The Sims 4 Decades Challenge: How to Master It

The *The Sims 4* community thrives on creativity and challenge, with the Decades Challenge offering a unique way to experience life through different historical periods. If you're keen on immersing your Sims in a journey through time, here's a comprehensive guide to mastering the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

Image via EA

The Decades Challenge spans from 1890 to 2010 or 2020, with each two in-game days representing a new year. Feel free to adjust these years to personalize your experience. With the Blast from the Past event currently underway, it's an ideal time to dive into this historical adventure.

To start, ensure automatic aging is disabled and use specific life expectancy guidelines. Life expectancy has varied over time, so Sims are categorized into those born before 1950 and those after, reflecting historical changes:

• Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months old)
• Infant: Ages after 3 days (2 years old)
• Toddler: Ages after 8 days (6 years old)
• Child: Ages after 14 days (13 years old)
• Teen: Ages after 12 days (19 years old)

For Adults born before 1950:

• Young Adult: Ages after 26 days (32 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 36 days (50 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)

For Adults born after 1950:

• Young Adult: Ages after 32 days (35 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 60 days (65 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)

Begin the challenge with a single young adult or a young adult couple. Including the Sim's parents can reflect the era's common multi-generational living. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the historical immersion.

Housing rules include avoiding Strangerville entirely and not using Del Sol Valley until the 1950s. For realism, steer clear of Sulani as well. Singles can live in apartments, but upon marriage, they must move into a house.

Technology use is restricted until the correct decade: phones are for gameplay elements only, and computers are limited to job requirements and ordering essentials like books and seeds. Choose jobs that align with the time period you're simulating.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

Image via EA

Each decade within the challenge presents unique rules and conditions:

1890s

Only male heirs are permitted. Daughters must have the Creative trait and leave upon marriage. WooHooing is banned; trying for a baby is the only reason for intimacy. Home births are mandatory. Men work period-appropriate jobs like woodworking, while women manage the household or freelance/garden if widowed. No electricity; children attend elementary school, but high school is optional. University is allowed with period-appropriate majors. Start cultivating a Cow Plant.

1900s

Lamps and indoor plumbing are introduced, but no showers. Jobs and education rules remain unchanged. Phonographs for music are acceptable.

1910s

Males are drafted for World War I, requiring them to eat Cow Plant cake and roll a dice for survival. The oldest female and her husband become heirs if all males perish. High school becomes mandatory with a C average requirement. Men can attend university post-war, and women can take manual labor jobs.

1920s

Women can 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 allowed. Women can work if their husbands' income is insufficient. Alcohol is prohibited due to Prohibition.

1930s

Kegs are permitted at university, but the Great Depression affects job availability. Sims lose their jobs at the decade's start and can find new ones after a week. Prohibition ends, but meals are limited to one cooked meal daily, with others scavenged or grown.

1940s

World War II rules apply as in World War I. Victory gardens are mandatory, and thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed. Radios are required, with at least one hour of daily listening. High schoolers aren't expelled for poor grades, and teens can work part-time.

1950s

The oldest son participates in the Korean War. Showers and basic TVs are introduced. High school remains mandatory, and phones can be used for calls.

1960s

The oldest two children of any gender participate in the Vietnam War. College majors are unrestricted, and women receive maternity leave. WooHooing is no longer restricted.

1970s

The Vietnam War continues to affect the oldest two children. Marriage is encouraged but not mandatory. Microwaves, dishwashers, lottery tickets, and food delivery become available.

1980s

Gaming is permitted, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies and hospital births are allowed.

1990s

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

2000s

Computer and phone restrictions are removed, except for Trendi. All music and TV channels are available, and babies can be born at home or in the hospital.

2010s

Journalism is restricted due to declining print media. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, are allowed.

This comprehensive guide covers 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 suit any packs you own.

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