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The Sims 4 base game is now free to play for all, which means more people than ever before are coming to the life simulation game. In this sandbox world full of potential, things can get overwhelming, and you may be left wondering, what cool things are there to do in The Sims 4?

Related: The Sims 4: Choosing The Best Expansion, Stuff, And Game Packs

If you're looking for a challenge, some unique features to explore, a bunch of secrets to discover, or even just simply a list of activities you can enjoy, then we have you covered. Here are just some of the most fun things to do in The Sims 4.

12 Learn To Summon Grilled Cheese Instantly

Sims 4 Eliza and Bob Pancakes sat on grilled cheese chairs by a plate of grilled cheese

We're starting out with a cool secret aspiration that will help fulfill your Sim's grilled cheese-based desires. As one of the early game cooking staples, grilled cheese is synonymous with The Sims. So much so that you can even get grilled cheese furniture designs.

If your Sim eats three servings of grilled cheese in a row, then they'll unlock the secret Grilled Cheese Aspiration. Then you need to complete the three milestones, and you'll be rewarded with the ability to summon grilled cheese at will.

11 Explore Scenarios And Earn Rewards

Sims 4 family with parents, a grandparent and two children.

The Sims 4 now comes with some inbuilt goals, known as scenarios. They offer a range of challenges that help you explore different features of the game and are great for al players, no matter their experience and time in the game. Simply select Scenario from the main menu to see the choices on offer.

Each scenario is tagged with a difficulty rating and displays a basic summary of its goals. If you hover over it you can see the goals you need to reach. You can also see the different rewards for completing each one. Some will come with a family already created, while others will give you an outline of the requirements to create one.

10 Become An Evil Genius

Sims 4 Island Living Mua Pel Am Volcano Island

There are many things you can be in The Sims 4, and thanks to some DLC, one of them is an Evil Genius. Get To Work is the first port of call for many since it offers the interactive Science Career. Here you can learn to make potions, invent a freeze ray, and explore other planets.

If you have Discover University, you can create your very own robot, while those with Island Living can live on a remote island with its very own active volcano. All the ingredients are here, you just need to put them together.

9 Discover Some Secret Locations

Sims 4 Bob Pancakes Entering Sylvan Glade through the tree in Foundry Cove

There are plenty of secret locations to explore in The Sims 4. In the base game, there is Sylvan Glade and the Forgotten Grotto, one of which requires more work than the other, but both are equally beautiful and will help you create some gorgeous screenshots.

Related: Sims 4: All The Hidden Lots You Can Discover And How To Get There

If you have DLC installed then the Get To Work expansion includes the visitable planet Sixam, home of the alien race that is also playable with this pack. Alternatively, the Strangerville game pack includes a secret location you have to solve a mystery and complete a quest to discover.

8 Grow A Cowplant

The Sims 4 Cow Plant growing in a back garden

Little Shop of Horrors has gotten plenty of love from The Sims over the years, which culminates in the creation of the Laganaphyllis simnovorii, which is also known as The Cow Plant. Based on the killer plant, Audrey II, this bovine-based addition to your garden has some unique properties.

If left unfed, the fully grown Cow Plant can lure Sims into its mouth with the promise of cake. Any Sim that takes up this offer will be swallowed whole and spat back out with a nasty debuff. If they are stupid enough to try a second time while they still have the debuff, they won't return.

If you want your own lethal garden plant then fish up a cow plant berry, add it to a planter or the ground, and take good care of it. Just make sure to resist that cake.

7 Rebuild The World

A screenshot of the map showing the thriftea bubble tea cafe location in Copperdale

There's more than one way to play the Sims and many fans rarely touch the gameplay side of Sims 4, preferring to spend their time building in and renovating the neighbourhoods. Be it a quick furniture refresh, or a full bulldoze, there are so many things you can do with build mode.

Related: Sims 4: Amazing Save Files To Replace The Default

If you want to explore the range of ways you can customise your homes, then there are many build tips you can put into practice. Alternatively, head on over to the Gallery, and browse the most creative designs on offer. Whichever you choose you can make your Sim's world your own.

6 Become A Serial Killer

Sims 4 Deaths vending machine beetlejuice and prank

Exploring death in The Sims 4 in both natural and extreme ways is surprisingly cathartic for many players. If you can't think of anything worse please just walk on by this entry. If you're here for the grizzly murders then we've got you covered.

The next natural step up from keeping cannibalistic plants is to become an actual serial killer. The Sims 4 offers a huge number of ways to kill your Sims. So, if there are any inhabitants in the town you fancy getting rid of, then there are an array of creative ways to do it.

5 Challenge Yourself

sims 4 fire after challenge

If you are looking for a challenge a bit different or more unique than the scenarios in game, then it's time to head into the Sims community. Before scenarios were even heard of, the community was creating challenges to give players unique goals to follow.

There are a vast number of challenges and many may feel impossible for a new player. However, it's just a case of finding the right challenge for you. Newcomers can enjoy a range of base game challenges, requiring no DLC, challenges of varying difficulty levels, and, since this is The Sims, some which are really messed up.

4 Prove You Ain't Afraid Of No Ghost

Five ghosts sitting at a bar.

If you've always been fascinated by ghosts then the Paranormal Stuff pack is a must. You can use it to create haunted houses, meet some supernatural spirits, and summon specters. It also marks the return of the legendary Bonehilda.

Related: Things You Need To Know Before You Buy The Sims 4: Paranormal

If you've ever fancied yourself as a Ghostbuster, then you can also explore the Paranormal Investigator career. There really is so much packed in here that it's well worth the investment, especially if there's a sale.

3 Explore DLC

Sims 4 everyday clutter in lounge

There are four types of DLC: expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, and kits. These have different price points, and the higher the price point the more content in the pack. Since the game is so old now it can feel overwhelming to see the range do DLC. However, it's worth knowing that the value is linked directly to how you play.

Depending on your desires for the game, there is DLC that is perfect for builders, some other packs that are best suited to family and legacy gameplay, and for those who want to go extra, there are occult and supernatural themed packs.

2 Customise The In Game Radio

Sims 4 BFF house listening to the radio in the kitchen

The Sims 4 has a wide range of radio channels that showcase some excellent Simlish music. However, what if you want your Sims to enjoy some of your favourite music? This is where the Custom Music feature comes in.

Navigate over to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > Custom Music and here you'll find a folder for every single radio channel in the game. Simply add MP3 files for your chosen songs into the desired folder, and they'll be added to that Radio Station in your game.

If you want only your music to play, then in the game, select Menu > Game Options > Music. This will list all the stations and the songs they play. Simply use the tick boxes to customise each station.

1 Mod Your Game

Teen Sims chat in their room, while one Sim uses the computer.
Gameplay by Whiny Brit using adeepindigo's Education Overhaul mod

For those who like everything to be extra, The Sims 4 has a thriving mod scene. It's easy to get started, and there is a huge range of mods available, from those which tweak settings, to those which add entirely new features.

Modding can help add new things to your game if you want to explore more with your Sims outside the range and cost of the official DLC. You can also add custom clothing and furniture, making it feel like a whole new game.

Next: The Sims 4 Mods You Didn't Know You Needed Until Now