The Sims 4 is a social simulation game, and like preceding titles in The Sims series, the game is open-ended, with no primary objectives or storyline to complete, instead focusing on creativity and experimentation.[3][4] Players follow and manage the lives of virtual people called "Sims", directing their actions, attending to their "needs", and helping them reach personal goals and desires.[5][4] Players can also engage in goal-oriented gameplay if desired—each Sim has a lifelong aspiration, and dynamically generated "wants and fears" based on current gameplay.[6][4]
Simoleons (§) are the unit of currency in the game, and Sims communicate in a fictional language called Simlish.[7] Sims have six "needs"—hunger, bladder, hygiene, social, fun, and energy—that deplete throughout the in-game day and are replenished through various household items and furniture; for example, Sims can take a shower if hygiene is low or cook food if hunger is low.[4][8] Sims primarily make money by getting a job and improve their job performance by developing "skills"; for example, a Sim in the Culinary career needs to develop their Cooking and Mixology skills.[9] A variety of cheats are available, such as those for unlimited money or unlocking hidden gameplay options.[10][11]
Optional paid downloadable content (DLC) packs add new gameplay features, objects, worlds, and clothing to the game.[12] Additionally, the macOS and Windows versions of The Sims 4 support extensive modding; fan-designed cosmetic items, such as hairstyles, makeup, clothing, and furniture, known as custom content (CC), can be installed for use in the game.[13][14][15][16]
