It’s that time again, and the Sims team is working hard to release updates to improve the game and release new packs for the dedicated fanbase. The team has released a massive update and two new The Sims 4 kits to start the season.
Riviera Retreat Kit
This is a build mode kit that comes with 13 items. It costs five dollars without EA Play and $4.49 with EA Play.
This kit is based on rustic pool decoration. It’s simple and doesn’t come with much, but if you enjoy this style and play with pools and patios, it’s an excellent buy.
One thing to note about this kit is that it comes with new rocks to use when landscaping. Right now, the base game only has gray-colored rocks that are pretty small if players aren’t using the debug cheat. Having these two rocks gives more options and variety in color and style.
Another cool item in this pack is the new gazebo. It’s a metal frame with vines wrapping around the awnings. I can see this being used in multiple builds outside of the items in the kit.
Cozy Bistro Kit
This is a build mode kit that comes with 22 new items. It costs five dollars without EA Play and $4.49 with EA Play.
This kit is centered around designing a cafe and has versatility. It can be used with other packs like Get Together for the cafe lot and Dine Out for the restaurant lot, but it can also be used in the base game for lounges and bars.
This kit is for players who enjoy making and playing with community lots regularly.
This kit can also be used in houses if you enjoy making kitchens. Items like the hanging wine rack and the coffee maker can be used easily in everyday gameplay if players don’t enjoy making community lots.
One thing to consider with this kit is that the coffee maker needs to be placed on a counter, but the kit doesn’t come with any new counters. While these are included in the base game, it would have been nice to see a new one here since it is required for one of the items.
Related: How to Mod The Sims 4
Which kit is worth the money?
All kits are made with extreme niches; if you don’t like building, I would pass on these kits significantly since they don’t add anything new to the gameplay.
The Riviera Retreat Kit comes with more items that I would use in my day-to-day gameplay, like the rocks, rock path, gazebo, and lounge chairs. It’s more versatile and isn’t restricted to just pools.
The Cozy Bistro Kit, on the other hand, is very niche. Most of the items, like the partisan and the diner couch, are pretty restricted to public lots. There are also no matching countertops included for the coffee maker.
These kits are meant for two different player types. If you enjoy making restaurants and bars, then I would go with the Cozy Bistro Kit, and if you like building outdoor lots, I would go with the Riviera Retreat Kit.
What’s new?
As with any update, there were a lot of bug fixes to make playing the game a little easier. While there were a few, here are the stand-out ones:
- Campfires will no longer cause as many fires
- Sims will find all of the dishes when using the ‘clean up’ option
- Players won’t get a ‘Trash Can is Required’ notification when there’s a trash can
- The skill list is now arranged in alphabetical order
- Customizable pronouns will appear correctly in romance calls
- Lots should load faster now
- In Growing Together, sims will unlock the ‘had a baby’ milestone when having a science baby
- In High School Years, whenever sims complete their tasks and homework, they will get promoted
- In Horse Ranch, sims will no longer autonomously buy mini goats
The Sims is also testing a new, optional processor called DirectX 11. This processor is supposed to result in smoother gameplay and enhanced graphics. As of now, this is only available on Windows. To opt in, you can enter the prompt ‘-dx11’ in the EA App or Steam.
This update also adds daily login rewards. These login rewards include recolors of current items, a couple of new items, and a new trait.
To claim these awards, click the ‘Happy at Home Login Event’ on the game’s homepage. If you miss a day, that doesn’t mean you’ve lost out on the item forever; you can catch up and get the item the next day. Doing this will put you a day behind, but you will get the reward as long as you log in before the event is up.
The Guide Hall can’t wait to explore more of the many new The Sims 4 kits, especially The Cozy Bistro Kit. We’ll have new guides for your favorite life sim game coming soon!