it’s just from the comfort and safety of our own homes!
3. Cats and Dogs
- Release: November 10, 2017
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $9.99 for console
- Info: Adds a new world called Brindleton Bay, a new career, and pets
Do I really need to explain why the Cats and Dogs expansion ranks so highly on our list? Players can choose from a wide variety of pets and breeds to welcome into their home! And contrary to what the name suggests, the pack isn’t limited only to cats and dogs, either.
The pack adds several pet-related activities, including competitions and an interactive career that allows players to open their own veterinary practice. The world of Brindleton Bay is also added, giving players the chance to explore and interact with other pet-owning Sims.
The pack has received a few complaints, namely regarding the difficulty of receiving five-star ratings on players’ veterinary clinics and a persistent bug that results in pets staying sick for too long. Outside of these issues, we still highly recommend this pack!
2. Discover University
- Release: November 15, 2019
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $19.99 for console
- Summary: Adds two new universities and related activities
Discover University offers players an arguably realistic simulation of college life, right down to the stress of attending classes and meeting deadlines. Players can interact with all new Sims through the pack’s added sports, extracurriculars, and other university activities. Although a few other class and activity options would be a welcome addition, Discover University still ranks pretty high on our list and is well worth the investment.
1. Seasons
- Release: June 22, 2018
- Cost: $19.99 for PC | $19.99 for console
- Summary: Adds seasonal decor and events, new interactive careers, and weather effects
The Seasons expansion earns its place at the top of the list with the most detailed and varied pack for everyday play. Our favorite feature? The environment changes that allow for seasonal variations in weather and foliage. Players are even given the ability to control the weather as desired!
New holidays and seasonal activities are also added (as well as the ability to create custom holidays), giving players chances to mingle with other Sims. The expansion pack introduces new interactive careers that incorporate the seasonal changes, allowing players to pursue jobs as gardeners, floral designers, and botanists. A well-rounded and content-ful pack that ranks #1 on our list of Sims 4 expansions.
Related Reading
Thanks for checking out our rankings of The Sims 4 expansion packs! I hope our list helps with any upgrade decisions you might be making. If you’d like to talk about your experience with any of the expansion packs, please feel free to leave a comment. We’re always happy to hear from you!
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