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The Sims 4 best packs: all expansion packs and other DLC explained

Which Sims 4 packs are worth it?

An abstract cover image for The Sims 4 shows a variety of Sims in portrait (ranging in age from Toddlers to literal ghosts) against an on-brand blue-green background composed of jagged plumbob-like frames.
Rebecca Jones avatar
Guide by Rebecca Jones Guides Writer
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What are the best Sims 4 expansions? Now that The Sims 4 base game has gone free-to-play, you might be thinking of dropping some cash on the game's still-very-much-not-free DLC. With 66 official add-on packs and counting at the time of writing — ranging from full expansions to mini kits, and with more still on the way — focusing on what suits your interests is essential, assuming you don't have the luxury of an unlimited budget.

If you're finding the selection a bit bewildering, we're here to help. This page acts as a buyer's guide for The Sims 4 DLC, giving a full breakdown of every pack's costs; an overview of what you get with each pack you purchase; and some recommendations based on a mix of targeted play-styles, community favourites, and personal preferences.

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How much does all The Sims 4 DLC cost?

There are four levels of DLC available for The Sims 4: expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, and kits. We'll go into detail about what each type offers further down the page, but for now, here are the raw costs in all their horrifying glory:

  • Buying the base game: Free*
  • Buying all 13 expansion packs: £454.87 / $519.87 / €519.87
  • Buying all 12 game packs: £215.88 / $239.88 / €239.88
  • Buying all 18 stuff packs: £179.82 / $179.82 / €179.82
  • Buying all 23 kits: £114.77 / $114.77 / €114.77
  • Total cost for The Sims 4 with all DLC: £965.34 / $1,054.34 / €1,054.34

* At the time of writing, Steam lists the base game as free but still sells the Digital Deluxe Upgrade for the base game for £8.99 / $9.99 / €9.99. However, Origin no longer lists the Digital Deluxe Upgrade, instead redirecting its listing on their store towards the F2P base game.

Now I should stress, DLC packs for The Sims 4 are frequently discounted, so it's well worth waiting for a sale to avoid splurging the full cost and emptying your wallet. But even with regular discounts, it's still a very expensive proposition if you're inclined to be a completionist.

Therefore, we will also be giving you our recommendations for the best Sims 4 packs and which ones you might want to skip.

The Sims 4 expansion packs explained

Several Sims explore a parkland area in San Sequoia. Several Sims walk or bike over a bridge, while in the foreground a Sim with an infant strapped to their back appears slightly lost. City buildings can be seen further off in the distance.

Expansion packs are the big bits of DLC for The Sims 4 which include the major new features. Currently there are 13 expansion packs available to buy.

Each expansion pack has a retail price of £34.99 / $39.99 / €39.99, but they are frequently discounted in the Origin Store. To find out what is in each expansion pack, click the expansion pack name below to be redirected to a list of its key features.

Best expansion packs

Expansion packs are the priciest pieces of DLC for The Sims 4, but they also add the most content. If you're interested in their features, it's fair to say that any of the expansion packs are worth investing in.

My personal favourites are Get Together, Seasons, City Living, Island Living, and Cats & Dogs. These packs all include new gameplay features that in my opinion are must-haves for a more immersive Sims 4 experience even if you're playing a save that isn't focused on them. (Except for Island Living, which just adds a really, really pretty world, seriously it's gorgeous.) Seasons introduces a bunch of wonderful quality-of-life additions like variable weather and scheduled holidays that will literally change the way you play no matter where you are, while the others add sizeable new worlds for you to muck around in while you test drive their new features.

Of the more recent expansions, Cottage Living delivers on some long-time fan requested farming features, wrapped in a cute and timely cottagecore aesthetic. Growing Together looks set to become a must-have too, with its lovely new world and introduction of some gamechanging relationship overhauls. But as ever with brand-new add-ons, I recommend hanging fire on that purchase until you can pick it up on sale and/or a few patches have been released to iron out the inevitable Day One bugs.

As I said above, there are no bad choices for The Sims 4 expansion packs if you're interested in what they offer. I will say though that if you aren't planning to focus on their specific gameplay additions, you can probably afford to skip Get to Work, Discover University, and Get Famous.

The Sims 4 game packs explained

Werewolves arrive for The Sims 4 with the new expansion pack releasing June 16th.

Game packs are DLC that are generally lighter in new features than expansion packs, but they're still a little more substantial than stuff packs. Currently there are 12 game packs available, each featuring a range of stuff for your Sims to do, from visiting vacation destinations to solving a mystery about your local neighbourhood.

Game packs have a retail price of £17.99 / $19.99 / €19.99, but see frequent discounts in the Origin Store. To find out what is in each game pack, click the game pack name below to be redirected to a list of its key features.

Best game packs

Most of the game packs are pretty good, and which you like best will probably depend on your play style. I like storytelling, often with a supernatural twist, so my top picks are StrangerVille, Realm of Magic, Vampires, and Werewolves. Players who prefer generational and family-oriented gameplay swear by Parenthood, while if Build Mode is your bag then Dream Home Decorator was literally made with you in mind.

On the subject of game packs to skip, Dine Out probably isn't worth a look unless you specifically want your Sims to run a restaurant business, since the actual dining out part just ends up not being much fun. In a similar vein, the Star Wars: Journey to Batuu tie-in is a decent lite-RPG total conversion if you're a Star Wars fan, but probably won't do much for you otherwise.

In September 2021, the Spa Day game pack became the first piece of Sims 4 DLC to receive a "refresh" — a free post-release content update which added more new activities, traits and aspirations, build and CAS items. To be honest, Spa Day wasn't the most lacking Sims 4 pack in the first place, but the expanded offering is good, and the refresh is obviously there to encourage you to check this one out if you haven't yet.

The Sims 4 stuff packs explained

A scared homeowner learns about their haunted house from one of the friendlier ghosts who occupies the place, in The Sims 4: Paranormal Stuff.

Stuff packs are the smallest full DLC packs for The Sims 4. Generally you'll only get new objects and clothing options in each one, but there are exceptions that include a new career, new skills, and more. Since there are a whopping 18 stuff packs, it can be confusing which ones are worth investing in.

Stuff packs normally cost £9.99 / $9.99 / €9.99, but you'll likely find them discounted in the Origin Store. If you want to know what's in each stuff pack, click the stuff pack name below to be redirected to a list of its key features.

Best stuff packs

Since there are so many stuff packs available, it can be hard to work out which ones are the best buys. I personally prefer a little extra gameplay along with my new CAS and Build Mode items, so my top picks are Tiny Living Stuff (which adds micro-home building challenges), Paranormal Stuff (which adds the Paranormal Investigator career), the real-world brand tie-in Moschino Stuff (which adds the Fashion Photographer freelance career), and Nifty Knitting Stuff (which adds knitting as a major new skill with unique craftable items).

Beyond those four, which stuff packs you prefer will probably come down to your personal aesthetic and which areas of Build Mode you're eager to expand. A word of caution if you're thinking of buying My First Pet Stuff, though: you also need to have the Cats & Dogs expansion installed in order to use all its features. This is currently the only DLC for The Sims 4 for which there's a prerequisite beyond owning the base game, and it's something to bear in mind.

The Sims 4 kits explained

A female Sim sits in an armchair reading and daydreaming. The room around her is stuffed with books and bookshelves, and illuminated by a fireplace behind her.

Kits are micro-content packs introduced to The Sims 4 in 2021. With one slight exception they add a small packet of 20-ish CAS or Build Mode items, all focused around a single theme.

Kits cost £4.99 / $4.99 / €4.99, and given their small price tag it remains to be seen if the Origin Store can offer any significant discounts during their regular sales. If you want to know what's in each kit, click the kit name below to be redirected to a list of its key features.

Best kits

I have to be honest here that I was pretty anti the introduction of kits to The Sims 4. The absence of micro-transactions from the game was, in my opinion, one of the biggest improvements over its predecessor, and kits seem like a soft reintroduction of the controversial Sims 3 Store content.

However, my slight dislike of the concept doesn't mean I think the contents are all bad. Bust the Dust Kit adds brand new gameplay items (vacuum cleaners) and two new aspirations for your Sims to pursue. Sure, they're both centred around cleaning your house, but if increasing the realism of this life sim gameplay is what you're into then I get the appeal. Meanwhile, Courtyard Oasis Kit includes some very pretty Moroccan-inspired Build Mode items, adding a welcome touch of variety in a game which is often heavily focused around North America, Europe, and Japan.

Personally, though, I'm all about the Incheon Arrivals Kit, which at long last allows you to rock a choice of stylish trench coats in The Sims 4 without requiring you to wait (or cheat) to unlock the Criminal career reward. The Everyday Clutter Kit has also caught my eye: weird as it sounds to pay a fiver to let my Sims be a bit messier around the house, I'm a big fan of using clutter to make my Sims' homes feel more lived-in, so the more options there the better. Finally, I do like the Décor to the Max Kit: its aesthetic is certainly not for everyone, but it's perfect for re-creating eclectic stately homes. Just look at that flocked wallpaper!

The Sims 4 bundles

A group of Sims sitting in a living room knitting. One Sim is swathed in knitwear to the point of struggling to move.

You're probably looking at all of the DLC available and wondering how you're ever going to afford all of it. The good news is that, unless you're a committed completionist, it's probably not worth buying every DLC pack ever released; and there are ways to reduce the cost to buy them if you so wish.

You can purchase bundles for The Sims 4 via EA's official site, to be redeemed on the platform of your choosing. Bundles have received an overhaul since the base game went free-to-play, and at the time of writing, the option to build your own bundle still hasn't made a return. You can, however, purchase a pre-made bundle consisting of one Expansion Pack, one Game Pack, and one Stuff Pack for £44.99 / $49.99 / €49.99 (meaning that you essentially get the Game Pack for free). The following bundles are currently available:

If you own the game on Steam, you have access to one slightly different platform-exclusive bundle that currently contains the Seasons EP alongside the Vampires and Realm of Magic GPs. This bundle retails for £53.22 / $59.97 / €59.97 (that's a 25% total discount).

The Sims 4 packs features

Below are all of The Sims 4 DLC packs listed by type, along with a quick summary of all their key features to help you choose which you'd like to check out.

Expansion packs

Get to Work

  • Theme: Professions and retail businesses.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state, 3 new active careers, 1 new skill.
  • New world: Magnolia Promenade, Office Site (hidden), Sixam (hidden).
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 274 new Build Mode items, 202 new CAS items.

Get Together

  • Theme: Clubs and socialising.
  • New Simology: 2 new traits, 1 new aspiration, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Windenburg.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 321 new Build Mode items, 108 new CAS items.

City Living

  • Theme: Apartment living and cultural festivals.
  • New Simology: 3 new branching careers, 1 new trait, 1 new aspiration, 1 new skill.
  • New world: San Myshuno.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 269 new Build Mode items, 115 new CAS items.

Cats and Dogs

  • Theme: Family pets and veterinary practices.
  • New Simology: 2 new traits, 1 new aspiration, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Brindleton Bay.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 317 new Build Mode items, 188 new CAS items.

Seasons

  • Theme: Weather and holidays.
  • New Simology: 1 new branching career & 1 new after-school activity, 1 new skill & 1 new hidden skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 158 new Build Mode items, 149 new CAS items.

Get Famous

  • Theme: Fame and reputation.
  • New Simology: 1 new active career & 1 new after-school activity, 1 new trait, 2 new aspirations, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Del Sol Valley.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 259 new Build Mode items, 140 new CAS items.

Island Living

  • Theme: Beach life and nature conservation.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state; 1 new branching career, 3 new part-time jobs, & new Odd Jobs system; 2 new traits, 1 new aspiration.
  • New world: Sulani.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 164 new Build Mode items, 136 new CAS items.

Discover University

  • Theme: University living and higher education.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state; 3 new branching careers, 2 new after-school activities, & 13 university degrees; 1 new aspiration, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Britechester.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 181 new Build Mode items, 119 new CAS items.

Eco Lifestyle

  • Theme: Green living and sustainable crafting.
  • New Simology: 1 new branching career & 1 new freelance career, 4 new traits, 2 new aspirations, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Evergreen Harbor.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 170 new Build Mode items, 123 new CAS items.

Snowy Escape

  • Theme: Winter sports and vacationing.
  • New Simology: 1 new branching career, 2 new traits, 2 new aspirations, 3 new skills, new Lifestyles feature.
  • New world: Mt. Komorebi.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 178 new Build Mode items, 134 new CAS items.

Cottage Living

  • Theme: Rural living and home farming.
  • New Simology: 2 new traits, 1 new aspiration, 1 new skill.
  • New world: Henford-on-Bagley.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 160 new Build Mode items, 132 new CAS items.

High School Years

  • Theme: High school and teen life.
  • New Simology: 4 new after-school activities, 3 new traits, 4 new aspirations, 1 new skill, 1 new Like/Dislike category.
  • New world: Copperdale.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 250 new Build Mode items, 198 new CAS items.

Growing Together

  • Theme: Young families and expanded familial bonds.
  • New Simology: 4 new Child aspirations; 2 new Like/Dislike categories; plus Family Dynamics, Milestones, Social Compatibility, and various other new life stage-related events.
  • New world: San Sequoia.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 195 new Build Mode items, 206 new CAS items.

Game packs

Outdoor Retreat

  • Theme: Camping vacations.
  • New Simology: 1 new trait, 1 new aspiration, 1 new skill.
  • New world: Granite Falls (vacation world).
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 80 new Build Mode items, 74 new CAS items.

Spa Day

  • Theme: Self-care and wellness.
  • New Simology: 1 new trait, 3 new aspirations, 1 new skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 132 new Build Mode items, 64 new CAS items (including new Nail Art categories).

Dine Out

  • Theme: Owning and visiting restaurants.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 125 new Build Mode items, 26 new CAS items.

Vampires

  • Theme: Becoming a vampire.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state, 3 new aspirations, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Forgotten Hollow.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 130 new Build Mode items, 72 new CAS items.

Parenthood

  • Theme: Family life.
  • New Simology: 1 new aspiration, 1 new skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 87 new Build Mode items, 52 new CAS items.

Jungle Adventure

  • Theme: Archaeology adventure.
  • New Simology: 2 new aspirations, 2 new skills.
  • New world: Selvadorada (vacation world).
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 168 new Build Mode items, 41 new CAS items.

StrangerVille

  • Theme: Solving a sci-fi mystery.
  • New Simology: 1 new branching career, 1 new trait, 1 new aspiration.
  • New world: StrangerVille.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 101 new Build Mode items, 40 new CAS items.

Realm of Magic

  • Theme: Becoming a spellcaster.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state, 2 new aspirations.
  • New world: Glimmerbrook, plus the Realm of Magic (hidden).
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 74 new Build Mode items, 55 new CAS items.

Star Wars: Journey to Batuu

  • Theme: Star Wars tie-in adventure.
  • New Simology: 3 new aspirations.
  • New world: Batuu (vacation world).
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 134 new Build Mode items, 115 new CAS items.

Dream Home Decorator

  • Theme: Interior design.
  • New Simology: 1 new active career.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 135 new Build Mode items, 59 new CAS items.

My Wedding Stories

  • Theme: Weddings.
  • New world: Tartosa.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 80 new Build Mode items, 86 new CAS items.

Werewolves

  • Theme: Becoming a werewolf.
  • New Simology: 1 new life state, 5 new aspirations.
  • New world: Moonwood Mill
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 78 new Build Mode items, 110 new CAS items.

Stuff packs

Luxury Party Stuff

  • Theme: Fancy dinner parties.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 12 new Build Mode items, 41 new CAS items.

Perfect Patio Stuff

  • Theme: Hot tubs and outdoor furniture.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 32 new Build Mode items, 12 new CAS items.

Cool Kitchen Stuff

  • Theme: Ice-cream making and kitchen furniture.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new Build Mode items, 29 new CAS items.

Spooky Stuff

  • Theme: Halloween parties and activities.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 33 new Build Mode items, 37 new CAS items.

Movie Hangout Stuff

  • Theme: Home cinema.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 34 new Build Mode items, 27 new CAS items.

Romantic Garden Stuff

  • Theme: Victorian gardens.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 32 new Build Mode items, 19 new CAS items.

Kids Room Stuff

  • Theme: Playrooms for children.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 41 new Build Mode items, 30 new CAS items.

Backyard Stuff

  • Theme: Waterslides and lawn furniture.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 39 new Build Mode items, 24 new CAS items.

Vintage Glamour Stuff

  • Theme: Hiring butlers and vintage fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 41 new Build Mode items, 27 new CAS items.

Bowling Night Stuff

  • Theme: Bowling alley venues.
  • New Simology: 1 new skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 35 new Build Mode items, 20 new CAS items.

Fitness Stuff

  • Theme: Working out.
  • New Simology: 1 new hidden skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 33 new Build Mode items, 17 new CAS items.

Toddler Stuff

  • Theme: Playrooms for toddlers.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new Build Mode items, 29 new CAS items.

Laundry Day Stuff

  • Theme: Laundry rooms and new laundry system.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 48 new Build Mode items, 20 new CAS items.

My First Pet Stuff

  • Theme: Small pets and pet clothing.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 35 new Build Mode items, 27 new CAS items.

Moschino Stuff

  • Theme: Moschino fashion brand tie-in.
  • New Simology: 1 new freelance career.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 38 new Build Mode items, 24 new CAS items.

Tiny Living Stuff

  • Theme: Micro-home building challenges.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 34 new Build Mode items, 32 new CAS items.

Nifty Knitting Stuff

  • Theme: Knitting unique clothes and decorative items.
  • New Simology: 1 new skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new Build Mode items, 38 new CAS items (+ skill-based unlockables).

Paranormal Stuff

  • Theme: Haunted houses and spectral visitors.
  • New Simology: 1 new freelance/active career, 1 new skill.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 39 new Build Mode items, 32 new CAS items.

Kits

Throwback Fit Kit

  • Theme: 1980s-inspired gym fashion
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new CAS items.

Country Kitchen Kit

  • Theme: Farmhouse kitchen décor
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 15 new Build Mode items.

Bust the Dust Kit

  • Theme: Vacuum cleaners and dust accumulation.
  • New Simology: 2 new aspirations.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 5 new Build Mode items.

Courtyard Oasis Kit

  • Theme: Moroccan-inspired courtyard spaces.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 22 new Build Mode items.

Industrial Loft Kit

  • Theme: Brooklyn-inspired converted loft living.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 26 new Build Mode items.

Fashion Street Kit

  • Theme: Mumbai-inspired fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 26 new CAS items.

Incheon Arrivals Kit

  • Theme: Seoul-inspired fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new CAS items.

Blooming Rooms Kit

  • Theme: Indoor plants.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 24 new Build Mode items.

Modern Menswear Kit

  • Theme: London-inspired men's fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new CAS items.

Carnaval Streetwear Kit

  • Theme: Brazilian-inspired fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 26 new CAS items.

Décor to the Max Kit

  • Theme: Maximalist interior design.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new Build Mode items.

Moonlight Chic Kit

  • Theme: Paris-inspired eveningwear.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 33 new CAS items.

Little Campers Kit

  • Theme: Backyard camping.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 25 new Build Mode items.

First Fits Kit

  • Theme: Modern children's fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 24 new CAS items.

Desert Luxe Kit

  • Theme: Sonoran Desert-inspired outdoor lounge design.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 27 new Build Mode items.

Pastel Pop Kit

  • Theme: Retraux pastel bedrooms.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 24 new Build Mode items.

Everyday Clutter Kit

  • Theme: Small personal items.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 30 new Build Mode items.

Bathroom Clutter Kit

  • Theme: Small accent items for bathrooms.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 31 new Build Mode items.

Simtimates Collection Kit

  • Theme: Loungewear and lingerie.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 24 new CAS items.

Greenhouse Haven Kit

  • Theme: Greenhouse gardening.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 27 new Build Mode items.

Basement Treasures Kit

  • Theme: Basement dens.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 26 new Build Mode items.

Grunge Revival Kit

  • Theme: 1990s-inspired grunge fashion.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 23 new CAS items.

Book Nook Kit

  • Theme: Reading rooms and home libraries.
  • New Build Mode and CAS items: 25 new Build Mode items.

We hope that this guide has been helpful to you in deciding which Sims 4 DLC packs you want to expand your collection with. If you're looking for more Sims 4 info, check out our comprehensive guide to The Sims 4 cheats and codes.

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About the Author
Rebecca Jones avatar

Rebecca Jones

Guides Writer

Rebecca is ⅓ of RPS' guides team, ⅓ of the Indiescovery Podcast crew, and currently looking for something else to take a 33% share in so she can call herself a fully rounded games journalist.

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