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Growing Together: Sims 4's Newest Expansion Pack
Sims 4 players are rejoicing worldwide. On February 2nd, the iconic life simulation game unleashed news of fresh content - an update that frees infants from their previously pixeled bassinet prisons and the highly-anticipated Growing Together expansion pack that imbues the game with deeper intergenerational family ties. Through these updates, Sims 4 developers hope to fulfill some of the most desperate, longtime wishes of their passionate players.
After all, Simmers are fiercely particular about their pixel people families. Players spend hours crafting the perfect homes, molding the perfect Sims, and playing through simulated life cycle after simulated life cycle, from birth to death. One of the most echoed and pointed complaints about Sims 4 was this: that the beginning of a Sim's life cycle was extremely limited. Babies were crying, pooping, sleepy objects entirely confined to their designated bassinets. Although caretakers were able to scoop their babies up to feed or soothe them, there were no baby bath times, play mats for tummy time, or even baby showers. The Infant Update and Growing Together expansion pack changes all of that - and then some. Infant Update
Coming to all players on March 14th is an enormous base game update. This update will introduce Infant - a brand new life stage - to the game. Naturally, players will be able to create and modify infants in Create-a-Sim, but that isn't all. Sim Parents can fully change diapers in a fresh interaction; they can also put their infant down for naps or bedtime. Instead of simply crying and soiling virtual diapers, the new infants will be able to express their needs, emotions, and sentiments. Developers promise that new Sim Parents will experience infants as they are meant to be experienced: through an intense, sleepless fog.
But it is through the expansion pack Growing together that Sims 4 developers have truly "freed the infant." The pack, which releases on March 16th, adds Infant Milestones to the game. These milestones grant babies new abilities that form their adorable personalities and follow them as they grow older. The pack also introduces Infant Playmats, Changing Stations, and baby carriers to the game. Older Sims will be able to transport their bundles of joy on their backs, put their babies down on their bellies for play time, pass their babies to other Sims, and throw baby showers, a brand new in-game Event. It doesn't end there! Growing Together offers 18 discoverable Infant Quirks that change an infant's behavior. Among these Quirks are: Self-soother, Early Riser, Messy Eater, Frequently Gassy, Good Appetite, Snuggly Sleeper, Happy Spitter, Free-Air Tinkler, and more. Infants promise to be irritatingly lovable as they toot, babble, giggle, and free-pee into toddlerhood. A Whole New World
On March 3rd, 2023, Simmers will learn more about Sims 4: Growing Together during a Twitch live Stream. Then, players will get a better picture of all that the freshest expansion pack has to offer. However, between the new pack trailer, developer Tweets, and EA Blog Posts, Simmers have a good idea of what to expect.
Naturally, Growing Together boasts a brand new world for Simmers to explore. San Sequoia, once a quaint fishing village, is a safe suburban town filled with craftsman homes and family-friendly hubs. The town overlooks an expansive ocean bay with an iron bridge dominating the horizon. San Sequoia is filled to bursting with three distinct neighborhoods - Anchorpoint Wharf, Gilbert Gardens, and Hopewell Hills. Here, families can catch movies, go on power walks with grandma at Urban Park, or cool off on the new Splash Pads. If this were not enough, Lil Simsie announced that she designed many of the suburban homes in San Sequoia. This all but ensures that Simmers will enjoy the effortlessly gorgeous stylings of the popular Sims streamer without having to wade through the saturated Gallery. Create-a-Sim
Growing Together offers the best of suburban wear. It appears filled with the easy tanks and simple knitwear suitable for versatile play. Infants get adorable fruit-themed outfits like apple-dappled onesies and strawberry-printed shirts. Players can expect a slew of cute costumes, carriers, and backpacks for young Sims.
However, the Create-a-Sim star of the incoming pack is skin details. Developers have added birth marks, vitiligo, moles, and other skin markings to make each Sim more unique than ever before. 
Build-Buy
While developers have not yet released an official asset list for Growing Together, the trailer unveiled the kinds of cozy furniture bits and bobs one might expect from a suburban paradise.
Growing Together features:
The treehouses appear to be structures that Sims can build together in-game. They feature fun tube slides, fireman poles, fairy lights, and slots where the players can arrange the toys and items their Sims most desire.
Gameplay
Make no mistake: Growing Together is brimming with new, meaningful gameplay. In fact, familial relationships seem overhauled in a big way. Not only did developers add new experiences and interactions to the game, but they have also inserted new features that affect Sim personalities and relationships at all age levels.
Families enjoy several new group activities to experience together. At Urban Park, Sims can partake in Snowy Escape-like actions such as: walking as a group, learning to ride a bike, jogging, and hiking on nature trails. They can take in the sights and even go fishing alongside their grandparents after watching a movie at the newly refurbished cinema. After a long day of eating good food at the restaurants along the pier, families can wind down with children's stories at the library or cool off in the new Urban Park Splash Pads. Sim families will soak in all of these life-experiences while navigating the Teachable Moments that form personalities and shift family dynamics. Will the exhausted new mother allow her in-laws to finally move in? Will the jokester big brother clash with his more studious younger sister? Is dad more on edge than usual or is he going through a classic Midlife Crisis? In Growing Together, these life Milestones work together alongside Social Chemistry to create unique Sim experiences. Not all Sims will enjoy the company of any given counterpart, and not all families will successfully navigate the many milestones of their members. Failure and triumph during these crucial growing pains will form the foundation of a Sim's personality traits. Even Infants get their own milestones! Toddler Updates
Developers did not forget about toddlers for this update. In fact, like Infants, Toddlers get 18 Toddler Quirks that change their behavior and shift over time. Some examples include: Aggressive, Picky Eater, Early Riser, Little Singer, Good Appetite, Loves Water, Hates Bedtime, Loves being Carried, and more. If this were not enough, Toddlers can interact with Infants in a variety of heart-warming interations.
Child Updates
Growing Together also offers an update to the child life stage. For the first time since the launch of base game, children enjoy four new aspirations:
Sim kids will have a blast building treehouses alongside their families, aggravating their parents with pranks and pillow fights, crafting intricate friendship bracelets, and engaging in cozy slumber parties complete with cute sleeping bags. Notably, kids can learn how to ride a bike under their caretaker's watch, but make sure those helmets are secure because children can also lose teeth. However, not even the Tooth Fairy can keep a Child's Confidence as high as a parent's expert guidance can; children will need to form secure attachments to thrive later in their adult years. 
Check out these new child-toddler interactions! Squee!
Elder Updates
Growing Together allows beloved Sim adults to age gracefully into Sim Elders. Grandma can now Power Walk at Urban Park, complete puzzles, play Scramble at the new Activity Table, serve as caretaker of the family Keepsake Box, give Life Lessons, Reminisce on Good Times, and even have a favorite grandchild.
Elders take a more specialized role in families. They can take care of children while their exhausted parents catch some shut eye and keep their minds sharp at the Recreation Center. Sims 4 developers appear to have delivered the massive, generations update for which players have longed. After all, for many, the Sims family experience is the bedrock upon which the franchise thrives. Through Growing Together, the Sims 4 hopes to render that foundation rock solid. What are you most excited about? Talk to us on Twitter @SimmersDigest or on Facebook and Discord as The Sims Nation. 
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Upcoming and Ongoing Challenges
Tips and Tricks
If you are not on Reddit, you may consider joining after you see this next post.
The community at large has an ongoing conversation about tips/secrets in the game that is overflowing with a wealth of information. Click below to se some of them gems the community is sharing, from secret locations, to lore about the game, to hidden events you can trigger by doing certain things in games, they talk about it all.
While we were getting lost in all the gems from the Sims4 secrets post, we were amazed to discover a method to raise and lower the glasses on your Sims face, something I ( a life long Simmer) never realized was an option. Check out the video below to learn how to.
Bonus CC
Lastly, we have to give a shout out to kaisosims who shared a new CC kit they created: The Sims 4 Rodents CC Pack.
While rodents may not be your favorite fuzzy companion, we can think of many Simmers who adore them and this pack is designed for them. ​Publicly availble right now for you to explore and add to your game, just check out their post below for the details.
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The team is back with a new roadmap, so it is time for speculation and leaks, and we are here to get you all caught up in one place
Community Speculation
While we have seen the leaked info on one of the alleged packs all we have to work on is the video from the sims team and our crack team of community creatives who have lended their thoughts and speculation based on what the have seen. What we have pieced together from all this speculation:
You don't have to take our word for it...
We adore our community and the speculation around all things Sims so feel free to get lost in some of the community members who help wrangle all this information into bitesize videos, and discussions all over the internet. From YouTube to Reddit the community is (and will likely be) all a buzz for awhile. As we learn more we will continue to update this post and keep you all looped in.
Be sure to give these amazing creators a follow and like their content if if brings you any value Reddit Discussion Thread:Videos:Yeah, it is an ad. Want to help keep them off our site? Become a Simmer Supporter!
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Every Day Clutter Kit
The Icon sporing the coffee cup and envelope has been confirmed to be known as the “Everyday Clutter Kit” Thanks to SimMattically we also have a screenshot of the splash screens as well as the Everyday clutter assets 
WickedWhims on twitter shared two screen shots from each of the kits as well. Below you will see the two shots from Everyday Clutter
Pastel Pop Kit
The second kit leaked is titled “Pastel Pop Kit” and features several items to brighten up your sims dwellings based on the splash screen and screen shots UPDATE Pastel Pop Kit was developed in collaboration with Plumbellayt:
WickedWhims on twitter shared two screen shots from each of the kits as well. Below you will see the two shots from the Pastel Pop KitHuge shout out to SimMattically and WickedWhims (consider giving them both a follow) for sharing their findings with us.
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Keep it tuned in right here as we continue to unravel the details of the kits as our community shares more of their brilliant discoveries. While you wait for more details to drop, enjoy the following creators videos with their individual insights and speculations:
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In a delightful news drop via the official sims account on Twitter, we have learned that the team is granting long time Simmers a free copy of the Desert Luxe Kit.
This kit can be redeemed on the main login screen to the game starting on September 14th. Anyone who owned the copy of the original Sims 4 game before September 14th can redeem their free copy up until October 18th. |
To our longtime Simmers!
— The Sims (@TheSims) September 14, 2022
Starting today, all players who own The Sims 4 base game can redeem The Sims 4 #DesertLuxeKit for free until October 17!
Simply log into the game & claim your new Kit through the main menu! pic.twitter.com/XtSRyHTf4M
Not without our glitches
Some players from around the world were excited to get this free kit on launch day only to discover that the redeem code did not work (see tweet below from long time Simmer DottyDot89)
This error took place according to EA Help due to release date/time differences across the world and assured player that this issue would be repaired
This error took place according to EA Help due to release date/time differences across the world and assured player that this issue would be repaired
@EAHelp Sorry to rain on your parade but the free download is not working in europe. I have updated the game half a dozen times. Click kits, you won it. Open the game, build mode, it says I don't own it. @EAHelp pic.twitter.com/w8zCVkpHRn
— DottyDot89 aka Snow White □□□□□□□ (@DottyDot89) September 14, 2022
Show and Tell us
We are thrilled to see what all of our amazing community members will create with the new Kit, so be sure to tag us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and/or us our hashtag #SimmersDigest so we don't miss a single one of your amazing creations
Overview
The newest game pack to grace the Sims 4 franchise is Werewolves, a highly-anticipated expansion that features a fresh occult - Werewolves. Players with this pack can have a howling good time as their Sim befriends, researches, explores, and becomes the elusive supernatural phenomenon that is werewolves.
Werewolves in CAS
When a Sim becomes a werewolf, whether through gameplay or directly through Create-a-Sim, the player can change the Sims’s wolf appearance in CAS. The game creates a werewolf form based loosely on the Sim’s human form. For example, if the Sim in question has a large, bulbous nose, the player can expect the corresponding wolf-form will have a similarly large snout.
However, by unlinking the wolf-form from the Sim-form in Create-a-Sim, the player can customize their ferocious fursona any way that pleases them.
However, by unlinking the wolf-form from the Sim-form in Create-a-Sim, the player can customize their ferocious fursona any way that pleases them.
 | There are a variety of pre-made pelts to choose from in Create-a-Sim, ranging from regular natural wolf fur to more supernatural appearing fur.  | In addition, players can choose different nose shapes, teeth arrangements, ears shapes, and chin and cheek tufts. Players can even choose a new shape for the top of the wolf’s head. Naturally, manipulating the wolf’s form by pushing and pulling with the mouse is also still available.  Perhaps most excitingly, however, is the ability to paint directly on the wolf’s form. Just as players can design pets with the in-game paintbrush, they can do the same with werewolves. There are malleable brush sizes, colors, stamps, and even pre-made stencils. |
Transformation 101
There are three ways to become a werewolf: asking to be bitten in game, accidentally being bitten and contracting werebies, and directly becoming a werewolf in CAS.
After befriending a wolf in-game, the player can choose the dialogue “As for Cursed Bite.” The target wolf will more than likely oblige, and the Sim will be on his way to becoming a werewolf.
The first moodlet a player’s freshly bitten Sim will display is an uncomfortable one, labeled “Painful Bite.” From here, the Sim’s hunger bar will begin deteriorating rapidly as the Sim slowly begins the transformation process.
After several hours, the Sim will finally reach peak hunger, realizing that they are indeed transforming into an insatiable beast.
Following transformation, the Simwolf will have a new needs interface sporting a a clawed hand holding a crystal ball. When the ball is filled with red, that indicates that the player’s wolf is filled with Fury.
Fury
Fury acts as a spectrum in the game, a barometer that measures the balance between a given wolf’s humanity and more beastly instincts. An empty crystal means peak humanity; a full crystal means the Sim has gone full beast.
When full beast, the Sim will “rampage,” wanting to do little more than roar and destroy things.
When full beast, the Sim will “rampage,” wanting to do little more than roar and destroy things.
Because a rampaging, full-fury wolf cannot use facilities the way a normal Sim would, they instead urinate outside, sleep on the floor, lick themselves clean, and run on all fours. Because the fury crystal is a spectrum, however, Sims who are still in human form will show beast like behavior as the orb fills. They might stalk around their homes angrily or curl up on the floor to nap like a pup.
How does the fury orb fill? A given Sim gains fury when practicing certain werewolf abilities, during the full moon, according to Sim preferences and according to the wolf’s temperament.
Temperaments are random but loosely based on Sim personality. A werewolf who is “prideful” will gain fury when embarrassed or uncomfortable. Flirty Sims will
gain fury when frisky; “wracked with guilt” Sims when gain fury when sad.
gain fury when frisky; “wracked with guilt” Sims when gain fury when sad.
Joining a Pack
As one might expect, werewolves often travel, live in, and commune in packs.
In Werewolves, the player can choose from two different packs that tout wildly different philosophies: The Wild Fangs and the Moonwood Collective.
Those in the Moonwood Collective value tradition, communing with nature, and controlling the inner beast for the greater good.By contrast, the Wildfangs believe that wolves should embrace the beast, explore the world, play hard, and work harder.
In Werewolves, the player can choose from two different packs that tout wildly different philosophies: The Wild Fangs and the Moonwood Collective.
Those in the Moonwood Collective value tradition, communing with nature, and controlling the inner beast for the greater good.By contrast, the Wildfangs believe that wolves should embrace the beast, explore the world, play hard, and work harder.
To join either pack, the player must, as a werewolf, befriend the Alpha and ask for their blessing. After this, the Alpha will direct the Sim to complete a series of trials. They may have to howl, give food or a similar high-quality gift, werewolf spar, or discuss other werewolf business. Some of these tasks are only able to be completed once the werewolf has gained certain skills, so this task may take time.
Once the Sim has joined either pack, they can view the standing pack expectations. The Wild Fangs, as pictured below, believe encourage member participation, exploring, and self-improvement. Players can do this by contributing to the pack’s resources, exploring the world and meeting other wolves, and increasing their wolf abilities.
Simwolves can practice these requirements to rank up from an Omega wolf to a Beta wolf. At any point, however, a given wolf can challenge the Alpha, the leader of the pack, for supreme leadership.
Werewolf Skill Trees
Just like many other occults, werewolves have received a full skill tree in this pack. Through practice, werewolves can gain a many helpful skills like learning to control themselves during a rampage, digging up precious artifacts, turning other werewolves, and much more.
If this were not enough, werewolves can earn other abilities through gameplay. For example, if a wolf manages to remain away from innocent bystanders while rampaging, they will earn “Transformation Mastery, allowing them to change into beast-form at will and while maintaining their humanity.
There are many abilities like this, including the ability to read ancient wolf writings, win over werewolf allies, mentor other wolves.
There are many things to love about being a werewolf. What’s your favorite part? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram!
An Overview
Sims 4: Werewolves launches June 16 to millions of hungry Simmers. This game pack ships with a whole host of changes to Sims 4, not the least of which is the folding of werewolves into standing Sims 4 lore.
Accompanying the introduction of this fresh occult to Sims 4 is the revelation of a new world, too: Moonwood Mill.
Formerly a lumber mill town, the abandoned Moonwood is a thickly forested world littered with the the remnants of industry: looming metal cranes, crusty sewage waterways, busted pipes and barrels, and roughly hewn libraries held together by crumbling brick and beams. According to the world's lore, after a massive conflict between vampires and werewolves, the werewolves took over the town as their own.
While it only boasts five livable lots, Moonwood Mill attempts the feeling of “open-world”ness, so players can run and roam the punk-inspired paradise unencumbered by pesky loading screens.
Indeed, Simmers will need all the time they can manage to fully explore Moonwood, which houses a host of well-connected, hidden secrets and lore that players can unravel through gameplay.
Accompanying the introduction of this fresh occult to Sims 4 is the revelation of a new world, too: Moonwood Mill.
Formerly a lumber mill town, the abandoned Moonwood is a thickly forested world littered with the the remnants of industry: looming metal cranes, crusty sewage waterways, busted pipes and barrels, and roughly hewn libraries held together by crumbling brick and beams. According to the world's lore, after a massive conflict between vampires and werewolves, the werewolves took over the town as their own.
While it only boasts five livable lots, Moonwood Mill attempts the feeling of “open-world”ness, so players can run and roam the punk-inspired paradise unencumbered by pesky loading screens.
Indeed, Simmers will need all the time they can manage to fully explore Moonwood, which houses a host of well-connected, hidden secrets and lore that players can unravel through gameplay.
Moon Phases
Naturally, a game pack which features werewolves must orient itself around the moon. Werewolves are famously, physically connected to the moon; a full moon is said to transform affected humans into half-beasts.
The Sims 4 team has deeply integrated the moon and its various phases into every day game play. Simmers will be able to check the current moon phase using new in-game UI and in the game’s calendar.
There are now eight phases of the moon:
Players can toggle how long the lunar cycle is, stick with their favorite phase in perpetuity, or even disable the lunar cycle all together in the gameplay options menu.
The Sims 4 team has deeply integrated the moon and its various phases into every day game play. Simmers will be able to check the current moon phase using new in-game UI and in the game’s calendar.
There are now eight phases of the moon:
- New Moon
- Waxing Crescent Moon
- First Quarter Moon
- Waxing Gibbous Moon
- Full Moon
- Waning Gibbous Moon
- Third Quarter Moon
- Waning Crescent Moon
Players can toggle how long the lunar cycle is, stick with their favorite phase in perpetuity, or even disable the lunar cycle all together in the gameplay options menu.
Certain phases of the moon will affect werewolf Sims in different ways. As in the picture above, the selected werewolf will experience a buff to their fitness under the “waxing crescent moon.” Other phases will have other effects on werewolves. According to the developers, the full moon makes werewolves feel a "little more wild."
But werewolves are not the only Sims whom the moon affects! Various occults will react to the changing moon phases. During certain phases:
Players can easily track the lunar cycle using the in-game calendar, a change which has come to base game.
But werewolves are not the only Sims whom the moon affects! Various occults will react to the changing moon phases. During certain phases:
- Spellcasters can perform spells more easily
- Mermaids will lose hydration more slowly
- Vampires recharge their powers slower
- Aliens will receive special moodlet buffs when “Moon bathing”
Players can easily track the lunar cycle using the in-game calendar, a change which has come to base game.
In Moonwood Mill, the current phase of the moon affects how easily a player can collect certain fish, plants, or spot a certain infamous werewolf who may or may not be named Greg.
Underground Tunnels
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Running beneath Moonwood's surface is a complex network of Underground Tunnels. These tunnels were "created by and for" werewolves, according to game developers. They allow swift travel between key points in the world if discerning denizens take the time to learn the twists and turns of its dark pathways.
Players can enter the tunnels through an entrance within derelict porta potties, a tree-choked bunker entrance, or the thoroughly slimy sewage drain.
Players can enter the tunnels through an entrance within derelict porta potties, a tree-choked bunker entrance, or the thoroughly slimy sewage drain.
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While the underground tunnel network essentially works like a "rabbit-hole," an area of the game that the player does not get to see, the game offers players several pop-up prompts to respond to in order to navigate through the tunnels. There are a plethora of secrets and treasures to uncover in the tunnels, some of which are only unavailable to werewolves of a certain skill level.
While non-were humans can also explore these tunnels, they will find it nearly impossible to uncover all of its secrets.
While non-were humans can also explore these tunnels, they will find it nearly impossible to uncover all of its secrets.
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In the above dialogue box sequence, the Sim has successfully navigated from one point of entry (the porta potty) to a separate point of entrance (the bunker.) Once a Sim has successfully done such a thing, they can easily navigate between these two points without a loading screen.
Collectibles
Another facet of what makes Moonwood special is the number of special collectibles that players can gather. During the full moon, players can travel to "Howling Point" the huge cliffside that dominates Moonwood's horizon and overlooks Lake Ludvick, to collect the elusive Moonpetal. This plant only ever sprouts during a full moon, so the discerning Sim must time their visits accordingly.
Similarly, Lake Ludvick dazzles beneath the moonlight, yielding the new Luna Fish. This special fish will be incredibly difficult to catch; only the full moon will properly assist the wishful fisherman's desires.
Similarly, Lake Ludvick dazzles beneath the moonlight, yielding the new Luna Fish. This special fish will be incredibly difficult to catch; only the full moon will properly assist the wishful fisherman's desires.
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Moonwood Mill is full of mushrooms, berries, and other collectible plants for harvesting. A new plant - Wolfsbane - can be found here.
Get to Know Greg
While Werewolves offers a whole host of delightful new characters with whom to woo and make nice, Greg is the barrel-chested, broad-shouldered, misunderstood hermit-wolf who has captured Simmer imaginations.
Greg is an ornery werewolf that lives in Moonwood Mills. He is often found skulking around a squat shack in the middle of the forest, baying at the full moon or snacking on large slices of meat. Hopeful travelers can interact with the homespun caution sign to encourage his appearance.
Once he appears, Simmers can try to get to know him through a variety of available socials, but this is no easy task. Greg harbors a dark past that must be unraveled over time, and he is more likely to acknowledge a Sim who shares his beastly form.
Otherwise, curious Simmers should be prepared to shiver at the very sound of Greg's voice, which often elicits a fear moodlet from unlucky travelers. But persistent players can rest assured that Greg will eventually open up and relay his story to those he deems worthy.
Otherwise, curious Simmers should be prepared to shiver at the very sound of Greg's voice, which often elicits a fear moodlet from unlucky travelers. But persistent players can rest assured that Greg will eventually open up and relay his story to those he deems worthy.
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What are you most excited about in Werewolves? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram!
Overview
Werewolves, the latest addition to the Sims 4 Game Pack repertoire, is due to drop into Origin and Steam on June 16th, and its Create-a-Sim options promise to be a howling good time.
Sims developers showed off the pack's assets on June 10th to thousands of squealing fans. Brimming with the punk-inspired, homegrown alternative fashion that permeated the late-90's and early 2000's, Werewolves's style options will titillate grunge-loving players everywhere. Many of the looks sport patches, holes, rips, and rough ends to suggest a Sim's frequent, violent transformations into a beast form. This beast form is fairly androgynous and, thusly, the Sims team has crafted a line of clothing that suits both feminine and masculine frames. Indeed, Create-a-Sim offers new functions for a Sim's wolf-form, too, allowing players to modify muzzles and paint the perfect puppy pattern. (However, these changes will be covered in a separate article.)
The result is a spread of threads that are universally appealing, flattering Sims of many shapes and sizes. The choices are worn but creative, magical but versatile.
Sims developers showed off the pack's assets on June 10th to thousands of squealing fans. Brimming with the punk-inspired, homegrown alternative fashion that permeated the late-90's and early 2000's, Werewolves's style options will titillate grunge-loving players everywhere. Many of the looks sport patches, holes, rips, and rough ends to suggest a Sim's frequent, violent transformations into a beast form. This beast form is fairly androgynous and, thusly, the Sims team has crafted a line of clothing that suits both feminine and masculine frames. Indeed, Create-a-Sim offers new functions for a Sim's wolf-form, too, allowing players to modify muzzles and paint the perfect puppy pattern. (However, these changes will be covered in a separate article.)
The result is a spread of threads that are universally appealing, flattering Sims of many shapes and sizes. The choices are worn but creative, magical but versatile.
Masculine Fashion
The many of the masculine looks in the game pack are also offered for feminine frames. For male Sims, there appear to be:
- 10 masculine tops
- 4 bottoms
- 3 pairs of shoes
- 8 body accessories
- 5 facial accessories
- 2 full-body looks.
The half-tucked sweater comes in a variety of puppy-prints with comfortable cuffs and an easy collar.
The jackets come with a variety of patchwork patterns, rolled up sleeves, metal zippers, and fine accents that suggest the moon and other natural phenomena.
Perhaps one of the most winning looks is the t-shirt with torn hemming. This item is perhaps the one best suited for the wolf who is constantly bursting into his beast form despite himself. It comes in a variety of swatches, a few with fun prints, others in plain but earthy colors, and still others worthy of any band-loving beast.
There are two full-body looks for masculine Sims. The first is a long, patchwork coat with a half-tucked in shirt and comfortable slacks .
The other full body outfit is another loosely tucked in knit with a belt and comfortable slacks. The slacks come in tartan, earthy tones, and a few even have moon-decorations on them!
There are four masculine bottoms in the pack. Again, all four sport the torn, patchy work that suggest beast battles and sudden, violent transformations. The fit of each pant differs from the next, which is deeply refreshing for those familiar with masculine CAS.
There are three shoe options, a Converse-inspired high-top sneaker, a torn-toeless sneaker, and tried and true punk boots available in a variety of colors.
There are three masculine hairstyles available in Werewolves: two mullets with braided, banded details: one available in the standard Sim hair colors, and another that boasts a host of punky, ombre colors; and a long wavy style.
The accessories that come shipped with this game pack are many. Simmers can expect to enjoy tribal-like nose piercings, coin-shaped earrings, crescent-moon necklaces, and rings, hand bandages, bracelets, and more!
Feminine Fashion
The included feminine fashion follows the same punk, homegrown inspirations as the menswear. Feminine-framed Sims can enjoy flowing dresses in earthy patterns, layered knit looks, essential punky stockings, torn band tees, relaxed jackets, and more.
This ankle length dress feels but fantastic and versatile. The leather belt befit with a handcrafted satchel would suit any self-respecting spell or mooncaster.
The layered look comes in many attractive plain and plaid patterns. The thigh-level patch at is a great touch.
The new stockings, torn and ripped in all the right ways, are available in both neutral tones, funky shades, and two-toned patterns.
This attractive knit manages a high-fashion off the shoulder look while maintaining the torn, alternative aesthetic.
The button up is available in denim, patchy cloth, and plaid. It is layered with both band tees, neutral tees, and werewolf-worthy prints.
The torn tee is, again, an easy winner. It comes available in camouflage patterns, artsy pop prints, and neutral tones.
Amongst the new feminine hairs are a braided mullet, a simple but shaggy shoulder-length style, an undercut up-do available with and without a crescent moon.
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Scars and Tattoos
Werewolves offers a plethora of not only cheek and eye scarring but also body scarring for maximum storytelling options. Any werewolf Sim can appear properly scratched, clawed, and even bitten on their arms, legs, and torso. There are even special patterns that make the hands appear dirty, as if the werewolf has been digging tunnels for too long.
These detailed scars and marks can be layered with each other and even tattoos!
These detailed scars and marks can be layered with each other and even tattoos!
Speaking of new tattoos, Werewolves boasts a new lunar moth tattoo and, of course, a wolf back tattoo. Again, scars can be layered on top of these tattoos for a realistic effect.
Child Fashion
Thankfully, even children get new items in this game pack: a puppy-eared cap, a wolf-patterned suspender set, an adorable wolfy onesie.
What look are you looking the most forward to? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram!
What look are you looking the most forward to? Tell us on Twitter or Instagram!
Moonlight Chic Kit: An Overview
The Sims team kicked off their freshest season of summer content with the announcement of two new kits: Moonlight Chic, a Create-a-Sim kit, and Little Campers, a Build/Buy kit. Both kits, released May 26th, harnessed the "embrace the night" theme curated by Sims developers. Moonlight Chic, in particular, is a kit that aims to represent the sleek, romantic fashion of Parisian nightlife. Does this 32-piece clothing kit meet the mark? Is it worth the 4.99 USD cost? Let's get into it.
Feminine Create-a-Sim
Inspired by the effortless style of French fashion influencer Paola Locatelli, the feminine pieces included in the Moonlight Chic Kit are easy winners. The salmon-pink sweater crop is flirty and fashion-forward. The texture appears soft and simple, with a cute turtleneck neckline.
Also, the knitted thigh-length jacket with a tube top comes with beautiful braided detailing and little buttons along the sleeves.
The button up top with an almost applique collar finish is also a show-stopper. The long, loose sleeves end in romantic flower petal like way. All three tops pair well with high-waisted bottoms which, admittedly, are few and far between in the Sims 4. It can also be said that, despite the beauty of each piece, that there is no dearth of crop-tops which already exist in the game. These beautiful additions to Create-a-Sim simply add to the mounting supply of tummy-bearing tops already vastly abundant in Sims 4.
Also, the knitted thigh-length jacket with a tube top comes with beautiful braided detailing and little buttons along the sleeves.
The button up top with an almost applique collar finish is also a show-stopper. The long, loose sleeves end in romantic flower petal like way. All three tops pair well with high-waisted bottoms which, admittedly, are few and far between in the Sims 4. It can also be said that, despite the beauty of each piece, that there is no dearth of crop-tops which already exist in the game. These beautiful additions to Create-a-Sim simply add to the mounting supply of tummy-bearing tops already vastly abundant in Sims 4.
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Luckily, this is not the end of Moonlight Chic's feminine offerings. A long-sleeved, disco ball like top offers the kind of curve-hugging glitter that I love seeing in my Create-a-Sim options. When paired with high-waisted bottoms, this top literally shines as a stand-out piece. Similarly, the V-neck soft sweater comes in head-turning colors such as lemonade yellow. It ends in a figure-complimenting cinch, and looks good on many bodies.
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Perhaps the two stars of this kit are the slinky silk dress with spaghetti strap shoulders and the snappy trenchcoat-like short jacket. Both are eye-catching and available in pleasing colors. In fact, the silk dress comes in several ombre swatches that make it an interesting addition to any discerning Sim's closet.
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The feminine bottoms leave a little to be desired. The kit boasts a pair of shorts that are acceptably suitable. The looped belting appears painted on and thus flatter than what I'd like. Similarly, the sequined skirt, also appears a little flatter than what I'd expect, but it still manages to be a pretty piece, perhaps a relic of the past Carnaval Kit.
There is another piece included in the feminine CAS selection, a suit jacket with a crop top blouse, which is a stunning addition to this kit but... more on that later.
There is another piece included in the feminine CAS selection, a suit jacket with a crop top blouse, which is a stunning addition to this kit but... more on that later.
Masculine Create-a-Sim
Personally, Create-a-Sim kits live and die for me according to their masculine offerings. I almost exclusively create masculine Sims with traditionally masculine frames, so any and all additions to their admittedly slim Sim wardrobe is always welcome for me. Eager to slide my men into fresh threads, I jumped immediately into CAS on May 26th.
The masculine tops offer the same sort of ease and simple sensuousness that characterizes this kit as a whole. A crisp, color-blocked racing jacket, a loose-fitting and half-tucked in button up, and a daring denim jacket in a variety of colors are stars of the pack. They are joined by a simple sweater with three-quarter sleeves, which comes with a long, nearly bohemian hemp necklace.
The flowery button up was a real winner for me: its straight-lined, traditionally masculine silhouette paired with the traditionally feminine floral print is really appealing. When worn with bottoms from the Modern Menswear kit, this shirt is a must-have.
Speaking of bottoms...
Speaking of bottoms...
The kit has five bottoms for masculine Sims, and they all offer the same loose, cargo-like fit and texture. While they may vary according to number of pockets, the bottoms are all lackluster. None of them particularly push the fashionable envelope, and I daresay that the Sims already enjoys a near endless supply of cargo pants, especially for men. Beyond being fashionably backward, the inclusion of so many items of the same design is just plain disappointing.
This is not to say that the trousers look badly in-game. They are simple additions, particularly the shorts and slacks, that are well-rendered. The belt and seams on the long shorts look nice. The slacks are available in a variety of interesting colors and sit comfortably on the masculine frame. There are beautiful folds in all trouser selections, a definite plus in the texture department. They are good pants. Acceptable. But a bit boring.
But perhaps I'm overly salty about the menswear. After all, when I saw the initial advertisements for Moonlight Chic, I was over-the-moon excited to slip my men into what I believed was a boundary-pushing masculine suit. In fact, it appeared that this suit - the full-body option with a cropped blouse and high neckline - was indeed for masculine Sims.
In official game renders, the suit boasted broad shoulders that tapered into a narrow waist, a fashionably baggy fit reminiscent of the late 80's, a high neckline, deep pockets, and large lapel that reminded me a little of Yusuke's fits from Yu Yu Hakusho, one of the my favorite animes of all time. (Yeah, I am unfortunately that old.)
But perhaps I'm overly salty about the menswear. After all, when I saw the initial advertisements for Moonlight Chic, I was over-the-moon excited to slip my men into what I believed was a boundary-pushing masculine suit. In fact, it appeared that this suit - the full-body option with a cropped blouse and high neckline - was indeed for masculine Sims.
In official game renders, the suit boasted broad shoulders that tapered into a narrow waist, a fashionably baggy fit reminiscent of the late 80's, a high neckline, deep pockets, and large lapel that reminded me a little of Yusuke's fits from Yu Yu Hakusho, one of the my favorite animes of all time. (Yeah, I am unfortunately that old.)
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But when I entered the game and frantically searched the masculine wear for this top, I was sorely disappointed.
Despite its branding, the top was unavailable for masculine Sims, even when I removed the "masculine" tag. To find it for my men, I had to completely change their "fashion choice" to "feminine."
Naturally, when I placed the desired top on my masculine framed Sim, the game distorted his body. The trench coat top gave Julian sizable breasts, while the famed crop-top suit gave him fuller hips. In fact, I found that the suit that I'd wanted so badly did not have a tapered waist as was advertised. Instead, it made Julian look larger than he actually was. I was thoroughly disappointed.
The Verdict: Flop
Moonlight Chic has some wonderful pieces for which Create-a-Sim fanatics will find some semblance of use. The feminine CAS pieces are beautiful and flirty; the masculine CAS is acceptable, but limited. This pack will in no way challenge you or make you rethink fashion; it will not offer many additions that are unlike anything your Sim already owns. The mis-marketing of the suit jacket also, personally, left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
Is this pack a must-have? Absolutely not. Is it worth 4.99 if you have it to spare? Perhaps. But maybe wait to win it in a giveaway or something.
What do you think of Moonlight Chic? Tell us on Twitter!
Is this pack a must-have? Absolutely not. Is it worth 4.99 if you have it to spare? Perhaps. But maybe wait to win it in a giveaway or something.
What do you think of Moonlight Chic? Tell us on Twitter!
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