A Free Base Game Update is coming to The Sims 4 and I’m Really Excited

A new free base game update is coming to The Sims 4 on February 3rd, and honestly, I’m really happy with what we’re getting. It’s one of those updates that may look small at first, but it actually changes a lot of everyday gameplay.

Here’s what stood out to me the most.

We Can Finally Edit Stair Railings in The Sims 4

This is something I’ve wanted for a long time.

Now in Build Mode, we can change stair railings. You can choose no rail, left side, right side, or both sides. This makes stairs look so much better, especially for modern builds or smaller homes.

I love that we have more control now instead of being stuck with one option.

The Family Tree Got Better

The family tree has been updated, and it’s way clearer now.

You can see step-parents, half-siblings, and more family connections properly. This is really nice if you play legacy families or love storytelling like I do. It helps everything make more sense, especially after a few generations.

It also feels easier to check the family tree while playing, not just something hidden away.

Extra Family Tree Gameplay for Expansion Players

Some features shown in the update are only for the Royalty and Legacy Expansion Pack.

Things like researching your family history or forging a family tree are part of that expansion. But even if you don’t have it, the base game family tree improvements are still there for everyone, which I really appreciate.

New Filters in Create a Sim

Create a Sim is getting some nice quality of life updates too.

There are new hair and clothing tags, so it’s easier to find styles you’re looking for. This is super helpful if you have a lot of packs or custom content and get tired of scrolling forever.

New Fingernails Design

We’re getting a brand-new nail style, and it comes with some really pretty color swatches. It’s such a small thing, but it makes Create a Sim feel fresher, and I can already see myself using these nails a lot.

Quick Reminder Before You Update Your Game

Before jumping into the update, here are a few things I always like to do, just in case:

• Remove your Mods folder before updating
• Make a backup of your saves
• Make a backup of your Tray folder
• Don’t re-enable mods right away if you don’t feel ready
• Check with your favorite creators to see if their mods or CC need updates
• If you run into any issues, you can report them at help.ea.com

It only takes a few minutes and can save you a lot of stress later. Check this guide.

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This update feels very thoughtful. It’s not flashy, but it improves things we use all the time. Building feels better, families feel more real, and Create a Sim feels more organized.

I’m really looking forward to playing with it once it’s out.

What part of the update are you most excited about?

Happy simming 💚