The world of the Sims is, most players would think, full to bursting point. And yet even with so many expansion packs, there is still so much missing that could be filled out and built upon in future material.
Since the release of The Sims 4 way back in 2015, players have mourned the lack of some content. So, taking all that into account, this list will bring together certain things from previous games, as well as things fans have always wanted to be added into the series. Hopefully, players will get to explore these avenues in future Sims 4 expansions.
10 Farming
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Since the Cottage Living pack came out, Simmers the world over have been craving more rustic content. Many have been creating many more mods that appease their need for agriculture, but lots of fans still seek more farming content.
Farming sim games are huge — just look at the Story of Seasons and Stardew Valley fame. Even Animal Crossing has caved and added pickable plots. If a farming expansion pack was to come out, it would surely be glorious and well-received among the fanbase. Sims could grow their own food and live sustainably, create a business, and more. Plus, if players don’t want to turn their thumbs green, they don’t have to!
9 Threats
It is unlikely that Maxis would choose to release this as a pack, but something players have sorely missed from previous games is crime, burglary, and other threats. Gone are the days of having a heart attack as a stripy burglar sneaks onto one's property. Many players miss the suspense that this feature added to the game.
There are no emergency services in Sims 4, unless one counts the doctor career in the Get To Work expansion. Half of the game used to involve keeping Sims safe and well and avoiding crime and house fires, but now there is nothing nefarious except Don Lothario (and, with the appropriate pack installed, the occasional vampire). Many players are begging EA to bring back some level of threat to The Sims.
8 Transport Options
Yes, Sims can walk around and run between plots, or get a taxi. But many players find that boring. Previous games had cars, as well as vacation specific taxis. Even bikes! To get a bike in The Sims 4, players need the University pack. It seems absurd that in 2021 there are still no cars available for use in Sims 4.
Simmers sorely need more options for Sims to travel around. A bus system or public transport would be amazing, or even something smaller like skateboards or rollerblades. There could even be different transport options for different neighbourhoods to compliment the different feels.
7 Color Wheels & Customization
It is no secret that The Sims 4 took a huge step back compared to other games, in terms of content and character creation. One facet that was omitted in the jump between Sims 3 and 4 is the ability of true customization.
A new pack could re-introduce the colour wheel and other customization options, to allow playes a fully immersive experience. Being locked to less than 15 hair colours can really limit the creativity of create a Sim, and a lot of furniture swatches don't currently match. Despite all the other improvements, this was a huge negative that still affects the popularity of Sims 4.
6 Lore
Another cornerstone of the Sims franchise is the lore: the stories, characters, buildable plots and deep-dives into families' pasts. Sadly, this is another thing that is a bit thin in the fourth iteration.
A new pack akin to the Sims Stories expansions of old would be amazing. With new stories, families, and characters, the possibilities would be endless. A pack like this could bring back pivotal characters from previous games. Perhaps they'd be in a new neighbourhood with a story for each household, and plot points to complete.
5 Arcades & Gaming
The Sims 4 is very focused on minutea, and smaller things for Sims to spend their time doing. With packs like Bust the Dust, Tiny Living, and knitting themed additions, it is clear where EA's priorities lie in terms of game building.
With that in mind, a great addition would be an arcade and gaming themed expansion! There are a couple of PCs, game consoles, and funky bits of tech available, but this could so easily be expanded. Simmers could make entire arcades and gaming rooms, like so many have in real life.
4 A Sandbox Neighborhood
Another missing feature that disappeared as the series progressed was sandbox neighbourhood creation modes. Sims 2 had the ability to create as many neighborhoods as players could imagine, choosing the terrain, mapping out roads and adding decorations. A new expansion featuring a sandbox creation mode would add so much to the latest game.
Players would even settle for free lot placement in existing neighbourhoods, as there's really not a lot of options for building a new mansion. Previous games had many more options that Sims 4 could, and should, bring back.
3 A Proper Shopping District
Speaking of neighbourhood customisation, the shopping aspect is a smaller element that could really be brought up to speed. With the Get To Work expansion, shops can be created and businesses run, but compared to the offerings in real life, its all a little thin.
Many players would love a mall expansion, or even an outdoor shopping district like the Old Town in Sims, or Downtown in Sims 2. The Get To Work expansion brought retail into the game, but outside of having a till and a property, there wasn't too much that players had to comply with. A resurrection of Open For Business is definitely needed.
2 More Pets
The game already has cats, dogs, fish, and frogs that players can catch outside, though they don't do anything. All in all, it's quite a a boring selection for such a huge game. While dogs can be made to look like foxes, the options are very limited.
A good case for a new expansion would be exotic, or just more, pets. Sims 3 had horses, Sims 2 had wormrats, and Sims had talking parrots. Many feel the latst game is sorely lacking. Imagine: lizards, gerbils, and more. Cottage Living added some farm animals, but they're not quite the same.
1 Outdoor Stuff
Outdoor Expansion packs are a big one. Players want stuff for garden based activities, pools, parks, picnics — the list is endless. As of now, there are trees and bushes and a couple of fountains, but a real outdoor pack could add so much. So far, the only outdoor pack players really have is the specific Outdoor Retreat expansion.
From skateboards to streetlamps, road signs to rope swings, Sims need some TLC for their outdoor areas. A revamp of parks and outdoor meeting spaces is overdue. Players want less of the tiny stuff packs, and more out-of-the-house additions.
The Sims 4 is available now.