Optional add-ons and expansion packs expand the number of features, tools, and objects available to play with. Players can place their Sims in pre-constructed homes or build their houses using in-game building tools, then furnish the homes with objects from an in-game catalog. Sims need to develop skills for jobs and crafting items, for example, Sims in the Culinary career track need to be proficient in the Cooking skill. Sims primarily make money by find a job, or selling crafted items such as paintings and garden produce. Players can play with pre-existing Sims and families, or create their own. 'Simoleon' (§) is the unit of currency used in the game. Players control their life and explore different personalities which change the way the game plays out. The focus of the games is on the simulated lives of virtual people called 'Sims', and the player is responsible for directing their actions, attending to their needs, and helping them attain their desires. There is no primary objective or goal to achieve (with the exception of some game packs), and instead of fulfilling objectives, the player is encouraged to make choices and engage fully in an interactive environment. The Sims 4 is a strategic social simulation video game, similar to preceding titles in the series. The game received mixed reviews upon its release, with the majority of criticism directed towards its lack of content and missing features compared to previous entries in the series. Some content packs were subject to controversy from players and critics.

Additionally, many free updates have been released throughout the game's lifespan that include major features and additions to the game, such as the addition of swimming pools, toddler Sim life stage and terrain tools. Eleven expansion packs, ten 'game packs', eighteen 'stuff packs', and eight 'kits' have been released the most recent expansion pack is Cottage Living, released on July 22, 2021. The Sims 4 has received many paid downloadable content packs since its release.

The Sims 4 focuses on its improved character creation and house building tools, as well as deeper in-game simulation with the new emotion and personality systems for Sims. Versions for macOS were released worldwide on February 17, 2015, and PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles worldwide on November 17, 2017. It was announced on May 6, 2013, and released in September 2014 for Microsoft Windows. It is the fourth major title in The Sims series. The Sims 4 is a 2014 social simulation game developed by Maxis and published by Electronic Arts.

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