How To Do The Sims 4 Decades Challenge

If you're looking to immerse your Sims in a journey through time, the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4* offers a thrilling way to experience historical periods. This challenge not only adds a layer of difficulty but also keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. Let's dive into the rules and intricacies of this fascinating challenge.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

To start the Decades Challenge, you'll need to understand its core mechanics. The challenge operates on a unique timeline where every two days represent a new year, beginning in 1890. You can customize the years to fit your preference, but traditionally, it spans from 1890 to 2010 or 2020. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, it's an ideal time to embark on this historical adventure.

First, ensure automatic aging is disabled, and use these guidelines for life expectancy, as it varies across different time periods. Sims are categorized based on their birth year—before or after 1950—reflecting the significant increase in life expectancy around that time.

The initial life stages remain consistent for all Sims:

• 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:

• 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:

• 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 begin the challenge, you can start with a single young adult or a married couple of young adults. You can also include the parents of one Sim, reflecting the common multi-generational households of the era. Ensure the Sims' outfits are appropriate for the time period you're simulating.

Housing restrictions are also in place. You cannot use Strangerville, and Del Sol Valley is unavailable until the 1950s. For maximum realism, avoid using Sulani. Single Sims can live in apartments, but upon marriage, they must move to a house.

Technology use is limited to specific decades. 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 some jobs and ordering items like books and seeds. When choosing jobs, use your judgment to ensure they align with the time period.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

Each decade in the Decades Challenge has its own set of unique rules, adding depth and variety to the gameplay. Here's an overview of the rules for each decade:

1890s

In the 1890s, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out when married. WooHooing is prohibited, and trying for a baby is the only reason Sims can sleep together. Babies are born at home. Men work in period-appropriate jobs, such as woodworking at home, while women manage the household but can take up freelancing or gardening if widowed. Electricity is not allowed, and while elementary school is mandatory, high school is optional. University education is permitted for both genders but must be in period-appropriate majors. Start creating a Cow Plant during this decade.

1900s

Lamps and indoor plumbing are now allowed, but showers are not. Jobs and education rules remain unchanged from the 1890s. Phonographs for music are acceptable, and the rest of the rules from the previous decade still apply.

1910s

Teen, Young Adult, and Adult males are drafted for World War I and must eat Cow Plant cake. Roll a dice for each drafted male; odd numbers eat the cake again, while even numbers return home. If all males die, the oldest female and her husband become the heirs. High school is now mandatory with a C average; otherwise, the Sim must move to a new house. Male Sims can attend university after serving in the war, and women can take up manual labor jobs.

1920s

Women can now be heirs and don't need to move out when married. Daughters can skip the Creative trait. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women can work under more circumstances, particularly if their husbands don't earn enough. Alcohol is prohibited due to Prohibition.

1930s

Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects employment. Sims cannot start in business careers and lose their jobs at the decade's start, regaining them after one week. Prohibition ends, and Sims are limited to one cooked meal a day; other meals must be scavenged, caught, or grown.

1940s

Follow World War I rules for World War II. Households must have a victory garden with four or more 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 expelled for bad grades, and teens can have part-time jobs.

1950s

The oldest son goes to war in the Korean War, following previous war rules. Showers and cheap TVs are allowed, and listening to the radio is no longer required. High school remains mandatory, and phones can now be used for calls.

1960s

The oldest two children of any gender go to war in the Vietnam War, following the same rules. Sims can choose any college major, and women are entitled to maternity leave. WooHooing is now allowed without restrictions.

1970s

The oldest two children again go to war in the Vietnam War. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers are introduced, and lottery tickets and food delivery become available.

1980s

Gaming is allowed, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are permitted, and babies should be born in the hospital.

1990s

Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are allowed. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted, and texting becomes available. Families must build a shelter for Y2K and stay in it for three days.

2000s

Computer and phone restrictions (except for Trendi) are removed. Babies can be born at home or in the hospital, and all music types and TV channels are allowed.

2010s

Journalism with print media is prohibited due to its decline. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, the meat wall, Trendi, and the weather generator are allowed.

That covers the essentials of the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adapt the challenge to fit any expansion packs you own.

*The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*