The Sims 4 is a life simulation game, similar to its predecessors. There is no primary objective or goal to achieve (with the exception of some game packs), and instead of fulfilling objectives, the player is encouraged to make choices and engage fully in an interactive environment. The focus of the games is on the simulated lives of virtual people called "Sims". The player is responsible for directing their actions, attending to their needs, and helping them attain their desires. Players control their life and explore different personalities which change the way the game plays out. Players can play with pre-existing Sims and families, or create their own.
They can place their Sims in pre-constructed homes or build their houses using the in-game building tools, then furnish the homes with objects from an in-game catalog. Optional add-ons and expansion packs expand the number of features, tools, and objects available to play with.[6][7][8]
Similar to previous The Sims games, there are many player-created "challenges". A popular one is the Legacy Challenge, in which players create a single Sim and try to make its family line last for ten generations.[9] There are cheat codes such as "motherlode", which enables the player to instantly add §50,000 (Simoleons) to a Sim's household.[10]
