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I love playing The Sims 4, which probably comes as no surprise and I have basically every expansion, game, and stuff packs that are currently out as of June 2020. I’m only stating the date as more packs are probably going to come out in the future and I’ll post something in the future on those most likely. So I thought it would be a fun idea to rank them.

Now I’m ranking them based off how often I use the content of these packs, a number of things you get in the packs, and the overall theme of the packs. Some packs I solely just use a few of its features, but none of the rest of it. So the rankings are all my opinion on how usable they are to my gameplay.

Expansion Packs

These are the massive gameplay content that revolves around a single theme. These include new game systems and abilities in the game as well as traits, aspirations, skills, build items, CAS items, and careers. Sometimes new neighborhoods are created for these packs. And some users will find one more interesting to them as compared to others. These are the most expensive packs as they offer the most. Even though I don’t use all the features from the expansion packs, I always use the items that come with them. Here are my rankings of the expansion packs:

1. Cats & Dog – This is probably my favorite expansion pack and was released in November 2017. In this expansion pack, you get a new world called Brindleton Bay where you can run your own vet clinic and own cats/dogs. But unlike Sims 3, you cannot control your pets nor monitor their needs. In order to learn about their needs you need to ask them “What’s Wrong?” whenever it appears as an options.
2. Discover University – This expansion pack was released in November 2019 and like Seasons or pets was a long time coming. Its always one of the later released packs in the Sims, but its’ one of my favorite things. There are two university: Brichester (arts) and Foxbury (science and technology). You can get scholarships to cover tuition, join one of six different organizations or even join a secret society that’s invite only. In addition you can join a sports team that has daily practice and games on the weekend. One thing to note managing four classes at a time can be extremely challenging though cheats help out a lot with this. Overall, I really love this pack plus it comes with a lot of things in build/buy and Create a Sim. So, you definitely get your money’s worth out of this expansion pack.
3. Seasons – This expansion pack was released in June 2018. And was long time coming in The Sims 4. There is not a new world in this pack but apparently that’s because they had to rework every single world to work with each of the four seasons and every asset that comes with them. So that’s fine by me since it means we get the seasons to work everywhere. You also get two new clothing types: hot and cold weather each with new plenty of new items. One of my favorite features is you can create your own holidays and have social events flow from one to another without sending everyone back home first. You can make your own traditions and plan out holidays up to two weeks in advance. Plus you get green houses, glass roofs (also available for all users regardless of which pack they get), and new gardening career. There’s a lot I don’t really care for in this pack and generally leave bizzares and thunderstorms turned off as it just forces you to use the pack if enabled, but I can’t deny it’s a good expansion pack.
4. Get Famous – Expansion pack released in November 2018. This was one of my favorite expansions from previous packs and definitely still holds that option with the latest release. It’s similar to the vampire game pack where you have perks and it’s nice cause it doesn’t interfere with the entire game as you need to opt-in to get it. Unlike seasons which if enabled in your game changes your entire gameplay. You also get award ceremonies, acting career, YouTube-like at home career, and two new aspirations. However, becoming a celebrity requires way more effort than anything else in the game but I still find it a lot of fun.
5. City Living – This expansion pack was released November 2016. In this expansion pack we got the world of San Myshuno which resembles San Francisco mixed with New York City and Brooklyn. There were three new careers added with this expansion pack: politician, critic, and social media. As well as the option to live in apartments where you pay rent and deal with noisy neighbors unless you move into a penthouse.
6. Get Together – This expansion pack came out December 2015 which gives the new world of Windenburg. In this world and pack, you gain the ability to join or create clubs. And other activities to do with your friends like the DJ booth and dancing. Windenburg is probably my favorite world in the Sims 4.
7. Eco Lifestyle – This expansion pack came out June 2020. Focused around the theme of green energy and industry with weekly neighborhood votes that slightly impact your sims (you don’t have to be in the new world for this) from the level of air pollution to the state of the streets. You can turn this feature off if you don’t want to deal with it, as some sim traits will be negatively affected by it. However, the new neighborhoods feel empty and you have to seriously work on your influence if you want your plans to work out. I do like some of the elements of the build/buy and CAS (since I love that industrial vibe), as well as the new fabrication workstations. There are also a lot of new traits for sims and lots, which is why I’m ranking this one slightly higher than Island Living.
8. Island Living: Released June 2019, this expansion pack brings into the game a new world complete with mermaid sims. Mermaid sims are like plant sims where you need to eat a plant to become one and there are no major differences other than a few new interactions and hygiene is replaced with hydration. You also have new seashell and treasure collections, four new jobs (Fisherman (Part Time), Lifeguard (Part Time), Diver (Full Time), and Conservationist (Full Time with option to work from home)), two new traits (Child of the Sea and Island), one new aspiration, and several new lot traits including one that disables water and electricity. This pack does not really effect the rest of your worlds though you can give your sim a part time and full time job now, which can be nice. While I like the idea of the tropics and mermaids, this expansion just isn’t the same as Island Paradise (which I LOVED!) as you don’t have hotels and can’t join the sims when they scuba dive under the water. So as far as game-play goes it just isn’t there with this pack as most of it is hands off.
9. Get to Work – This expansion pack came out March 2015 and gave you the option to go to work of three new careers: scientist, doctor, or detective where you complete objectives every day in order to advance in the career. They require you to go to the work in order to get promotions, you can’t just work hard to advance. There were two new worlds introduced: Magnolia Promenade and Sixam the alien home planet. Speaking of aliens, this pack also introduced the ability to make playable aliens without needing to be impregnated by one first. You can also run your own retail store, learn baking and photography.

Game Packs

These are new to The Sims 4 as they were not created for the previous games. These are smaller and cheaper in comparison to expansion packs, and just like expansion packs, they revolve around a single theme. Game Packs give gameplay content not previously available. Here is how I would rank them:

1. Parenthood – By far my favorite game pack that came out May 2017. This allows adult sims to control and shape their child or teen’s life. It also gave the ability to curse, have acne, complete school projects, and have a curfew.  Toddlers, children, and teens can now be rebellious to their parents and other siblings. Parents can treat this new behavior by being strict, or they could be nurturing and hope that good things will come.
2. Vampires – I have always loved that Supernatural element of vampires in The Sims. So when this pack was released in January 2017, I was beyond excited as this allows Sims to create Vampires with different powers and weaknesses. You also receive the world of Forgotten Hollow. The pack also comes with a new aspiration, new lot traits and numerous CAS and Build mode items that fit the darker Vampire theme. Even if you don’t like the supernatural element, the items can be used to create a lovely Victorian home.
3. Realm of Magic – Released September 2019. This game pack brings you two worlds, only one of which is residential with five plots of lands (two of which are occupied and one is a bar). You also get the new occult species of mages that has a skill based leveling system like Vampires and Get Famous only there aren’t weaknesses that you get as you level up gaining new perks. Unlike those packs you get to learn four different schools of magic: practical, untamed, alchemy, and mischief. Each with their own skills. You can also duel, gain familiars, and create potions. I actually really enjoy the gameplay of this pack. There’s not a lot in terms of build/buy or CAS items like some of the other packs, but considering this one is more focused on the gameplay aspect I’m okay with that.
4. Jungle Adventure – Release February 2018, this game pack brought us the second vacation world of Selvadorada. Where new food, dance moves and music can be found. As well as the ability to find ancient artifacts and mysterious relics through exploring the jungle and its hidden temples. Every time you visit, you will receive a different temple with its own challenges so their is always something new to explore.
5. Spa Day – This game pack came out July 2015,  and allows for a new building type called the spa. Where you can learn the new skill of wellness and receive massages. You can also visit the sauna or mud baths. And perform yoga and meditation.
6. Dine Out – Released June 2016, this game pack allows Sims to visit restaurants, as well as build and run their own restaurant. Those that own restaurants can experiment with new foods, employ staff and succeed in cooking.
7. Outdoor Retreat – The game pack that I use the least and came out in January 2015. Outdoor Retreat brought the first vacation world called Granite Falls. Where you can take a vacation outdoors in a national forest and learn a skill called Herbalism. Which is great when you want to go camping for a weekend but might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
8. StrangerVille – This came out in February 2019. You get the military career and a new town with the same name. It includes a story attached to a new aspiration you get with the pack that takes about 2 hours to complete, but doesn’t have a lot of repeat-ability which is why this pack is so low in ranking. I do like the items that came in the pack as it’s more western and conspiracy theory inspired, and you get a laptop that your sim can travel with. But it’s not enough to make up for the fact the story is the main focus and only is unique once.

Stuff Packs

Stuff packs are the cheapest out of all of the packs for Sims 4 and are roughly around $10. You get themed items such as objects, hair, and clothing, but they lack in gameplay. Here is how I would rank them:

1. Movie Hangout – I originally was highly on the fence of this pack when it came out in January 2016. But has recently been one of my more used stuff pack as far as furniture and CAS. It includes Bohemian-styled clothing, home theaters, and items such as the Popcorn Maker
2. Bowling Night – Other stuff pack I questioned when it came out in March 2017. But I seriously cannot go without using the retro furniture that came with this game pack. It also includes items such as bowling lanes allowing players to build their own bowling hangout(s) for their Sims to visit where you can learn the bowling skill.
3. Vintage Glamour – I love playing with rich sims so this stuff goes perfectly with that as it comes with Butlers. This stuff pack came out in December 2016 and includes vintage style items such as a vanity table, new Old Hollywood inspired clothes and hair.
4. Tiny Living – This stuff pack released in January 2020, includes the new lot type of “Tiny Home Residential” which has certain requirements each giving their own perks. Those being small (200 max square footage), tiny (64 max square footage), and micro (32 max square footage). There are a lot of new build objects and a new death animation from Murphy beds, which happens a lot unless you get a Sim with a handiness of level 8.
5. Kids Room – This stuff pack released in June 2016, includes items for children’s rooms, including new beds, a puppetry, a new game, and new hair and clothes for children.
6. Cool Kitchen – Release August 2015, this stuff pack includes kitchen counters, cabinets and appliances, such as an Ice Cream Maker with over 30 different flavors.
7. Perfect Patio – Released June 2015, this stuff pack gives you patio furniture, including hot tubs, as well as new outfits.
8. Luxury Party – Release May 2015. This stuff pack includes several luxury party outfits and items, including buffet tables and a table-top cheese/chocolate/drinking fountain.
9. Laundry – A lot of players were excited for the release of this pack in January 2018 since it gives that realistic touch of having to do laundry after your sims take showers or change clothes. Though I’m not a fan of laundry in the Sims as I find it to be too much of a chore sometimes, I do love the furniture and eco-friendly objects that came in this pack.
10. Backyard – Released in July 2016, this game pack gives you items for the backyard such as slip ‘n’ slide and bird feeders, and new hair and clothes.
11. Romantic Garden – Want to have a gorgeous garden that gives off their romantic feel perfect for dates. Then this game pack released in February 2016 is for you.
12. Moschino – This was released in September 2019. If you love Moschino designer clothes this adds iconic collections from that real life brand into the game. You also get a fashion photographer career making more use of the photography studio object that’s been in the game for ages. There are also new frame options that can be used around your house for decoration. If you like modern and art deco styles, this stuff pack has you covered in build and buy. While I’m not a massive fan of Moschino, I do find certain aspects of this stuff pack useful when I’m going for a certain aesthetic for a sim.
13. Toddler – You do not need this stuff pack to have toddlers in your game. They came with a free update but the pack launched August 2017 and includes additional outfits and toys that your toddlers can use. It also offers toddler play dates and toddler jungle gyms that with high enough imagination skill, you can see them playing make believe.
14. Fitness – This pack came out September 2014 and you don’t really need this pack considering fitness items came out with workout equipment to begin with. But this pack does give you more fitness outfits, earphones that play music, and a rock climbing wall. I do use the workout outfits quite often.
15. My First Pet – This pack came out March 2018 which was extremely close to the release of Cats & Dogs making it rather controversial considering certain items in the pack require you own Cats & Dogs Expansion Pack. It is also the first pack that requires another pack in order to get the full impact. In this pack you get items such as hamsters, matching outfits with your cats & dogs, and aquarium coffee table.
16. Spooky – This Halloween stuff pack came out September 2015 and unless you’re into having cartoon like Halloween decorations up all of the time, this pack is something that rarely gets used. It does give you the option for a costume party and pumpkin carving but this probably would’ve been better in the already free holiday pack where Christmas and Diwali live.

How would you rank the packs? Or what pack would you love to see in the future?

Love ya,

Mae Polzine

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