The Sims 4: The Best Ways To Make The Game Fun Again

The Sims 4 came out all the way back in 2014 and, over time, has grown with a wide range of DLC. Features have been added, both through expansions and via free updates, and the game is now more in-depth than ever before. The base game is also free to play, making it even more accessible.

The Sims 4: Every Expansion Pack, Ranked

We take a look at how every expansion for The Sims 4 stacks up in this ranked list of the best expansions.

However, many players are feeling bored with the current game. It can be difficult to find new things to do, which is where our list comes in handy.

Updated December 11, 2024, By Helen Ashcroft: The Sims 4 is here to stay, so we've decided to update this list so you can get the most out of the game. Whatever you enjoy most about the game there's sure to be a way to improve it.

17 See What's New

If you've not played for a while, there's a good chance that you'll find something new in the game that you didn't know was there. Over the years, huge additions have been made to the base game, including pools, ghosts, toddlers, bunk beds, ladders, and a gardening overhaul to name just a few. Many items have been added and others have been expanded with new swatches.

Each new expansion pack tends to bring a new feature of some kind to the base game, and little extras such as new clothing or items are frequently added with the ongoing rota of bug fixes. Why not take a closer look at your catalog and see if you can spot something new?

16 Play As An Occult Sim

Over the years, there have been a bunch of new life states introduced into the game, which are alternatives to just playing as a regular Sim. Many of these supernatural life states introduce unique gameplay features and challenges that most players end up never discovering.

Vampires, Spellcasters, Werewolves, Aliens, and Mermaids were all added in DLC. However, you can play as Plant Sims and interact with Ghosts just using the base game. Those with Life & Death can also fully embrace ghostly powers and a more engaging afterlife. Why not see what supernatural mischief you can get up to?

15 Learn A New Skill

No, this isn't about Sims learning new skills, although that's a great way to spice up the gameplay as well, but rather honing your skills within the game itself. Do you always use pre-designed styles for your Sims? What about homes from the gallery? Or maybe there are gameplay elements you never explore?

Building, in particular, is something that many players fail to get into due to how daunting it feels. However, the freedom of expression that comes with it is well worth investing some time in learning the basics, and we've even got some tips to help.

Changing how you play the game can lead to new experiences. Try designing some outfits, building an extension or refurbishing a home. You never know what new skills you could unlock.

14 Make Sims Unpredictable

Sometimes you just have to shake up the norms. The Sims 4 is known for generating some interesting fashion for its townies, but what about taking this a step further? What happens if you mix traits that you wouldn't normally find together? Or have evil and good Sim twins?

The Sims 4: 10 Of The Most Fun Households In The Game

The Sims 4 features a wide array of families and places you can visit. Here's a look at 10 of the coolest and most entertaining households!

Since the game doesn't really introduce any real chaos, sometimes you have to be the chaos. Go forth and pick chaotic traits, clothe your Sims in bizarre fashion, and add weird tastes. Sometimes Sims need to be extra.

13 Develop A Story

Those who want a bit more control over their gameplay will definitely appreciate coming up with a set story, rather than creating chaos deliberately. Come up with a concept and a storyline, or use the stories added to Sims already in the world as a starting point.

You can also use the new scenarios to guide a story and give you a place to work from. Just make sure to save regularly. You may want to rewind time a little if you get invested in a family and then disaster strikes!

12 Create Some Neighborhood Stories

Neighborhood Stories are essentially an improved version of The Sims 3's Story Progression. You can get involved in the lives of the Sims that are closest to you, and they will respond to your prompts.

To find out more, check out our article on Neighborhood Stories.

You can now influence Sims that have interacted with your household, directly and indirectly. There are even two new aspirations that are related to this new feature. It allows you to better control multi-generational save files by making it possible to have a say in relatives' lives and keep in touch, even after they've moved out.

11 Make An Entire Save File

Many Simmers have been creating their very own save files in the past few years. It's a long, grueling process that involves re-building or renovating every single lot in every world you have unlocked and creating custom inhabitants for each one. Basically, it's a start from zero.

This is a long project, but it's so worth the time and effort. Those who really want to challenge themselves will enjoy traveling from world to world and redesigning them to be just as they envisioned. Even if it's just making sure the lots all have toilets.

10 Play Someone Else's Save File

If you think creating your own save file seems like too much work or if you've already done it and want something different, why not try playing in someone else's world?

The Sims 4: Amazing Save Files To Replace The Default

If you're bored of the regular Sims 4 townies and worlds, then custom Sims 4 save files are the answer. Here are some of the very best.

This is a great way to avoid running into townies you've been interacting with for years, and experiencing a world that has been built with a purpose and in which every person has their own extensive background story. These save files are an amazing experience to play.

9 Go Custom Content Shopping

What better way to get inspired about The Sims 4 again than to go on a custom content shopping spree? If your computer can handle it, adding some fan-made objects and cosmetic mods will definitely give the game a whole new look and feel.

The best part is that CC is free, and there's a ton of it out there. Everyone's guaranteed to find something they'll like and that will fit their playstyle.

8 Try Some Gameplay Mods

On top of custom content that provides hairstyles, clothes, and objects, players can also go to the next level and actually download free gameplay mods. These are made by talented fans, but since they're not supported officially by EA, there is some risk.

Mods can change the way The Sims 4 is played drastically. They can add additional depth and interactions, as well as new activities the game desperately needs. This is the perfect way to add immersion, for free.