The Sims 4 Blogger

The latest news and updates from The Sims 4

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Lost Legacies Event Is Now Available

The Sims 4 has a new event, called Lost Legacies. It comes in advance of the new Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack.

The event is four weeks long and has missions players have to complete in order to unlock the rewards.

You can learn more about each reward on the Events tab in The Sims 4 main menu, or on the official Lost Legacies event page on The Sims website.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Gets Two New Teasers

Over the weekend, EA released two new teasers for The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack on the game’s official social media channels.

The first video showcased new Create a Sim items coming with the DLC. It shows different outfits and accessories, some of them having multiple swatches shown, including items for children and toddlers.

The second teaser is all about Build/Buy mode. It presents once again a couple lots in Ondarion made by simmers, and also gives first hand looks at two of the apartments and the backroom, a new lot type coming with the EP.

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack comes out in just ten days, February 12th.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Gets Two New Teasers

Over the weekend, EA released two new teasers for The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack on the game’s official social media channels.

The first video showcased new Create a Sim items coming with the DLC. It shows different outfits and accessories, some of them having multiple swatches shown, including items for children and toddlers.

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack comes out in just ten days, February 12th.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4: New Game Patch (February 3rd, 2026)

To ensure your game is up to date, check the game version found in Documents > EA > The Sims 4 > GameVersion.txt. Your game should now read: PC: 1.121.342.1030 / Mac: 1.121.342.1230 / Console: Version 2.28

Do it for the plot.

Sul Sul Simmers, and Bok, Ciao, Cześć, Dia Dhaoibh, Guten Tag, Hallo, Hola, Hej Hej, Helô, Moikka, Привіт, Salut, Salutare, Salve, Sveiki, Merhaba, Tungjatjeta, здравей, 你好, こんにちは, and Hello from around the world! Are you ready to elevate your game experience with a wave of new features and gameplay additions? Then let’s take a look at what this latest The Sims 4 free base game update has in store for you!

-The Sims 4 Team

What’s New in The Sims 4?

Family Tree Updates!

The Family Tree has been updated to expand how you experience and tell Sims’ family stories. Your Sims now have relationship labels for in-laws, half siblings, great grandparents, and more! Extended family members will also be shown in the family tree. Players can also choose whether adopted Sims are labeled as such in the Family Tree.

New relationship labels include: Mother-in-Law, Father-in-Law, Sister-in-Law, Brother-in-Law, Daughter-in-Law, Son-in-Law, Distant Relative, Distant Relative-In-Law, Half-sister, Half-brother, Stepmother, Stepfather, Stepdaughter, Stepson, Great-grandmother, Great-grandfather, Great-grandson, Great-granddaughter, Parent’s Cousin, Cousin’s Child, Grandniece, Grandnephew, Grand-aunt, Grand-uncle, Ancestor, Descendant, and Relative-In-law. Divorced has a new name: Ex-Spouse, and Deceased Spouse has a new name: Late Spouse.

Close relatives are prohibited from being romantically involved. This prevents autonomous flirting between In-Laws or Step-relatives.

Flared Staircases!

Get ready to create grand looking staircases! Now, you can widen the top or bottom of a staircase (symmetrically or asymmetrically) to give your builds a touch of elegance. Additionally, stair rails can now be applied to only one side of a staircase and we’ve added a slider to change the length of the rail.

Here’s a YouTube link to more in-depth descriptions of the updated Family Tree and Flared Staircases: https://youtu.be/qZj0XF9iCpw

Create a Sim

Afro-Textured and Curly Hair Filters:

Africana Style Filter:

A new style filter, Africana, has been added to the game. This style filter makes it easier to sort and find African-inspired items in Create a Sim and Build Mode.

New Jewel-toned Nails:

Africana Style Filter:

A new style filter, Africana, has been added to the game. This style filter makes it easier to sort and find African-inspired items in Create a Sim and Build Mode.

New Jewel-toned Nails:

12 new luxurious jewel-toned and metallic almond-shaped Nails have been added to Create a Sim.

Lost Legacies Event

Embark on a whirlwind adventure in the Lost Legacies Event as your Sim is swept into a royal treasure hunt, sparked by the arrival of a mysterious royal emissary. Play now through March 16th!

Uncover Lore: From exploring the artistic legacy of the Dambele family to unraveling the romantic secrets of the Bellacorde family and decoding the legendary tales of Princess Cordelia, explore the lost legacy of the three prestigious families from The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack.

Free Limited Time Rewards: Unlock a trove of treasures each week, from collectable skeleton keys that complete quests, a cursed ring with dangerous consequences, a vengeful aspiration, new lot trait, and more. Each reward is special and brings you closer to the noble families, has a unique aesthetic, or adds a new way to play.

Active Quests: Your Sim will dive into lively debates, master new skills and chase clues across museums, nightclubs, libraries and hidden grottos.

New Kits for your Sim’s Realm

Step into a world of imagination, elegance, and drama! Whether you're dreaming of picture-perfect tea parties or silver screen inspired style, these Kits are ready to inspire new stories, Sims, and builds!

The Sims™ 4 Silver Screen Style Kit and The Sims™ 4 Tea Time Solarium Kit will be available for purchase individually February 12, 2026 and are included for free in the Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle through March 15, 2026.

Step into a whimsical playroom with The Sims™ 4 Wonderland Playroom Kit  and build a charming yard with our latest Creator Kit: The Sims™ 4 Yard Charm Kit, created by Ravasheen.

Available February 26, 2026.

Bug Fixes

Base Game / Multipack

Live Mode

[EA Forums] Resolved an issue that caused photos to turn black, discovered after the January 13th Base Game update.

[EA Forums] Fixed additional instances of an issue where entering and exiting Build Mode during Scenarios with goals would cause the UI to disappear or the game to become unresponsive.

[EA Forums] Book covers for Baking, Wellness, Snowboarding, Rock Climbing, Herbalism and Photography books should no longer change when placed on retail displays. Fabrication and Mixology skill books no longer have the same book cover. 

[Bug Archive] Resolved an issue where Sims' Great Grandparents incorrectly had romantic interactions available to them with extended family members.

[Bug Archive] Resolved an issue where Sims didn’t complete the “Dance With Someone” goal at Prom, preventing a Gold Event rating.

[Bug Archive] Upgraded vacuums now work in the "Off the Grid" Lot type.

Build Mode

[EA Forums] Resolved an issue that could prevent room type assignments in Build Mode.

[EA Forums] Simple Slattered and MasterCraft staircases no longer have an extra board when placing L-shaped stairs.

Create a Sim

[EA Forums] Fixed a UI issue in Create a Sim that was preventing elements from displaying in Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs, as well as the Like and Dislike buttons.

[EA Forums] Editing Merfolks or Aliens in Create a Sim should no longer cause a game crash.

[EA Forums] Resolved an issue causing nail asset (yfAcc_ManiNaturalShort_SolidDirt) to cause a metallic effect to the entire body.

[Bug Archive] Resolved an issue causing nail assets (yfAcc_ManiGP12Forest and ymAcc_ManiGP12Forest) to show lines around the upper arm on Sims.

Mod creators, in an effort to assist you in updating mods that touch genealogy as mentioned above, we’ve provided a list of Python changes to you for this Base Game update over on the EA Forums here: https://forums.ea.com/blog/the-sims-game-info-hub-en/the-sims-4-code-changes-for-modders---feb-3rd-base-game-update/13120743

[thesims4blogger]

How Players Shaped The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack

Player collaboration has always been at the heart of The Sims, and The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack is no exception. Our Player Experience team worked closely with players to test everything throughout development. From the very beginning, your ideas, reactions, and feedback helped shape how this pack came to life.

Today, we’re sharing a closer look at how players have helped guide, inform and support this regal expansion pack, playing a key role from early concepts to the final playtests.

How Players Informed the Theme

Research began a year ago, after two passionate marketing team members and long-time Simmers, Chelsea Nesbeth and Lexi McIntosh, pitched a modern royalty concept based on their listening and engagement with The Sims community. With support from Anna Huerta, The Sims Creative Director, the team incorporated the idea into their exploration of various expansion pack themes as part of a survey for players worldwide.

“We knew that if we did royalty, we wanted to explore it in a way we hadn’t before,” says The Sims 4 Brand Manager Lexi McIntosh.

When we introduced the Modern Royalty theme in the survey, we saw a strong positive response from players, helping to reinforce it as the theme we would pursue for the upcoming expansion pack. Players were drawn to Modern Royalty as a way to enhance legacy-driven storytelling, up the drama, and add power plays. That excitement also came with clear feedback. Players consistently emphasized the importance of depth, noting that Modern Royalty would feel most compelling when supported by dynamic systems and interactions that meaningfully expand how stories unfold.  

Once it became clear that Modern Royalty resonated with players, our Lead Producer, alongside the Design and Art teams, began defining the pack through an early concept exploration study. 

Early concept exploration studies help us gauge how players felt about the team's early ideas. The Design team used player studies to support many decisions from helping to validate the feature list to informing the directions of the feature designs. 

“This pack was created with the player in mind every step of the way,” says Azure Bowie, The Sims 4 Lead Producer. 

One variation emerged as a clear favorite, focusing on the drama between having status and responsibility. It explored what it means to belong to a prestigious family, honoring or reshaping a legacy while navigating the weighty expectations of the crown and the household. The results showed that players were most drawn to the fantasy of legacy, status, and long-term family progression.

Designing Stories You Can Make Your Own

As we continued to develop the pack, we used storyboards and mock-up designs in Player Experience Studies to further support and validate key gameplay and feature priorities. Early on, some players expressed a desire for touches of fantasy. The team knew, from this feedback, to prioritize Powershifts, a system built around dramatic, storybook moments that influence a Sim's ascent to Nobility or their downfall. 

Adding nuance to how both your Sims and the world around them respond was important to capturing the complexity of royal life. To support this, the team designed the Dynasty and Nobility systems as separate but complementary experiences, allowing players the freedom to engage with them together or independently. Whether you rule your dynasty, your world, or both, it's entirely up to you.

“We didn’t want to lock players into a single narrative. Our goal was always to provide Simmers with systems and mechanics that support a wide range of stories that felt right to them. We keep in mind that each player should engage with the simulation in the way they prefer.” says Xènia Peña, The Sims 4 Lead Game Designer.

Similarly, we wanted to make sure players had plenty of ways to create organically messy and dramatic moments. Enter the Scandals system. The game recognizes, reacts, and remembers these misdeeds like if your Sim is having an affair or a secret child. If discovered, these scandals can have undue consequences on your Sims’ social, personal, and professional lives. 

Building Authentic Worlds & Neighborhoods Together

We saw an opportunity to embrace the vast concept of royalty and imagine a place where people from different backgrounds intersect and coexist, reflecting the diversity of our own community. West Africa was a foundational influence throughout this vision, and getting it right meant incorporating diverse voices and perspectives into the process.

Within a fictional narrative, we aimed to celebrate and pay tribute to the richness of West African aesthetics and its coexistence with Southern European influences, all while maintaining the utmost respect. For both cultures, our goal was to reflect how each has evolved in meaningful and positive ways through different periods, remaining culturally valid, influential, and alive up to the present day.

“Each stands on its own with distinct beauty, identity, and lore, while existing together harmoniously. The complex process of creating this pack, drawing from many different inputs and cultural influences, became a meaningful metaphor for the experience we wanted to deliver," says Eva Garces, The Sims 4 Art Director.

To ensure the world of Ondarion and the neighborhood of Dambele, was built thoughtfully, the Design and Art teams worked closely alongside consultants from the Pan African Gaming Group (PAGG), as well as a group of Simmers, Nardvillain, SpringSims, Oshinsims, Ebonix, EmeraldStories, Creativelyanzy, whose combined perspectives reflect connections to West Africa and the broader Black diaspora in the United Kingdom and North America. We also partnered with these groups for last year’s free West African update. Both these players and PAGG were present through every phase of research, including regular check-ins and reviews with our Art Directors and Production.

Internally, Design and Art partnered with the Games for All team to facilitate and gather feedback from PAGG, weaving in cultural details across the pack's decor, setting, and gameplay - such as the Anansi's Trials Power Shift, to handmade patterns and motifs, hairstyles, how fufu is eaten, and much more. Games for All is a team dedicated to helping game teams create experiences where every player feels welcome, safe, and can see themselves reflected.

“The Design, Art and Production teams’ interest in understanding everything from symbology and tradition to emerging trends and regional differences made collaborating with consultants on this pack especially rewarding,“ says Otilia Joao, Senior Specialist, Games for All.

Refining the Experience Through Playtests

With all these features and blends of perspectives, it was time to put them to the test. Through playtesting, which players can sign up through The Sims Labs to get involved, feedback at this stage ensured gameplay was not only fun, but also readily accessible and easy to understand. 

We made swift improvements, including clearer tutorialization and better progression cues within systems.

At its end was the birth of an ambitious pack rooted in legacy where players revel in chaos, calculated rule, good-hearted leadership, and everything in-between.

A Kingdom Built Together

We want to thank everyone who played a role in shaping this expansion pack. We’re deeply committed to our players and communities, and listening to your feedback and collaborating with players will continue to shape and refine future experiences. After all, that’s what makes The Sims special: it’s your story, we just provide the tools. 

Preorder The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle now for $39.99 to start playing when it launches on February 12, 2026, for EA app, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems. From January 15 through March 15, 2026, you’ll receive The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, the Regal Treasures Digital Content, and two new kits: Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style. 

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy: New Dev Drop In Is All About Dynasties

A new “Dev Drop In” just happened at The Sims official Discord Channel. This time, producers shared more information about Dynasties, the highlighted feature from the upcoming Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack on today’s trailer.

Here is what producers Nat, Azure, and Xènia shared on Discord.

Q: Can kids join a dynasty? A: Yes! They can be invited to any Dynasty started by their direct family members (parents, grandparents, etc)

Is there a cap on dynasty members? There’s no cap on Dynasty members. You can have as many members as you’d like. (The UI will show you 8 but you can add more members beyond that.)

Yes, the Head of a Dynasty can change the skills and ideals at any point. Although, some Sims may not be happy if you make a change that doesn’t align with their traits.

Q: Can you have a dynasty without being royal? A: Yes! Any family can become a Dynasty.

[Q was about inviting other households into your dynasty] Yeah! They have to be related either by family ties or by marriage. If there’s a Sim you really want to be part of your family, you can always propose or adopt them 

The Scandal System is not limited to Dynasties. The features are separate. Your Sims who aren’t in Dynasties can still have secrets/Scandals and extorts Sims etc.

As your Dynasty members follow the values and do aligned actions, the Dynasty will increase in Prestige Level. Each Prestige level gained grants points that you can spend on Dynasty Perks.

Q: Will there be any cross-pach dynastic ideals? A 1: Yeah! All of the ideals cover all of base game and all the x-play that was eligible. The list is *thorough* A 2: Yes! The Ideals include encouraged and discouraged careers, activities and extracurriculars from past packs. Skills as well.

No dynasty outfits </3, but you could always set up an additional outfit for them in CAS for all categories. Pandas everywhere!

We have a dynasty value entirely dedicated to occults! I’m a huge fan of occults myself, we always try to honor them  It’s called mysterious, and it’s perfect for supernatural families

There are lots of options for Scandals. If your Sims discover another Sims secret they can expose it to the world (causing a Scandal) you can also extort for money, headship of the dynasty, or if the Sim is a Noble you can force them to abdicate.

When a new baby is born to parents from different Dynasties, you’ll be able to choose which Dynasty you want them to join at birth.

You can merge Dynasties when two members get married, creating a new Dynasty with a starting boost to Prestige based on the original Dynasties.

Yeah! if your politician Sim is in a Dynasty with the Diplomatic Value, they will gain more prestige for the family each time they go to work and rank faster within the Dynasty positions.

They will be eligible. We have a soft spot for occults and always root for them  We’ve made the Vampire Offspring ‘relationship’ eligible for dynasty members

Q: Will this all be retroactive to current saves or will we have to start new saves to have full play. A: Retroactive! I playtested this with my 10 year old save file 

We can’t modify your existing saves, but if you like the values we chose you can recreate their Dynasties in your older saves.

Your Sims can only add other Sims who are related to them (by blood or by marriage) to their Dynasties. They can invite family members who live in other households to join their Dynasty.

Q: Can a sim be part of more than one dynasties? A: No, just the one! But your dynasty can form alliances with any other dynasties that you consider a good match for your Sims 

Just influential. You can have dynasts only, royals only or a combination of both. Play however you want 

Yes! Dynasty membership is only restricted to family (not world, household or career) – so if you have family members who rule in different neighborhoods, they can all be in the same Dynasty.

The Head of the Dynasty can edit the Dynasty Values (Skills and Ideals) at any time!

The family trees look definitely larger. We visualize more Sims in the screen (both vertically and horizontally), and you have many new family ties categories. There will also be new frames for the portraits depending on their royal rank (if any), and special icons on top of the portraits reflecting their power dynamic within the family (leader, heir, outcast…)

[Q about designating heirs] Yes, it has to be manually chosen by players in the Heir slot. It’s not permanent, you can change it whenever you want

Extortion will only happen to Sims you’re playing (either through your Sims extorting others, or your Sims being extorted) but you can reveal the Scandals of Sims outside of your Household and see the effects happening to them.

Sims can discover another Dynasties secrets by asking a Sim they both know if they know any secrets about the target Sim. You can also dig through trash, hack for secrets, exploring the secret passageway, asking the enchanted mirror, or buying secrets from the Info Brokers website.

Q: Can the “secret” children in dynasties be made in CAS or generated in-game like the long lost family members from Growing Together? A: Not in CAS, it has to be in-game only! The ‘secrecy’ is generated upon birth, when you choose from a drop down menu who the ‘baby daddy’ will be 

Regency is gain by working hard <:Crown:1156715118990725230> so not in CAS, but playing through the career. (you can always use cheats though)

Q: If you’re a royal on the throne, can you hire a royal advisor? And if so can the advisor be a family member? A: yes! (and yes)

No, the Dynasty Head has to choose which family members to add to the Dynasty.

Q: Are Thebes and Capps related as in The Sims 2? A: Yes.

[About rejecting to be an heir] There are a series of criteria taken into consideration for this outcome. I won’t say which, but it is not random 

If the child is a member of the Dynasty, they can be set as the heir.

Q: Is a child only considered worthy of being an heir if the parents are married, or can a child born out of wedlock still become the heir? (Royality) A: out of wedlock counts! they’re the heir… by BLOOD!

Only Dynasty Heads can forge Alliances with other Dynasty Heads. No other titles are required to become the Head as we wanted Dynasties and Nobility to work independently, depending on how you want to play.

Replying to the polyamory question (I’ve lost track of where it was, sorry!). Scandals take into consideration relationship boundaries, so if your Sim is in a polyamorous relationship, engaging romantically with others will /not/ be scandalous. Fun fact: we actually had to put Cordelia in a monogamous relationship so she could have a Scandal going on <:Heartbreak:1156715287547224135> She and Thiago were originally poly!

Dynasty members can be “Encouraged to Court” a specific Sim if your Dynasty Head is feeling like playing matchmaker. But it may not always go to plan!

Q: Do you see past heads of the dynasty in the dynasty “family tree”? A: No, only the current head, heir and outcast.

Q: Can ghosts be the head of a dynasty? A: of course, occult loooove! all occults welcome

Sorry I lost the question, but there are reward traits for the dynasty. You can buy reward traits that allow your progeny to inherit mental, physical, social, creative boosts.

Q: Can famous sims interact with royal sims without causing scandal? A: Meaning a celebrity chatting with a queen? They can, talking is not scandalous 

An NPC may call your Sim and threaten to extort them. If you don’t pay up or find another way to silence the extortionist, then that Sim’s Scandal will be revealed. (This can be turned off in settings)

No. Neighborhood Stories will not create Dynasties on it’s own.

It’s only a Scandal if the pregnant Sim lies about the parenthood of the baby. Otherwise, a baby out of wedlock is not considered scandalous, and in the other case it would be the affair itself which is the scandal.

If a Sim is pregnant from another Sim who does not match with the spouse is, there will be a dropwdown upon birth to ‘choose’ who the cannon baby daddy will be. There will be a series of interactions to deal (or not!) with that later, and it will potentially trigger a scandal as well

Q: Do the new families have scandals we can discover outside of Cordelia? A: yes! pay attention to their notebooks. we curated their personalities as much as we could  we love lore

Influential. Dynasty and the Noble Career are separate (Dynasty gameplay does pair nicely with a family of Nobles though).

There’s also an Information Broker that you can pay via the computer to ‘bury’ Sim secrets… And that Sim might be in the neighborhood as well, who knows 

Scandals are for everyone! Bring on the drama

There’s a dotted line to the fake dad and one to the real dad if you access the UI from the sim who gave birth. If you access from either of the other SIms, you will only see their parenthood. Meaning, sims who know the truth will see it all, others sims will only see what they ‘know’

The baby would join the household of the parent who gives birth to them, but you can choose which Dynasty they will join.

for those asking if the adopted sims will appear as adopted in the fam tree: it’s a setting! You can choose how you want it to display

Q: Can sims paint their dynasty crest and hang it on the all? A: Kind of. There is a new crest wall decor object that you can put your motif onto, and your Sims could paint it from reference, if they wanted that hand-painted touch.

Q: If the monarch dies before the heir reaches adulthood, can the heir still take over as monarch king/queen? Considering its a career (royality) A: They keep their title (almost cosmetically, since they cannot action on it til they are teens), but can claim it when they reach the age! That will let them jump into the career at level 10, effectively making them King, Queen or any custom title you prefer 

Sims can have a baby with a Sim that is not their spouse and then lie to their Spouse about the parentage. This will create the Secret Baby relationship.

Q: Is the dynasty heir separate from the throne heir in the noble profession? A: Yes

There is not a Sim who rules all worlds, HOWEVER…. in your case, you could create a Dynasty of Emperors and Empresses, and have each of them live in a different world. This way each of them can rule a region, but all share the same crest  That’s how I’d try to tell your story at least.

Dynasty members who want to be Heir can ask (or even extort) their Head into choosing them as Heir. Or if they have specific values, they can challenge the Head for their position through a Chess Match, Duel or even a fight. Otherwise, any Dynasty member who is ranked higher than the Head can just Usurp the position!

[thesims4blogger]

Watch: The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Dynasty Gameplay Trailer

After the reveal trailer and a second one about nobility, The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy gets its third trailer. This one is all about Dynasty gameplay. It premieres on Thursday, January 29th at 8am PST

[thesims4blogger]

Meet Ondarion’s Dynasties in the Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack

Hear ye, hear ye, Simmers! You have entered the majestic world of Ondarion.

A Vacant Throne and Three Regions

With the sovereign throne standing empty, Ondarion’s future is uncertain. Across three distinct regions, powerful families scheme, scandals stir, and old rivalries refuse to stay buried.

Whether you choose to rise the ranks as a noble or enjoy the simple life of a commoner, you’ll want to know the neighbors, and, more importantly, their secrets. 

Set your trunks aside and let’s meet the Sims of Ondarion from The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack.

Verdemar - Built on Secrets and Social Power

The House of Thebe

The Abrantes Family

Dambele - Art, Community, and Quiet Ambition

The Darong Family 

Bellacorde

House of Capp

The Monty Family

The Alto Family

Verdemar - Built on Secrets and Social Power

A bustling harbor where nobles mingle with heroic outlaws, and fortune favors the bold, Verdemar thrives on traveling and whispered truths.

The House of Thebe: Masters of the Open Sea

The great port of Verdemar is home to the Thebe family, a cunning and adventurous house known for mingling with Sims of all backgrounds, from nobles to outlaws alike. At its head sits Cordelia V of the House of Thebe, a legendary navigator and direct descendant of Cordelia I. Like her ancestor, she is an intrepid seafaring socialite with a taste for lavish gatherings, amassed riches, and complicated affairs.

Cordelia I famously took not one, not two, but four pirate lovers. From two of these unions came children, a legacy that helped shape Verdemar’s cosmopolitan spirit. 

The Abrantes Family: Ambition Beneath Devotion

Cordelia’s husband, Thiago Abrantes, is a devoted partner who loves her not for her status, but for who she is. While he enjoys the comforts of noble life, he has little interest in pursuing the unifying crown and is content with the world they share, a peace that may endure or erode should he learn of Cordelia’s secret.

Thiago’s mother, Ermelinda Abrantes, is far less content. Power-hungry and disdainful of Cordelia, she will stop at nothing to see the crown placed upon her son’s head. Her teenage daughter, Sofia Abrantes, is capable, outgoing, and fiercely loyal to Thiago. Aware of Cordelia’s infidelity, Sofia is still weighing how or if to use this knowledge.

Outlaws and Shadows of Verdemar

Separate from the family’s inner circle is Fia Acosta, a commoner who frequents the local Pirate Bar and harbors secrets of her own. Not only is she Cordelia’s shadowy paramour, she  is also Ondarion’s Royal Robber, a charitable burglar whose band of outlaws hides stolen noble wealth across the kingdom.

Fia’s confidant, Aloisio Romualdo, knows every detail. An experienced extortionist, his loyalty may prove to be invaluable should the truth come ashore.

Dambele - Art, Community, and Quiet Ambition

Though Dambele values community and the arts over the wealth and material excess prized by its neighbors, the same familial secrets found throughout Ondarion still whisper through its charming public gardens.

The Darong Dynasty: Philanthropy and Power

The prominent dynasty in this regal neighborhood belongs to the Darong family, austere traditionalists who see themselves as the philanthropic guardians of their people. The recently retired Grand Duke Adekoya Darong sits atop the family tree and hopes his adult daughter, Jawara, will campaign for the Ondarion throne on behalf of the entire family, an ambition she, the Grand Duchess of Dambele, openly shares.

The Next Generation of Dambele

Jawara has two children of her own: daughter Amarachi, an artsy teenager who actively champions Dambele’s artistic traditions, and son Obi, a child genius whose scholarly talents rival, if not surpass, those of his grandfather.

A Mysterious Suitor

Though Jawara currently lacks a partner in her pursuit of the crown, she has recently been courted by a mysterious newcomer and preeminent fencer, Akachi Onoja. While Jawara weighs her next move, her father remains deeply skeptical of Akachi’s intentions.

The Ananou Family: Artists and Tricksters

A visit to Dambele would be incomplete without a stop at the Zanbira Market, where you’re likely to encounter the elder artist Ekene Ananou, selling his handmade crafts. He’s good-hearted but a bit mischievous, so only engage if you fancy a joke or trick. 

Ekene is also the guardian of his granddaughter, Afua Ananou. Though her mother has passed, her father, unbeknownst to her, still lives in Dambele. He just so happens to be the patriarch of the Darong Dynasty, a secret he, Adekoya, and Ekene have agreed to keep at the mother’s request to shield her from the noble pressures.

Bellacorde - Chivalry in Decline and Excess on Display

Neighboring its namesake lake, Bellacorde is a land steeped in chivalry and knighthood that has since become a place draped in excess, as the wealthy and noble parade their opulence. 

House of Capp: Power, Tradition, and Decadence

No family embodies this contradiction more fully than the Capps. At the head of the house is Tybalt Capp, a man enthralled by noble life and the relentless drive to gain more power. Though he openly vies for the crown, his more immediate ambition is to marry his three adult children into status-cementing unions, all in service of the dynasty.

The Capp Heirs: A Fractured Line

The Capp heirs reflect Bellacorde’s internal fractures. 

Beatrice Capp, the eldest and heir apparent, is admired for her composure, style and grace. Though often perceived as aloof, even by high-society standards, she secretly longs for deeper, more meaningful connections. 

Celeste, the middle child, reveres the ideals of chivalry but rejects their father’s crude materialism.

Virgilio, the youngest, is openly rebellious, disdainful of noble life, and, in quieter circles, his name is murmured in connection with the defacing of the great Bellacorde Statue.

Haunting Bellacorde’s halls is Consort Capp, Tybalt’s grandfather and the former Grand Duke turned ghost. A staunch traditionalist who credits himself for much of the region’s prosperity, Consort wanders the town in visible disdain of his descendants’ decadence. 

The Monty Family: Love, Scandal, and Rivalry

Rivals to the Capps are the Montys. Juliette Monty, Tybalt’s disowned sister, engulfed the family in scandal when she eloped with a commoner, Romeo Monty. Though Romeo, an easygoing chef, is happy with his piece of the pie, Juliette quietly nurses resentment towards her brother and the nobility she lost. Their teenage son, Dante, is a good-natured goofball who sees beyond the rivalry and maintains a close, secret friendship with his cousin Celeste.

Marriage as a Shortcut to Status

For those seeking a faster path to nobility, marriage can offer a tempting shortcut, though not without its trials. Enzo Alto, a noble bachelor and cousin of Holly Alto from Get Famous, offers such an opportunity. The perks are royal. His personality, not so much.

Across Verdemar,  Dambele, and Bellacorde, alliances can be forged, secrets exposed, and legacies rewritten. Will your Sims uphold tradition, spark rebellion, or claim the crown for themselves? In Ondarion, every family has a story, and every story is yours to shape.

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle is available for pre-order now for $39.99, to start playing when it launches on February 12, 2026, for EA app, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems. From January 15 through March 15, 2026, you’ll receive The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, the Regal Treasures Digital Content, and two new kits: Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style.

[thesims4blogger]

Watch: The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Nobility Trailer

A new trailer for The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack is coming this Thursday, Jan 22nd, at 8am PST. This one focuses on the Nobility system.

[thesims4blogger]

All About Ondarion, the New World from “Royalty & Legacy”

Following last week’s announcement for The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, EA shared a new blog post talking about building Ondarion, the new world coming with the DLC.

It brings short interviews with four The Sims 4 creators who worked on the builds:  Plumbob Kingdon, Eva Rotky, Emerald Stories, and Studio Gabri.

The official The Sims account on Twitter also shared a small video showing off the world and its three neighborhoods – Verdemar, Dambele and Bellacorde -, as well as the official map, complete with lot sizes.

The EP is set to come out on February 12th with two free kits if purchased before March 15th. Read the blog post below.

In The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, the world of Ondarion was brought to life through a collaborative effort rooted in creativity, storytelling and community.

To showcase the unique culture of each Dynasty in the kingdom of Ondarion, we partnered with four talented creators from The Sims community, Plumbob Kingdon, Eva Rotky, Emerald Stories, and Studio Gabri, inviting each of them to design original lots that help define the kingdom’s Dynasties, neighborhoods, and stories.

Each creator was given the freedom to interpret Ondarion through their own creative lens, building everything from grand palaces and noble estates to a bustling market and lived-in commoner homes. The result is a kingdom made up of distinct regions, layered storytelling, and spaces designed to spark drama, legacy, and imagination.

We sat down with each creator to talk through their inspiration, their approach to storytelling, and the craftsmanship behind their builds, to uncover the secrets hidden within Ondarion’s most illustrious lots.

Plumbob Kingdom - Roko

Roko, better known as Plumbob Kingdom, designed the Abrantes Estate as well as the Renaissance Road and La Vivace.

Based in Brasil, Roko has been playing The Sims since the original game. With a background in fashion and a love for decoration, architecture, and art, his builds are rich in detail, layered with inspiration from antique décor and vintage finds. Drawing from dark academia, Victorian, classic, and rustic influences, Roko’s spaces feel dramatic and lived-in.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: One of the design challenges for Renaissance Road was balancing an exterior that fits Bellacorde’s luxury with a more modest interior. How did you approach that contrast?

ROKO: This lot was quite challenging. I’m used to building on large lots, and having to bring all of the ideas together and concentrate them into a smaller space really pushed me out of my comfort zone. On top of that, there was the contrast between more opulent elements and more humble ones. In the end, we conveyed the idea that the more affluent pieces were Juliette’s belongings, brought with her when she left her family home to join Romeo and gradually build her dynasty.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: La Vivace is such a gorgeous social space, how did you ensure social elements were at the center of the design?

ROKO: The first thing that came to mind when I thought about this lot was that classic idea often seen in films, with a dance floor surrounded by mezzanines and, right in front of it, a grand staircase. This was the main scene I imagined everyone would want to see when bringing their Sims to the ball. For the exterior architecture, I aimed to build something characteristic of the eclectic style – a combination of renaissance, classical, neoclassical and Baroque styles with the “Theatro Municipal do Rio de Janeiro” as a major inspiration.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: One standout feature of the Abrantes Estate is the administration room. How do you imagine this space being used in everyday storytelling?

ROKO: We know that the family’s matriarch has a great thirst for power and a constant concern with elevating her family’s prestige in society. I imagine the throne room as the place where she grants audiences to commoners, and takes the opportunity to delve into what is happening around the neighborhood. Especially when it comes to her son’s marriage, thus exercising her influence and manipulation, and further strengthening her legacy.

Eva Rotky – Eva

Eva, commonly known as Eva Rotky, designed both the Bellacorde Palace and Verdemar Palace, bringing two very different royal households to life.

Originally from Austria and now based in London, Eva is an interior designer whose love of architecture and interiors was shaped in part by her love for The Sims, ultimately inspiring in her decision to transition into interior design as a career. Since 2020, Eva has been sharing her highly detailed, realistic builds that blend contemporary and vintage elements within a minimalist framework, often inspired by the historic architecture of cities like London, Paris and New York.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: What storytelling elements did you include in your builds?

EVA: Both palaces are the homes of very prestigious families who bring a lot of lore into The Sims 4 universe! I definitely wanted to ensure that the different Sims‘ personalities and traits are reflected in their palaces. For example, the Capp household is very materialistic, snobby and likes to feel exclusive which the interiors show by use of heavy gold accents and pompous, decadent furnishings as the head of the family, Tybalt, likes to flaunt his wealth. 

The household of the Verdemar Palace, Cordelia and Thiago, couldn’t be further from the Capp‘s. They are adventurous, avid collectors and love the sea. The whole colour palette of the palace is much darker and moodier with heavy accents of teal and blues to reflect the household‘s closeness to the sea. Since Cordelia is a big hoarder of treasures, I’ve included a secret room at the top of the tower filled with only the most expensive treasures!

❔THE SIMS TEAM: You built two beautiful palaces, how do they differ from one another?

EVA: Not only are the two households that live in each palace vastly different characters, but the two neighbourhoods they live in are also very distinctive areas, and both factors majorly influenced my design of the palaces. While Bellacorde is very orderly with traditional romantic elements, Verdemar is a lot more untamed and unpredictable like the sea. The Bellacorde palace therefore has a very symmetric shape with orderly landscaping: every bush and tree has its place and even the hedges of the maze are trimmed to precision! The neoclassical palace here feels very romantic with warm pastel colours, grand staircases, gorgeous wisteria, hydrangeas and luxurious decorative sculptures. 

Verdemar palace on the other hand is designed with a totally asymmetric shape in mind and it sits at the top of a hill, isolated from the town. I exaggerated the palace‘s elevation by giving the build a lot of height to make the most of the clifftop views. The palace is also adorned with highly ornate decorative elements with cooler tones of blue and teal, and plenty of weathering details to reflect the proximity to the sea. Verdemar also feels very romantic but in a more untamed way than Bellacorde with secluded spots hidden in nature which adds to the secretive nature of the neighbourhood.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: How did you integrate Secret Passageways into the palaces?

EVA: I really wanted the Secret Passageways to feel exactly that: secretive! That meant not easy to spot, not in obvious places but in handy locations for the Sims who are in the know. Since the passageways look like old grandfather clocks, they were easily disguised in grand principal rooms where most Sims would just glance to check the time.

Emerald Stories – Linda Zaranyika

Linda Zaranyika, also known as Emerald Stories, designed the Casa do Corsário and 

Fisherman's Hut, as well as the Zanbira Market in Dambele.

Linda has been playing The Sims for more than 14 years, starting with The Sims FreePlay before falling fully in love with The Sims 3. Her creative journey led her from build tours on TikTok to full speed builds inspired by nostalgia, dreams, and carefully curated Pinterest boards. No matter the style, Linda’s goal is always the same: spaces that feel warm, safe, and genuinely lived-in.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: The Verdemar neighborhood is definitely “fierce.” How did you implement this aesthetic while keeping the commoner residence cohesive?

LINDA: There are six completely different versions of Casa do Corsário. All wildly different and complicated, but I stuck with my final design because I chose subtle chaos rather than the outright havoc I had before. There are a few brown terrain paint marks on the ground, fading out the stone; all the walls are weathered, and the charm comes from the interior. A moody, regal feel with a purposeful, muted grandeur from both the Verdmar and Dambele neighbourhoods. 

❔THE SIMS TEAM: How did you ensure the design captures the essence of a fishing hut while still providing a cozy, livable environment?

LINDA: Colours and textures are everything. I wanted something that had to have the air of a boat house whilst not standing out too much. Similar to the commoner house, this had to look covert, unassuming, and simple. I went with natural tones of the sea, light brown (the sand), blue (the ocean and sky), and white (the clouds). I didn’t veer too much off of the simplistic woods and stone, but I purposely steered away from metals and other harsh materials. Finally, the space had to be open, breathable and fluid. With the traditional lack of windows in boat houses, I needed the build to feel less like a confined space, but a well-thought-out conversion. This meant open access to the bedroom in the loft, entrances from the front, side, or back and being able to see into the kitchen from the living room.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: The market can definitely be a top, center space for the community! What strategies did you use to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that encourages community interaction throughout the market?

LINDA: I did not want there to be isolated areas, no full walls, no closed sofas and barely any doors. I wanted Sims to walk past and see the community occurring, to hear the conversations and (using imagination) to smell the food, and without barriers, this was possible. There is this fundamental connection West African homes have with the earth, and I wanted this to also be apparent in the build. The roofs cover what needs to be covered, I do not deny my Sims of the sun, and the walls are full of greenery, letting life exist within the material itself. I had a lot of fun imagining my Sims simply walking through to get to the destination quicker and being immersed for a second then moving on, monetary shelter, shade or reprieve. Either way, it isn’t obstructive, it purposefully connects, Sim to Sim, Sim to Earth and Destination to Destination.

Studio Gabri – Gabby

Gabby, known online as Studio Gabri, designed the Ye Olde Voyager, Sankofa Residence and Hardcover.

Gabby is an interior designer whose love for The Sims began with the original game and has come full circle into her real-life career. With a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a current role as a Senior Designer, Gabby credits The Sims as a key creative influence behind her professional journey. Since launching her Sims content in late 2024, she’s become known for contemporary and modern heritage-inspired builds that treat every lot like a real-world design challenge, with the goal of inspiring and encouraging the community to “always keep going.”

❔THE SIMS TEAM: Ye Olde Voyager, The Verdemar Bar used to be frequented by pirates! How did you ensure that history was reflected in the build?

GABBY: Verdemar, or as I’ve nicknamed “the old sea,” is rich in maritime history. I wanted to ensure that the bar reflected this history in both the exterior and the interior of the build. I wanted the exterior to be a nod to the old and the new, which is represented in the materials and structure. From the exterior, you will see weathered limestone and lush vegetation, deep emerald green windows and doors, along with a sleek, round glass window on the second floor that pays homage to that of modern seafaring navigation equipment. On the interior, as it was once frequented by pirates, I wanted it to feel like an opulent extension of a pirate ship through the rich wood paneled walls, flooring and ceiling materials, and a mix of furnishings and décor. Touches of the deep emerald green, shell motifs and nautical items (scrolls, treasure chest, etc.) throughout both floors of the interior add to the maritime charm.

❔THE SIMS TEAM: The Sankofa Residence in Dambele is very luxurious! What elements of luxury did you implement in this build?

GABBY: Dambele, though known for its sense of community, is very luxurious in cultural and environmental elements. To capture the luxury and beauty of the environment and implement it into the Noble residence, I initially started with the fountains in the front of the home as a focal point and worked on the shell of the build around that! Paired with a neutral limestone, geometric tiles, and columns, I wanted the structure to have a modern, visually interesting shape that had varying heights, half walls, and Dambele-style doors and windows. Think modern opulence with West African influence! The exterior stairs seen from the second floor were also a design decision that I worked through towards the end that added texture and character to the build. 

❔THE SIMS TEAM: The Sankofa Residence in Dambele is very luxurious! What elements of luxury did you implement in this build?

GABBY: Dambele, though known for its sense of community, is very luxurious in cultural and environmental elements. To capture the luxury and beauty of the environment and implement it into the Noble residence, I initially started with the fountains in the front of the home as a focal point and worked on the shell of the build around that! Paired with a neutral limestone, geometric tiles, and columns, I wanted the structure to have a modern, visually interesting shape that had varying heights, half walls, and Dambele-style doors and windows. Think modern opulence with West African influence! The exterior stairs seen from the second floor were also a design decision that I worked through towards the end that added texture and character to the build. 

❔THE SIMS TEAM: Hardcover is a library by day and a nightclub by night! How did you create the two very opposing ideas into one space?

GABBY: The Backroom is such a cool concept! Because a library by day and a nightclub by night are two very different social environments, I wanted to ensure that the exterior and all floors of the interior made sense together! I wanted the library to really feel cozy, collaborative, and culturally-influenced, and the nightclub to be an extension of that, but with a posh, moody vibe. Truthfully, I came up with several different ideas for this build because my mind went in several different directions of where I could take it, but I’m very happy with where I landed in the end! Structurally, I wanted the shape to also be characteristic of the modern architecture throughout Dambele, but also feel historic as if it has been there for a long time.

A huge thank you to Plumbob Kingdom, Eva Rotky, Emerald Stories and Studio Gabri for helping bring the kingdom of Ondarion to life. Collaborations like these allow The Sims to keep telling new stories, celebrating creativity, and building unforgettable spaces alongside our community.

Preorder The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle now for $39.99 to start playing when it launches on February 12, 2026, for EA app, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems. From January 15 through March 15, 2026, you’ll receive The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, the Regal Treasures Digital Content, and two new kits: Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style.

[thesims4blogger]

EA Announces Two New Kits: “Silver Screen Style” and “Tea Time Solarium”

For the first time in The Sims 4 history, two new kits will be released alongside an expansion pack. But it’s not all bad news: Players who purchase The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy from January 15th up until March 15th will receive a free upgrade to the “Grand Bundle”.

In other words, if you buy the EP, you’ll get the two new kits for free. It has all been explained on the announcement blog post, and you can read it again below.

The Silver Screen Style Kit lets Sims step into roles worthy of the spotlight. Inspired by the mystique and glamour of a classic era, this collection features dramatic gowns, sharp suits, bold accessories, and iconic outerwear. From sparkling jewelry to trench coats made for intrigue, these looks are designed for powerful entrances, secret plots, and unforgettable moments.

The Tea Time Solarium Kit creates a refined retreat bathed in sunlight and elegance. With expansive glass walls, graceful windows, and garden-inspired furnishings, Sims can host elevated gatherings that feel both intimate and open to the outdoors. Complete with delicate tea sets, treat trays, and a banquet table, this serene solarium is the perfect place to sip, snack, and spill the tea in style.

[thesims4blogger]

EA Announces The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack

EA has just announced The Sims 4 21st expansion pack, Royalty & Legacy. Two new kits have also been announced, forming a brand new bundle with the EP.

A reveal trailer was released, along with a blog post. Read it below.

Build Your Dynasty with The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack

Behold Ondarion: a splendid coastal kingdom (aka world) where legacies are forged, scandals brew, and fables come to life. 

In this chapter of its storied history, Ondarion will crown a new King or Queen, as familial dynasties vie for the throne. 

The question you and your Sim now have to ask: what role will we play in this story?

In The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, Sims can craft multigenerational lore through the new Dynasty and Nobility systems, uncover and ignite shadowy Scandals, encounter enchanted Powershifts, and explore a world of intrigue, prestige, and scandal. 

The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack launches on February 12, 2026. You can learn about the Grand Bundle below, available from January 15 through March 15, 2026.

So, are you ready to write your own Sims’ legend?

A World of Possibilities

The Price of Power

For Dynasties Great and Quaint

Scandals

Creating With Community

The Realm Awaits, Your Majesty: A Grand Bundle

Dambele is a community where the arts are cherished, and shared spaces such as the open palace gardens and communal market embody its culture of generosity and togetherness.

Verdemar, populated by heroic outlaws and cunning nobles, is as unpredictable as the sea that surrounds it.

Bellacorde is defined by romance, opulence, and candlelit corners that invite illicit rendezvous.

The Backroom Lot, a new Lot type, leads a double life. By day, it functions as a Library, Gym, or Museum depending on how you build it, but when night falls, it transforms into a Night Club. Sims can experience this shift in Dambele, home to a premade Backroom Lot that trades quiet study for nightlife after dark.

In Ondarion, Sims can reside in lavish, palace-inspired estates, and host resplendent Grand Balls. Every region is home to several noble dynasties, but the royal throne of Ondarion stands unclaimed.

Throughout this kingdom, Powershifts add fantasy, storybook twists to your royal tale. Sims may pull the legendary Sword In Stone, waltz into love at a magical Ballroom Dance in dazzling Crystal Slippers, woo a Noble Frog with unpredictable results, or consult the Enchanted Mirror to reveal hidden truths.

Master the art of Swordsmanship, a new level 10 Skill that lets your Sims duel for love, Simoleons, career promotions, noble rivalries, and more, with Swordsmanship Tournaments held at Gazebos found throughout every neighborhood in Ondarion as a Goaled Event, where opponents gather and players complete event tasks through duels.

Secret Passageways are the kingdom’s most mischievous shortcut. They let Sims teleport between connected passageways on their lot, or any other lots in the world that they place or discover. Add a Secret Passageway to a hallway, secluded courtyard, your secret lover’s study or your rival's residence for stolen moments, secret romances, and dramatic entrances no one saw coming.

Beyond speeding up routing, Secret Passageways can unlock a new WooHoo location and offer chances to uncover other Sims’ secrets. Sims can also tamper with the Cuckoo Clock, located on the outside of the passageway, causing a mishap with the potential to trigger the newest dramatic demise: Death by Cuckoo Malfunction.

The Price of Power

The Noble Career invites your Sim into a storybook world of courtly intrigue, lavish pageantry, and dramatic power plays. From Noble Newcomer to Kingdom Leader, your Sim can rise through the noble ranks and claim the Throne as Monarch of many Kingdoms (thanks, cross-pack play!*). 

Advance Noble Rankings by earning favor at court, forging powerful alliances, or pursuing bolder paths through clever schemes and strategic marriages. And yes, your Sim’s spouse and children inherit those shiny titles, too. Power is scarce (each Kingdom can only have one true ruler). And yes, your Sim’s spouse and children inherit those shiny titles, too.

Your Sims can rule through grand decrees, rousing speeches, and generous donations, or win over fellow Nobles by collecting Favor, a new two-sided resource earned through choices that appeal to either Nobles or Commoners. Power can breed rivalry, and the further you rise up the ranks, the more likely you will face Noble rivals looking to taint your name and image. Convince them to abdicate or meet them blade-to-blade in a Duel of Swordsmanship. Diplomacy or chaos, it’s your call.

Whether your Sim becomes a gracious monarch, a charismatic socialite, or a cunning climber powered by gossip, power demands attention. There are no fixed hours in this career; performance hinges on completing Royal Duties each day.

And power is never permanent. One misstep–a flirtation in the wrong hallway, an ill-placed insult, a heated Duel, or a Powershift–can send influence skyrocketing, or wipe it out overnight.

For Dynasties Great and Quaint

Ondarion is where familial dynasties of all sorts rise and fall. Your Sim can join one or start their own, and with the Dynasty System (cross-pack play!*), they can shape their house’s identity: defining values, appointing heirs, and creating lore future generations will brag (or cry) about. Any Sim can become head of their own Dynasty, they can cast someone out entirely OR designate someone as an outcast to stop them from damaging the Dynasty’s Prestige. 

New interactions like Designate Heir, Designate Outcast, Usurp Family Headship or Expel a Sim from a Dynasty transform generational storytelling into active, playable moments. Every triumph and scandal ripples through the family tree, turning your house into a truly living, evolving legacy.

Scandals

In Ondarion, even hushed words can topple dynasties. With the new Scandals System (cross-pack play!*), a quiet suspicion or rumor can erupt into a kingdom-shaking event.

Scandals range from minor missteps, like defacing a monument, to explosive revelations involving forbidden romances, illegitimate heirs, or forging a family tree. The bigger the scandal, the more you'll notice its effect on the Sims around you.

When a Scandal comes to light, it can impact a Sim’s relationships, career, and even Dynasty Prestige. How your Sim responds to a Scandal is up to you: issue a public apology, deny the accusation online, they can even write a book about it and earn profits. 

For those who crave maximum drama, potential Scandals can also be weaponized. Use them to extort rivals, fracture alliances, and climb the social ladder. NPCs can even seek atonement and ask for a noble pardon.

Creating With Community

To bring the world to life, the team began close, collaborative concepting over a year ago with the * Pan African Gaming Group (PAGG)* and a group of Simmers with direct ties to West African countries and lived experiences across the Black diaspora in the UK and North America. This collaboration helped ensure that cultural inspirations were thoughtful, authentic, and deeply rooted. 

Their guidance helped shape Create a Sim, Build/Buy, the world’s lore, and the Dambele neighborhood itself. These groups also contributed to last year’s West African update, which introduced new, free Create a Sim and Build/Buy items.

Simmers were involved directly in the development of the pack too! We were thrilled to bring on talented builders Plumbob Kingdom, Eva Rotky, EmeraldStories, and Studio Gabri to create lots throughout the world, and IceMunMun and Littlbowbub to create mouthwatering dishes. 

You can learn more about how The Sims work with players and PAGG in upcoming articles on January 19 and 20, 2026, in The Sims Newsroom.

The Realm Awaits, Your Majesty: A Grand Bundle

You’re royalty now, and that comes with some major perks. Every purchase of The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy includes a FREE upgrade to the Grand Bundle, because everyone deserves the royal treatment. This bundle has everything you need to plot the drama and spill the tea. From January 15 through March 15, 2026, you’ll receive The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, the Regal Treasures Digital Content, and two new kits: Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style. 

Look royally radiant in A Crown of Leaves and Sparkles, train to impress your Sim’s forbidden sweetheart with the Enemies to Lovers Practice Dummy, and add shining gravitas to your Sim’s space with the Under the Stars Lantern with the Regal Treasures Digital Content.

The Silver Screen Style Kit lets Sims step into roles worthy of the spotlight. Inspired by the mystique and glamour of a classic era, this collection features dramatic gowns, sharp suits, bold accessories, and iconic outerwear. From sparkling jewelry to trench coats made for intrigue, these looks are designed for powerful entrances, secret plots, and unforgettable moments.

The Tea Time Solarium Kit creates a refined retreat bathed in sunlight and elegance. With expansive glass walls, graceful windows, and garden-inspired furnishings, Sims can host elevated gatherings that feel both intimate and open to the outdoors. Complete with delicate tea sets, treat trays, and a banquet table, this serene solarium is the perfect place to sip, snack, and spill the tea in style.

Preorder The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle now for $39.99 to start playing immediately when it launches on February 12, 2026, for EA app, Epic Games Store and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems. 

*Cross-pack play requires additional DLC purchase.

[thesims4blogger]

Watch: The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack Reveal Trailer

The upcoming The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack will be fully announced on Thursday, January 15th at 8am PST.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4: New Game Patch (January 13th, 2026)

To ensure your game is up to date, check the game version found in Documents > EA > The Sims 4 > GameVersion.txt. Your game should now read: PC: 1.120.140.1020 / Mac: 1.120.140.1220 / Console: Version 2.26.

Sul Sul, Simmers!

Sul Sul, Simmers!

We hope you had a cheery holiday! While Father Winter might be settling in back home, we’re back from break to bring you a big ol’ bag of presents, overflowing with some free Coach assets and a bunch of bug fixes. The following fixes are part of our continued commitment to regularly fix top voted community issues. 

Today we’re shipping improvements to 5 of the top voted Community Concerns, including: the notorious Gallery Upload Error, finalizing fixes for Sims no longer wearing clothes under their privacy mosaic, an update for Sims standing around with Infants, a fix for the Miss Work/School pop up, and a swath of fixes for Photos and Paintings losing data! 

Thanks for all of your continued reports; your feedback is instrumental to our work. 

Happy Simming!

-The Sims 4 Team

What’s New?

Coach Collection

The Coach Collection, featuring nine new items, drops for free in The Sims 4. Give your Sims the style upgrade you didn’t see coming.

Expect bold statement pieces, wearable staples, and iconic decor with that signature Coach polish, bringing everyday luxury to Create a Sim and Build Mode. Learn more in The Sims newsroom.

Bug Fixes

Top 5 Most Voted Fixes:

[EA Forums] We addressed the top reported issue: Server Error while Uploading to Gallery/Library. This was primarily a Console issue but could occur with PC. (Base Game)

This error is a valid error that should occur under certain circumstances, but we fixed the flow so that it is more forgiving to player systems and far less likely to occur. The Upload button will not be available until all thumbnail issues have been generated.

When this error does occur, we have updated the generic “Server Error” message, and players will now receive a dialogue that provides more information and says “Time out during upload. Please check internet connection or try again in a minute.”

[EA Forums] In our 12/2/25 Update, we fixed an issue where Child, Teen, Young Adult, Adult, and Elder Sims no longer had clothing visible under their privacy mosaic. We are now addressing this issue for the remaining age groups, fully resolving the issue. (Base Game)

[EA Forums] We fixed a notable instance of Sims standing around and not caring for their infants. While holding Infants, Sims were playing an idle animation that delayed responsiveness to queued interactions. This idle was removed. We hope to further address additional Infant issues in future updates. (Base Game)

[EA Forums] We fixed an issue where Memorial Portraits and Graduation Photos would no longer display a Sim’s image and appear blank. This fix does not address Portraits and Photos that were already broken, but will work on old saves for future gameplay with these objects. (University, Life & Death)

[EA Forums] Household, Small Business-employed Sims will no longer receive a ‘Miss Work/School’ UI pop up when opening a Small Business while the Sim is at the Work/School Rabbit Hole. (Multiple Packs)

Save Corruption

As part of our ongoing efforts to address Save Corruption, we have two Save Corruption bugs that we’re addressing in this patch.

[EA Forums] We fixed an issue where open street objects were being ‘shelved’ and never removed when traveling to an apartment building. (Multiple Packs)

We fixed a case of Save Corruption where the player could become stuck in an endless load or be returned to Manage World after setting a custom venue’s schedule to include a Romantic Orientation Role criteria. (Adventure Awaits)

Photos/Paintings Losing Data

For this patch, we knew that “Memorial Portraits and Graduation Photos no longer displaying a Sim’s image” was a top community concern. We wanted to address as many bugs in this category as we could. Here are all related issues we fixed:

[EA Forums] Paint by Reference Paintings will no longer turn white after they’ve been put in a Sim’s inventory and the game has been relaunched. This fix is retroactive and should be fixed in previous saves where it occurred. (Base Game)

[EA Forums] Photos captured with Phone/Camera will no longer turn black once they’ve been mounted on a wall and the game is relaunched. This fix is not retroactive and will not address instances where photos were already missing data, but the fix will prevent this from happening in the future (even in old saves). (Base Game)

[EA Forums] Photos captured with Phone/Camera will no longer turn black once they’ve been put in Sim’s Inventory or placed in storage chests and the game is relaunched. This fix is not retroactive and will not address instances where photos were already missing data, but the fix will prevent this from happening in the future (even in old saves).  (Base Game)

[EA Forums] The “Create Copy” interaction on a painting no longer will result in a blank, white painting canvas when placed on the wall.  This fix is retroactive and should be fixed in previous saves where it occurred. (Base Game)

[EA Forums] Celebrity Autographs will no longer appear blank after they’ve been hung on a wall and the game is relaunched. This fix is not retroactive and will not address instances where photos were already missing data, but the fix will prevent this from happening in the future (even in old saves). (Get Famous)

[EA Forums] As noted above in the Top 5 Fixes, we fixed an issue where Memorial Portraits and Graduation Photos would no longer display a Sim’s image and appear blank. This fix is not retroactive and will not address instances where photos were already missing data, but the fix will prevent this from happening in the future (even in old saves). (University, Life & Death)

Now Available CAS Items!

We fixed four instances where CAS items were being hidden from players, so you’ll now have them available for your enjoyment.

Please note that in today’s update hairs in the Afro Textured CAS category were renamed to Curly. This is a temporary change; our next update in early Feb will have both Curly and Afro Textured hair style tags to make finding the right look easier than ever.

[EA Forums] (yfHair_EP20DoubleDutchBraid_LightBrown) now properly appears brown, rather than being an exact copy of the Light Blonde variant. (Adventure Awaits)

[EA Forums] The (cuBody_EP20RashGuard_LogoNavy) variant is no longer missing. (Adventure Awaits)

The (EP14BangsMedium) hair (and all variants) are now also available for Child Sims. (Horse Ranch)

While investigating an issue with the Toddler Makeup category, we discovered the (puMakeupFacepaint_EP19Floral) asset was hidden, and we have unlocked it for your use. (Enchanted by Nature)

General Bug Fixes

We addressed a handful of other important issues that were quickly rising, particularly problematic, or easy fixes to get in.

Base Game

[EA Forums] We addressed a rather significant issue where Away Actions at work were causing Sims to never receive Need gains while at work or school due to a change that was made during Adventure Awaits to how Away Actions at work function.

We fixed an additional bug pertaining to this where Toddler and Infant Needs will now increase while at Daycare properly. Bladder, Hunger, Energy, and Attention should receive large increases, Fun a small but tapering increase, and Hygiene no increase.

[EA Forums] We addressed an issue where the “Fight” interaction was available on all Sims, even if they had a positive relationship. Now, it should only appear if the Sims have a negative relationship.

Seasons

[EA Forums] Sims will no longer sometimes die of overheating while wearing the correct clothing. Blame the ghosts: this bug was due to the Overheating Ghost type and the aura they emanate.

[EA Forums] In a previous patch we addressed an issue where sand sculptures were auto-generating on beaches when it rained a lot. We’re submitting the remaining portions of this fix to ensure it’s now fully fixed in all cases.

Growing Together

[EA Forums] We’ve addressed an issue where it was difficult to unlock the Pull to Stand Milestone. The problem is that Infants need to be near certain specific objects to pull themselves up for the first time, but this is never indicated to the player and sometimes infants aren’t located near these objects. They can still unlock this Milestone as they could previously, but to address the concerns with this not being obvious in many cases, we’ve added a greyed out interaction and hovertip that directs the player to place the Infant in the Crib. While in the crib, the Infant can pull themselves to a stand, and (as an additional option) we’ve added a new interaction to Infant Sims in the crib to pull themselves up once they are ready to unlock the Milestone. This interaction is available on the Infant Sim when the Infant is the Active Sim.

Business & Hobbies

[EA Forums] We fixed an issue where Small Business Employees were leaving early (only 2-3 hours after opening) if a business was 5-Star and selected customer criteria was supervised customer only. Now, all hired employees should stay on a small business lot while it is open.

Adventure Awaits

[EA Forums] (yfTop_EP20VNeckTee) no longer has a visible seam on the shoulder when worn by Sims downloaded from the Gallery.

[EA Forums] Imaginary Friends will no longer reset and disappear from the Relationship Panel after returning from another lot.

[EA Forums] Custom Venues will now save Roles and Schedules with a custom role containing a Romantic Orientation criteria. This issue was resulting in a case of Save Corruption as well that was addressed and is noted above in that section.

Werewolves

[EA Forums] We fixed an issue where Werewolf offspring of Werewolves had black textures and no pelts upon aging to Teen. Our fix should apply a texture to any Werewolf Sim who is lacking one upon entering CAS and should address old instances of this occurring.

Multiple

[EA Forums] We fixed all reports of the camera being obstructed by trees in Gallery preview views of lots.

[EA Forums] Maids and Butlers will now once again try to mop puddles instead of vacuuming them fruitlessly for hours. We assure you they were trying their best, and we appreciate your patience with them.

CAS & Build Mode Tagging Updates

We had the opportunity to address a large swath of simpler tagging bugs, making CAS and Build Mode sorting more accurate overall. The Lump of Clay (Base Game) and Stack ‘o Books (Cats & Dogs) objects also acquired some new gameplay functionality. Here are related issues we fixed:

Base Game

Lump of Clay now sorts as a Kids Activity and also sorts in the Creative Skills Section. It has also been updated to provide Creativity Skill gain for Children Sims.

The In Full Bloom Centerpiece is now sorted as an Indoor Plant.

Wedding Pillar with Floral Basket is now sorted as an Indoor Plant.

(sitDining_EF07IRN02), (sitDiningIRN_01), and (SitDiningGENChess) now sort under Outdoor Seating and will filter for Park venues.

The Men’s Shoe Rack and Women’s Show Rack objects now sort under the Storage Misc Category.

The Bonsai Tree now sorts as an Indoor Plant.

PenguinVision Children’s Television Set now sorts as a Kids Activity.

(yfHair_EP08BraidedPonyTail)  now sorts as Afro-Textured.

(cfHair_SP10ShortPinCurlLoose) now sorts as Wavy.

(yfHair_EF90WaveMedium) now sorts as Wavy.

(yfHair_EF90FiveFivePerm) now sorts as Straight for all ages.

(yfHair_EF03TragicClown) now sorts as Straight.

The (pmHair_SP12TightCurls) hairstyle now also appears as a Feminine Fashion Choice.

(cuTop_Shirt) now properly sorts as a Button up instead of a T-Shirt.

Get to Work

(cfHair_EP01BraidsBunSide) now sorts as Afro-Textured.

Cats & Dogs

The Stack ‘o Books object now sorts as a bookshelf, and it is also now functional as a bookshelf.

Outdoor Patio Piece now counts as a Picnic Table.

(ymHair_EP04Pompadour) now sorts as Wavy.

(yfHair_EP04CurlyLongMiddlePart) now sorts as Wavy.

(yfHair_EP04LowLoopWavy) now sorts as Straight.

(cmHair_EP04WavyHawkDetail) now sorts as Afro-Textured.

Seasons

The Bow-tiful Candlelight is now properly sorted in the Off the Grid Lighting Category.

Island Living

(yfHair_EP07FlowerCrown) now sorts as Straight.

Cottage Living

(pfBottom_EP11ShortsDrawstring) was moved from the Cropped category and into the Shorts sub-category.

(cfBody_EP11Jumpsuit) was moved from the Short Dresses to Jumpsuits sub-category for sorting.

All (EP11CurlyBun) hairstyles now sort as Wavy for all age groups.

Horse Ranch

All three Horse Ranch facial hairs have been sorted into their respective Beards and Moustache sub-categories.

Eco Lifestyle

(yfHair_EP09CurlyBun) now sorts as Wavy.

(yfHair_EP09BunFade) now sorts as Straight.

Snowy Escape

The Komorebi Shrubbery no longer sorts as an Indoor Plant.

The Lantern in a Paper Cylinder and Stone Tōrō Lantern lights are now properly sorted into the Off the Grid Lighting Category.

The (EP10ShortBuzzed) hairstyle is now consistently tagged between all age groups.

(yfHair_EP10LongBraidedWavy) now sorts as Afro-Textured.

(EP10LongBraidedWavyHighlight) now sorts as Afro-Textured.

(yfHair_EP10LongBraidPony) now sorts as Straight.

(EP10BunBangs) now sorts as Straight.

Growing Together

The (EP13LongBraids) hair now sorts consistently across all age groups.

(EP13WavyMed) now sorts as Straight for all age groups.

Lovestruck

Makeup from Lovestruck will now appear for Cold and Hot Weather Outfits as an option.

The Elongated Zebra Pothos Plant now sorts as an Indoor Plant.

Business & Hobbies

(ymHat_EP18Beanie) now sorts as a Brimless Hat.

(yfHair_EP18_SlickBun) now sorts under Updo and Medium Length Hair.

(yfHair_EP18Hattie) now sorts as a Long Length Hair.

(yfHair_EP18FingerCurls) now sorts as an Updo.

Spa Day

The Foot Illumination System and Foot Illumination Corner Edition lights have been added to sort in the Lighting Category in Build Mode.

Parenthood

The Hanging Lights – long length and Hanging Lights – short length lights have been added to sort in the Lighting Category in Build Mode.

Jungle Adventures

(yfHair_GP06ShortPony2Tone) will now appear for Male and Female Sims for both fashion choice options.

Realm of Magic

The following lights will now be properly sorted in the Off the Grid Lighting Category:

Light of the Marasenna

Sconce For Little Light

Totally Lit Bug Light

Dream Home Decorator

(cuBottom_GP10Shorts) were removed from the Skirts sub-category, added to the Shorts sub-category, and also added as a Hot Weather option.

Holiday Celebration Pack

The String of Snowflakes lights have been added to sort in the Lighting Category in Build Mode.

Movie Hangout

(SP05LongBraidCurled_DirtyBlonde) is now sorted as Wavy for all age groups.

Moschino

The Photo Drape, Fashion Studio Backdrop Curved, and Fashion Studio Backdrop Straight objects have been added to the Creative sub-category in Build Mode’s Activity and Skills category.

Paranormal

(SP18AngleBootsToeOpen) now sort as Wedges.

Little Campers

We fixed a text error where the Light My Way to the Moon Lamp object had a “Functional Off-the-Grid 10” typo error.

The Light My Way to the Moon Lamp has been sorted into the Off the Grid Lighting Category.

Goth Galore

All makeup from Goth Galore  will now appear for Cold and Hot Weather Outfits as an option.

Autumn Apparel

[EA Forums] The (ymBottom_SP69PantsLong) now sort as a Masculine Fashion Choice.

Continue

[thesims4blogger]

New Teaser: The Sims 4 “Royalty & Legacy” Announcement Trailer

EA has just released a teaser for the upcoming The Sims 4 Royalty and Legacy Expansion Pack. The announcement trailer comes out this Thursday, January 15th.

[thesims4blogger]

Free Content: The Sims Partners Up with Coach

The Sims has just announced a new partnership with fashion and accessories brand Coach. Unlike the Moschino collab in 2019, this one will come as free content on tomorrow’s game update.

Read the annoucement blog post below.

The Coach Collection, featuring nine new items, drops for free in The Sims 4 on January 13, 2026, giving your Sims’ style the upgrade you didn’t see coming.

Expect wearable staples, bold statement pieces, and décor with that signature Coach polish, bringing everyday luxury to Create a Sim and Build Buy.

Here’s what’s available to everyone in the base game:

Everything about this collaboration celebrates what Coach and The Sims share: creativity, individuality, inclusivity and a sense of play.

Now let’s take a look at how Coach’s iconic craftsmanship meets The Sims’ unmistakenable flair.

Sims. in Coach.

In typical Coach fashion, these new CAS items provide practical luxury to casual looks, evening wear and everything in between. So, whether your Sim is lounging around the house or attending a party, they’re bound to turn heads.

Accessories You Live With

For Simmers who believe accessories make the outfit and the room, new decor items bring timeless elegance into any home. The renowned Coach trunk is a work of art and a signature Build Buy centerpiece, while the Coach Tabby and Brooklyn Bags will transform rooms into chic expressions of personal style.

Show off your stylish pieces with the In The Bag room, a space where flair meets Simlish magic. Available for download in The Sims 4 Gallery, this room was intricately designed to showcase Coach bags and trunks, and offers a space for Coachies to dress up and live out their fashion fantasies.

The Carriage House

Welcome to the Carriage House, where friendship, ambition and fashion-forward chaos coexist under one stylish roof. Meet the roommates who wear their confidence like its custom-tailored:

Download The Carriage House and the In The Bag build in The Sims 4 Gallery, and show us your looks with #CoachxTheSims.

The Coach Collection will be available in The Sims 4 on January 13, 2026!

Because in The Sims, great style isn’t worn, it’s built.

[thesims4blogger]

The Sims 4 “Royalty & Legacy” Expansion Pack to Be Announced This Week

After a few rumours surrounding The Sims 4 next Expansion Pack, various people on the EA Creator Network have received a digital letter from EA regarding its announcement. That will happen this Thursday, January 15th.

Brazilian website Sims Time was the first one to report it, followed by many others on social media, like Cinderellimouse. You can see the expanded image, with the English version, below.

According to rumours, the expansion pack will come with three different kingdoms, on of them based in Africa. Players also expect more Princess Cordelia lore coming on the DLC.

We will learn more on Thursday, with an announcement trailer and a blog post.