Originally released over 10 years ago, Maxis’ hugely popular slice-of-life simulator, The Sims 4, has grown exponentially thanks to regular updates, content packs, and expansions. From being able to teach your Sims magic, to moving them into Friends-style inner-city apartments; from building them a horse ranch to taking them into the actual Star Wars universe, the sheer number of things to do is staggering – if you’re prepared to pay for it, of course. The Sims 4 expansions aren’t cheap, and there’s a lot of them. Like, “a lot” a lot.
The latest one is entitled Businesses and Hobbies, and is heading to The Sims 4 on PS5, Xbox, and PC via Steam, Epic, or the EA app on March 6. On paper it sounds a little less exciting than some previous expansions and content packs, but it will introduce a variety of ways to improve your Sims experience.
Introducing the new town of Nordhaven, Businesses and Hobbies aims to give your Sims even more ways to earn money, gain job satisfaction, improve their skills and increase their happiness. The two biggest skill additions are Tattooing and Pottery. The former will allow your Sims to create an “infinite number” of custom tattoos using the new Tattoo Paint Mode, and you’ll also be able to “layer” existing tattoos to create truly unique looks.
The Pottery skill gives you access to the pottery wheel, allowing you to create decorative items for your home. Once you’ve crafted a new bowl, vase, or ornament, the glazing options lets you put your own colours and designs on it using the Japanese art of “Kintusgi”. You can then either use the items as décor, or sell them as part of your new small business venture.
Nordhaven has two neighbourhoods, Iverstad and Gammelvik, in which your Sims can get out and network with other like-minded Sims to increase the scope of their businesses. Hobby Meet-ups let you increase your reach and expand, and you may even be able to teach classes and give lectures on your skills. It’s all tied to new Mastery Perks that reward you for being the best in your field.
One of the coolest elements of The Sims 4: Businesses and Hobbies is the way it interlinks with previous expansions. You’ll be able to create new businesses based on other expansions you own. If you own Cats and Dogs you can open a Pet Cafe, for example, while the Laundry Day stuff pack allows you to run a laundrette. I f you own Get Famous, you can open an acting school, or run a karaoke bar thanks to City Living.
The new Small Business Venue Lot will give your Sims the opportunity to run and manage their own business, using the Dreamer, Schemer, or Neutral path. Remember, in true business there are no friends, but if you scheme too hard and word gets around, you’ll lose customers. Each path has its own perks which lead you further from the others – so choose wisely or lose it all.
The Sims 4 is available on PS5, Xbox, and PC via Steam, the Epic Store, or the EA app. The Businesses and Hobbies expansion is due to release on March 6, 2025.
