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The Sims 4 has a lot of DLC. They have so much DLC, in fact, that they split them into three categories: expansions, game packs, and stuff packs. These vary in terms of the content they offer and their price tag. It can be somewhat overwhelming to delve through all these packs to decide which Sims 4 pack is the best and what you can do without, so we've made some handy guides to help you decide.

Here we take a look at the game packs available for The Sims 4. The preference for each is entirely subjective; with rankings being personal. But we'll be listing enough info on each of them to hopefully help you decide whether they're worth your time.

Related: Sims 3 Vs Sims 4: 5 Things Each Game Does Better

Updated July 9, 2022, By Helen Ashcroft: The Sims 4 continues to expand after a disappointing run of kits and the ill-fated My Wedding Stories. The romance-themed game pack has since been fixed in places but some glitches remain. Luckily, the latest pack, Werewolves, appears not to have suffered the same fate. As a result, we've updated this list so you can see where the supernatural addition ranks.

12 The Sims 4: My Wedding Stories

Sims 4 wedding dom and cam walking down ailse

My Wedding Stories was a promise to overhaul base game weddings and include a range of new features. Weddings can now be planned and Sims can choose the dress code, outfits, flowers, cake and venue. There is also a good range of new items that can ensure your wedding looks beautiful, no matter the venue.

This pack has huge potential, but unfortunately, it was released with as many problems as it claims to solve. Some of the main issues have since been resolved, but we are still struggling to bump this pack up the charts. This is mostly because base game weddings are taken over by this pack, so you can't revert to the regular way of doing things if you prefer it.

11 The Sims 4: Star Wars Journey To Batuu

Rey and a female sim crossing lightsabers in from of an x-wing as a BB droid looks on.

The idea for this pack is incredible, and it could have been one of the best packs around but sadly the execution is lacking. Batuu itself is an entirely separate world that keeps it feeling immersive as a Star Wars location, but it's also very limited in scope. There are quests to do, factions to prove yourself to and characters to meet. However, many of the locations are simply facades or rabbit holes. You can go inside Olga's Cantina, an underground Resistance base, and a small building that serves as an HQ for The First Order but everything else is just for show.

You can own a droid and have lightsaber battles, but these parts really are the highlight. The pack somehow manages to be too confusing for many Star Wars newcomers, yet too flimsy for fans. While it does have some fans, this is definitely one to read up on before you buy it. You also need to bear in mind that it very much feels like a seperate part of the game and even most items and clothing won't find use in your regular gameplay. The crossover in items will only really apply to heavy industrial builds and even then it is limited.

10 The Sims 4: Strangerville

A sim examining a laptop in a creepy lab.

Are you being paranoid, or is the unmarked van parked outside suspicious? And do your neighbors seem a little... off? It's up to you to uncover the mystery in StrangerVille, but it would be wise to exercise caution. This game pack allows you to explore a new world in an entirely unique way, following a story-driven adventure to find out the cause of the weird goings-on.

Strangerville offers a different way to play The Sims 4 that makes it very hit or miss. The town of Strangerville is home to a narrative your Sims can engage with to literally change the world. It's interesting and fun to play but for many, there is a low replay value. However, you do gain a new desert world as well as some interesting build and buy items. This gives it more flexibility than other game packs.

9 The Sims 4: Spa Day

A group of Sims in a spa.

If you want to give your Sim a nice, relaxing time but don't necessarily want to go on a full-blown vacation to do so, then you can pick up the Spa Day game pack. This will add a spa to your local town that you can visit at your leisure. There are a ton of things you can do at the spa, possibly the most useful of which is help upgrade your new wellness skill, helping get your Sim through a particularly rough day.

Related: Best Sims 4 Expansion Packs

Take yoga classes, go for a rest in the sauna, learn to meditate, grab a massage, or pick up an aquarium for your home. Thanks the Spa Day Refresh there are now also options for manicures, extra furniture items and even ways to make money with your wellness skill. There are quite a few nice additions in this pack for the peaceful-minded, and your Sim is probably going to live a happier life for it. They'll also have really great-looking bathrooms since the tiles in this pack are simple and elegant. Just be careful in the sauna. If you stay in there too long then you may not get back out.

8 The Sims 4: Jungle Adventure

A sim making a purchase at a selvadorada market stall.

If Outdoor Retreat doesn't do enough to scratch the itch of adventure, then you'll probably want to take a look at Jungle Adventure. You'll need to keep your wits about you when you take a trip to Selvadorada, and don't forget to take all the necessary supplies. There's a sizable and dangerous jungle to explore out there, with quite a few ways in which your Sim can lose their life while running about. Preparation here is absolutely key. Travel far enough, and you'll make it to the Jungle Temple.

The area is full of treasures to uncover and unique temples to explore. It's also helpful to become friendly with the locals before you head off. They have plenty of supplies to help you on your way; you'll just need to upgrade your culture skill during your stay. It's also wise to be careful with any archeological finds you uncover. Some of them are not what they seem.

7 The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat

Sims gathering around a campfire

Your Sims work hard. Really hard. Why not give them a hard-earned vacation? In the Outdoor Retreat game pack, you can rent one of five lots in Granite Falls National Park and give your Sim a vacation they'll remember forever. There's a whole forest to explore here, rife with activities and beautiful scenery. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, you can try to find the secret area: the Deep Woods, where you can meet the Hermit that resides therein.

Outdoor Retreat is a really fun addition that adds a pretty cool new way for your Sims to, well, live life. It's often underrated but brings more than expected to your game with bugs to collect and a herbalism skill to learn. Sims can also enjoy long walks and fishing in new areas. The build and buy items are rustic and useful, meaning they can easily fit into other more everyday builds. Having access to tents, and outdoor games is also a huge plus.

6 The Sims 4: Dine Out

a table for two being served

Looking for a night out at a nice restaurant? Or, maybe you want to own your own hot spot in town? Either way, Dine Out has you covered. If you're not looking to run your own restaurant, then this game pack might not be worth the full price of admission, but being able to actually go to restaurants does flesh out the game-world. From date nights to family celebrations, there are builds to cater for all eventualities on the gallery.

Related: Sims 4: Best Packs For Legacy & Family Players, Ranked

If you're looking to run your own restaurant, however, then you'll probably love this opportunity to really make the place your own. You can build your entire restaurant from scratch, design, and all. You get to manage your staff, customize your menu, get reviewed by critics, and a lot more. This pack feels a bit like a game in and of itself and fits beautifully into the Sims world.

5 The Sims 4: Realm Of Magic

Morgan displaying their magical powers.

Realm of Magic brings spellcasters to The Sims 4. These magical Sims can become spellcasters by completing a quest or can be conjured up in create a sim. Their skills and talents work similarly to the skill trees of vampires, and they are incredibly enjoyable to play. You can choose to specialize in one of three types of magic, in potions, or in all of the above.

Explore the magic realm, discover and cast new spells, duel with your fellow spellcasters, and much more. The build and buy items are cute and versatile, the new world is small but stunning and there's a secret realm to explore. You can ride a broom (or a mop!) wave a wand and generally live your best magical life. Just make sure that you watch out for those curses, some of them are deadly.

4 The Sims 4: Dream Home Decorator

Sims 4 decor official swatches decorator

Dream Home Decorator is a unique pack. It focuses on a new interactive career in which your Sims can take commissions to redesign rooms and even add entire new floors in other Sims homes. They'll travel around your Sim world sorting out all the interior design disasters in the game. The career integrates with build mode to allow you to be paid for your decorating skills.

The career is the main focus of the pack but in order to design with perfection, you need decent furniture. As such the pack also includes two different styles of modular furniture that includes a huge range of home essentials. There are also some stylish outfits to wear when you go and visit your clients. This makes this an incredibly worthwhile pack for anyone seeking modular furniture in particular.

3 The Sims 4: Parenthood

a sim family around the dinner table with a kitchen behind them.

If you think familial relationships and parenting are severely lacking in the base game, then the Parenthood game pack is made for you. Parenthood adds a whole slew of new options for raising your little prodigy. There are a ton of important decisions to make that are going to help shape your kid, from conversation options to different disciplinary tactics.

You'll need to upgrade your parenting skill in order to do the absolute best for your child, or you can go completely the other way and raise your own little monster to terrorize the world with. There are way too many additions in this pack to list; things like setting curfews, dealing with sibling rivalries, and so on.

If you're interested in raising a family in The Sims 4, this pack is likely a necessary addition and one of the most packed options available. It will make parenting more difficult but also more engaging. It also feels like your actions are having an effect on your family.

2 The Sims 4: Vampires

A vampire using mind control powers on a sim.

The Vampires Game Pack allows you to create your own vampires. And if that wasn't enough, it also unlocks a whole new gothic-style neighborhood; keep an eye out at night for vampires on the prowl, though. Vlad has a love for necks and he'll come for your Sims unless you disallow vampires using the in-game options.

Playing as a vampire adds an incredible amount of new options and interactions within the world of The Sims 4. Your vampire Sim will level up in their vampirism over time, unlocking new abilities (and weaknesses). You'll need to make sure you're feeding on other Sims (or plasma fruit) pretty consistently to avoid negative effects, and your schedule will likely need to change in order to keep your Sim out of the sunlight for too long.

The new town of Forgotten Hollow may be small, but it's perfect for vampires and is complemented by a wide range of Victorian and gothic-themed clothing, furniture, and decor that make this pack far more flexible than it first appears.

1 The Sims 4: Werewolves

sims 4 werewolf running

It was a tough call pitting werewolves and vampires against each other. This is mainly because occult sims work in similar ways. Like vampires and spellcasters, werewolves also have rankings and an ability tree that combines aspects of previous systems. Fury works similarly to spellcasters overload, while the ranking system mimics that of vampires. This combination of the best of what has gone before helps werewolves feel unique and well-rounded.

Our furry friends shoot up to take the top spot because of all the extras that come in the pack. As with vampires, there is a small world and a range of themed clothing and furniture. However, Moonwood Mill comes with depth, lore, and secrets to uncover that rival Selvadorada's. There are hidden areas to explore, unique lots to use, and a range of interesting NPCs. Werewolves learned from the best to take the top spot.

Next: The Sims 4 - A Complete Guide