The Sims 4 Teases Countryside Expansion
Fans are sure to splash their Simoleons, as Electronic Arts teases a brand new expansion for The Sims 4. It's hard to believe we've only been playing Sims games since 2000, but with 21 years of various main entries and expansions, the series has become a staple of our lives.
While you likely have fond memories of diving under the covers for Hot Date, sawing your loved ones in half with Makin' Magic, or meeting man's best friend in Pets, the franchise has continued to churn out expansions as we've headed into The Sims 4. Even though the game came out in 2014, The Sims 4 has consistently delivered expansions, with the latest being Snowy Escape in November 2020.
What is The Sims 4 countryside expansion?
News of a new expansion for The Sims 4 is nothing new, however, we have our first real hint at a countryside theme ahead of an official release by EA on June 10. Content creator and Sims fanatic Kayla Sims posted on Twitter and showed off a viral marketing package from the developer. The mock postcard featured a serene scene and the message, "Greetings from Henford-on-Bagley". With the UK known for its locations like Stratford-upon-Avon and Newcastle upon Tyne, it's our biggest clue yet about what's on the way.
On the back of the postcard, there's a message from "A & A Crumplebottom" - confirming the return of the iconic dynasty that was first introduced in The Sims 2. The Crumplebottoms invites players to join them at a garden stall and add, "We are so pleased you're joining us in Henford-on-Bagley!". There's a mention of "the quaint countryside life", which sounds like a move away from the usual buzz of the city-inspired Sims games and their suburban offshoots.
What does The Sims 4 countryside expansion mean?
Various influencers and Sims stalwarts have been given the same postcard, so all eyes are on June 10 at 8 am PT for an official reveal. For as long as we can remember, players have been asking for some sort of farming element to cash in on the success of rival titles. The mention of a garden stall has gamers guessing that they'll finally be able to plant their own crops and then sell their wares for a tidy profit.
Importantly, a countryside expansion would be a series first as we head to the lush greenery of the British backcountry. Similar to how Pokemon swapped its usual backdrop for the United Kingdom-inspired Galar Region in Sword and Shield, it looks like EA is following suit.
Considering Sims speak their own language, don't expect to see some dodgy English accents, but then again, we're expecting EA will have made all the residents of Henfor-on-Bagley extremely posh. To be honest, we wouldn't be surprised if they all wear bowler hats and only drink tea. Thankfully, there isn't long until we find out what The Sims 4 is working on.
Images via Electronic Arts
