What changed in The Sims™ 4 in 2026
145 updates · 43 main milestones · Jan 7, 2026 to Oct 27, 2026
- 5 eventsCulinary & Food Overhaulbalance changeMilestone
Includes balanced food/drink pricing & calories, expanded Family Recipes to 375+ dishes, and improved leftover autonomy.
SteamQuality of Life Updates for Televisions and Save Backup Trackingquality of lifeLock televisions by Sim category and enhanced save backup tracking.
SteamFree Elder Content with New CAS and Build Mode Itemsnew contentIncludes new hairstyles, outfits, vintage furniture, and a styled room for elder Sims.
SteamNew Body Customization Toggles for Muscle and Weight ChangesgameplayPlayers can now toggle muscle and weight changes globally or per Sim.
SteamMassive Bug Fixes and Stability Improvementsbug fixMilestoneOver 150 bug fixes including 25+ Dine Out fixes and 14 new crash/stability improvements.
Steam - 24 eventsResolved endless loading during lot placementbug fix
Fixed an issue caused by excessive use of the Move Objects cheat.
SteamFixed white screens loading rental savesbug fixAddressed an infinite white screen when attempting to load certain affected save files.
SteamNotable decrease in crash ratesperformanceMilestoneThe ~10 crash fixes from the September update resulted in a notable decrease in crash rates across all platforms.
SteamExpanded 'Family Recipes' featurenew contentMilestoneAdded over 375 pre-existing dishes to the valid recipe pool across Base Game and all packs.
SteamSims can now drag food prepared by others into the fridgebug fixSteamFixed customers leaving food uneaten at Restaurantsbug fixSteamFixed freezing issues for Simsbug fixAddressed an instance of Sims remaining frozen after taking a nap or performing other interactions.
SteamFixed issues with Waiter shifts in Restaurantsbug fixAddressed an issue where Sims would sometimes fail to show up for a Waiter shift.
SteamFixed issue with new Infant Sim not appearing in Householdbug fixNew Infant Sims representing Reborn Sims will now be added to the selected existing Household.
SteamDining customers will socialize less before being seatedbug fixSteamRestored ability to order food/drinks while bartenders multitaskbug fixSims can now properly order food or drinks from bartenders while they are engaged in other activities.
SteamFixed Sims obsessively using the Pressure Cookerbug fixSteamResolved visual corruption during werewolf transformationbug fixFixed an issue where being bitten by a werewolf would cause visual corruption for Fairy Sims.
SteamTelevisions can now be locked for specific Simsquality of lifeTelevisions can be locked to ensure only certain Sims will use them.
SteamFixed Sims standing while eatingbug fixSims are now more likely to stay seated when eating at a table.
SteamImproved Save Backup experiencequality of lifeUpdated the calculation for Save Backup to track better over extended periods.
SteamSims will no longer use grills in bad weatherbug fixSims should no longer autonomously use grills when it is snowy, rainy, icy, or storming.
SteamFixed inappropriate food placement by Simsbug fixSims will no longer put food in inappropriate places, focusing on dining tables and counter tops.
SteamImproved fridge and television interactionsquality of lifeSims will now prefer eating leftovers and the 'Open' interaction has been moved to the front of the Pie Menu for Fridges.
SteamComprehensive tuning pass on food and drink pricingbalance changeUpdated pricing and calories for all food and drink items across Base Game and all packs.
SteamMoved self-interactions to new categoryquality of lifeSelf-interactions are now accessible via a new 'Sim Options...' category.
SteamFixed routing issues causing Sims to freezebug fixAddressed an issue where Sims could get stuck while planning routing.
SteamNew options to toggle muscle and weight changesnew contentMilestoneAdded options to toggle muscle and weight changes for Sims both holistically and individually.
SteamInfant Sims can now fall asleep properlybug fixInfant Sims will now fall asleep without needing their Energy motive to be very low.
Steam - 14 eventsFixed Married Couples Resetting to Partnersbug fix
Married Couples will no longer revert to Partners when entering CAS through Custom Tattoo planning or Plan Outfits.
SteamResolved Gallery Loading Issuesbug fixAddressed an issue where the Gallery was failing to load content, showing errors after frequent searches.
SteamFixed Crash When Transitioning Between Modesbug fixMilestoneResolved a crash that could occur when transitioning from Build Mode to the Manage Worlds screen.
SteamFixed Sims Dancing Too Frequentlybug fixAddressed issues causing Sims to spam dancing interactions, particularly with stereos.
SteamFixed Crashes Related to Mod Filesbug fixMilestoneAddressed crashes stemming from conflicts with outdated mod files.
SteamFixed Time and Sims Freezing Issuebug fixMilestoneResolved an issue where time and Sims would freeze while the environment continued to animate.
SteamFixed Rendering Crashes on Macbug fixResolved a rare rendering issue that could cause crashes during extended play sessions on Mac.
SteamNew Children Items Collectionnew contentIntroduced a variety of new Create a Sim and Build Mode items for children, enhancing personality and storytelling.
SteamFixed Interaction Queue Issuesbug fixMilestoneResolved major instances of interactions getting stuck in a Sim's queue, particularly with sleep and chat interactions.
SteamFixed Sims Freezing After WooHoobug fixSims will no longer become idle and frozen after WooHoo if an autonomous interaction is queued.
SteamImproved Infant Placement Issuesbug fixResolved issues where Infants could be placed on top of each other or pop out of their Playmat or Crib.
SteamAdjusted Relationship Dynamicsbalance changeMade balancing changes to Family Dynamics and Romantic Satisfaction based on player feedback.
SteamImproved Sim Autonomyquality of lifeMilestoneSims now make better choices, like making eye contact during conversations and using the correct bathroom sink.
SteamFixed Sims Getting Stuck or Freezingbug fixMilestoneAddressed major issues causing Sims to freeze or interactions to reset.
Steam - 11 eventsFix for Sims Dancing Too Frequentlybug fix
Addressed an issue where stereos could cause Sims to spam dancing interactions in their queue.
SteamImproved Sims Autonomy: Eye Contact and Bathroom Sink UsagegameplaySims now maintain eye contact during conversations and will use bathroom sinks instead of kitchen sinks.
SteamFix for Infants Overlapping or Popping Out of Playmatbug fixResolved issues where Infants could be placed on top of each other or pop out of their Playmat or Crib.
SteamFix for Married Couples Reverting to Partnersbug fixMilestoneMarried Couples will no longer revert to Partners when entering CAS through Custom Tattoo planning or Plan Outfits.
SteamFix for Sims Getting Stuck in Interaction Queuesbug fixMilestoneAddressed issues where Sims would get stuck or freeze during interactions.
SteamUpcoming Focus on Food, Dining, and Drink Improvementsquality of lifeNext month’s update will focus on improvements related to food and dining experiences.
SteamRelationship Balancing for Lovestruck and Growing Togetherbalance changeTuning to Lovestruck (slower romantic decay) and Growing Together (improving dynamic frequency).
SteamStability Improvements with 95+ Bug Fixesbug fixMilestone95+ bug fixes including significant crash and stability improvements.
SteamFix for Dance Interaction Queue Issuesbug fixThe Dance Interaction will no longer be autonomously queued when a Sim is painting.
SteamImproved Roof Trim Segment Functionalitybug fixImproved how roof trim segments work to prevent clipping with nearby geometry.
SteamFix for Sims Freezing After WooHoobug fixMilestoneFixed an instance where Sims would become idle and frozen after WooHoo if an autonomous interaction was queued.
Steam - 4 eventsClueless Capsule Kit Releaseddlc releaseMilestone
New 90s inspired styles including plaid outfits and layered tops.
SteamMean Girls Capsule Kit Releaseddlc releaseMilestoneNew styles inspired by Mean Girls, including preppy skirts and velour track suits.
SteamMean Girls Capsule Kit Releasedlc releaseMilestoneNew Mean Girls Capsule Kit featuring Y2K styles for Sims, available on August 27.
SteamClueless Capsule Kit Releasedlc releaseMilestoneNew Clueless Capsule Kit featuring '90s styles for Sims, available on August 27.
Steam - 7 eventsNew Image Cache for Marketplaceperformance
Improves loading times and reduces downloading of images across the Marketplace on subsequent visits.
SteamSize-Inclusive Styles in Create a Simnew contentMilestoneAdds 6 new CAS assets designed to flatter Sims of all shapes and sizes, including dresses, tops, jeans, and more.
SteamPlayStation Crash Fixbug fixAddresses a top PlayStation crash that would occur during game launch.
SteamMarketplace Page Layout Fixbug fixFixes the layout of the pages in the Marketplace when entering from Create a Sim after installing a new pack.
SteamNew Afro-Textured Hairstylenew contentMilestoneIntroduces a new afro-textured hairstyle inspired by natural hair sculpting.
SteamScrolling Control Fix for Marketplacebug fixFixes scrolling issues with the Right Stick when browsing the Marketplace from Create a Sim.
SteamTwo New Kits: Mean Girls and Cluelessnew contentLaunches two new kits featuring iconic fashion from Mean Girls and Clueless, available on August 27, 2026.
Steam - 12 eventsMemory Boost resolves memory-related crashbug fix
Memory Boost resolves a memory-related crash that could occur when traveling after loading a save.
SteamAutosave frequency default set to every 2 hoursquality of lifeThe Save Reminder Frequency Default is now set to be 'Every 2 Hours' instead of 'Off.'
SteamDiscover menu tabs misalignment fixedbug fixFixed an issue that could cause Discover menu tabs to misalign and show empty sections.
SteamLot Taxes no longer missing for Residential Rentalsbug fixLot Taxes are no longer missing for Residential Rentals on Bills.
SteamConsistent visual feedback for Autosaveui uxMore consistent visual feedback that an Autosave is occurring when exiting Build Mode or Traveling.
SteamManual saves no longer override each otherbug fixFixed an issue where manual saves could inadvertently override each other.
SteamJapanese text issue for PlayStation fixedlocalizationFixed a Japanese text issue for PlayStation Simmers.
SteamAutosave and Save Reminder timers reset issue fixedbug fixAddressed issues where Autosave and Save Reminder timers would reset when traveling.
SteamCountdown timer for Careers and Activities fixedbug fixThe countdown timer for Careers, School, and After School Activities is fixed and no longer stuck showing 0 minutes.
SteamTransition error from Gallery to Marketplace fixedbug fixA 'Something Went Wrong' error should no longer appear when transitioning from the Gallery to a Marketplace page of a Kit or Pack that is no longer available.
SteamCaching-related crashes fixedbug fixThis update contains a fix for crashes relating to caching.
SteamThumbnails for unentered premade houses rebuiltbug fixRebuilt thumbnails to address an issue for unentered premade houses on the map screen.
Steam - 18 eventsCrash Fix Related to Cachingbug fix
Addressed a crash that could occur after playing for a few Sim hours relating to caching.
SteamCrash Fix When Interacting with Active Household Simsbug fixFixed a game crash that could occur after interacting with a Sim that was a member of the active Household.
SteamRoof Visibility Fix in Build Modebug fixFixed an issue where roof sections could disappear when viewing upper floors in Build Mode.
SteamCulturally Inspired Accessories Addednew contentEight new culturally inspired accessories corresponding to the new Starter Sims.
SteamNotification Improvementsui uxAdded toggle for 'Nordhaven Hobby Meetups' notifications and removed certain pop-up notifications.
SteamIntroduction of Autosave Featurequality of lifeMilestoneAutosave works quietly in the background, automatically creating save points at key moments while you play.
SteamMarketplace Quick Buy Feature for PlayStationui uxQuick Buy feature now available for Simmers on PlayStation consoles.
SteamConfigurable Save Remindersquality of lifeMilestonePlayers can configure Save Reminders to prompt them to save their game at intervals of their choosing.
SteamMemory Boost ImplementationperformanceMilestoneMemory Boost improves how the game manages memory, delivering smoother gameplay and reducing lag.
SteamIntroduction of AutoSave and Save Remindersnew contentMilestoneNew features to automatically save progress and remind players to save manually.
SteamMemory Boost for All PlatformsperformanceMilestoneImproves memory management for smoother gameplay, reduced lag, and shorter loading times.
SteamAddition of 8 New CAS Starter Simsnew contentEight new Sims inspired by Caribbean, Indigenous, Latin American, and South Asian cultures added to Create a Sim.
SteamFix for Corrupted Lots Issuebug fixMilestoneResolved the issue of corrupted lots appearing in saves with residential rentals using Memory Boost.
SteamRelease of The Sims 4 Music Den Kitnew contentA new kit for music lovers featuring retro-futuristic design elements and instruments.
SteamNew Swatches for City Living YumCookernew contentNew grungy swatches added to the City Living YumCooker (Used) stove.
SteamNew Toggle for Nordhaven Hobby Meetupsui uxAdded a new toggle in the Options menu for Nordhaven Hobby Meetups.
SteamResolved Corrupted Lots Issue with Residential Rentalsbug fixNo longer reproducing issues with corrupted lots in saves with many Residential Rentals.
SteamFixed Roof Rendering Issues in Build Modebug fixRoof sections will now remain visible and render correctly in Build Mode.
Steam - 4 eventsPhone Call Improvementsquality of life
Updates to the phone call system for better user experience.
SteamImprovements to Live Mode Notificationsquality of lifeEnhancements to how notifications are displayed during Live Mode.
SteamSave Integrity Updates for Mac PlayerssystemUpdates to ensure save integrity for players on Mac.
Steam - 4 eventsText-to-Image Search Functionalityui ux
Players can use images to search for related creations in The Gallery.
SteamCross-Language Search Featureui uxPlayers can discover creations in different languages through the new Cross-Language Search.
SteamBeta Testing of SimSearchquality of lifeSimSearch is currently in Beta, with ongoing improvements based on player feedback.
SteamIntroduction of SimSearch in The Galleryui uxSimSearch allows players to find creations using descriptive searches rather than exact titles or hashtags.
Steam - 1 eventGrimathon Challenge Introductionseasonal event
Players are challenged to complete the All Deaths Challenge by having their Sims experience every death type.
Steam - 6 eventsLaunch of Masquerade Ball Bundledlc releaseMilestone
The Masquerade Ball Bundle, including both Kits and three exclusive bonus items, will be available on May 14, 2026.
SteamRelease of Lady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ballroom Kitdlc releaseMilestoneThe Sims 4 Lady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ballroom Kit will be available on May 14, 2026.
SteamLady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ball Fashion Kit Releasednew contentDress in suave tailcoats and lavish gowns with accessories from the Ton.
SteamLady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ballroom Kit Availablenew contentRecreate a regency-era ballroom with opulent décor and alluring mood lighting.
SteamRelease of Lady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ball Fashion Kitdlc releaseMilestoneThe Sims 4 Lady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ball Fashion Kit will be available on May 14, 2026.
SteamLady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ball Bundle Releaseddlc releaseMilestoneHost the event of the social season with exclusive items and romantic atmosphere.
Steam - 5 eventsLady Bridgerton’s Masquerade Ball Login Eventseasonal eventMilestone
A free limited-time login event filled with rewards starts on May 12, 2026.
Steam150+ Fixes and Featuresbug fixMilestoneA comprehensive update addressing various bugs and introducing new features based on community feedback.
SteamImproved Infant and Toddler Gameplayquality of lifeEnhancements to gameplay mechanics for infants and toddlers.
SteamLimited-Time Rewards from May 12 to July 7, 2026seasonal eventMilestonePlayers can earn 22+ limited-time rewards, including items and a new Trait, during the login event.
Steam - 3 eventsSecret Witness Sentiment Fixbug fix
Fix for the Secret Witness sentiment issue expected in the May update.
SteamScandal Icon Dismissal Issue Fixbug fixResolution for the Scandal icon not dismissing properly targeted for the May update.
SteamInfants and Toddlers Updatenew contentFocus on Infants, Toddlers, and general Sim autonomy in the upcoming Base Game update.
Steam - 2 eventsResolved main menu message frequency issuebug fix
Resolved an issue that caused a main menu message to appear more frequently than intended.
SteamFixed game launch crash for CC usersbug fixMilestoneFixed an issue where the game could crash on launch for 2% of players using specific types of custom content, under certain circumstances.
Steam - 6 eventsEye and eyelid improvementsbug fixSteamCustom Content and Mods issues resolvedbug fix
A small patch rolled out to fix issues affecting Custom Content and Mods.
SteamSmarter Sim autonomybug fixSteamProm event fixesbug fixSteamMarketplace available in-game featuring Maker Packsnew contentMilestoneMarketplace now includes Maker Packs for Create-a-Sim and Build/Buy content.
SteamPets and animals no longer disappear or get stuckbug fixSteam - 1 eventIn-Game Marketplace Launchnew contentMilestone
The Sims™ 4 introduces a new in-game Marketplace featuring Create a Sim and Build/Buy items made by community Makers.
Steam - 3 eventsIntroduction of The Sims Maker Programnew contentMilestone
A program allowing custom content creators to publish their work in the Marketplace.
SteamLaunch of The Sims 4 Marketplacenew contentMilestoneA new in-game platform for discovering and purchasing custom content and official packs.
SteamIntroduction of Moola virtual currencynew contentNew currency for purchasing Maker Packs and Kits in the Marketplace.
Steam - 1 eventThe Sims™ 4 Lost Legacies Event - Week 3seasonal event
Participate in a chess match to earn rewards including the Regal Residence Lot Trait, Ceremonial Dedication Fenestra, and Embossed Filigree Eyepatch.
Steam - 1 eventLost Legacies Event - Week 2seasonal event
Uncover romantic drama and earn rewards including an Antique Jeweled Ring, library bookcase, and key belonging to the Capp family.
Steam - 1 eventThe Sims™ 4 Lost Legacies Event - Week 1seasonal event
Unravel family secrets and earn rewards including the Antique Curio Display Table, Luxurious Morning Robes, and Heirloom Easel of the Darong Family.
Steam - 3 eventsExpanded Family Treesnew contentMilestone
Family Trees now include in-laws, stepfamily, and more for better tracking of family dynamics.
SteamFlared Stairs Addednew contentPlayers can now add Flared Stairs to their builds for an elegant touch.
SteamAfricana Tag for Hair & Clothingnew contentA new Africana tag has been introduced to help players find styles faster.
Steam - 1 eventRelease of Creative Sparks Bundledlc releaseMilestone
The Creative Sparks Bundle includes the Urban Homage Kit and the Artist Studio Kit.
Steam - 1 eventThe Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack announceddlc releaseMilestone
Climb the ranks of nobility as your Sims carve a path of royal glory.
Steam - 1 eventElevated Everyday Bundle Now Availabledlc release
Includes the Modern Luxe Kit and the Book Nook Kit, focusing on comfort and elegant décor.
Steam - 1 eventWarm Beginnings Bundle Releaseddlc releaseMilestone
The Warm Beginnings Bundle is now available, featuring the Cozy Bistro Kit and the Storybook Nursery Kit.
Steam - 1 eventDeck the Palms Login Event Continuesseasonal event
Players can still log in to claim remaining gifts until January 13, including Slightly Fuzzy Earmuffs and Krabby Patty Secret Recipe.
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