Catherine HuSummary: In this article, we’ll rank the best Sims 4 expansion packs and show you how to get free mods using Xmod.
Looking to enhance your Sims 4 experience?
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 20 Sims 4 expansion packs, ranked by features and value, and help you choose the best one for your playstyle.
Plus, learn how to get free mods for Sims 4 using Xmod to further customize your gameplay!
Table of Contents
- What Are Sims 4 Expansion Packs?
- 20 Best Sims Expansion Packs Ranked
- Which Sims 4 Expansion Pack Is Better
- How to Get Free Mods for Sims 4 By Using Xmod?
- Conclusion
What Are Sims 4 Expansion Packs?
Sims 4 expansion packs are official content additions to the base game that introduce new features, gameplay mechanics, locations, and life stages, expanding the overall experience and offering more depth and variety to the game.
20 Best Sims Expansion Packs Ranked
Here are 20 of the best Sims 4 expansion packs you might want to check out.
1.The Sims 4: High School Years
Released: 2022
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
High School Years promised an immersive teen experience—attending classes, joining clubs, crushing on classmates, and dancing at prom. But in reality, it feels shallow and repetitive. The novelty wears off quickly, with scripted moments that lose their charm after just a few in-game days. Prom every Friday? Talking about your crush nonstop? It quickly becomes tedious. Plus, the pack sidesteps the real emotional rollercoaster of adolescence—acne, awkwardness, identity. There’s potential here, but it’s glossed over. While visually appealing and packed with style, this expansion ultimately fails to capture the depth and chaos of actual teenage life.
2.The Sims 4: Island Living
Released: 2019
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
The Sims 4: Island Living whisks your Sims away to Sulani, a serene Polynesian-inspired paradise where they can live sustainably, explore marine life, or even become mermaids. Relaxation is key here, with sunbathing, beach parties, and dolphin encounters enriching the island lifestyle. With beautiful festivals, jet skiing, and stunning ocean views, this expansion offers a much-needed change of pace. It’s not as structured as other packs, but the unique vibe and cultural elements create a refreshing, laid-back experience for players seeking escapism and beauty.
3.The Sims 4: Get Together
Released: 2015
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Despite the charm of Windenburg—a beautifully designed world—Get Together feels like an overpriced expansion. The core feature, club creation, sounds exciting in theory: you can design groups, set their rules, and even build a cult-like following. But in practice, the gameplay falls flat. The clubs lack real depth, and interactions quickly become repetitive. Maybe it’s the introvert in me, but I found little joy in the forced socializing. Honestly, many of the features feel like they could’ve been part of a free update or smaller game pack. A visually appealing but ultimately forgettable expansion.
4.The Sims 4: Horse Ranch
Released: July 21, 2023
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Horse Ranch invites your Sim to dive into ranch life, from breeding and rescuing horses to managing a working homestead. While you can also raise mini goats and sheep, the true stars here are the horses. Building a bond and training them for competition adds depth, though the appeal is admittedly niche. The rustic, Western-inspired items limit versatility for builders, but where this pack really shines is Chestnut Ridge—the expansive, scenic world full of charm and detail. It may not be for everyone, but for those who love the equestrian lifestyle, this is a dream come true.
5.The Sims 4: Get Famous
Released: 2018
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Get Famous propels your Sims into the spotlight with the new Del Sol Valley world and fame-based careers like acting and streaming. Climb from obscurity to stardom, unlocking perks—and flaws—along the way. Whether filming on set, attending glitzy parties, or managing fans, fame affects nearly every aspect of your Sim’s life. Though Del Sol Valley is a smaller world, the fame system is rich and integrates seamlessly into the base game. This pack is essential for players who love storytelling, aspiration gameplay, or just the glamorous chaos of celebrity life.
6.The Sims 4: Lovestruck
Released: July 25, 2024
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Lovestruck dives deep into the world of romance, bringing much-needed nuance to The Sims’ relationship mechanics. It introduces turn-ons and turn-offs, a revamped blind date system, and even online dating—all of which make forming connections feel more organic. There’s also a new world to explore, alongside themed furniture and clothing that leans into romantic, often theatrical aesthetics. Whether you’re exploring polyamory, navigating jealousy with clear boundaries, or sending your Sim to therapy to work through emotional baggage, this pack adds layers to romantic gameplay that were long overdue. For players who love storytelling through relationships, Lovestruck is a game-changer.
7.The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle
Released: 2020
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Eco Lifestyle encourages sustainable living with systems that let your choices visibly change the environment. Introduced in Evergreen Harbor, the new Eco Footprint mechanic influences smog levels, greenery, and even neighborhood behavior. With upcycling, candle-making, and eco-focused careers, this pack offers unique ways to live green. Neighborhood Action Plans let your Sims and their neighbors vote on initiatives, creating a dynamic, community-driven experience. From solar panels to dumpster diving, it’s one of the most interactive and socially conscious expansions—perfect for players who want their Sims to reflect real-world values.
8.The Sims 4: Life and Death
Released: 2024
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Life and Death dives into the profound and supernatural aspects of the Sims experience. Whether planning funerals, exploring family legacies, or joining the Grim Reaper’s ranks, this expansion balances realism with dark fantasy. New features include becoming a mortician, interacting with ghosts who can remain in the household, and even owning a pet crow. The expansion blends gothic storytelling with new careers, build items, and emotional depth. Life and Death stands out for its thematic richness and flexibility, making it ideal for both storytellers and occult fans alike.
9.The Sims 4: Businesses & Hobbies
Released: March 6, 2025
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
This expansion adds home-run businesses with the new Small Business Residential lot type, offering more flexibility than the old retail system. Sims can now master tattooing and pottery, both as hobbies and careers, with new tools for customization. Hobbies overall are more social, with classes, mentoring, and events. Set in the Nordic-inspired world of Nordhaven, the pack blends creative gameplay with cozy aesthetics.
10.The Sims 4: For Rent
Released: December 7, 2023
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
For Rent transforms housing gameplay by letting you create and manage rental units, from single rooms to full buildings with up to six homes. You can be a landlord anywhere, not just in the new, Southeast Asia-inspired world. It also includes vibrant community events, cultural decor, and stylish clothing that bring a complete and flexible living experience.
11.The Sims 4: Parenthood
Released: May 30, 2017
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The Sims 4: Parenthood expands the family dynamics in the game by adding deeper interactions and features for both parents and children. The expansion focuses on parenting, with new gameplay elements like raising children with different personalities, shaping their character values, and helping them develop into well-rounded individuals. Sims can also get involved in their children’s school life, attend parent-teacher conferences, and more. The pack adds a variety of new interactions, clothing, and décor for family-oriented gameplay, making family life feel more interactive and rewarding.
12.The Sims 4: Cottage Living
Released: 2021
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Cottage Living transports Sims to Henford-on-Bagley, a charming countryside village where life revolves around farming, animals, and community. You can grow oversized crops, raise chickens, cows, and llamas, and even befriend wild foxes and rabbits. With a strong cottagecore aesthetic, the expansion feels like a cozy break from modern city life. Completing village errands, attending fairs, and embracing a “simple living” lot challenge adds rewarding complexity. Though unexpected for some, this pack offers a delightful change of pace, blending wholesome rural life with fairytale charm. It’s perfect for players seeking relaxation, creativity, and meaningful connections with nature.
13.The Sims 4: Cats and Dogs
Released: 2017
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Cats and Dogs introduces beloved furry companions into your Sims’ lives, letting you adopt or create pets with deeply customizable traits and appearances. You can design the perfect pup or feline friend, dress them up in adorable outfits, and form heartfelt bonds. Each pet has a unique personality that reacts to daily interactions, making them feel like true family members. Additionally, this expansion brings the coastal world of Brindleton Bay and lets your Sim become a veterinarian and run their own clinic. With its charming visuals and emotional depth, this pack is a must-have for animal lovers.
14.The Sims 4: Growing Together
Released: 2023
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Growing Together is a transformative expansion for family-focused gameplay. It deepens Sim relationships with new dynamics, milestones, and personality quirks that evolve from childhood to adulthood. Infants, a free base game update, come to life with added detail in this pack, from baby showers to first steps. Your choices shape long-term bonds and even trigger midlife crises or family rifts. Treehouses, social compatibility, and intergenerational stories all enrich the Sims’ world. If you’ve been craving meaningful, life-stage-driven gameplay like that in The Sims 3: Generations, Growing Together is your answer—nuanced, heartfelt, and immersive.
15.The Sims 4: Vampires
Released: January 24, 2017
Available on: PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
The Sims 4: Vampires introduces supernatural creatures into the game, allowing your Sims to become vampires with unique abilities and traits. The pack includes a new world, Forgotten Hollow, which features a dark, eerie atmosphere perfect for your vampire Sims. Vampires have their own set of needs, abilities, and interactions, such as turning other Sims into vampires, creating vampire-themed relationships, and mastering dark powers. There are also new items, clothing, and traits specific to the vampire lifestyle, giving a gothic twist to your Sims’ lives.
16.The Sims 4: Seasons
Released: 2018
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Seasons is the most essential Sims 4 expansion, adding dynamic weather, seasonal activities, and an evolving calendar of holidays that influence your Sims’ lives all year round. Rainstorms, heatwaves, snowball fights, and gardening challenges add realism and variety to every world in the game. From celebrating Winterfest with Father Winter to enjoying Spring flings or spooky Fall traditions, each season feels meaningful and full of surprises. The new gardening career and detailed calendar make everyday life more interactive. Though it doesn’t introduce a new world, Seasons touches every aspect of gameplay—making it an indispensable addition for any player.
17.The Sims 4: Snowy Escape
Released: 2020
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Snowy Escape introduces Mt. Komorebi, a gorgeous, Japanese-inspired world perfect for Sims who love the outdoors and cultural immersion. From hiking scenic trails and relaxing in hot springs to mastering extreme sports like skiing and rock climbing, the pack is full of immersive activities. The architecture and aesthetic are stunning, and the festivals add vibrant depth. Still, the world feels somewhat underdeveloped, and the expansion lacks the breadth expected at a full price point. While it sometimes feels unfinished, the cultural richness and visual design make Snowy Escape a solid choice—especially for players drawn to serene, story-driven gameplay.
18.The Sims 4: City Living
Released: 2016
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
City Living swaps the suburbs for high-rise apartments in San Myshuno, a city full of personality, festivals, and diverse districts. It’s a refreshing break from typical Sims neighborhoods, offering karaoke nights, flea markets, and the iconic Spicy Curry Challenge. Apartment life adds challenges like noisy neighbors and landlords, making gameplay feel more dynamic. The pack introduces new careers and social opportunities, giving your Sims an urban lifestyle with real character. Though ranked lower by some, City Living remains a standout expansion for its lively, culture-rich setting and the freedom to live large—or small—in the city.
19.The Sims 4: Discover University
Released: 2019
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Discover University dives deep into adult life and higher education, letting your Sims enroll at Britechester or Foxbury Institute to pursue degrees that shape their careers. Whether you play a straight-A student juggling jobs and classes or a partygoer flunking midterms, this pack adds realism and challenge to your gameplay. The expanded education system and dorm life feel more developed than previous versions. Although university takes time and effort to complete, it adds valuable storytelling depth and adult-focused gameplay. Discover University is ideal for players who enjoy balancing ambition, chaos, and campus drama.
20.The Sims 4: Get to Work
Released: 2015
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Get to Work revolutionizes careers by letting you actively control your Sims at their jobs. Choose from the Doctor, Detective, or Scientist career paths, each with hands-on tasks, promotion goals, and unique settings. The expansion also introduces retail ownership, giving you the freedom to run your own business, from bakeries to boutiques. It adds new realism, like Sims getting sick and needing treatment. While the job-based gameplay can become repetitive, the ability to follow your Sims to work and shape their careers is a major leap forward in immersion. Get to Work remains a fan-favorite for its interactivity and gameplay variety.
Do all those choices make you feel dizzy? Don’t worry—I’ve chosen for you!
Which Sims 4 Expansion Pack Is Better?
If you’re deciding which Sims 4 expansion to get, Seasons, City Living, and Growing Together stand out as must-haves.
- Seasons adds dynamic weather and holidays, giving your game year-round depth and variety.
- City Living offers rich urban life, unique careers, and vibrant festivals in San Myshuno.
- Growing Together deepens family gameplay with milestones and realistic relationships.
Each one adds meaningful systems that keep the game fresh and immersive. Want variety, realism, and long-term playability? Start with these three.
How to Get Free Mods for Sims 4 By Using Xmod?
Looking to upgrade your Sims 4 experience with custom features, cheats, or gameplay tweaks? Xmod is a tool that helps you easily access mods and trainers to personalize your game. Here’s how to use it:
- Download the Xmod app on your device.
xmod download - Open the app and search for The Sims 4.
the sims 4 - Launch the game through Xmod to enable mod compatibility.
- Browse and activate mods directly in Xmod to start customizing your gameplay.
the sims 4 mods
With Xmod, you can unlock new interactions, simplify tasks, or just have more fun building your dream world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, exploring the best Sims 4 expansion packs and utilizing Xmod for free mods can greatly enhance your gameplay experience, offering endless customization and excitement.
