The Sims 4 Releases Update Ahead of New DLC Launch

Another The Sims 4 update reached the PC and console versions of the game on April 16. The new build is primarily geared toward polishing the hit life sim and packs nearly two dozen changes that resolve some annoying The Sims 4 bugs and other issues.

The Maxis-made game has received 15 expansions and more than 60 smaller DLC packs since hitting the digital and physical store shelves in 2014. Each individual piece of its post-launch content has always been immediately preceded by a bug-fixing update, which would usually roll out a couple of days ahead of whatever kit or expansion was scheduled to release next. Although Maxis also pushes out additional The Sims 4 patches on a somewhat regular basis, the timing of those releases is less predictable. But a paid content drop being on the horizon is a surefire indicator that a bunch of bug fixes are just around the corner.

That decade-long pattern is now continuing ahead of the release of The Sims 4 Urban Homage and Party Essentials Kits, which are scheduled to launch on Thursday, April 18. Like clockwork, the new DLC packs are now being preceded by another major patch, which rolled out across all platforms on April 16. Identified by version numbers 1.106.148.1030 (PC), 1.106.148.1230 (macOS), and 1.91 (consoles), the new release introduces 22 changes that are largely aimed at resolving a variety of bugs.

While the majority of the newly introduced fixes are expansion-specific, four of them also apply to the base game. One of them resolves an issue that previously caused some plants in The Sims 4 to emit green clouds as if they were dead, even though they were properly taken care of. Another such fix revises the game’s user interface by making First and Last Name panels in the Create A Sim mode no longer blank when having selected pronouns and playing the game in any language other than English.

Group cooking has also been revised and will now actually work as a collective activity. Specifically, the new update finally addresses an old The Sims 4 bug that made the majority of “group” cooking participants just stare into space and chat while one sim would do all the work. The fourth and final base game fix included in the new patch eliminates scenarios in which Landgraab Power Company would occasionally shut off the power on one’s lot even if their bills were fully paid.

Over a dozen other expansion-specific bug fixes are also part of the package, as is an updated version of the game’s Gallery profanity filter, which was informed by the initial results of the still-ongoing The Sims 4 feedback survey. Castle Estate has the most bug resolutions at three, followed by Werewolves, For Rent, and Horse Ranch, which were treated to two fixes each.

The Sims 4 April 16 Update Patch Notes

Version Numbers

• PC: 1.106.148.1030
• Mac: 1.106.148.1230
• Console: 1.91

Base Game Bug Fixes

• Plants that are alive and well will no longer emit green “stink clouds” as if they were dead. Translations related to this fix will be available in the next release!
• After enforcing regulations with the Landgraab Power Company, power on a Sim’s lot will no longer be unexpectedly shut off when bills are paid in full.
• What an identity crisis! Simmers playing in any language besides English will no longer see the First and Last Name panel blank in CAS for Sims that have selected pronouns.
• Um, wasn’t this supposed to be a group activity? When doing Group Cooking, all Sims will now participate.

Gallery Server Changes

• We have been continually reviewing your Gallery profanity reports, which can be submitted through the The Sims 4 Gallery Profanity Filter Feedback survey, and we have been updating the ruleset to allow Simmer freedom while keeping others safe. A couple of highlights include:
• Reducing the strictness of how hashtags were handled when listed in specific orders
• Maxis-created Sims, even from past Sims games, should no longer be prevented from uploading if you choose to recreate one or more

Eco Lifestyle Bug Fixes

• We fixed an issue where The Dew Collector was not collecting any water. Now, it will correctly collect water, and the water level will continue to rise.

High School Years Bug Fixes

• Timestamps are now updated properly on the Social Bunny App. Phew, talk about FOMO!

Horse Ranch Bug Fixes

• While admirable, Sims will no longer express a desire to level up their Nectar Making skill, when that skill is already maxed out.
• Yipee, Horse Riding now helps Sims lose weight!

For Rent Bug Fixes

• In this economy?! The maximum available rent value will no longer lower after evicting a tenant during a grace period in 11C Sungai Point.
• Yikes. Now, this is going to require an audit! Landlords who own a Residential Rental Lot and own a business will no longer have fund transfer issues. Transfers from the business to the household will no longer fail, and money will no longer duplicate household funds when transferring to a business.

Crystal Creations Bug Fixes

• The shawl sweater from Crystal Creations is now visible when selecting a “Fashion Choice” in CAS filters. Please be advised that wearing this shawl did not grant the power of invisibility.

Realm of Magic Bug Fixes

• What a conundrum! When aliens abduct Spellcasters, they will now become pregnant and give birth to an alien baby instead of a Sim baby.

Werewolves Bug Fixes

• Tastes like kibble! After taking the ‘Wolf-B-Gone’ drink, Sims will no longer have a fury glow still showing.
• Updated a series of CAS accessories that were originally showing up for werewolves, even though those accessories were not applicable to werewolves.

Grunge Revival Bug Fixes

• A texture issue with the chipped nails in Grunge Revival has been updated.

Poolside Splash Bug Fixes

• Textures on one of the tank tops have been updated to remove some texture bleeding.

Castle Estate Bug Fixes

• Hear ye, hear ye. All Castle Estate Windows have been updated to show up in the correct wall height categories.
• The arrow slit window has been updated to show that it can be placed on curved walls.
• The “Heraldic Crest of Yore” and the “The Eavesdropping Llama” have been updated to appear in Outdoor Wall Sculptures. Your castle has never looked better!

The Sims 4

The Sims 4 is the latest offering from Maxis and The Sims Studio, serving as a sequel to The Sims 3. Although it was released back in 2014, the game is still going strong today thanks to an array of DLC add-on packs that give players access to more unlockable items and events.

Released

September 2, 2014

Publisher(s)

Electronic Arts

Genre(s)

Simulation

ESRB

T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence

How Long To Beat

N/A

X|S Enhanced

No

File Size Xbox Series

22 GB (November 2023)

Metascore

70