If you're looking to enrich your *The Sims 4* experience with a historical twist, the Decades Challenge is the perfect way to dive into different time periods. This challenge not only adds depth to your gameplay but also introduces unique difficulties that reflect the evolution of society over time. Let's explore how you can embark on this fascinating journey through history with your Sims.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

To start, ensure automatic aging is disabled. You'll need to manage life expectancy, which varies depending on whether your Sims were born before or after 1950. Here's how the aging works for both categories:

Sims Born Before 1950:

• Baby: Age after 1 day (6 months old)
• Infant: Age after 3 days (2 years old)
• Toddler: Age after 8 days (6 years old)
• Child: Age after 14 days (13 years old)
• Teen: Age after 12 days (19 years old)
• Young Adult: Age after 26 days (32 years old)
• Adult: Age after 36 days (50 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)

Sims Born After 1950:

• Baby: Age after 1 day (6 months old)
• Infant: Age after 3 days (2 years old)
• Toddler: Age after 8 days (6 years old)
• Child: Age after 14 days (13 years old)
• Teen: Age after 12 days (19 years old)
• Young Adult: Age after 32 days (35 years old)
• Adult: Age after 60 days (65 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)

To begin the challenge, you can start with a single young adult or a married couple of young adults. If you choose, one Sim can live with their parents to reflect multi-generational living. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the historical immersion.

For housing, you're restricted from using Strangerville entirely, and Del Sol Valley isn't available until the 1950s. For realism, avoid Sulani as well. Single Sims can live in apartments, but upon marriage, they must move to a house.

Technology use is also regulated. Phones and computers can be used for necessary gameplay elements, but not for entertainment or communication until the appropriate decade. When choosing jobs, consider what would have been available during the time period you're simulating.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

1890s

In this era, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must take the Creative trait and move out upon marriage. WooHooing is restricted to trying for a baby, and childbirth happens at home. Men work period-appropriate jobs like woodworking, while women manage the household but can work if widowed. No electricity is permitted, and kids attend elementary school, with university options for period-appropriate majors. Start cultivating a Cow Plant during this time.

1900s

Lamps and indoor plumbing are now allowed, but showers are still off-limits. Jobs and education rules remain unchanged from the 1890s, and phonographs can be used for music.

1910s

Males are drafted for World War I, requiring them to eat Cow Plant cake and roll a dice for survival. High school becomes mandatory, and women can take manual labor jobs if necessary.

1920s

Women can now be heirs and don't have to move out upon marriage. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are introduced. Women can work under more circumstances, and alcohol is prohibited due to Prohibition.

1930s

Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects job availability. Sims can have one cooked meal a day, with other meals scavenged or grown. Prohibition ends during this decade.

1940s

World War II rules are similar to World War I. Households must have a victory garden, and thermostats, washers, and dryers are introduced. Radios become a daily necessity, and teens can hold part-time jobs.

1950s

The Korean War affects the oldest son. Showers and cheap TVs are permitted, and high school is mandatory. Phones are now allowed for calls.

1960s

The Vietnam War impacts the two oldest children. College majors become unrestricted, and women can take maternity leave. WooHooing is now allowed without restriction.

1970s

The Vietnam War continues to affect the two oldest children. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves, dishwashers, lottery tickets, and food delivery become available.

1980s

Gaming is introduced, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are allowed, and childbirth should occur at the hospital.

1990s

Laptops and unrestricted TV watching become part of life. Appliance and furniture restrictions are lifted, and texting is allowed. Families must build a Y2K shelter and stay in it for three days.

2000s

Computer and phone restrictions, except for Trendi, are removed. Babies can be born at home or in the hospital, and all music and TV channels are permitted.

2010s

Journalism is no longer viable due to the decline of print media. Same-sex marriages are allowed, and all part-time work, along with the meat wall, Trendi, and weather generator, become available.

That's everything you need to know to start the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adapt the challenge to any packs you have. Dive into the rich tapestry of history with your Sims and see how they fare through the ages.

*The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*