Celebrating 25 years of creativity, storytelling, and simulation, the beloved Sims franchise continues to captivate fans worldwide. The latest addition to *The Sims 4* universe, announced earlier this month, is the 'Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack.' Scheduled for release on March 6th, 2025, this expansion allows players to transform their Sims' hobbies into profitable ventures, earning Simoleons along the way.
This expansion pack introduces exciting new career paths, enabling players to delve deeper into entrepreneurship and creative occupations within their virtual worlds. While career expansions are not new to The Sims, the ability to open and manage personal businesses adds a fresh layer of personalization and engagement.
With the introduction of new skills, locations, and perks, *The Sims 4* demonstrates its ongoing commitment to expanding and enriching its universe.
New Skills:
Tattooing: Sims can now master the art of tattooing, running their own tattoo studio. The "Tattoo Paint Mode" provides a range of tools for creating unique body art, with higher skill levels unlocking more diverse artwork possibilities.
Pottery: Sims can become small business owners by crafting and selling custom clay creations, from vases to dishware. Using the pottery wheel and kiln, they can explore various techniques to decorate their homes or gift to friends.
Image via ea.com
New Businesses:
In addition to tattooing and pottery, players can leverage previous Expansion, Game, and Stuff Packs to open a variety of businesses. This cross-pack compatibility enhances gameplay by integrating past updates into new scenarios, offering a broader storytelling experience.
Sims can now open:
- Pet Cafes (Cats and Dogs Expansion Pack)
- Karaoke Bars (City Living Expansion Pack)
- A Dance Club or Arcade (Get Together Expansion Pack)
- An Acting School (Get Famous Expansion Pack)
- Bowling Alleys (Bowling Night Stuff Pack)
- A Spa (Spa Day Game Pack)
- A Laundromat (Laundry Day Stuff Pack)
Business Perks and Alignments:
A new Business Perk system has been introduced, impacting both a Sim’s business success and personal life. Players can select from different business strategies:
- Dreamer: Prioritize creativity and customer satisfaction, potentially at the cost of profit.
- Schemer: Focus on cutting corners to maximize profits and business growth.
- Neutral: Strike a balance between fulfillment and financial gain.
Each alignment offers unique interactions and gameplay experiences, allowing players to tailor their approach to business management.
Image via ea.com
New Location:
The expansion introduces Nordhaven, a new location with a vibrant arts community, scenic landscapes, and numerous spots for businesses and hobbies.
Available for pre-order on the EA app, Epic Games Store, Steam, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One systems, 'The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies Expansion' will launch on March 6th, 2025.