The Sims is pretty much everyone’s favorite life simulation game. There’s something weirdly addictive about controlling fictional lives, making them as realistic or wildly out of control as you please. The Sims 4 reflects many aspects true to life: varying moods, relationships, careers, and… stuff. An abundance of stuff. And if you’re not committed to the minimalist life, stuff packs are there to further bury your Sims in material goods. Since The Sims 4’s release in late 2014, there have been fifteen of these packs released, adding more options in objects, clothes, and décor.
What you make of these packs can really depend on playstyle; are you more of a builder or a family legacy player? All things considered, here’s our take on the stuff packs, ranked from worst to best.
Updated February 20, 2021, By Helen Ashcroft: The past year has given us two more stuff packs and both were worth the wait. We expected to see Nifty Knitting, the community voted pack, but Paranormal took us by surprise.
The Paranormal theme was a contender in the community vote and fans were delighted to see that both of the top two suggestions were covered. While there was no voting attached to Paranormal Stuff we have seen ideas the community loves come to life.
So, where do these new packs fit in our overall ranking? Check out the updated list below to find out.
18 My First Pet Stuff
Who doesn’t want to see a dog in a spacesuit? Alongside cute outfits, this pack adds small pets, like hamsters and hedgehogs. There’s even a new way for your Sims to sleep with the fishes—literally—if they catch ‘Rabid Rodent Fever’. However, the furniture items leave something to be desired and the clothing for Sims is very limited.
This isn't even the worst part as the major downside is that you need The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs expansion pack to enjoy all the features. This is the first stuff pack to be tied to an expansion, and the feeling it was made up of things that should have been in the expansion left some fans feeling ruff, earning it the lowest rank.
17 Cool Kitchen Stuff
The best part of this stuff pack is the ice-cream maker. It has an impressive variety of choices: types, flavors, and toppings. There’s also a good amount of stylish new Create-A-Sim options.
As for kitchen-related items? It’s surprisingly lacking, although there are some neat modern appliances. However, the swatches leave something to be desired and not everything matches properly. If you’re an ice-cream enthusiast or just want more outfits, it’s a decent pack, but otherwise, it feels a bit unnecessary; so it's just above last place.
16 Luxury Party Stuff
The most luxurious element of this pack is the Create-A-Sim options: dazzling outfits and fancy hairstyles. It also includes a fountain that can be used for chocolate, cheese, and drinks, and the buffet tables are pretty useful. There is, however, a lack of exciting build-mode objects, making parties surprisingly lackluster if not for the posh outfits.
This gives the pack a low spot on our list, but if you fancy having ‘bougie’ Sims, you might like it. Just be aware that the amount of content included is very slim when compared to later packs.
15 Fitness Stuff
Made for the fitness fanatics out there, this pack adds fun tweaks to your Sims’ workouts. The rock-climbing treadmill steals the limelight, featuring different challenges, including a literal fire at the bottom to keep Sims climbing!
As is standard, there are new outfit options, with earbuds being a first. You'll be given these additions as standard and can use them to entertain your Sim on the go. The modern, nature-inspired décor is nice, too. However, the treadmill being the most exciting thing on offer gives this pack a pretty low rank.
14 Spooky Stuff
The goths out there will get a kick out of this one. The spooky curtains, lamps, and other decorations make for a great Halloween party, or a house fit for the Addams family. The pumpkin carving station is cool, and the tricky candy bowl can give Sims a fright.
The strength of this pack is in outfits, with just under forty Create-A-Sim items. It’s pretty specific, which gives it a somewhat low ranking, but—if you’re a spooky Simmer—a welcome addition.
13 Toddler Stuff
Perfect for players who love to create families, this pack adds great new hairstyles and outfits for the little tykes. You can also host play dates with other toddlers – a fun new event type. The playground objects are bright and cheerful, including slides, tunnels, and a ball pit.
Sadly the ball pit is a little disappointing, with a jarringly 2D, grainy appearance. That and the specific nature give it a slightly low rank, but if little Sims are your thing, it’s a decent pack. Toddlers are often excluded from create-a-sim additions so if you want an adorable-looking family this will likely rank higher.
12 Bowling Night Stuff
There’s nothing quite like a game of bowling with friends. With this stuff pack, you can create bowling alleys for your Sims to enjoy, with plenty of retro-modern furniture and decorations.
The bowling skill is added, which is fun, and your Sims can perform trick shots as they get better. Just make sure you have plenty of time as playing takes a surprisingly long time.
The wealth of décor and the new radio station adds a great feel to bowling alleys and homes, but this pack isn't as varied as others, so it earns an average rank.
11 Romantic Garden Stuff
Have you been wishing for a beautiful garden? You might just get it with this pack. The main feature is the wishing well, which could grant your Sim’s wish, or turn it upside down.
Romantic Garden Stuff focuses on plants and items to help you create beautiful, elaborate gardens, complete with ornate water fountains. The floral fashion is hit and miss, but if you’re a garden-focused Simmer, this one’s for you. It's a good all-rounder, securing a medium rank.
10 Moschino Stuff
While at first, this pack seems to be incredibly dull, due to its theming around the much-criticized Moschino collaboration, the contents save it from the bottom of the pile, especially the use of the overhauled photography skill.
It's the first stuff pack to include a career, the freelance photographer career, and while there are some weird clothes, there are also several which are much more versatile than expected. The stunning industrial-themed build and buy objects also make this a solid choice for Simmers who enjoy playing in Del Sol Valley and San Myshuno especially.
9 Laundry Day Stuff
This pack is pretty interesting in that the fans chose it. Players went through six rounds of voting on ideas, and eventually, Laundry Day Stuff was born. It’s got some interesting features; when your Sims wash clothes manually their fitness skill improves, and others Sims notice freshly scented clothes.
The best part is the new rustic décor and create a sim items. Despite the seemingly mundane nature, this is a favored pack for its realism and cozy country themes, so it earns a solid rank.
8 Movie Hangout Stuff
With a giant projector screen and popcorn maker, this pack allows your Sims to host an awesome movie night. There are lovely, colorful new objects, like lanterns, that really spruce up any space.
Strangely, this pack appears to be two things in one – the other half being bohemian-style fashion and décor, with vibrant patterns. If you happen to love both movies and boho fashion, it’s a winner. But it’s got good features, either way, earning a decent spot in the ranking.
7 Perfect Patio Stuff
This pack is ranked highly thanks to its general nature; it has plenty of items you’re likely to use. Attractive furniture items, including grills, flesh out the options to create the perfect outdoor space.
The key feature is the hot tub: a favorite of many Simmers. It’s great for outdoor hangouts—holding up to eight Sims—and if you get a couple alone, they can even ‘woohoo’ in it. Woohoo!
More recently an anniversary hot tub was added to the game. However, the hot tubs in this pack are far more modern and simple, meaning it still has value.
6 Tiny Living Stuff
Tiny Living Stuff allows you to live a life of space-saving comfort. Focused on creating cozy surroundings and small houses this pack offers a new lot type, tiny home residential. If you can build a house smaller than 100 tiles there are some nice bonuses available.
You also get some all-in-one items, a deathtrap murphy bed, and some casual clothing. The items match well with other packs and their small footprint makes them a must for anyone who is fed up with oversized items.
This pack is rammed with content but will primarily appeal to builders, giving it this slightly lower rank overall.
5 Kids Room Stuff
Another age-specific pack, though this one is more exciting. The puppet theatre is charming, and so is the array of decorations. You'll also find some nice additions to basic bedroom furniture. Once again, new options for hairstyles and clothes are a strong point.
A cool new feature is battling with ‘Voidcritters’: the game’s throwback to Pokémon. Sim children can even search for cards outside, finding various rarities. This pack adds a new element of playability and fun.
4 Vintage Glamour Stuff
Perfect for Sims who desire the luxurious life, this pack features butlers: Sims who perform a huge list of errands, and maybe even misbehave. This pack’s strength is furnishings – the most glamorous, of course, but also functional.
There is a versatile and stylish bedroom set as well as a functional vanity, that allows Sims to change their makeup, and children to play with it.
A favorite is the drinks station within a fancy globe. The extravagant fashion is another plus, despite a somewhat small selection. Overall, this pack adds a whole new glittering dimension to the Sims’ lives, securing its spot near the top.
3 Backyard Stuff
The summery vibe of this stuff pack is what makes it so great. The clothes, the outdoor furniture, bird feeders, and waterslides create the lovely feeling of a warm summer day. They'll add fun and vibrance to any Sims garden or yard.
Your Sims can even enjoy lemonade on the porch as the sun sets, accompanied by the peaceful sound of wind chimes. The colorful garden decorations and interactivity of the items make this a firm favorite among fans.
2 Nifty Knitting Stuff
The second community-voted stuff pack is more niché than some others at first glance but as long as you don't hate all knitted items you'll find a lot to love in here. Not only does the knitting skill unlock a huge range of knitted clothing and decor but there is also a good range of unlocked items as well.
The crafting furniture is unique but versatile and the sofas are very usable. There's also a rocking chair with some new interactions. Alongside this is the addition of Plopsy, a marketplace that allows you to sell any items your Sim has crafted.
1 Paranormal Stuff
This stuff pack jumps straight to the top due to the extensive amount of content it offers. While the clothing options are lacking in certain areas, what's included is well-designed and versatile. There are also some unique and usable furniture items. Everything may have a mix n match vibe but it works well with other packs.
Despite this range of content, where Paranormal really shines is in the gameplay. There's a new haunted house lot type, medium skill, and paranormal investigator career. It feels more like a game pack than a stuff pack, taking it straight to the top.