Sims 4 Decades Challenge: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you're a fan of *The Sims 4* and looking to spice up your gameplay with a touch of historical flair, the Decades Challenge is the perfect way to immerse your Sims in different time periods. Let's dive into how you can set up and play this engaging challenge.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

Image via EA

First, familiarize yourself with the challenge's rules and how it unfolds. The core concept is that every two days represents a new year, starting from 1890. Feel free to customize the years to suit your preferences. This system means days one and two are 1890, days three and four are 1891, and so on, until you reach 2010 or 2020. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, it's an ideal time to embark on this historical journey.

Ensure automatic aging is disabled and follow these life expectancy guidelines to reflect historical changes. Separate your Sims into two groups: those born before 1950 and those born after.

• 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 either begin with a single young adult Sim and have them get married, or start directly with a young adult couple. You can also include one Sim's parents in the household to reflect multi-generational living. Dress your Sims in outfits that match the era for added authenticity.

There are housing restrictions to consider: Strangerville is off-limits, and Del Sol Valley isn't available until the 1950s. For maximum realism, avoid using Sulani as well. Single Sims can live in apartments, but must move to a house upon marriage.

When it comes to technology, use phones only for gameplay elements not available otherwise, but not for entertainment or communication until the appropriate decade. The same goes for computers, which are necessary for certain jobs and ordering items. Choose jobs based on what would have been available during the time period you're simulating.

For more information on where to find Platinum & Ironyum during the *The Sims 4* Blast From the Past event, check out our related guide.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

Image via EA

Each decade in the Decades Challenge comes with its own set of unique rules. Here's a brief overview of what to expect. For more in-depth rules, check out Cute Coffee Gal's full challenge guidelines.

1890s

In the 1890s, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out upon marriage. WooHooing is prohibited; Sims can only sleep together to try for a baby. Babies are born at home. Men work period-appropriate jobs like woodworking at home, while women manage the household but can freelance or garden if widowed. No electricity is allowed. Kids attend elementary school, but high school isn't mandatory. University is open to both genders, but majors must be period-appropriate. Start cultivating a Cow Plant during this decade.

1900s

Lamps and indoor plumbing are now allowed, but no showers. Jobs and education remain unchanged from the 1890s. Phonographs can be used for music. Otherwise, the rules from the 1890s 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 becomes mandatory with a C average requirement; otherwise, move the Sim to a new household. Males can attend university post-war, and women can take manual labor jobs.

1920s

Women can be heirs and don't have to move out when married. Daughters don't need the Creative trait. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women can work if their husbands' income is insufficient. Due to Prohibition, alcohol is prohibited.

1930s

Kegs are permitted at university, but the Great Depression means Sims can't join business careers and lose their jobs at the start of the decade. After one week, they can find new employment. Prohibition ends, and Sims get one cooked meal a day; other meals must 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. A radio is required in each household, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers don't get sent away for poor grades, and teens can have part-time jobs.

1950s

The oldest son goes to the Korean War using the same rules. Showers and cheap TVs are permitted. Radio listening isn't mandatory. High school is required, and phones are allowed for calls.

1960s

The oldest two children of any gender go to the Vietnam War following the same rules. Any major can be chosen in college. Women get maternity leave, and Sims can WooHoo freely.

1970s

The oldest two children of any gender go to the Vietnam War again. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers are allowed, 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 at the hospital.

1990s

Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are allowed. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted. Texting is permitted, and all families must build a Y2K shelter and stay in it for three days.

2000s

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

2010s

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

That's everything you need to know to embark on the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack is beneficial, feel free to adapt the challenge to include or exclude other packs as you see fit.

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