The Sims 4 community thrives on creative challenges, and the Decades Challenge offers a unique way to experience the game through the lens of history. This challenge simulates the passage of time, with each two in-game days representing a year, beginning in 1890 and progressing to 2010 or 2020, depending on your preference. The Blast from the Past event makes this a particularly fitting time to embark on this historical journey.
Before you begin, remember to disable automatic aging. Life expectancy is a key element, and the challenge uses a two-tiered system: Sims born before 1950 and those born after. This reflects the significant increase in life expectancy around the mid-20th century.
Age Progression Guidelines:
- Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months old)
- Infant: Ages after 3 days (2 years old)
- Toddler: Ages after 8 days (6 years old)
- Child: Ages after 14 days (13 years old)
- Teen: Ages after 12 days (19 years old)
- Adult (Pre-1950): Young Adult after 26 days (32 years old), Adult after 36 days (50 years old), Elder after 14 days (around 60 years old)
- Adult (Post-1950): Young Adult after 32 days (35 years old), Adult after 60 days (65 years old), Elder after 56 days (around 90 years old)
Start with a single young adult Sim (or a married couple), optionally including their parents to reflect multi-generational households common in earlier eras. Strive for historically accurate attire for each decade. Housing choices are limited: Strangerville is off-limits, Del Sol Valley is unavailable until the 1950s, and for maximum realism, Sulani should also be avoided. Apartments are acceptable for single Sims, but marriage requires a house.
Technology usage is restricted to reflect historical accuracy. Phones are permitted for essential gameplay functions but not for entertainment or communication until the appropriate decade. The same applies to computers; they are allowed for job-related tasks and ordering items. Job choices should align with the available professions of each era.
Related: Where To Find Plathinum & Ironyum in The Sims 4 Blast From the Past Event
Decade-Specific Rules: Each decade presents unique challenges. For detailed rules, consult Cute Coffee Gal’s comprehensive guide. Here’s a summary:
1890s
Male heirs only. Daughters with the Creative trait must move out upon marriage. WooHoo is forbidden; only attempting to have a baby is allowed. Home births. Men work period-appropriate jobs (e.g., woodworking). Women manage the household, with limited work options (freelancing, gardening) if widowed. No electricity. Elementary school is mandatory; high school is optional. University is allowed, with period-appropriate majors. Begin growing a Cow Plant.
1900s
Lamps are permitted. Indoor plumbing (no showers). Jobs and education remain similar to the 1890s. Phonographs are allowed for music. Other 1890s rules apply.
1910s
Male teens, young adults, and adults are drafted for World War I. They must eat Cow Plant cake; roll a die for each drafted Sim—odd numbers eat again, even numbers return home. If all males die, the oldest female and her husband become the heir. High school is mandatory (C average required). Men can attend university after war; women can take manual labor jobs.
1920s
Female heirs are allowed; daughters don't need to move out after marriage or have the Creative trait. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are permitted. Women can work under more circumstances. No alcohol (Prohibition).
1930s
Kegs are allowed at university. The Great Depression is in effect—Sims can't join business careers and lose their jobs at the start of the decade (new jobs allowed after one week). One cooked meal per day; other meals must be scavenged, caught, or grown. Prohibition ends.
1940s
World War II draft (same rules as WWI). All households need a victory garden (four or more plants). Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed. All households need a radio; at least one Sim must listen for an hour daily. High schoolers aren't punished for bad grades. Teens can have part-time jobs.
1950s
Korean War draft (oldest son; same rules). Showers and cheap TVs are allowed. Radio listening is not mandatory. High school is mandatory. Phones are allowed for calls.
1960s
Vietnam War draft (oldest two children, any gender; same rules). Any college major is allowed. Women are allowed maternity leave. WooHoo is allowed.
1970s
Vietnam War draft (oldest two children; same rules). Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers are allowed. Lottery tickets and food delivery are available.
1980s
Gaming is allowed. At least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are allowed; babies should be born in the hospital.
1990s
Laptops are allowed; TV watching is unrestricted. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted. Texting is allowed. All families must build a Y2K shelter and stay there for three days.
2000s
Computer and phone restrictions are lifted (except Trendi). Babies can be born at home or in the hospital. All music types and TV channels are allowed.
2010s
Journalism (print media) is not allowed. Same-sex marriage is allowed. All part-time work is allowed, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator.
The Sims 4 Decades Challenge offers a rich and engaging experience. While the Eco Lifestyle pack is helpful, you can adapt the challenge to fit your existing game packs. Enjoy your historical Simming!
The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
