It’s routine forThe Sims 4to receive a massive base game update prior to the release of any new DLC for the hit simulator game. Many Simmers expected October 22’s base game to be no different, perhaps with some upgrades and expansions to the ghost occult type. With the game’s latest expansion pack revolving around the afterlife, this would be no surprise, especially since ghosts are one of two occult type species featured inThe Sims 4base game. Instead, this latest update could change the prospects of occult types inThe Sims 4as a whole.
Most of the base game updates establish ghosts as an occult type on the same level as mermaids, vampires, and werewolves. Ghostscan now be created in Create-a-Sim(CAS) at any age, they have a distinct set of needs, and players can choose to make a Sim a “Playable Ghost” or a “Freeroaming Ghost” upon death. Further expansions like a power-building skill tree, which most DLC occult types have, are included in the new “Life & Death” Expansion Pack. This move makes sense considering most occult types aren’t inThe Sims 4base game.
The Sims 4’s Latest Base Game Update Opens the Door for Other Occult Updates
The true shock of the update isn’t that these updates to the base game occurred, rather it’s that DLC packs received ghostly updates as well. Simmers can now choose a Sims gravestone or urn upon death. New graves and urns have been added in packs for occult type species. For example, the “Island Living” expansion pack now has gravestones and urns for mermaids. The biggest surprise comes to Simmers, whoown the “Cats & Dogs”or “Horse Ranch” expansion packs. Finally, cats, dogs, and horses can roam the afterlife as these animals can now be ghosts.
With death being one of the most popular aspects ofThe Sims 4, it’s no surprise that apack surrounding Life & Deathand these ghostly updates would occur. But these updates set a precedent for other occult species to be updated in the game, particularly one type that has been ignored since their reintroduction back into the franchise in 2017.
PlantSims Deserve the Same Treatment as Ghosts
Simply put,PlantSims aren’t the most popularoccult species inThe Sims 4. Becoming a PlantSim takes quite a bit of niche gameplay that most Simmers aren’t privy to. Therefore, the inclusion of PlantSims may seem a bit bizarre to players who aren’t acquainted withThe Simsfranchise’s vast lore, which has included the occult species sinceThe Sims: Makin’ Magic.
Players can become PlantSims for five days after eating a Forbidden Fruit, which can be obtainedthrough the Plant-A-Sim scenario, or after growing various Magic Beans. Though the Sims’ new appearance may be quirky and fun, there aren’t any really net positives from the species change. Unlike regular Sims, PlantSims ingest their food through sunlight exposure and drinking mass amounts of water. While this alleviates the need for players to make food for their Sims or use the bathroom, no additional powers are gained from the change. This is different from ghosts, who can move through objects, break items, and get up to a bunch of other shenanigans.
Revitalizing ghosts throughthe Life & Death expansion packproves that the same type of update is possible for PlantSims. An update specifically for PlantSims on their own is unlikely considering their lack of popularity. However, this update could occur if a new plant-themed pack came toThe Sims 4.
How a PlantSims Refresh Could Be Possible
The best expansion packs for PlantSims to be refreshedwould have been Seasonsor Eco Lifestyle. Several other packs have plant themes, like the Romantic Garden stuff pack (2016) and the Blooming Rooms (2021) and Greenhouse Haven (2023) Kits. Considering that Romantic Garden was released prior toThe Sims 4’s inclusion of PlantSims, it makes sense that updates to PlantSims didn’t occur in of the DLC. However, the lack of a PlantSim update in Seasons or Eco Lifestyle does feel like a slight oversight.
If PlantSims were to beupdated inThe Sims 4, it would have to coincide with an expansion pack themed to plants. However, there doesn’t seem to be an obvious solution as to what would be included in this pack, as careers like gardener, florist, and botanist, and skills like farming have already been added in the game’s DLC. This makes an update to PlantSims unlikely in the near future, no matter how much the occult species desperately needs it.
PlantSims may have a long weathered history inThe Simsfranchise, but if the occult type stands any chance of remaining relevant,The Sims 4should give PlantSims the same treatmentit gave ghosts through Life & Deathand its base game update.
The Sims 4
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