The *The Sims 4* community thrives on creating engaging challenges, and the Decades Challenge is a fan-favorite for those looking to experience life through different historical periods. This challenge offers a unique way to immerse yourself in the game by simulating the passage of time and evolving societal norms. Here’s how to get started and navigate through this captivating journey.
Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4
Image via EA
To embark on the Decades Challenge, you'll need to understand the rules and the overarching structure. The premise is simple: every two days represents a new year, starting from 1890. You have the flexibility to adjust the years to personalize your challenge. For instance, days one and two are considered 1890, days three and four are 1891, and this pattern continues until you reach 2010 or 2020, depending on your preference. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, there’s no better time to dive into this historical adventure.
Ensure automatic aging is disabled and use the provided life expectancy guidelines. Life expectancy has historically varied, so categorize your Sims into those born before 1950 and those born after. The initial life stages remain consistent across both categories:
- Baby: Age after 1 day (6 months old)
- Infant: Age after 3 days (2 years old)
- Toddler: Age after 8 days (6 years old)
- Child: Age after 14 days (13 years old)
- Teen: Age after 12 days (19 years old)
For Sims born before 1950, follow these aging guidelines:
- Young Adult: Age after 26 days (32 years old)
- Adult: Age after 36 days (50 years old)
- Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)
For Sims born after 1950, use these instead:
- Young Adult: Age after 32 days (35 years old)
- Adult: Age after 60 days (65 years old)
- Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)
To start the challenge, you can either begin with a single young adult Sim who gets married or start directly with a married couple of young adults. You can include one Sim's parents in the household to reflect multi-generational living common during earlier periods. Dress your Sims in outfits appropriate to the era to enhance the authenticity.
Housing rules are crucial for maintaining realism. You cannot use Strangerville, and Del Sol Valley is off-limits until the 1950s. For even more authenticity, avoid Sulani as well. Single Sims can live in apartments, but they must move to a house upon getting married.
Technology usage should reflect the time period. Phones can be used for gameplay elements but not for entertainment or communication until the appropriate decade. The same applies to computers, which are necessary for certain jobs and ordering items. Choose careers that would be available during the era you're simulating.
The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties
Image via EA
Each decade in the Decades Challenge comes with its own set of rules, adding depth and complexity to your gameplay. For a more comprehensive guide, refer to Cute Coffee Gal’s detailed rules. Here’s a brief overview of the rules for each decade:
1890s
In this era, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must take the Creative trait and move out once married. WooHooing is prohibited; Sims can only sleep together to try for a baby. Babies are born at home. Men work period-appropriate jobs, such as woodworking, while women manage the household, though they can work as freelancers or gardeners if widowed. Electricity is not permitted, and children must attend elementary school but not high school. University is allowed with period-appropriate majors, and you should start creating a Cow Plant.
1900s
Lamps and indoor plumbing are now allowed, but not showers. Jobs and education rules remain unchanged from the 1890s, and phonographs are acceptable for music. All other 1890s rules still apply.
1910s
During this decade, male Sims of teen, young adult, and adult ages are drafted for World War I. They must eat Cow Plant cake, and their survival is determined by a dice roll. Odd numbers mean they eat the cake again, while even numbers allow them to return home. If all males perish, the oldest female and her husband become the heirs. High school is mandatory with a C average; otherwise, the Sim must move to a new house. Male Sims can attend university post-war, and women can take manual labor jobs.
1920s
Women can now 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 are permitted. Women can work if their husbands don’t earn enough. Alcohol is prohibited due to the Prohibition era.
1930s
Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects employment. Sims can’t start in business careers, and all lose their jobs at the decade's start, regaining new employment after a week. Prohibition ends, and Sims are limited to one cooked meal daily, with other meals scavenged, caught, or grown.
1940s
Follow World War I rules for World War II. Each household needs a victory garden with four or more plants. Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed, and every household must have a radio, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers aren’t expelled for bad grades, and teens can work part-time.
1950s
The oldest son goes to the Korean War following the same rules as previous wars. Showers and basic TVs are now permitted, and radios are no longer required. High school remains mandatory, and phones can be used for calls.
1960s
The oldest two children of any gender go to the Vietnam War. Any major can be pursued in college, and women can take maternity leave. Sims can WooHoo without restriction.
1970s
The Vietnam War rules apply again. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers are allowed, along with lottery tickets and food delivery.
1980s
Gaming is permitted, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are allowed, and hospital births are standard.
1990s
Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are now available. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted, and texting is allowed. All families must build a Y2K shelter and remain in it for three days.
2000s
Computer and phone restrictions are removed, except for Trendi. Babies can be born at home or in the hospital, and all types of music and TV channels are permitted.
2010s
Journalism is no longer allowed due to the decline of print media. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, are available.
That’s a comprehensive guide to the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adjust the challenge to fit any expansion packs you own or don’t own. Dive into this historical journey and enjoy the rich storytelling it brings to your gameplay.
*The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
