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The Sims 4: New Game Patch (November 30th, 2021)

There's a new Sims 4 update available for PC/Mac and Consoles.

Update 11/30/2021
PC: 1.82.99.1030 / Mac: 1.82.99.1230
Console: Version 1.50

Hello Simmers!

Hope you are all well wherever you are in the World.

SimGuruFrost is already listening to Christmas music, I don't know why, but I'm still holding off on playing it. I refuse as it is still NOVEMBER (I understand that with this update it is the last day of November, but it is still November, everyone… just saying). But regardless of how I feel about Christmas music being heard everywhere today and not later, the one thing I relish is the excitement that this season brings. It's the season we get together with family, and cherish whatever time we have with our loved ones, even if only digitally.

We have an exciting update for you as we introduce Neighborhood Stories, some tech additions, and a few small but eventful things we managed to get into this update.

Thank you for your continued support and feedback and, remember, have fun!

Chaus!

-SimGuruRusskii

What's New?

Introducing Neighborhood Stories

As you heard in our latest Inside Maxis, we are introducing to the game the first phase of our latest feature, Neighborhood Stories.

This feature is about adding flavor (sabor!) and more life to Neighborhood Sims who live outside your active household. As noted in Nate's Blog, today's update will focus on Sims that are connected to your Households and have relationships of some kind with them. Be careful what you tell them!

To start, check out the new Socials in the Friendly and Mean categories. Your Sim can try to convince others to make certain life changes and, vice versa, your Sim's friends can ask their opinion on pursuing life changes.Two (yes two!) new Aspirations complement the stories you will tell. Be the Neighborhood Confidante if you want all the chisme, I mean, if your Sims aspire to be a helpful and positive presence in the lives of Neighbor Sims. They will be able to earn a new Confidante reward trait, which increases the chance of conversations being pleasant and not at all awkward.

But if your Sims are a bit more… deviant, your Sims can aspire to be a Villainous Valentine who wants to destroy the love lives of all Sims, including their own. What can I say, we love chaos over here. Sims that walk this deviant path will earn the new Twisted Heart trait, which makes all Sad and Embarrassed moodlets decay faster and provides a little bonus social when performing Mean or Mischief socials. They will be heartbreakers, dream breakers, and love takers!

For more detailed information on Neighborhood Stories, check out Nate's blog. Read it here.

Logitech G LIGHTSYNC

If you use Logitech G LIGHTSYNC-enabled Mice, Keyboards, or Headsets on Windows PC, you can now experience The Sims 4 in an even more immersive experience. You can enable and disable The Sims 4 lighting scheme in-game by going to Game Options > Other and toggle the Enable Keyboard Dynamic Lighting option.

Peripherals with Logitech G LIGHTSYNC technology support these effects:

During Loading and while on the Main Menu, your peripherals will light up with spinning plumbobs.
They'll reflect the mood of your selected Sim.
When visiting secret worlds, they'll take on a color scheme inspired by the world itself.

Don't forget that Logitech G LIGHTSYNC requires Logitech G HUB, which can be downloaded from www.logitechg.com.

Last but certainly not least

We took the opportunity to add Likes and Dislikes for Cottagecore in the Music category and for Cross-Stitching and Knitting in the Activity section. These were a bit overdue, but I'm glad we were able to add them for this update!

We also took the opportunity to update the trait icon for Erratic to something more fitting to the trait.

And finally, we have added in Build Mode the "Through the Looking Glass Window" which was seen in some of the Industrial Loft Kit promotional art. You can find it in the Window sort, in the Base Game window options.

We hope that you enjoy these additions and changes, now to the bug fixes.

Bug Fixes

The Sims 4

Is your game filling with empty households? We made a fix to clear the empty Households when loading the game.
Your manicure should stand out – in a good way. It is part of your ensemble and can complement an outfit, adding personality and finishing the look. But what is not a perfect complement is that your manicure kinda became part of your outfit, as in literally part of it drawing a line across it, so we have made a fix for that. This fix is across multiple Create a Sim assets across the Base Game and Packs.
You are the handiest Sim ever known to Sims, so much so that you can upgrade toilets to add an H2O Siphoner outside the area where the toilet is… like with your mind? No longer! As much as we like things to be fixed "magically," this particular upgrade will require your Sim to be in direct contact with the toilet, yes… physically.
Speaking of handiness, have your Sims ever tried repairing their shower-tub combos or bathtubs, but kinda not been able to get to them? That should be resolved, and we also fixed this same error when Sims tried to perform the Water Recycler and add H20 Siphoner upgrades.
Sims love baking cakes and they love baking and decorating them together with other Sims in a group. They didn't love that they could not add toppers or candles to them though, but they can now. So have your Sims bake a cake, top it off, and eat it too.
Ever had a friend who said they liked something but really they didn't and their face showed it? We felt the same with Sims that even though they liked things they had the "dislike" thought bubbles. So we made some adjustments and now their thoughts match a bit better with their feelings into what they say they like or dislike. Honesty is the best policy.
Getting to know someone can be challenging, especially for people like me… an introvert, even more so when Getting to know someone who doesn't reveal their traits. No worries, we have made a fix so that your Sims are not in that awkward position any longer.
Noticed some Sims doing more of the "A-ha!" or "Eureka!" animations while not being in a Scientist Career? With this update, the "A-ha!" moment doesn't happen as frequently if your Sims are not in the Scientist Career (they will still do it due to Environment Score, but not as frequently). Though, in all honesty, if a Sim has an epiphany of some kind, shouldn't they exclaim: "Eureka!"? Discuss.
Ghosts can now eat Ambrosia and become regular Sims again! Isn't this the plot of a movie about a friendly ghost? Sounds familiar.
Perfectionists Sims will now save their paintings in their Inventory instead of starting over even after completing a perfect painting. Maybe they were striving to perfection… too hard.
I like knowing tiny bits and facts about the people I know and I like – but getting like and dislike messages about Sims in Households I am not playing is not my cup of tea. I mean, cute, but not the time. This issue should be resolved and you will see these messages only of Households you are currently in control of.

Get Together

The Go Sledding Activity club icon has been added.

Eco Lifestyle

So you've got the hang of vertical gardening – perfect for small spaces! You have several A-OK-Bloomer Vertical Planters, you've started to sing to your plants, cared for them appropriately, talked to them, and you decide to grow Cruelty Free Meat – but realized you couldn't harvest it? We reviewed our planters and sang a few songs to them and now you should be able to harvest Cruelty Free Meat from vertical planters.
The Fabricated Floor Light (the round bottom one) is now able to be Fabricated.

Cottage Living

Being helpful in your community is good. And if you are in Henford-on-Bagley, even better. Sims that offer a helping hand and are Meddling and Peddling can now see and perform the "Encourage to Flirt with" interaction… encourage away! But don't forget to tell me all about it!
Are you going to the Finchwich Fair? Crops, Llamas, Cows, and Chickens… Sims that submit high value items to the Fair will now have a better chance at winning First Place. Remember me to one in Finchwich Fair… he was once a true love of mine.
Living in the Simple Living Challenge can be rewarding, except when you can't eat your Onigiri, Seaweed Ramen, and Avocado Maki Rolls. Our designers decided that Seaweed shouldn't be the secret ingredient, so now you can make these dishes when living a simpler living.

Spa Day

Does your Sim desire to be a Self Care Specialist, but they are having trouble managing to keep regular clients so they never achieve this goal? It should be resolved now, so go get it, get it, get it.

Realm of Magic

Hereee we areeee… born to be Sims! They are the royalty of the Unnnniverrrseee. They are immortal, your Sims have inside the Immortality Potion. They have no rival, no other Sim can be their equal… now that the potion works!

Dream Home Decorator

We adjusted the pay for Interior Designers in their higher levels. I personally did not see an issue with this, Interior Designers need to get their coin, but we recognized it was maybe a bit too much compared to other levels in the same career path.
Just when you thought Kleptomaniac Sims had met their match, alas no – they really had to go for that Kid's Tent. What can you do? We fixed the issue that on Attempt to Swipe the tent would not disappear from the lot and not be in the Sim's Inventory… in any inventory. So with this fix you will see your swiped tents in the Household Inventory.

Nifty Knitting

Sims with autonomy ON will now be able to Knit when they are not having fun. Sims just want to have fun.

Bust the Dust

Those adorable – but filthy – Dust Bunnies were at it again! Maids didn't have the heart to bust the dust completely. We told them it was ok to do so as no real bunnies are being harmed – just dust ones – and now they should be busting the dust entirely.

The Sims 4: Official "Sims 411" Recap

The Sims team has released a recap of the November 23rd, 2021 Inside Maxis stream.

Hot Topics

An update on the non-binary pronouns

This past May, we opened up about our pursuit of non-binary language in The Sims. Since then, we've researched global language characteristics, connected with consultants, and collected data on areas where a change may be needed. Although there is a path ahead of us before we are able to update the game, we'd like to give you a look behind-the-scenes and show you where we are in the process. In January 2022, during the first Inside Maxis of the new year, we're hosting a fireside chat with members of our development team where we will share an update including the research completed to date, more on our partnership with external experts and the work-in-progress wire frames. Make sure to tune in!

An update on the NPC overhaul

We did not forget about our Townies update that we mentioned back in August. [In fact, the better word is NPCs or Flagship Characters. We'll use NPCs moving forward to keep things simple ]. On the contrary, we have been working behind-the-scenes with a talented group of people including concept and character artists, our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) that help us to create inclusive experiences in our game and of course, members of the Sims community who have shared their valuable feedback with us based on their extensive knowledge about the histories of these characters.

While we don't have a date to the release of this update, we do have some work-in-progress images to give you an idea of the direction we're heading. Please note that these are WIP concepts and not final. What you end up seeing in-game might differ from the images that we show you; this NPC update is a process that goes through changes as we continue to research, adjust and collaborate.

We've picked out some before and after concepts of the Goths and the Calientes. Take a look at the images from the latest Inside Maxis.

Next Patch Sneak Peak

Neighborhood Stories

Do you ever wonder what your neighbors are doing? We bet your Sims do! And now they'll even be able to influence their neighbor's lives…

Neighborhood Stories will spice up your gameplay as a free update coming to the Base Game on November 30th 2021.

Check out all the details in the Neighborhood Stories blog post and watch SimGuruPJ and Game Designer Nate walk you through this new feature.

Upcoming Scenario

Surviving the Holidays

Let's be real, the holidays are not just about nice presents, good food, and cheerfulness. These joyful days may also challenge us to let go, forgive and open up our hearts – even to those we might not really want to!! Easier said than done? Ask your Sim who's stuck living with their worst enemy but still has to get through the holidays. Will they find a way out of their grudge?

Jump into the Base Game to play Surviving the Holidays from December 1st 10AM PST through January 5th 10AM PST.

Upcoming Sims Delivery (SDX)

It's happening! The first Sims Delivery is on its way to your Base Game.

As a reminder, Sims Delivery Express (short: SDX) will bring free content to your Base Game as a complementary, more spontaneous little sibling of our regular game updates. For more details check out the Hot Topics in the previous Sims 411 Recap.

Please kindly note, we're correcting ourselves coming out of the Inside Maxis livestream with the following – and correct – timing of the upcoming SDX launches.

The very first Sims Delivery is this gorgeous curly low ponytail that will drop into the game on December 7th, 2021.

We showed you the following nine beautiful Seasonal Sims Items during our livestream. Please note this Sims Delivery will release December 14th, 2021. Add these tasty treats and festive touches like the wall bows and decorative fruitcake to your Sims' space to help them get in the spirit!

We wish everyone a wonderful holiday break. Whether you celebrate or not, we hope all of you will get some well-deserved rest Until next time, see you in the new year!

The Sims 4: First Look at the NPC Overhaul (Screenshots Only!)

REPLAY: The Sims "Inside Maxis" Live Stream (November 23rd, 2021)

Check out a replay of the latest Inside Maxis stream!

The Sims 4: First "Sims Delivery Express" Content Coming December 1st

SimGurus have officially confirmed that the first "Sims Delivery Express" update will go live on December 1st, 2021. Sims Delivery Express is a sister companion to the Origin game updates we regularly receive, with the only difference is that SDX will bring minor updates to the game like CAS assets and smaller spontaneous content.

The first SDX delivery on December 1st will bring a new hairstyle to the game, and then the week after that they will release the "Tasty Treats and Festive Touches" content. Check out a preview of the new festive items below!

The Sims 4: "Surviving the Holidays" Scenario Coming December 1st

During today's Inside Maxis live stream, SimGurus confirmed that the new "Surviving the Holidays" scenario challenge will be going live on December 1st.

Surviving the Holidays is a scenario that will put you in a situation where you'll be living with another Sim and you really don't like each other. Given the spirit of the season, it will be really up to you to figure out if you want to make things better and survive to get through the holidays, or if you want to go the other route.

The Sims 4: First In-Game Preview of "Neighborhood Stories"

During today's Inside Maxis stream, Gurus gave players an in-game preview of the new "Neighborhood Stories" feature coming to The Sims 4. Check out the playthrough below!

The Sims 4: First Look at the NPC Overhaul

During today's Inside Maxis stream, SimGurus gave players a look at some of the concepts they are working on in preparation for a future "NPC Overhaul". So far they have shared concept work for the Goths and the Calientes. Check out the preview below!

We want to clarify that at the time we didn't mean exactly the townies, because there is a clear difference between Townies and NPC's. What we are focusing on in this overhaul is the NPC's or "flagship characters". While we don't have a date of release for this update, we do want to share some work in progress with you.

While we want to give you an idea of where we are heading, I want to make it clear that all of the previews you will see are a work in progress, including the concept art. We just want to make sure that this is clear.

We picked out some before and after concepts of the Goths and the Calientes. Let's start with Mortimer Goth. Check out the before shot and after concept. So we have concepted new face features such as eye details, new cheek bones, and a new nose and mouth. So it makes him look a little more his age. It is not shown in the images, but we are thinking about adding a new mustache that is a little more refined and elegant. We are also thinking about adjusting his skin tone a little bit as we receive feedback from the community.

Of course, there is no Mortimer without Bella. This is Bella right now in the game, and a concept with and without makeup, and tadaa! We are thinking of adjusting her skin tone, we added some new facial features on the nose and mouth, and other facial details like the beauty marks. We are also thinking about giving Bella a new modern and refined hairstyle that is not pictured here either.

Now that we have seen Bella, let's take a look at the Calientes. This is the current Dina in the game. In Dina's lore, she's supposed to be the concept between Spanish and Middle Eastern. So in looking at the next image, we want to adjust her to be true to her story and her ethnicity. We have concepted Dina with new facial features like the nose, eyes, mouth and jaw line. Now we have this concept with brown eyes and Dina has lighter eyes or green eyes, but feedback from the community did not seem to mind the brown eyes. So this is something we might stick with along with her skin tone change. We are also exploring a new hair color and new outfits.

Now that we saw Dina, let's take a look at Nina. This is what Nina looks like right now in the game, and then now we go to the next image where you see that she will share some of the same features as her sister. We are adjusting her skin tone, jaw line, eyes. We also received feedback from the community about giving her a slight hair color change. Lastly, same as Dina, we would explore some new outfits for them.

The Sims 4: Non-Binary Pronoun Progress To Be Revealed in January 2022

During today's Inside Maxis stream, SimGurus announced that they will be hosting a live stream in January to give players a look at the progress with Non-Binary Pronouns.

So this past May we opened up about our pursuit for Non-Binary language in The Sims. Since then we have researched global language characteristics, connected with consultants, and collected data on areas where a change may be needed. Now there is a path ahead of us before we are able to update the game, but we would like to give you a look behind the scenes and show you where we are in the process.

In January 2022 during the first Inside Maxis of the new year, we are hosting a fireside chat with members of our development team, where we will share an update including the research completed to date, more on our partnership with the external experts, and the work in progress wire frames. Make sure to tune in.

IT'S OFFICIAL: Story Progression Coming to The Sims 4 on November 30th

The Sims team has officially announced that Story Progression is coming to The Sims 4! It is expected they will go into more detail during today's Inside Maxis stream, but check out the official community blog below for the first details!

Hello, Simmers! I'm Nate, a designer for The Sims 4.

I joined the team during development of Island Living and have worked on several releases since then. Some accomplishments I'm proud of are: Professor Sims in Discover University (SimGuruMorgan and I made those happen together), the Onsen venue in Snowy Escape (it was surprisingly hard to prevent Servos from merrily wading to their doom in the hot spring), and the cows and llamas in Cottage Living!

Today, I want to give you all a behind-the-scenes look into the latest thing I've been a part of: Neighborhood Stories, which arrives on November, 30, 2021!

The Sims 4 has so much that your Sims can see and do, leading to interesting, and often unexpected, life moments. All these life moments add up to something very important: life change at an individual level. My team and I have been exploring ways to carry that same kind of life change to the whole world of The Sims 4 through Neighborhood Stories.

Neighborhood Stories are a set of gameplay moments that all revolve around a single purpose: bring more life to Neighbor Sims that live outside the active household. ("Neighbor Sims" refers to most of the non-player character (NPC) Sims in the game, not just ones who live on the same street as your household. Neighbor Sims excludes special NPCs such as Grim Reaper.)

There's a lot we want to do to add more life to Neighbor Sims, so we're rolling it out over more than one release.

This first release focuses on Sims connected to your household: coworkers they've gotten to know, friends they've met at the Gym or Library… maybe that one Sim who welcomed them to the neighborhood with fruitcake, which seems like a bold move, but to each their own, I guess.

In the same way that your Sims change as they move through life, these Neighbor Sims are getting some new life changes of their own such as choosing a new career or having a baby.

Future updates will build on this with more life changes for a wider range of Sims. Find additional info in the "What's Next?" section near the end of this post, but for now let's get a closer look at what's in this release.

Neighborhood Stories begins with gameplay divided between life changes that your Sims can influence Neighbor Sims to consider, things Neighbor Sims autonomously consider, and some that fall into both categories.

Whether they consider a life change autonomously or under influence from your Sims, Neighbor Sims ultimately decide to initiate life changes themselves. That means these changes happen without any need to switch to another household.

"What if I don't want Sims to autonomously change?" — That's okay! Everyone has a unique vision for their Sims, and some of you have poured lots of time and love into multi-household/multi-generation saves! All along, we've worked with the explicit goal: you choose how Neighborhood Stories affect your game. The two ways this happens are:

You direct one of your Sims to influence a Neighbor Sim to consider a life change, or…
…a Neighbor Sim autonomously considering a life change will always call one of your Sims to ask for input before taking any action. You choose the outcome by directing your Sim to say "Yes," "No," or leaving it up to the Neighbor Sim to decide.

Our intent is to empower you to decide if a life change makes sense in the story your Sims are living out, or to leave that decision up to the Neighbor Sim altogether.

Remember, these life changes actually happen, so they won't occur instantly. Neighbor Sims will keep your Sim posted with updates.

Here's the full list of life changes:

Autonomous or Active Sim Influenced Life Changes

Neighbor Sims may consider these life changes independently, or your Sims can try to convince them to:

Change their current Career to a different one.
Have a baby with their partner, if they are in a relationship where either Sim can become pregnant.
Hang out with other Sims to form or deepen Friendly relationships

Keep reading

The Sims 4: Limited Time "Perfectly Well-Rounded" Scenario Now Live

Maxis has launched their second "Limited Time" Scenario: Perfectly Well-Rounded. This Scenario runs from right now through December 1st, and you must start the scenario in the next 14 days or it will completely disappear on December 1st.

Check out the details and FAQ below, and head into the game to play!

Being perfectly well-rounded is not an easy feat. Some Sims are extremely impressive. They have mastered their aspiration, they're well-liked by others AND they've followed their dreams unapologetically. It's not easy to be so versatile, but it's a path worth pursuing. Are you up for the task?

How to access and play

Click on the 'New Scenario' button on the Main Menu
Choose the Scenario you'd like to try out
Once you've selected your Scenario, choose whether you'd like to start a new save, or use an existing save.
Once you're in CAS, create your household making sure to complete any requirements.
Next up, choose your world and lot.
Enter live mode, and enjoy!

FAQ

Can I use an existing household to play Perfectly Well Rounded?

For Perfectly Well-Rounded you have to use a new household. For selected future Scenarios, it will also be possible to use existing households.

Will there be more limited time Scenarios in the future?

Yes! More Scenarios, new variations to existing Scenarios as well as new features will be added over time.

How many possible outcomes are there in Perfectly Well-Rounded?

You tell us 😉

Can I continue playing with the save file of the Scenario afterwards?

Yes!

How long is Perfectly Well Rounded going to be available?

Perfectly Well Rounded will be playable from Wednesday 11/17 10:00am PT to Wednesday 12/1 10:00am PT.

Can I play Perfectly Well-Rounded for free?

Yes! Perfectly Well-Rounded is free for anyone who has the Base Game.

Can console players experience Perfectly Well-Rounded?

Yes! Console players can play Perfectly Well-Rounded the same time as PC players.

Can I play Scenarios with an EA Play subscription?

Yes, as long as you have updated the Base Game with the patch you will have access to Scenarios.

The Sims 4 Blooming Rooms Kit Pack Now Available for Purchase

The Sims 4 Blooming Rooms Kit is now available for purchase! You can purchase the game for PC/Mac and Consoles on their respective platforms for $4.99 USD.

The Sims 4: Limited Time "Too Many Toddlers" Scenario Now Live

Just one day after the introduction of Scenarios, the new goal oriented challenge feature, Maxis has officially launched their first "Limited Time" Scenario: Too Many Toddlers. This Scenario runs from right now through November 17th, and you must start the scenario in the next 14 days or it will completely disappear on November 17th.

Check out the details and FAQ below, and head into the game to play!

We all know, toddlers need tons of care and attention to become the best versions of themselves. But what if there are too many to handle??

To all the brave Simmers out there, can your Sim figure out how to give a bunch of toddlers (3) all they need to reach level three in four skills so they can get the Happy Toddler Reward Trait on their birthdays?

How to access and play

Players that downloaded the patch on November 2nd will have access to currently available Scenarios via the Main Menu following these easy steps:

Click on the 'New Scenario' button on the Main Menu
Choose the Scenario you'd like to try out
Once you've selected your Scenario, choose whether you'd like to start a new save, or use an existing save. At this time, a Scenario can only be started in a new household. We're working on bringing existing households into Scenarios for a future update!
Once you're in CAS, create your household making sure to complete any requirements.
Next up, choose your world and lot.
Enter live mode, and enjoy!

Too Many Toddlers FAQ

Can I use an existing household to play Too Many Toddlers?

For Too Many Toddlers you have to use a new household. For selected future Scenarios, it will also be possible to use existing households.

Will there be more limited time Scenarios in the future?

Yes! More Scenarios, new variations to existing Scenarios as well as new features will be added over time.

How many possible outcomes are there in Too Many Toddlers?

You tell us

Can I continue playing with the save file of the Scenario afterwards?

Yes!

How long is Too Many Toddlers going to be available?

Too Many Toddlers will be playable from Wednesday 11/3 10:00am PT to Wednesday 11/17 10:00am PT.

Can I play Too Many Toddlers for free?

Yes! Too Many Toddlers is free for anyone who has the Base Game.

Can console players experience Too Many Toddlers?

Yes! Console players can play Too Many Toddlers the same time as PC players.

Can I play Scenarios with an EA Play subscription?

Yes, as long as you have updated the Base Game with the patch you will have access to Scenarios.

The Sims 4 Blooming Rooms Kit: New Screenshot

The Sims team has released a new selfie screen from The Sims 4 Blooming Rooms Kit!