While the base game of The Sims 4 can be played for free, the true cost lies in the numerous Expansion Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits that significantly enhance the gaming experience.
It’s essential to keep in mind that though the full price of all these add-ons may seem steep, savvy players can save a considerable sum by taking advantage of sales and discounts.
With that said, it’s time to delve into the world of The Sims 4 and unravel the intricacies of its countless add-ons.
Base Game
The Sims 4: Now Free
Originally released in 2014, The Sims 4 has undergone numerous updates, including the addition of toddlers and swimming pools, which were initially missing. Known for its life and luxury lifestyle simulation capabilities, The Sims 4 has become a popular PC game. As of October 2022, the base game is free to download.
Digital Deluxe Upgrade: $9.99 USD/£8.99 GBP
This upgrade raises the question of whether users are willing to pay for the extra features it provides. Some good reasons to consider the upgrade include exclusive items and outfits for parties, plus the game’s soundtrack, which makes for great working music. The Digital Deluxe upgrade is now available at a relatively affordable price compared to its launch cost.
Current total: $9.99 USD/£8.99 GBP
Expansion Packs
The Sims 4 offers a variety of Expansion Packs that provide substantial content and features at a consistent price of £34.99 (or $39.99 USD) each. These expansions add significant depth to the game, granting new mechanics and gameplay aspects. For instance, the Cats & Dogs pack introduces the essential aspect of having pets in the game.
Below is a list of available Expansion Packs and their respective prices:
- Get to Work – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Get Together – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- City Living – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Cats & Dogs – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Seasons – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Get Famous – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Island Living – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Discover University – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Eco-Lifestyle – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Snowy Escape – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Cottage Living – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- High School Years – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
- Growing Together – $39.99 USD/£34.99 GBP
When purchasing all Expansion Packs, the total cost will be approximately $519.97 USD or £454.87 GBP. These packs significantly enhance the gaming experience by introducing new challenges and opportunities for Sims to explore, such as analyzing ancient artifacts or encountering unexpected situations.
Game Packs
Another category of downloadable content for The Sims 4 is the Game Packs. These packs offer diverse themed experiences, such as owning a restaurant, relaxing at a spa, or becoming a mythical creature dwelling in the Forgotten Hollow. There are currently 12 Game Packs available, each priced at $19.99 USD or £17.99 GBP. These packs include:
- Outdoor Retreat – Enjoy outdoor adventures and camping trips with sims
- Spa Day – Help your sims unwind with a visit to the spa
- Dine Out – Manage a restaurant and create unique dining experiences for your sims
- Vampires – Transform into a vampire, build a lair, and explore the supernatural side of sim life
- Parenthood – Experience the joys and challenges of raising a family
- Jungle Adventure – Embark on thrilling expeditions in the jungle
- StrangerVille – Investigate a mysterious town and its peculiar happenings
- Realm of Magic – Discover a magical world and learn the secrets of spellcasting
- Star Wars: Journey to Batuu – Immerse your sims in the world of Star Wars and visit the remote outpost of Batuu
- Dream Home Decorator – Become an interior designer, creating stylish spaces for clients
- My Wedding Stories – Plan and experience the perfect wedding day for your sims
- Werewolves – Embrace the power of lycanthropy and explore what it means to be a werewolf
The total cost for all Game Packs is $239.88 USD or £215.88 GBP, which, when added to the previously mentioned expansion packs, brings the running total to $769.84 USD or £679.74 GBP.
Stuff Packs
Stuff Packs can be considered the more frivolous side of The Sims 4 game, as they focus on adding various furniture pieces, clothing, and other decorative items. They cater to players with specific interests and can offer customized experiences, but they may not be considered essential for every player. Yet, they can be a fun way to modify your game based on your preferences.
Here’s a list of available Stuff Packs and their respective prices:
- Luxury Party Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Perfect Patio Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Cool Kitchen Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Spooky Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Movie Hangout Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Romantic Garden Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Kids Room Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Backyard Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Vintage Glamour Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Bowling Night Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Fitness Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Toddler Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Laundry Day Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- My First Pet Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Moschino Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Nifty Knitting Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Paranormal Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
- Tiny Living Stuff – $9.99 USD/£9.99 GBP
The total cost for acquiring all the Stuff Packs is $199.80 USD/£199.80 GBP. Adding this to your running total for the game and other packs would bring the grand total to $969.64 USD/£879.54 GBP. Keep in mind that this figure could vary based on sales and promotions offered by the game publisher.
The Sims 4 Kits
The Sims 4 Kits are smaller and more affordable compared to Stuff Packs, offering unique collections of items exclusive to each kit. Below is an overview of all available kits, each priced at $4.99 USD/£4.99 GBP:
- Bathroom Clutter
- Blooming Rooms
- Bust the Dust
- Carnaval Streetwear
- Country Kitchen
- Courtyard Oasis
- Décor to the Max
- Desert Luxe
- Everyday Clutter
- Fashion Street
- First Fits
- Incheon Arrivals
- Industrial Loft
- Little Campers
- Modern Menswear
- Moonlight Chic
- Pastel Pop
- Simitimates
- Throwback Fit
Purchasing all of these kits would result in a combined cost of $94.81 USD/£94.81 GBP. When added to the overall total cost for all The Sims 4 content, it amounts to an impressive $1064.45 USD/£974.35 GBP. Despite this substantial investment, passionate Sims 4 players can appreciate the depth and comprehensiveness of one of the best management games available on PC.
If you’re still looking to enhance your game further, consider exploring the best Sims 4 mods created by talented fans. These modifications can enrich your Sims 4 experience, adding even more value to the game.
