Despite being more than a decade old,The Sims 4continues to dominate the life simulation genre. This is largely thanks to its polished and established gameplay, as well as its continuous updates. There’s also the fact thatThe Simswas the only game franchise of its kind for decades. While newer life sims likeInZoiand the upcomingParalivesmay have caught the attention of some players,The Sims 4’s latest update,Enchanted by Nature, may pull them right back. This is because it heavily features one classic gameplay element that reminds fans why this series of games is so fun.
As the title suggests,The Sims 4’s Enchanted by NatureExpansion Pack is all about plants and embracing natural living for one’s Sims. It features a town called Innisgreen, a tranquil area filled with lush greenery, meticulously landscaped courtyards, a beautiful seaside village, and a bustling market district just outside the town. The game also takes “Enchanted” literally, as it incorporates chaotic and whimsical elements that can impact every facet of a character’s life. It’s this type of expansion that truly shows howThe Simsfranchiseis a cut above the rest in one area - the supernatural - with even the latest titles being unable to compete.
Enchanted By Nature Gives Players a Magical Playthrough
ThisSims 4expansion lets fans experience the following supernatural situations:
This expansion also emphasizes gardening and other tasks that showcase a Sim’s self-reliance. Players can have their Sim live off the land by foraging for ingredients and catching fish for food. TheEnchanted by Nature DLCprovides the option to grow houseplants indoorsas well. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city in-game and in real life, this expansion could be appealing.
How The Sims 4’s Whimsical Elements Set It Apart from the Rest
Part of the appeal oflife simulation gamesis their ability to allow players to virtually experience realistic situations like dating, having a 9-to-5, and raising a family without actual repercussions. However, just like real life, routines can get boring. As such, it’s refreshing whenThe Sims 4and its predecessors provide some weird, whimsical, and paranormal experiences in the base game and expansions. Players can turn their characters into Vampires or Werewolves, plead with the grim reaper to keep their recently deceased Sims alive, and deal with families with weird, supernatural backstories.
These paranormal situations are largely absent in other life sims games likeInZOI. Perhaps the most supernatural elements it has are ghosts and Psycat. Many players who have played The Sims and moved onto other titles sorely miss the former’s wacky features. This is why therelease ofEnchanted by Natureis wonderfully timed. It showcases what players are sorely missing from the other newer life simulation titles with its fairies, alchemy, and other fantastical hijinks. PerhapsThe Sims' success doesn’t necessarily come from its ability to simulate real life, but its capacity to take it in jest.
The Sims 4’s Enchanted by NatureExpansion pack will be available on June 24, 2025, for US$39.99 and will come with bonus content for early birds who purchase the DLC on or before August 21st.
