"Mastering The 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 historical twist, the Decades Challenge is the perfect way to immerse your Sims in different time periods. This challenge takes you on a journey from 1890 to 2010 or 2020, offering a unique way to experience the evolution of life and technology through the decades.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

First, let's dive into the rules that govern this fascinating challenge. The core concept is that every two days in the game represents a new year, starting from 1890. You can, however, customize the years to fit your preferences. For instance, days one and two are 1890, days three and four are 1891, and so on, up until the challenge's end at 2010 or 2020. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, it's an ideal time to embark on this historical journey.

To maintain realism, turn off automatic aging and follow these life expectancy guidelines, which vary depending on whether your Sims were born before or after 1950 due to historical changes in life expectancy.

• 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 Adult Sims born before 1950, follow these aging rules:

• 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 Adult Sims born after 1950, the guidelines are different:

• 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 married young adult couple. One Sim may have their parents in the household, reflecting the common practice of multi-generational living during earlier times. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the historical feel.

Housing rules include restrictions on certain locations: Strangerville is off-limits entirely, 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 they must move to a house upon marriage.

Technology usage is also regulated. 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. When choosing jobs, consider whether they would have been available during the time period you're simulating.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

Each decade in the Decades Challenge comes with its own set of rules, adding layers of difficulty and historical accuracy. Here's a brief overview of the rules for each decade. For more detailed information, check out Cute Coffee Gal's full challenge rules.

1890s

In the 1890s, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out upon marriage. 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 take up freelancing or gardening if widowed. Electricity is not allowed, and kids must attend elementary school, but high school isn't required. University is allowed for both genders with period-appropriate majors. Start creating a Cow Plant during this decade.

1900s

Lamps are now permitted, and indoor plumbing is introduced, though showers are still not allowed. Jobs and education rules remain the same as the 1890s. Phonographs for music are acceptable, but other 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, the Sim must move out. Male Sims 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 is no longer mandatory for daughters. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women can work under more circumstances, especially if their husbands don't earn enough. Alcohol is prohibited due to Prohibition.

1930s

Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects job availability. Sims can't join business careers and lose their jobs at the start of the decade, regaining them after a week. Prohibition ends, and Sims are limited to one cooked meal a day, with other meals scavenged, caught, or grown.

1940s

Follow World War I rules for World War II. Each household must have a victory garden with at least four plants. Thermostats, washers, and dryers are allowed, and every household needs a radio, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers aren't sent away for bad grades, and teens can hold part-time jobs.

1950s

The oldest son goes to war in the Korean War, following previous war rules. Showers and cheap TVs are allowed, and listening to the radio isn't required. High school remains mandatory, and phones can be used for calls.

1960s

The oldest two children of any gender go to war in the Vietnam War, following the same rules. Sims can choose any major in college, and women are allowed maternity leave. WooHooing is now permitted without restrictions.

1970s

The oldest two children of any gender go to war in 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, and texting is permitted. All families must build a Y2K shelter and stay in it for three days.

2000s

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

2010s

Journalism with print media is no longer allowed. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, are available.

That's everything you need to know about the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack is quite useful, you can adapt the challenge to fit any other packs you own or don't own.

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