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The Sims 4: Growing Together expansion pack focuses on creating a more engaging and immersive gameplay experience by introducing various new interactions and features. One of the key additions to the game is the inclusion of unique social events like Baby Shower, Family Reunion, and Slumber Party. Another interesting feature is the Stay Over, which allows visiting Sims to stay for extended periods of time on a Sim's home lot. This is similar to the "Invite to Hangout" feature, but with added opportunities to participate in various activities and stay overnight for an extended amount of time.

Related: The Sims 4: Growing Together Complete Guide

While Stay Overs can be easily perceived as an event in The Sims 4, there are some important differences between Stay Overs and other social events in the game. For example, Stay Overs come with certain limitations, such as the number of Sims that can be invited to stay, the number of nights they can stay, and the available activities. Additionally, Stay Overs can only take place on a Sim's home lot, whereas other social events can be hosted in various locations, and they are also not goaled events. Overall, the inclusion of Stay Overs and other social events adds more depth and complexity to the game's social interactions, allowing players to create more meaningful and memorable moments with their Sims.

Sources for this article and its images include EA.com and Growing Together Trailers and Official Livestream.

How To Have A Stay Over

The Sims 4 Growing Together Stay Over Calendar Planning Pop Up

The Sims 4: Growing Together offers players two ways to initiate a Stay Over event: randomly or manually. The first option occurs when a household member receives a phone call from a friend or family member asking to stay over for a certain reason and duration. Players can choose to accept or decline the invitation, and if accepted, the guest Sim will visit in a couple of Sim days. The second option is to initiate the Stay Over manually, either via the Relationships tab on the Sim panel by clicking on the preferred Sim or directly from the calendar. However, players need to scroll down to find the "Add A Stay Over" option, as it is not part of any other events.

Related: The Sims 4: Infants Complete Guide

In both cases, players can determine the duration of the Stay Over, who will be invited, and when the event will start. The calendar displays the dates and duration of the event as well as the guest list. It's important to note that a Stay Over must last at least one night and no more than six nights at a time. While multiple Sims can be invited to stay over at a single event, players cannot schedule multiple Stay Overs at the same time. Doing so will cancel the other Stay Over and force the guest to leave early. By adding Stay Over events, The Sims 4: Growing Together offers players more opportunities to interact with Sims in a meaningful and immersive way.

Can The Active Sims Stay Over At Other Households?

The Sims 4 Growing Together Stay Over At Other Household

As of now, Stay Overs in The Sims 4: Growing Together only allow Sims from different households to visit the player's household, which may disappoint some players who want to be a guest at the Stay Over event. Swapping to another household to organize the event and swapping back is not possible, as it will cancel the Stay Over. However, there are other options for Sims who want to spend extended time with other households, such as going on a holiday with them at a rental house. However, this will consume vacation days from the Sim's career and require Simoleons, unlike Stay Overs. While Stay Overs may not be the best option for Sims who want to be guests, they are still a great way to host and entertain visiting Sims for a limited duration and can lead to many interesting interactions and experiences.

Stay Over Activities

The Sims 4 Growing Together Stay Over Interactions

When the guest Sim arrives for the Stay Over, they will bring their luggage with them, including a suitcase for teens and older Sims, and a backpack for child Sims. These items can be moved around without needing to go into the build mode, as well as be used as dressers for any Sim in the household, allowing them to change outfits or plan their wardrobe. Host Sims can welcome the guest Sims with a "Welcome" interaction, which is one of the Stay Over specific interactions denoted by a specific icon. In addition to welcoming them, hosts can also ask their guests to relax or help with household chores.

Related: The Sims 4: Growing Together - How to Power Walk

Although the Stay Over interactions are limited, guests will be able to perform many of the same actions as if they were in their own home, including cooking, showering, sleeping, and helping with other chores. Hosts can even assign a bed for their guests during the Stay Over. Moreover, while the guest Sims are visiting, the played Sims can still participate in other events such as work, school, holidays, and festivals simultaneously, making it a convenient option for those who want to spend time with friends and family from different households.

The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S