The Sims Team previously announced a major free update was coming soon for The Sims 4 base game owners. This update was to prepare the game for the upcoming expansion pack, Eco Lifestyle, plus fix any community-reported issues.
Initially, the patch was scheduled to launch on Tuesday, June 2. The update was later abruptly pushed back to June 3 for unknown reasons. The patch was released simultaneously on PC via Origin, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
The full list of patch notes is available on the official Sims website. The update is required before continuing to play the game, but it should download automatically. Players don’t have to update now and may want to wait until after Eco Lifestyle launches on June 5.
The update included some major new additions. Some of them were already known, but there were a few surprises.
Sims can now use ladders inside and outside of their home. Builders have a bit more creative wiggle room with window and door free placement and aren’t as restricted to the building grid. All Sims who live in a home will now receive a new bill format that lists what they’re spending their simoleons on. Any additional unused utilities, like water and electricity, can be sold. Along with the new changes to Build Mode, Sims’ personal inventories also received an upgrade. It’s now easier to filter through Sims’ pockets, especially if they have a habit of over-collecting.
Firefighters and Repo People are now included. Firefighters put out fires while repo people will repossess items if Sims are late paying their bills.
Neighborhoods in the world have added descriptions to certain portions of the world. Previously, Newcrest, Oasis Springs, Willow Creek, and Windenburg were missing these descriptions, but they’re now consistent with other worlds.
In a surprise announcement, The Sims has teamed up with M.A.C. Cosmetics for new makeup like lipstick, eyeshadow, eyeliner, and more. More than 20 new styled looks were added for Children and Toddlers, who are often missed in new content updates.
Additional updates include “No Trespassing” options to keep out certain unwanted visitors like vampires and solicitors. If a Sim is invited over, another Sim can “Send Home” the guest without harming their relationship level.
The update also fixed a long-needed Get Famous EP issue where Sims in the Acting Career were unable to complete gigs.
The newest update for The Sims 4 is available now. Mod users on PC should remember to remove their custom content before updating. Mods will be disabled at launch and will have to be turned back on.