Sims 4 Decades Challenge Unveiled: Time-Bending Gameplay Incoming

Embark on a nostalgic journey through time with the Sims 4 Decades Challenge! This engaging community-created challenge lets your Sims experience life across different eras, adding a unique layer of complexity to gameplay. This guide will walk you through the rules and gameplay mechanics.

Challenge Overview and Rules:

The Decades Challenge spans from 1890 to 2010 (or 2020, depending on your preference), with each two in-game days representing a new year. Automatic aging is disabled, and life expectancy is adjusted based on historical trends: Sims born before 1950 have shorter lifespans than those born afterward. Begin with a single young adult Sim or a married couple, optionally including parents for a multi-generational household. Costumes should reflect the era. Certain locations (Strangerville, Del Sol Valley before the 1950s, and Sulani) are restricted for added realism. Technology use is limited to specific decades; phones are permitted for essential gameplay functions, but not for leisure until appropriate. Job choices should align with the historical context.

Life Expectancy Guidelines:

• Before 1950:

  • Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months)
  • Toddler: Ages after 3 days (2 years)
  • Child: Ages after 8 days (6 years)
  • Teen: Ages after 14 days (13 years)
  • Young Adult: Ages after 26 days (32 years)
  • Adult: Ages after 36 days (50 years)
  • Elder: Dies after ~14 days (around 60 years)

• After 1950:

  • Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months)
  • Toddler: Ages after 3 days (2 years)
  • Child: Ages after 8 days (6 years)
  • Teen: Ages after 14 days (13 years)
  • Young Adult: Ages after 32 days (35 years)
  • Adult: Ages after 60 days (65 years)
  • Elder: Dies after ~56 days (around 90 years)

Decade-Specific Rules (Summary):

For detailed rules, consult Cute Coffee Gal's comprehensive guide. Here's a brief overview of each decade's unique challenges:

• 1890s: Male heirs only; daughters with the Creative trait move out upon marriage; no WooHoo, only "try for baby"; home births; period-appropriate jobs; limited technology; elementary school mandatory. Begin growing a Cow Plant.

• 1900s: Lamps allowed; indoor plumbing, no showers; other 1890s rules apply; phonographs permitted.

• 1910s: WWI draft for male teens, young adults, and adults; Cow Plant cake consumption; mandatory high school (C average or higher); women in manual labor jobs.

• 1920s: Female heirs allowed; no alcohol (Prohibition).

• 1930s: Kegs allowed at university; Great Depression (job loss, limited meals).

• 1940s: WWII draft; victory garden required; radio listening mandatory; teens can hold part-time jobs.

• 1950s: Korean War draft; showers and cheap TVs allowed; phones for calls.

• 1960s: Vietnam War draft; college major choice unrestricted; maternity leave.

• 1970s: Vietnam War draft; microwaves and dishwashers allowed; food delivery.

• 1980s: Gaming allowed; at least one Sim in a business career; science babies; hospital births.

• 1990s: Laptops allowed; Y2K shelter building required.

• 2000s: Computer and phone restrictions lifted (except Trendi); home or hospital births.

• 2010s: Journalism disallowed; same-sex marriage allowed; all part-time work allowed.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge offers a rich and rewarding gameplay experience, blending historical context with the familiar mechanics of The Sims 4. While the Eco Lifestyle pack enhances the experience, the challenge can be adapted to suit your existing game content. Enjoy your historical adventure!

The Sims 4 is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.