How To Do The Sims 4 Decades Challenge

The *Sims 4* community thrives on creative challenges, pushing players to explore new gameplay possibilities. If you're looking for a unique and engaging experience, the Decades Challenge is a fantastic option, allowing your Sims to live through various historical periods.

This challenge follows a specific timeline, with each two in-game days representing a new year, starting in 1890. You can adjust the end year (2010 or 2020) to suit your preferences. Crucially, remember to disable automatic aging and adhere to the provided life expectancy guidelines. Life expectancy is divided into pre-1950 and post-1950 categories to reflect historical changes. Early life stages (baby, toddler, child, teen) age up consistently across both categories.

Adult Sims born before 1950 follow this aging schedule: Young Adult (26 days/32 years old), Adult (36 days/50 years old), Elder (death around 60 years old). Sims born after 1950 age differently: Young Adult (32 days/35 years old), Adult (60 days/65 years old), Elder (death around 90 years old).

The challenge begins with a single young adult Sim (or a married couple). Multi-generational households are permitted, reflecting common historical living arrangements. Strive for historically accurate clothing and hairstyles. Housing options are limited; Strangerville and Del Sol Valley are unavailable until the 1950s, and Sulani is discouraged for realism. Apartments are acceptable for single Sims, but marriage requires a house. Phones are permitted for essential gameplay functions but not for entertainment or communication until the relevant decade. The same applies to computers, crucial for certain jobs and online purchases. Job choices should align with the historical period.

**Related: Where To Find Plathinum & Ironyum in The Sims 4 Blast From the Past Event**

Each decade presents unique challenges. For detailed rules, consult Cute Coffee Gal's comprehensive guide. Here's a summary:

1890s

Only male heirs allowed. Daughters with the Creative trait must move out upon marriage. WooHoo is prohibited; only "try for baby" interactions are permitted. Home births are mandatory. Men work period-appropriate jobs (e.g., woodworking). Women primarily manage the household, with limited options like freelancing or gardening if widowed. No electricity. Elementary school is mandatory; high school is optional. University is allowed, with period-appropriate majors. Begin growing a Cow Plant.

1900s

Lamps are permitted. Indoor plumbing (no showers). Jobs and education remain as in the 1890s. Phonographs are allowed for music. Other 1890s rules apply.

1910s

Teen, Young Adult, and Adult males are drafted for World War I. All drafted males must eat Cow Plant cake. Roll a die for each drafted male; odd numbers eat the cake again, even numbers return home. If all males die, the oldest female and her husband become the heir. High school becomes mandatory (C average required). Men can attend university post-war; women can pursue manual labor jobs.

1920s

Women can be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. Daughters don't need the Creative trait. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women can work under broader circumstances. Alcohol is prohibited.

1930s

Kegs are allowed at university. The Great Depression is simulated; Sims cannot pursue business careers and lose their jobs at the decade's start. New jobs can be found after one week. Prohibition ends. Sims receive one cooked meal daily; other meals must be scavenged, caught, or grown.

1940s

World War II draft rules mirror World War I. All households need a victory garden (four or more plants). Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed. A radio is required; at least one Sim must listen for an hour daily. High schoolers aren't penalized for bad grades. Teens can hold part-time jobs.

1950s

Korean War draft (rules as before). Showers and cheap TVs are allowed. Radio listening is no longer mandatory. High school is mandatory. Phones are allowed for calls.

1960s

Vietnam War draft (oldest two children, any gender). Any college major is permitted. Maternity leave is allowed. WooHoo is unrestricted.

1970s

Vietnam War draft (rules as before). Marriage is encouraged but not mandatory. Microwaves and dishwashers are allowed. Lottery tickets and food delivery are available.

1980s

Gaming is allowed. At least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are permitted; hospital births are recommended.

1990s

Laptops are allowed; TV watching is unrestricted. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted. Texting is allowed. All families must build a Y2K shelter and remain there for three days.

2000s

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

2010s

Journalism (print media) is disallowed. Same-sex marriage is allowed. All part-time work is permitted, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator.

The *Sims 4* Decades Challenge offers a unique and rewarding gameplay experience. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack is helpful, you can adapt the challenge to your existing game content.

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