In this post, you can check all Sims 4 game packs ranked from worst to best, so you can see which ones are worth your money.
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By now, The Sims 4 has accumulated more DLCs than we can keep track of. The number of Expansion Packs, Game Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits is quite large, and growing larger all the time. Simmers generally like the releases of game packs, simply because they give a good amount of content for their price ($19.99USD). However, you shouldn’t buy all game packs just because. In this post, you can check all Sims 4 game packs ranked from worst to best, so you can see which ones are worth your money.
When it comes to choosing the single best game pack, though, we have to consider many options. Some game packs have more content than others, and some game packs have much more interesting stories/themes than others. So, we’re going to look at everything each pack has to offer, and even if you don’t agree with our rankings we hope the information shared here will leave you more confident in which game packs are best for you!
What is a Game Pack, Anyway?
Since there are so many different “pack” types for the game these days, it can be confusing understanding the differences between each type. Here’s a quick summary:
- Expansion Packs are the largest type of packs for the Sims 4 and include major new gameplay elements, CAS items, Build/Buy objects, and (with the exception of Seasons) a whole new world. Most of the time expansion packs will add something new that completely changes how you play the game.
- Game Packs are similar to expansion packs but tend to be smaller with less content and are focused on a much tighter, more specific theme. Instead of getting new gameplay, content, and worlds, game packs typically focus on one or two of those main elements with supplemental content elsewhere.
- Stuff Packs are packs…of stuff! They will primarily aim at CAS and Buy/Build content and may include new gameplay by way of a new object or two, in a much smaller scale than game or expansion packs.
- Kits are the smallest type of new content for the Sims 4 and typically have a very small number of new items added. They usually feature new CAS items or new Build/Buy items, not both. Bust the Dust is, to date, the only kit to offer a new gameplay element.
Which Sims 4 Game Packs Ranked the Highest?
There are currently 12 game packs for The Sims 4. Luckily that means there’s a lot to choose from, so you can pick the DLC that’s perfect for you. Here’s how we rated them, and why:
12. My Wedding Stories
This game pack brings multiple new facets to the wedding system in The Sims 4, from new roles for guests (such as the Sim of Honor), to more wedding cake options, to new activities you can choose from to be performed at your sim’s wedding.
Why you should skip this game pack: As much fun as this game pack sounds, upon launch it was plagued with bugs and issues and a majority of the included content didn’t work as it should. Since then the pack has had several updates which make it perform better, but it still can’t shake the reputation of being such a disastrous product at release. For many players this was the DLC release that turned them off to preordering The Sims 4 content moving forward.
You might enjoy this game pack if: If you play with weddings a lot and want more options for what kinds of attire, traditions, venues, etc. you can have this pack will prove useful to you, especially if you’re after more cultural representation in wedding ceremonies. It’s also got a nice collection of formal wear for sims of all ages.
11. Journey to Batuu
The Journey to Batuu game pack is the official crossover between Sims 4 and Star Wars, after EA purchased game studios responsible for prior Star Wars tie-ins thereby giving them exclusive rights to make Star Wars games for the foreseeable future. It came out in 2020 and it allowed us to explore the galaxy beyond our own.
Why you should skip this game pack: The announcement of this game pack drew a lot of ire from fans who are frustrated with the megalithic hold EA has on the gaming industry, and for players who want The Sims 4 to remain in its own universe. Players who were enthused about the pack initially shared disappointment that the “aliens” were all just regular sims in special cosmetics, and how much of the pack was just rabbit holes and set pieces.
You might enjoy this game pack if: If you’re a massive Star Wars nerd you’ll love running into familiar characters and locations while exploring Batuu. The area is quite pretty to look at, and your sims will have a blast choosing sides and making their very own droid or light saber! It’s also got a very unique aesthetic that can be appreciated whether you’re into Star Wars or not.
10. Outdoor Retreat
Outdoor Retreat was the first game pack released for The Sims 4 and it brought us the first vacation world destination for the game as well. This pack focuses on camping and outdoor activities, like collecting insects, foraging, herbalism, and more.
Why you should skip this game pack: If you’re from Australia or New Zealand you might remember the controversy behind the pricing of this DLC, which was significantly higher than in other countries. That in itself is enough to put certain players off of this pack.
On a more personal note, I’ve had this game pack since it launched and after all this time I have to say, I barely use it. As someone who spent a lot of time camping in their youth it feels like the game pack is lacking in a lot of ways, especially in activities for your sims. I would have liked to see swimming in rivers enabled, crafting activities for younger sims with things they find (like leaves, pine cones, etc.), and more things to do in Granite Falls.
You might enjoy this game pack if: If you have sims that are the outdoorsy types, they’ll enjoy spending time in Granite Falls. It’s a good pack for collectible junkies (the insect terrariums make for perfect decor in a child’s bedroom or classroom), and the Herbalism skill is nifty for sims who live a more nature-focused lifestyle or for Spellcasters that want even more concoctions to create. Since Granite Falls is a vacation world you can also use it as a space for builds that might not fit elsewhere, or overwrite it completely for a new experience!
9. Dine Out
Dine Out brought restaurants to the game that your sims can visit or even run themselves, giving players a 2-for-1 deal. There are new experimental foods your sims can serve and learn to make and limitless options on what kind of menu you want your restaurant(s) to have.
Why you should skip this game pack: Like My Wedding Stories, this game pack didn’t run very smoothly at launch and to this day hasn’t been fully fixed. The dining out experience can take excruciatingly long to the point that your sims should arrive at the restaurant already full, because by the time their meals come out they might starve to death from the wait! There is also a disappointing lack of restaurant-specific socials—for example, in The Sims 2: Hot Date there were special socials like “playing footsie” under the table or proposing marriage over a meal.
You might enjoy this game pack if: If you want more community lot types for sims to gather, a restaurant is a good place for dates or get-togethers. It’s also a great option if you enjoy management-type mechanics like the Retail system from Get To Work. Some of the issues from launch have been updated so the game pack is more playable now, so if you’ve wanted it for a while it’s the best time to give it a try.
8. Spa Day
As the name would suggest this game pack brings Spas to your sims. The main focus of the pack surrounds Wellness, introducing things like massages, Yoga, saunas, and the like along with several Wellness-adjacent Aspirations.
Why you should skip this game pack: The Spa experience is a bit niche and not something every player is familiar with, so if Wellness concepts aren’t your cup of tea you’ll be pretty bored with this pack.
You might enjoy this game pack if: Spa Day holds a distinction in the realm of The Sims 4 game packs in that it was the first one to get a proper refresh that added even more content, making it an appealing pack when it comes to monetary value. Facial masks, manicures, and pedicures were not part of the initial launch but bring more useful concepts to the pack, giving your sims even more things to do. The incense burners that come with Spa Day are a nifty way to quickly change multiple sims’ moods at once, and several of the items incorporate well into the base game Gym lots.
7. Dream Home Decorator
Dream Home Decorator enables your sims to pursue the Interior Decorator career, which is an Active gig-based career type. Sims will find gigs/clients and do renovations to their home based on input from those clients, and their reputation will fly or fall depending on how well they do. It also finally gives us sectional couches!
Why you should skip this game pack: You’ve heard it before, but the mechanics of this game pack don’t always function properly. Your sim travels to the client’s lot to perform the renovation but a number of issues can pop up, such as your sim immediately leaving or the gig not registering as Completed when you’re done. There was a visual bug with the sectionals in that they wouldn’t light properly, and the color scheme leaves a lot to be desired.
You might enjoy this game pack if: If you love the Build/Buy aspects of The Sims 4 and want them incorporated into Live mode, this pack is the way to go. It gives you the chance to makeover prebuilt lots, and we all know that EA has some real doozies in that regard! Plus, it’s another Freelance Career option which is perfect if you like to play sims outside the typical “9-5” job. And even if the swatches are dull, finally having sectional couches is awesome. Also, the CAS offerings in this game pack are some of the better ones in my opinion.
More on SNOOTYSIMS: Want better looking sectional couches? Here’s a few CC options to get you started.
6. Jungle Adventure
Travel to the land of Selvadorada for a beautiful vacation or venture into the jungle in search of artifacts and adventure. Learn about the culture, explore forgotten places, and maybe even find a shiny trinket to bring home with you. Just make sure you have bug spray and a machete!
Why we think it’s great: This game pack has got so much content in it compared to some of the others, making it appealing for many types of players. Selvadorada is another vacation world but unlike Granite Falls it offers lots to do with ways to enjoy the destination no matter who your sims are. They can relax in a beautiful vacation rental and enjoy learning the Selvadoradian Culture Skill, trying authentic local foods, and shopping for souvenirs. If they’re more adventurous though, there’s a whole jungle to explore with hidden paths, unexpected surprises, artifacts they can extract and authenticate with the Archeology Skill, and even a secret temple tucked away in the wilderness!
It would be even better if: Because a lot of the gameplay elements are tied to Selvadorada, to get the full experience you’ll have to send your sim on vacation which can be an inconvenience depending on the life they live. Some of the gameplay elements require multiple visits to the location, and this can be tedious if you have multiple things going on in your Household or you don’t have a lot of simoleons to spend. For me personally, there was a bug in my game that made it so certain gear items never show up for sale, making adventuring into the jungle much harder/near impossible so I don’t play the location as often as I would otherwise.
5. Parenthood
With the Parenthood game pack, sims now have more control over what kind of people their children will grow up to be. Using the Parenting Skill to guide them, parents can influence characteristics of their kids by encouraging or discouraging certain behaviors, being strict or laid-back disciplinarians, and spending quality time with the rest of their family.
Why we think it’s great: Although the pack focuses on parenthood, it brings more to younger sims as well. New behaviors, phases, and attitudes can appear in your kids and the way they grow up actually holds some weight on who they are as adults. The Buy/Build content has a more “homey” feel that blends well with content from other DLCs, and there are several new objects that families can use together.
It would be even better if: While there are new school projects that sims can work on as a family, we really wish there were even more options for activities that could be done as a group. Family games or crafting activities, for example. This would have also been a great pack to add more keepsake items to, such as photo albums, stamped hand or footprints, report cards, etc.
4. Realm of Magic
Realm Of Magic lets your sims become Spellcasters (the TS4 equivalent to witches/wizards/warlocks) with several disciplines of magic they can follow. Sims can practice on their own, or seek help from a magical Sage to hone their craft. Create potions, cast spells, and have magical duels with your trusty wand in hand!
Why we think it’s great: There are a lot of different ways that your sims can integrate magic into their daily lives, offering a great incentive for them to become the best Spellcasters they can be. The theming of this game pack is fantastic, marrying ethereal and edgy styles together quite well, and the stained glass doors and windows are some of the best that have ever been put out for The Sims 4.
It would be even better if: Unfortunately the world of Glimmerbrook leaves a lot to be desired, having only 4 lots with 3 of them already built upon. In fact, one of the prebuilt homes that comes with the pack has stairs and a back porch that lead to nowhere!
The Magic Realm concept is neat and the area is very pretty, but most of it is just set dressing and your sims can’t do anything with it. There’s a gorgeous abandoned greenhouse that your sims can’t even go into! We just wish that there was more substance to the world, considering how enchanting and mysterious it is.
3. Vampires
We’re not sure what it is, but there is a weird almost supernatural hold on simmers when it comes to Vampires. They were first introduced to the franchise in The Sims 2 Nightlife and since then, have been the most popular Occult type in the series.
Why we think it’s great: For starters, the theming here is on point. Even if you never play with a Vampire, the Buy/Build content is perfect for making spooky, haunted, dilapidated builds and much of it can be used well outside the context of vamps. CAS content toes that line between sinister and sexy, a common trope for modern Vampires, and although small the new world of Forgotten Hollow gets an A+ for atmosphere. The path to mastering a Vampire’s powers is vast, helping each one feel like their own entity and not just another generic bloodsucker.
It would be even better if: Vampires can be buggy and stupid just as much as the next sim, but in their own unique ways. They might walk into the sun autonomously, hurting or even killing themselves. They may try to show up and break into homes where you don’t want them, and occasionally there’s a bug where a sim won’t properly Turn. Cross-pack compatibility could be improved; University students who are Vampires risk burning up when they attend classes or presentations, for example.
2. Werewolves
Although we just said that Vampires are the most popular Occult, we’ve ranked the Werewolves game pack a step higher due to the demand players had for them to finally show up in The Sims 4. It took about 8 years to finally get them to join the ranks of the TS4 Occult and as of this writing, it’s the most recent game pack so there’s still some “newness” to the DLC.
Why we think it’s great: The Sims 4 team did a good job of stuffing this pack with content to keep it interesting for players. Werewolves aren’t just single-minded creatures, there are different behaviors they can unlock and different Packs they can join. Not to mention, this DLC is full of lore for not just Werewolves, but all other Occults as well! It adds a new element of history to the Occults of The Sims 4, and brings a sense of mystery and adventure for your sims to explore.
If you like grunge vibes, the CAS and Buy/Build mode content is sure to please!
It would be even better if: Not everybody loves the new design for Werewolves. The biggest complaint is that they lack tails but they also have human-shaped legs instead of the type of anatomy you’d expect a canine to have, such as a hock joint where the leg bends backward instead of forwards. Essentially, they look more like furries than they do wolves.
Although there is lore for all Occult types in this game pack, the crosspack compatibility could be improved upon. For example, there is a Werewolf sim named Lily Zhu who is an ancient cousin of the Vatore siblings from the Vampires game pack, but if you have both game packs there’s no relationship that exists between any of them.
1. StrangerVille
StrangerVille brought a unique element to The Sims 4 in that there was an actual goal to achieve as part of the game pack, which can be reset and replayed any time you want. The small town of StrangerVille has been overrun by a mysterious affliction which causes the Possessed residents to shuffle around creepily, muttering nonsensical lines about “The Mother.” Nearly every life and Occult state is susceptible to Posession, and it’s up to your sims to unravel the mystery and cure the town of its peculiar condition.
Why we think it’s great: Though one of the biggest appeals of The Sims 4 and its predecessors is the open-ended nature of it all, adding the storyline element to this pack brings a fresh new way to enjoy the game while not tying you to it. If you don’t want to play the story and keep StrangerVille weird, you can! Or you can play through it and reset it once you’re done so you get the full experience while still enjoying the zaniness of it all.
Like Realm of Magic, the StrangerVille game pack brings some gorgeous stained glass windows and doors that I also consider top-tier in terms of quality content. The Buy/Build mode cohesiveness is pretty tight, and the weirdness of the world makes it feel totally unique. It’s got that quirkiness that made us first fall in love with the franchise.
It would be even better if: It’s a very fun story but I think there was a bit of a missed opportunity in regards to Bella Goth. If you’re not familiar with her backstory, in the canon version of The Sims timeline she was abducted by aliens and eventually turned up in a place called Strangetown with no memory of her past. Although The Sims 4 takes place on an alternate timeline, it would have been a great throwback for long-term players to see her alluded to in this world.
As much as we love the Buy/Build content CAS isn’t as strong with this one, with some pieces being quite versatile while others are, well, strange. The story is fun to play but at certain points it can feel a bit tedious, especially if something bugs out. And finally, the ██████ Lab could have had more added to it to up the suspense, as it’s empty when your sim explores it thus limiting the amount of peril and intrigue the player might feel. Crosspack play with Aliens would have been cool, too.
Final Thoughts
With how much DLC is out there for The Sims 4, it can be overwhelming deciding what content to play with. Luckily though you don’t need to own every pack to enjoy the game, and with the variety of options available it’s easy to configure TS4 into the type of game you want to play. Using our rankings, hopefully it’s easier to decide which game packs are worth it to you. Grab one or two during a sale for even more bang for your buck!
Were The Sims 4 game packs ranked how you might expect? What would you change for your own rankings? Let us know in the comments!