The Sims™ 4
Adventure
Casual
Simulation
Free To Play
Single-player
Steam Trading Cards
Mouse Only Option
Playable without Timed Input
Save Anytime
Stereo Sound
Surround Sound
Remote Play on Tablet

Play with life and discover the possibilities. Unleash your imagination and create a world of Sims that’s wholly unique. Explore and customize every detail from Sims to homes–and much more.

Developers: Maxis
Publishers: Electronic Arts
Release Date: Jun 18, 2020
Price (USD): Free
Current Players: 25k

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(88%)
creative freedom
Build Mode
Create-a-Sim
community mods
endless possibilities
DLC cost
modding necessity
EA app issues
updates introduce bugs
expensive DLC
persistent bugs
performance issues
lack of depth
EA greed
The general sentiment about The Sims 4 is positive regarding its creativity and customization options, which are highly praised by players who enjoy the freedom to build and create. However, there is significant criticism of the expensive DLC model, which many feel locks essential features behind expensive add-ons. The game's performance issues and bugs are a consistent issue, with the requirements to install EA's app being another point of contention. Despite these challenges, many players find it a timeless and comforting sandbox experience, although they wish the game provided more content without the need for so many paid expansions.

Positive Points

  • The Sims 4 is praised for its creativity and the freedom it provides to players, allowing them to build dream homes, create characters, and tell stories.
  • The player community appreciates the game's Build Mode and Create-a-Sim feature, which are both intuitive and easy to use, offering vast customization options.
  • The game is recognized as a great life simulation sandbox that is relaxing and offers endless possibilities for creativity and storytelling.
  • The active modding community adds a significant amount of additional content and gameplay features, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
  • Many players find the game fun, addictive, and a great way to escape reality, citing it as a timeless and comforting game.
  • Negative Points

  • There is a considerable amount of criticism towards the expensive DLC model, which many players feel locks essential features behind paywalls.
  • The need for multiple DLCs to enhance gameplay feels overwhelming and expensive, with some DLCs perceived as overpriced for the content provided.
  • Players repeatedly point out issues with game performance, bugs, and glitches that have persisted for years without resolution.
  • Some players feel that without DLC, the base game lacks depth and becomes repetitive quickly.
  • Criticism is directed at EA's greedy business practices, particularly following the sale of the company to parties with controversial ties.
  • Mixed Points

  • While some players enjoy using the EA app, others find the requirement to use it cumbersome and note frequent technical problems.
  • The game's updates and patches sometimes introduce new bugs, although they are intended to fix existing issues.
  • The game’s decision to be free is appreciated by some, but many note that the cost of DLC undercuts this benefit, making the full experience costly.
  • Modding is both praised for adding content and criticized for being essential to making the game enjoyable.
  • Common Themes

  • The expensive and extensive list of DLCs is a major theme in reviews, with many players feeling that vital gameplay elements are unjustly locked behind them.
  • Creativity and customization are highly praised, especially with mods, but there is a shared sentiment that these should not be necessary to enjoy the game.
  • Despite its flaws, many find themselves returning to the game due to its nostalgic value and the creative freedom it offers.
  • There are significant concerns about EA's corporate decisions, especially regarding recent sales and DLC pricing strategies.
  • Updated 11/29/2025, 12:01:16 AM UTC