The vibrant *The Sims 4* community constantly innovates to keep gameplay fresh and challenging. One popular way to experience the evolution of life across different eras is through the Decades Challenge. Here's how you can dive into this immersive journey through time, starting from the 1890s to the 2010s.
Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4
Image via EA
To embark on the Decades Challenge, familiarize yourself with its rules and structure. The challenge spans from 1890 to 2010 or 2020, with every two in-game days representing a new year. Feel free to customize the timeline to suit your preferences. For instance, 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 an ideal time to explore historical living.
Ensure automatic aging is disabled to manually manage your Sims' aging according to historical life expectancy, which varies significantly before and after 1950. Here's how to age your 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 start the challenge, you can begin with a single young adult Sim or a young adult couple. Multi-generational living is allowed, so one Sim can have their parents in the household. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the experience.
Housing restrictions add realism: avoid using Strangerville entirely, and Del Sol Valley isn't available until the 1950s. Sulani is also off-limits if you're aiming for maximum authenticity. Singles can live in apartments, but must move to a house upon marriage.
Technology use is limited to reflect historical accuracy. Use phones only for necessary gameplay elements until the appropriate decade. Computers are allowed for jobs and ordering items but not for entertainment or communication until the correct time period. Choose jobs that fit the era.
The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties
Image via EA
Each decade in the Decades Challenge has specific rules to create a unique experience. For detailed rules, refer to Cute Coffee Gal's comprehensive guide. Here's a brief overview:
1890s
Only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out when married. WooHooing is prohibited; Sims can only sleep together to try for a baby. Home births are mandatory. Men work period-appropriate jobs like woodworking, while women manage the household but can freelance or garden if widowed. No electricity; kids attend elementary school but not high school. University is allowed with period-appropriate majors. Start creating a Cow Plant.
1900s
Lamps and indoor plumbing are now permitted, but no showers. Jobs and education remain unchanged. Phonographs for music are acceptable.
1910s
Males are drafted for World War I and must eat Cow Plant cake, with survival determined by a dice roll. The oldest female and her husband become heirs if all males die. High school is mandatory with a C average; otherwise, move the Sim to a new house. University is allowed for males post-war, and women can take manual labor jobs.
1920s
Women can be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. The Creative trait is optional for daughters. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting are allowed. Women can work if their husbands' income is insufficient. Alcohol is prohibited due to Prohibition.
1930s
Kegs are allowed at university. The Great Depression affects job availability; Sims lose their jobs at the start and can only get new ones after a week. Prohibition ends. One cooked meal per day is allowed; other meals must be scavenged, caught, or grown.
1940s
Follow World War I rules for World War II. A victory garden with four or more plants is mandatory. Thermostats, washers, dryers, and radios are allowed. Teens can have part-time jobs, and high schoolers aren't sent away for poor grades.
1950s
The oldest son participates in the Korean War. Showers and basic TVs are permitted. High school is mandatory, and phones can be used for calls.
1960s
The oldest two children participate in the Vietnam War. Any college major is allowed, and women can take maternity leave. WooHooing is now unrestricted.
1970s
The oldest two children again participate in the Vietnam War. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves, dishwashers, lottery tickets, and food delivery are introduced.
1980s
Gaming is allowed, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies and hospital births are permitted.
1990s
Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are allowed. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted. Texting is permitted, and families must build and stay in a Y2K shelter for three days.
2000s
All computer and phone restrictions are removed, except for Trendi. Babies can be born at home or in the hospital. All music and TV channels are available.
2010s
Journalism careers are not allowed due to declining print media. Same-sex marriages are permitted. Part-time work, meat walls, Trendi, and weather generators are allowed.
The Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4* offers a rich, historical journey through time. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adapt the challenge to any packs you own.
*The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*
