What to Expect in the Sims 4 Spa Day Refresh: A Comprehensive Walkthrough + Official Screens

9/6/2021

The Sims 4: Spa Day will receive a well-earned facelift on September 7th, 2021.

The Sims 4 team recently made and announced this unprecedented decision - to refine player experience of existing downloadable content, just last Thursday. Though content in question is the game pack “Spa Day,” and it is a choice that not only brings new aspirations, fashionable fingernails, plush reimaginings of existing Spa Day build buy, and fresh Sim traits to the game, but it also seems to preface a series of future pack improvements.

That is, for years many Sims 4 players have bemoaned the lack of depth and realism in both the popular franchise’s base game and its plethora of purchasable packs. Simmers have pointed out the dearth of activities available for children and elders, the superficial gloss of each new pack, and the noticeable vacuum of sustainable gameplay.

Sims 4 developers have taken these criticisms to heart and appear to be slowly updating the quality of Sim hairs and available gameplay in its base game. With the announcement of a Spa Day refresh, developers seem to have embarked upon a journey to drastically improve in-game content.

What exactly can Simmers expect in the renewed pack?

Ebonix-Customized Nail Art and Nail Gameplay

Most notably, Create-a-Sim will gain a new category for both fingernails and toenails!

Simmers will be able to outfit their pixel people with an array of stunning nails- designed by Ebonix herself- in a variety of rounded, stilleto, almond-shaped, short clipped, and unapologetically clawed styles.

In fact, not only will Simmers gain the ability to browse different nail lengths, but they will also be able to choose from several shades of nail colors. The colors come in both high-gloss and matte finishes. Simmers can even choose “curated” styles from Ebonix Sims!

Shiny polishes will display in the in-game menu as glossy nail polish bottles.

.Meanwhile, matte colors will appear as matte- without the signature “shine” - in the menu.

Of course, Sims who want to really express themselves have a variety of fun designs to choose from too.

And they exist alongside Ebonix’s signature nail designs.

When applied in Create-a-Sim, Sim nails will never degrade or need up-keep. They will remain glossy and perfectly maintained for all time.

However, when Sims receive a manicure in-game, those nails will eventually fade and chip, requiring another visit to the spa. This adds a new layer of realistic gameplay in the Sims 4 which is sure to delight fans.

Face Mask Gameplay + Cucumber Power

In the past, face masks were only available to Sims while in a bath. The masks helped them relieve tension and gain some temporary moodlets.

The Spa Day refresh allows Sims to purchase face masks at any time from refrigerators. Each face mask offers different, longer lasting moodlet properties.

Kids can even join in the fun this time around. With fun, randomized animal masks, child Sims will get to take part in spa days alongside their self-care savvy parents.

Leaving a face mask on for too long, however, can yield various, unpleasant results from “Weird Sensations” to unfortunate rash. (Occult Sims will also experience interesting side-effects that have yet to be revealed.)

Refrigerators will also boast delicious cucumber slices and cucumber fizzy power sips for Sims to enjoy. These refreshing snacks will also offer some hilariously overboard focus moodlets.

New Guru Aspirations

The Spa Day refresh comes complete with three new, sorely needed aspirations: Self-Care Specialist, Zen Guru, and Inner Peace.

Sims with the “Self-Care Specialist” aspiration will have an easier time monetizing their guru abilities- that is, whenever they hold a yoga or meditation class, clients will pay more money for a little slice of that heavenly zen expertise.

By contrast “Zen Guru” Sims will radiate peace and tranquility. They will gain an uncanny ability to empathize with other Sims and soothe them when experiencing unpleasant emotions.

The Sim who desires “inner peace” will turn their zen journey inward, working to master the turmoils of negative emotions.

All three aspirations, naturally, come with new reward traits: Self-care expertise, Calming Aura, and Clear Perspective, respectively.

Zen Instructor on the Move

But the meatiest portion of this refresh is the ability to place the newly updated massage chairs, yoga mats, meditation poufs, and massage tables into inventory. An aspiring Zen Instructor can then place these glorious guru items anywhere in the world to run an impromptu meditation class, yoga class, or impromptu nail salon.

For yoga classes, the instructor must purchase an instructor’s yoga mat- indicated by the Spa Day logo imprinted in one corner- and can also purchase Sim mats for their students, but they don’t have to. Eager yoga students will bring their own mats to class.

The instructor can set their class up as “public,” meaning any Sim in the vicinity may join, or “private,” meaning the instructor must invite attendees.

Instructors can even boost class attendance by advertising on Simstagram!

Even children can join as yoga class attendees or even lead sessions as instructors.

Participating in yoga and meditation classes increase mental and motor skills for kids. If the player has parenthood installed, meditation also increases “emotional control.”

Better Build Buy

Naturally, the Spa Day refresh features a massive spread of new and updated build/buy items.

Players will enjoy a slew of new robe and towel swatches, fun meditation poufs in a variety incredible colors, new plush massage chairs, a wide array of yoga mats, and much more.