The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is the tenth expansion pack for The Sims 4 franchise, bringing a new world filled with mountains, ski slopes, and winter activities. On November 13, 2020, players have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a winter wonderland filled with new challenges, opportunities, and adventures. This expansion pack provides a new snowy world filled with snow sports, winter hiking, and hot springs, as well as the chance to explore a new culture and meet new Sims.
In general, this expansion pack can be compared to The Sims 2: Bon Voyage and The Sims 3: World Adventures, with its focus on new worlds and activities to explore. Unlike The Sims 4: Island Living, which focused on beach life, this pack is all about winter sports, adventures and the culture of a cold-weather destination. Players can choose to live in traditional Japanese-style homes, hit the slopes and take on new challenges, or simply relax and enjoy the breathtaking winter scenery. Whether players are looking for a winter sports challenge or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the everyday world, The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is the perfect choice. Players also should keep in mind that Seasons is not required to enjoy the snow for this pack's features.
Sources for this article and its images include EA.com and SimsCommunity.com.
Everything New In A Nutshell
- Lifestyles
- New World (Mt. Komorebi)
- New Career (Salaryperson)
- New Traits (Adventurous and Proper)
- New Skills (Rock climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding)
- New Aspirations - Extreme Sports Enthusiast (Athletic) and Mt. Komorebi Sightseer (Location)
- New CAS, Build/Buy Items
Lifestyles
The Sims 4: Snowy Escape introduces a new game mechanic called "Lifestyles". This feature allows players to create Sims with unique personalities and habits through the acquisition of lifestyles, which are gained by performing or avoiding certain activities. Sims can have a maximum of three lifestyles at once, which are visible in the Simology Panel.
Lifestyles are designed to take time to develop, as they reflect the way a Sim is living their life, rather than just their personality traits which reflect their personality. To acquire a lifestyle, a Sim must engage in certain activities or behaviors for five full days, reaching a maximum of 20 points per day. Once 100 points are reached, the Sim will have the lifestyle, which will be displayed in the Lifestyle menu.
The Snowy Escape expansion pack includes 16 lifestyles, some of which will conflict with others (such as the "People Person" lifestyle conflicts with the "Close-Knit" lifestyle). Lifestyle traits can also be lost if a Sim does not maintain the required behavior, for example, if an "Indoorsy" Sim spends too much time outdoors, they may lose their "Indoorsy" lifestyle and acquire the "Outdoorsy" lifestyle instead.
Lifestyles are meant to be dynamic and can change over time, as Sims may lose or gain lifestyle traits depending on their behavior. Lifestyles will decay at a rate of about 5 points per day, and players will receive a notification if their Sim is about to lose a lifestyle. To maintain a lifestyle, it is necessary to engage in relevant activities at least once every four days. There are other several ways to manage lifestyles in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape beyond the typical method of performing specific activities to acquire them. Cheats can be used to add or remove lifestyles, and players have the option to use Aspiration points to remove a lifestyle through the Lifestyle-Go-Poof consumable in the rewards store. Alternatively, Sims can visit a Lifestyle Coach through a cell phone interaction in the Household tab for 200 Simoleons. This allows the Sim to change their lifestyles to their desired choice, but it is their responsibility to sustain it.
In conclusion, the Lifestyles feature in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape adds a new layer of depth to the game, allowing players to create Sims with unique and evolving lifestyles, which will impact their behavior and emotions. Whether players want to create a Sim who is an avid techie or a nature-loving outdoorsy type, the Lifestyle mechanic provides endless possibilities for players to create a unique and personalized experience.
Sentiments
Sentiments are another feature worth noting, even though they are not exclusive to Snowy Escape. With the release of this pack, players were also treated to a free base game update that added the exciting new gameplay mechanic of Sentiments. Sentiments reflect the underlying emotions that Sims have towards each other, and are unique between two individual Sims. Players can develop sentiments with other Sims through specific positive or negative interactions, creating unique relationships and dynamics within the game world.
Sentiments can be short-term or long-term, with the type of sentiment affecting the strength of the emotions felt when the two Sims are in the same room, as well as how long the sentiment will last. Players will have the opportunity to see up to four sentiments between two Sims, with the weakest sentiment being replaced if the Sims gain a new one. Inspired by the memory system in previous games in the franchise, the sentiments mechanic brings a wealth of new emotions and feelings to The Sims 4, further enriching the experience of playing the game. With the inclusion of Snowy Escape and future packs, the list of sentiments is set to expand even further, providing players with even more opportunities to create unique and memorable relationships between their Sims.
Mt. Komorebi
Mt. Komorebi is a breathtaking world introduced in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape, and it is inspired by the beauty of two Japanese islands, Honshū and Hokkaido. The world is composed of three distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own unique festivals and activities, including the Festival of Light, the Festival of Snow, the Festival of Youth, and many others. With 14 lots in total, players will have plenty of space to create their own stories and build their dream homes. These lots include 3 rental lots, 1 bar, 1 lounge, 1 peaceful Onsen Bathhouse (a new lot assignment), and 6 residential lots in the style of traditional and modern Japanese architecture, allowing for a diverse range of experiences. Traditional Japanese culture is also evident in the small details of the gameplay. The pre-made Sims in this world demonstrate cultural customs, such as eating with chopsticks and removing shoes upon entering their homes. Even the child and teen Sims are shown wearing school uniforms while attending school. These intricate cultural touches make Mt. Komorebi a compelling world to explore, whether it's as a permanent home or a rented vacation destination. The attention to detail in these cultural practices creates a rich and immersive experience for players.
What sets Mt. Komorebi apart is the fact that it is the first pack in the franchise to offer a world that serves as both a vacation and residential world, making it the perfect destination for Sims to relax and explore. And with the base game update that came with the release of this pack, players can add rental lots to any world they choose, making their vacation dreams a reality. In addition, players can now enjoy many snow-related activities without needing the Seasons pack, as Snowy Escape is the first non-seasonal based pack in The Sims 4 series to include weather, such as skiing and snowboarding. And for those who love a good adventure, Mt. Komorebi also boasts three hidden lots that can be reached through mountain climbing excursions, adding an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Salaryperson Career
The Salaryperson Career in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is an intriguing career path that offers a unique spin on the classic Business Career. While not as high paying as a career, with roots in traditional Japanese business structure, the Salaryperson Career provides players with an immersive experience that is rich in cultural detail. To excel in this career, players should consider choosing a Sim with the ambitious trait, as this will increase their enjoyment of work and lead to positive moodlets from good days on the job. This career requires a long work day, with hours ranging from 10-12 depending on the decisions made in chance cards, which can result in a workaholic lifestyle. One new addition to this career is the option to work overtime, which can be selected by clicking on the briefcase while Sim is on the job. This will extend their work hours from 9-7 to 9-9, but there are also chance cards that will force Sim to work until 9 PM, such as karaoke events or missed trains home. At level 5, the Salaryperson Career branches out into two paths: the Expert Branch and the Supervisor Branch. Both paths require logic as a necessary skill, with writing also needed in the lower levels, but each branch has additional skill requirements. As players progress and receive promotions, their work hours will eventually decrease. The Salaryperson Career provides players with an engaging and challenging career experience.
The Supervisor Branch of the Salaryperson career in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape requires Sims to have high levels of Charisma and Logic skills. One of their daily tasks will be to host phone conferences, which can be easily completed on their phone under the career panel, although it is a time-consuming task. This branch also unlocks new career objects, outfits, and interactions, as well as a new reward trait called "Legendary Stamina." This trait enables Sim's energy to decay much slower, which is especially beneficial given their demanding work schedule. As a result, they won't have to sleep as often, giving them extra free time. Additionally, this reward trait allows players to skip the Seldom Sleepy or Never Weary traits from the aspiration reward store if they'd rather spend their satisfaction points elsewhere.
The Expert Branch of the salaryperson career in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is a demanding path that requires longer working hours, including the possibility of having to work on Saturdays. The daily task for this branch involves optimizing spreadsheet formulas on a computer. In order to progress and earn promotions, Sims must have high levels of both the Logic Skill and the Programming Skill. Despite the demanding nature of this branch, it does offer some unique perks, such as new recipes and the ability to power nap. However, just like the Supervisor Branch, the reward trait remains the same - "Legendary Stamina," which allows Sims to have a slower energy decay. Players may prefer the Supervisor Branch if they have a family or other commitments outside of work, as it has more manageable working hours. On the other hand, if they have a keen interest in improving their programming skills and do not mind the longer hours, then the Expert Branch may be the ideal choice.
New Traits
Snowy Escape brings two new traits, namely Adventurous and Proper. Adventurous Sims are a thrill-seeking bunch, always seeking new and exciting experiences. They are not afraid of danger, and will take quick action to put out a fire, just like Brave Sims. These Sims love to go on vacations, excursions, and have a tendency to enjoy working in careers that offer new experiences and adventures. They have a passion for trying new foods, and get easily bored with quick meals or repetitive activities. With the adventurous trait, Sims will get a happy moodlet from going on new adventures and exploring new things in life.
Proper Sims, on the other hand, value respect and good manners. They conflict with the Mean and Slob traits, and their interactions with other Sims reflect their polite nature. Proper Sims prefer to dress in formal attire and will always show respect during conversations, greeting others with a bow instead of a friendly introduction. They also value personal hygiene, and will not enter the Onsen hot springs unless they have showered or bathed first. Proper Sims get negative moodlets from witnessing inappropriate actions, and they cannot engage in physical altercations. This trait is perfect for Sims who value good manners and respect in their everyday interactions.
|
Trait Name |
In-Game Description |
Trait Type |
|---|---|---|
Adventurous |
These Sims seek out new and unique experiences! |
Lifestyle |
Proper |
These Sims tend to disapprove of other Sims' improper behavior such as Mean or Mischievous socials, but find themselves happier in Formal Outfits and have a much easier time with Friendly and Romantic socials. |
Social |
New Skills
The Sims 4: Snowy Escape introduces three new skills, with one being a hidden one. The other two skills, Skiing and Snowboarding, share a similar gameplay, with differences in equipment, interactions, and items. Players can purchase skis or a snowboard from the vending machine in Yukimatsu to get started. As Sims level up in either skill, they'll be able to tackle more challenging slopes and unlock new styles. Sims can choose between a low-intensity run for a more leisurely experience or a high-intensity run for more excitement, but be warned that high-intensity runs drain hunger, hygiene, and fatigue faster.
Both skills also offer potential money making opportunities. At level 10 in Snowboarding, Sims can use the record footage interaction on the slopes and upload the resulting video for royalties. Meanwhile, Skiiers can teach a class to earn between $600 and $800, which can be accessed via their phone during work hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM. These income opportunities are the primary difference between Skiing and Snowboarding, making them a great way to supplement a Sim's regular income.
The hidden skill of Rock Climbing in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is a unique addition to the expansion, providing a new challenge and purpose for Sims. By mastering this skill, Sims will not only be able to climb Mount Komorebi but also gain useful survival abilities, such as crafting energy and protein bars to increase their energy and reduce hunger decay. Additionally, Rock Climbing also presents a new risk in the form of Death by Falling From Heights (alongside the other way to kill a Sim, Death by Vending Machine). However, players can avoid this danger by using climbing gear and avoiding climbing in hazardous conditions. To ensure the difficulty level is suitable, players can use the "Investigate Route" ability on the rock wall before attempting to climb. High level Sims in Rock Climbing will have a better chance of successfully reaching the summit of the mountain during excursions.
Extreme Sports Enthusiast Aspiration
The Extreme Sports Enthusiast Aspiration is perfect for players who love adventure and winter sports. This aspiration allows players to fully immerse themselves in the new skills added with the pack, as they will need to master the art of skiing or snowboarding, as well as rock climbing. The tasks in this aspiration challenge Sims to perform daring activities, such as performing high-intensity skiing or snowboarding on intermediate or expert slopes, even in challenging weather conditions. Additionally, they will need to brave the heights and reach the summit of Mt Komorebi during a mountain excursion. The aspiration also includes tasks related to hiking, a fun and sometimes dangerous activity that can be performed on various trails in the Mt Komorebi neighborhood.
The Extreme Sports Enthusiast Aspiration rewards players with the Survival Instinct trait upon completion. This trait offers several benefits for Sims who love to engage in extreme sports and outdoor activities. Sims with the Survival Instinct are immune to wildlife attacks, are less likely to get injured while skiing, snowboarding, and rock climbing, and have a higher resistance to harsh weather conditions. This trait is especially useful for players who want their Sims to continue participating in extreme sports, but may not be as valuable for those who only completed the aspiration and have no plans for further outdoor activities.
Mt. Komorebi Sightseer Aspiration
The Mt. Komorebi Sightseer aspiration in The Sims 4: Snowy Escape is designed for Sims who prefer a more relaxed and culturally-focused experience in the new pack. This aspiration offers a tour of all the non-extreme activities available in Mt. Komorebi, including attending festivals, visiting onsens, utilizing vending machines, and even using chopsticks. It's similar to the City Native aspiration in The Sims 4: City Living, but offers a unique and peaceful journey through the culture and customs of Mt. Komorebi.
When a Sim completes the Mt. Komorebi Sightseer aspiration, they will receive the Worldly Knowledge reward trait. This trait enhances a Sim's socializing abilities during social events and grants them the ability to negotiate discounts at stalls. Although similar to the City Native aspiration's reward trait, Worldly Knowledge is relatively more useful for Sims who frequent social events. Although it can be beneficial for socializing, it is not so significant, as the main purpose of the aspiration is to immerse the player in the new pack, rather than to provide additional benefits. Ultimately, it offers a more limited replay value compared to some other aspirations.
New CAS, Build/Buy Items
The Sims 4: Snowy Escape pack provides players with a stylish and practical collection of CAS items, ideal for sims who are ready to conquer the snowy mountain. Featuring a blend of functionality and fashion, players can choose from a range of outfits that embody the sporty-chic style, perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The CAS items also include a range of new hairstyles and accessories, including fun items like ski goggles and beanies. In addition, the pack includes a limited selection of traditional and non-traditional Japanese clothing, allowing players to dress their sims in appropriate attire for the new Mount Komorebi festivals
The pack also offers over 150 new Build/Buy items, heavily inspired by Japanese and Asian architecture, providing players with an expanded range of options for their builds. With the addition of the free base game update, which included platforms, the possibilities for creating unique and immersive homes and spaces have increased even more. Whether players want to bring a touch of Asian-inspired design to their builds or create a winter-themed home in the mountains, there are great items in this pack to explore.
The Sims 4 is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S