The *The Sims 4* community thrives on creating engaging challenges, and one that transports your Sims through different time periods is the Decades Challenge. If you're eager to dive into this historical journey, here's everything you need to know to get started and make the most out of your experience.
Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4
Image via EA
First, let's explore the rules and framework of the Decades Challenge. The challenge spans from 1890 to 2010 or 2020, with every two days representing a new year. Feel free to customize the years to suit your preferences. This system means that days one and two represent 1890, days three and four represent 1891, and so on. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, it's the perfect time to embark on this historical adventure.
Ensure that automatic aging is disabled, and adhere to specific life expectancy guidelines. Since life expectancy has evolved over time, categorize your Sims into those born before and after 1950. The initial life stages remain consistent for both categories:
- Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months old)
- Infant: Ages after 3 days (2 years old)
- Toddler: Ages after 8 days (6 years old)
- Child: Ages after 14 days (13 years old)
- Teen: Ages after 12 days (19 years old)
For Sims born before 1950:
- Young Adult: Ages after 26 days (32 years old)
- Adult: Ages after 36 days (50 years old)
- Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)
For Sims born after 1950:
- Young Adult: Ages after 32 days (35 years old)
- Adult: Ages after 60 days (65 years old)
- Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)
To begin the challenge, start with a single young adult or a young adult couple. Including the young adult's parents in the household is acceptable, reflecting the common practice of multi-generational living. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the historical immersion.
Housing restrictions add another layer of realism. Avoid using Strangerville entirely, and Del Sol Valley is off-limits until the 1950s. For maximum authenticity, exclude Sulani as well. Singles can live in apartments, but they must move to a house upon marriage.
Technology use is also regulated. Use phones only for gameplay elements not available otherwise, and avoid using them for entertainment or communication until the appropriate decade. The same rule applies to computers, which are necessary for certain jobs and ordering items like books and seeds. Choose jobs based on their historical availability during the time period 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, creating unique challenges and experiences. For a comprehensive guide, check out Cute Coffee Gal’s full challenge rules. Here's a brief overview of each decade:
1890s
In the 1890s, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out upon marriage. WooHooing is prohibited, with trying for a baby being the only acceptable reason for Sims to share a bed. Babies are born at home. Men work in period-appropriate jobs such as woodworking, while women tend to the household but can freelance or garden if widowed. Electricity is forbidden, and while kids must attend elementary school, high school is optional. University is allowed for both genders with period-appropriate majors. Start cultivating a Cow Plant during this decade.
1900s
Lamps become permissible, and indoor plumbing is introduced, but showers are not allowed. Jobs and education rules from the 1890s continue. Phonographs for music are acceptable, but otherwise, the previous decade's rules apply.
1910s
Teen, Young Adult, and Adult males are drafted for World War I. They must eat Cow Plant cake, and their fate is determined by rolling a dice. Odd numbers require eating 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 becomes mandatory with a C average required; otherwise, the Sim must move out. Males can attend university after war service, and women can take manual labor jobs.
1920s
Women can now be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. The Creative trait for daughters is no longer required. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women have more job opportunities, especially if their husbands don't earn enough. Alcohol is prohibited due to the Prohibition era.
1930s
Kegs at university are permitted, but the Great Depression affects job availability. All Sims lose their jobs at the start of the decade and can only find new employment after a week. Prohibition ends, and Sims are limited to one cooked meal per day, with other meals needing to be scavenged, caught, or grown.
1940s
Follow World War I rules for World War II. Every household must have a victory garden with at least four plants. Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed, and each household needs a radio, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers are not sent away for poor grades, and teens can work part-time jobs.
1950s
The oldest son participates in the Korean War, following previous war rules. Showers and affordable TVs are allowed, and radio listening is no longer mandatory. High school remains compulsory, and phones can now be used for calls.
1960s
The oldest two children of any gender go to the Vietnam War, following the same rules. College majors are unrestricted, and women can take maternity leave. WooHoo is now allowed, and Sims are not limited to trying for a baby.
1970s
The Vietnam War rules apply again for the oldest two children. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers become available, along with lottery tickets and food delivery.
1980s
Gaming is allowed, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are permitted, and hospital births are standard.
1990s
Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are allowed. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted, and texting becomes permissible. Families must build a Y2K shelter and remain in it for three days.
2000s
Computer and phone restrictions are lifted, except for Trendi. Babies can be born at home or in the hospital, and all music types and TV channels are available.
2010s
Journalism is not allowed due to the decline of print media. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, including the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, is allowed.
That's everything you need to know about the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adapt the challenge to fit any other packs you own. *The Sims 4* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
