How To Do The Sims 4 Decades Challenge

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. If you're ready to guide your Sims through a century of change, here's how to embark on this engaging journey.

The Sims 4

Image via EA

This challenge spans from 1890 to 2010 (or 2020, depending on your preference), with each two in-game days representing a year. Remember to disable automatic aging. Life expectancy plays a crucial role, differing for Sims born before and after 1950, reflecting historical shifts in lifespans. The early life stages (Baby, Infant, Toddler, Child, Teen) age up consistently regardless of birth year.

Life Stages (In-Game Days/Approximate Age):

Baby: 1 day (6 months)
Infant: 3 days (2 years)
Toddler: 8 days (6 years)
Child: 14 days (13 years)
Teen: 12 days (19 years)
Born Before 1950: Young Adult: 26 days (32 years), Adult: 36 days (50 years), Elder: Dies after ~14 days (around 60 years)
Born After 1950: Young Adult: 32 days (35 years), Adult: 60 days (65 years), Elder: Dies after ~56 days (around 90 years)

Begin with a single young adult Sim (or a married couple). Multi-generational households are encouraged to reflect historical norms. Strive for period-appropriate clothing and hairstyles. Housing options are limited; Strangerville and Del Sol Valley are off-limits until the 1950s, and Sulani is discouraged for added realism. Apartments are acceptable for single Sims, but marriage necessitates a house.

Technology usage is carefully considered. Phones are permitted for essential gameplay functions but not for entertainment or communication until their respective decades. The same applies to computers. Job choices should align with the historical context of each decade.

Related: Where To Find Platinum & Ironyum in The Sims 4 Blast From the Past Event

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge: Decade-Specific Rules

Sims living in Cottage Living

Image via EA

Each decade presents unique challenges and restrictions. For detailed rules, refer to Cute Coffee Gal’s comprehensive guide. Here’s a summary:

1890s:

Male heirs only. Daughters (Creative trait) move out upon marriage. No WooHoo; only trying for a baby is allowed. Home births. Period-appropriate jobs for men (e.g., woodworking). Women focus on homemaking, with limited freelance/gardening options if widowed. No electricity. Elementary school mandatory; high school optional. University allowed (period-appropriate majors). Begin growing a Cow Plant.

1900s:

Lamps allowed. Indoor plumbing (no showers). Jobs and education remain similar to the 1890s. Phonographs allowed for music. Other 1890s rules apply.

1910s:

Male Teens, Young Adults, and Adults are drafted for WWI (Cow Plant cake consumption and dice roll for consequences). If all males die, the oldest female and her husband become heirs. High school mandatory (C average required). Men can attend university post-war. Women can take manual labor jobs.

1920s:

Women can be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. Daughters don't need the Creative trait. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options allowed. Women can work under broader circumstances. No alcohol (Prohibition).

1930s:

Kegs allowed at university. Great Depression: No business careers; all Sims lose jobs initially, then find new ones after a week. One cooked meal per day; other meals must be scavenged, caught, or grown. Prohibition ends.

1940s:

WWI draft rules apply to WWII. Victory gardens (four or more plants) required. Thermostats, washers, and dryers allowed. Radios required; at least one Sim must listen for an hour daily. High schoolers aren't sent away for bad grades. Teens can have part-time jobs.

1950s:

Oldest son drafted for the Korean War (same rules as previous wars). Showers and cheap TVs allowed. Radio listening not required. High school mandatory. Phones allowed for calls.

1960s:

Oldest two children (any gender) drafted for the Vietnam War (same rules). Any college major allowed. Maternity leave for women. WooHoo allowed.

1970s:

Vietnam War draft (same rules). Marriage encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers allowed. Lottery tickets and food delivery available.

1980s:

Gaming allowed. At least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies allowed; hospital births encouraged.

1990s:

Laptops allowed. TV watching unrestricted. Appliance and furniture restrictions lifted. Texting allowed. Families must build a Y2K shelter and stay for three days.