Top 10 Expansion Packs for Enhancing The Sims 4 Experience

With 10 years' worth of packs and DLC, it can be tricky picking out the best Sims 4 expansion packs. However, if you are a player of The Sims 4, then you also know that to get the full experience of this iconic game, you need add-ons.

Simply put, it's the expansion packs that make The Sims 4 one of the best simulation games ever made, so you really can't do without them. However, with over 80 DLCs to get through, hefty price tags, and now 17 expansion packs to choose from with the new release of the Life and Death pack, you may not know where your money is best served. Especially as we need to plan for future expenses given that we aren't getting The Sims 5 anymore, but instead we'll be getting even more The Sims 4 content in the future as well.

We'll worry not; the GamesRadar+ team is here to help. Below, we've considered what expansion packs offer the best value for money in terms of gameplay, Build and Buy mode, and Create-a-Sim. We've also listed every Sims 4 pack in order of release and how much everything will cost you. There's a lot to get through, so let's dive into the 10 best Sims expansion packs to play right now!

10. The Sims 4 Growing Together

Released: 2023
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

While we got the new infant stage as a free base game update as well, the fact is you are missing out on a well of content if you don't pick up this expansion pack. This one is for all you family players (especially those that already have the parenthood game pack), as how you raise children will impact family dynamics, have them develop personality traits and quirks, and develop bonds with their household.

9. The Sims 4 Island Living

Released: 2019
Platforms: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Island Living lets you take your Sim away from the stress of their regular lives to Sulani, a beautiful island paradise where they can live completely off the grid. Island Living truly gives your Sim a taste of the island life - you can pal around with dolphins, laze about on the beach, or become a dang mermaid. There are some beautiful build items included in this expansion and great Create-A-Sim objects that really embrace the Polynesian culture that inspired it.

8. The Sims 4 City Living

Released: 2016
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

The core of City Living is the city itself - San Myshuno, a beautiful, bustling city that gives you a chance to rent apartments - which isn't possible without this expansion (or Eco Lifestyle). Naturally, renting an apartment comes with all the side effects of apartment living, like cockroaches and plumbing problems, which makes for some seriously fun gameplay.

7. The Sims 4 Discover University

Released: 2019
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Sending your Sim to college is a serious undertaking, but it will throw plenty of new gameplay mechanics at you as a reward. First, you'll need to decide if they want to attend the University of Britechester or the more modern Foxbury Institute, apply, take out a loan, and then decide where to live.

6. The Sims 4 Get Famous

Released: 2018
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Get Famous is one of the best Sims expansions because it not only captures the cutthroat Kardashian hunger for notoriety, but it's one of those additions that affect everything your Sim does. Taking your Sim to set as an actor is a fun way to get paid and get famous, unlocking perks (and more negative quirks) by clawing your way from the Z-list to the A-list.

5. The Sims 4 Cats and Dogs

Released: 2017
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

You can have cats and dogs. The Sims 4 goes above and beyond with this pets pack, offering you a chance to Create a Pet, choosing from a variety of dog and cat breeds and customizing them as much as you'd like. Oh, and you can put them in adorable outfits as if this wasn't already overwhelmingly cute.

4. The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle

Released: 2020
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Eco Lifestyle is an expansion pack that tasks you with paying attention to how your Sims are living, which adds a really interesting layer to gameplay. The Eco Footprint mechanic affects the state of the world, like adding smog to more pollution-ridden places or beautiful clear water to eco-conscious areas.

3. The Sims 4 Life and Death

Released: 2024
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

This expansion brings a ton of features that fans have long wanted to the game, including the Grim Reaper career. Whether you want gritty realism with funeral events or love fantastical occults like ghosts, there’s something for everyone here. Build crypts, live out your gothic fantasies, or enjoy stunning Build Buy mode items.

2. The Sims 4 Cottage Living

Released: 2021
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

If you are a Stardew Valley player who loves the idea of growing oversized crops and befriending every wild bunny, then Cottage Living is a dream come true. From town fairs to beautiful English rural aesthetics, this expansion offers endless charm and gameplay possibilities.

1. The Sims 4 Seasons

Released: 2018
Available on: PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S

Seasons is one of the best Sims expansions for adding variety to your Sim's life cycle, with regular events and ever-changing weather. Celebrate Winterfest, build snow angels, or try your hand at the new gardening career. This expansion enriches every other pack on this list by adding realism and seasonal variety to gameplay.