If you're a fan of *The Sims 4* and looking to add a historical twist to your gameplay, the Decades Challenge is the perfect way to experience life through different time periods. This engaging challenge will take your Sims on a journey from 1890 to the 2010s, allowing you to explore the evolution of society and technology over time.
Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4
Image via EA
First, let's dive into the rules and mechanics of this unique challenge. The core concept is that every two days in the game represents a new year, starting from 1890. Feel free to adjust the years to personalize your experience. For instance, days one and two are 1890, days three and four are 1891, and so on, culminating in the year 2010 or 2020, depending on your choice. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, it's an ideal time to embark on this historical journey.
To maintain historical accuracy, ensure that automatic aging is disabled. Use specific guides for life expectancy, categorizing Sims into those born before and after 1950, as this reflects the significant changes in life expectancy around that time. The aging milestones for the challenge are as follows:
- 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 or a young adult couple. It's also acceptable to include one Sim's parents in the household, reflecting the common practice of multi-generational living at the time. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the experience.
Housing rules add another layer of realism. You cannot use Strangerville, and Del Sol Valley is off-limits until the 1950s. For ultimate authenticity, avoid Sulani as well. Single Sims can live in apartments, but they must move to a house upon marriage.
Technology usage is restricted to maintain historical accuracy. 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 certain jobs and ordering items like books and seeds. Choose jobs based on their availability during the time period you're simulating.
The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties
Image via EA
Each decade in the Decades Challenge brings its own set of unique rules and challenges. Below is an overview of how each decade works, but for more detailed 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 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 period-appropriate jobs like woodworking, while women manage the household but can freelance or garden if widowed. Electricity is not permitted. Kids must attend elementary school, but high school isn't required. University is available for both genders with period-appropriate majors. Start creating a Cow Plant during this decade.
1900s
Lamps are now allowed, and indoor plumbing is introduced, but no showers. Jobs and education rules remain the same as the 1890s. Phonographs for music are acceptable. The rest of the 1890s rules continue to 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 moves out. Men can attend university after the war, and women can take manual labor jobs.
1920s
Women can now be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. The Creative trait for daughters is optional. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are permitted. Women can work if their husbands don't earn enough. Alcohol is banned due to Prohibition.
1930s
Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects job availability. Sims lose their jobs at the decade's start and can find new ones after one week. Prohibition ends. Sims are limited to one cooked meal daily, with other meals scavenged, caught, or grown.
1940s
Follow World War I rules for World War II. Each household needs a victory garden with four or more plants. Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed. Every household must have a radio, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers aren't expelled for poor grades, and teens can work part-time.
1950s
The oldest son goes to the Korean War following the same rules. Showers and cheap TVs are permitted. Listening to the radio isn't required. High school is mandatory. Phones can be used for calls.
1960s
The oldest two children of any gender participate in the Vietnam War using the same rules. Any college major is allowed. Women can take maternity leave. WooHooing is no longer restricted to trying for a baby.
1970s
The Vietnam War rules apply again. Marriage is encouraged but not mandatory. Microwaves and dishwashers are introduced. Lottery tickets and food delivery become available.
1980s
Gaming is permitted. At least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are allowed, and hospital births are standard.
1990s
Laptops and unrestricted TV watching are allowed. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted. Texting is permitted. All families must build a Y2K shelter and stay in it for three days.
2000s
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 accessible.
2010s
Journalism with print media is not allowed. Same-sex marriages are permitted. All part-time work, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, are allowed.
That's everything you need to know about the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. 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.*
