The Sims 4 September 18 2025 update thumbnail
The Sims 4 September 18, 2025 update adds the Playground Venue, Play Pretend for kids, new CAS beanie color, bug fixes, and prepares for Adventure Awaits!

The Sims 4 team has dropped a fresh update today, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Adventure Awaits Expansion Pack, which launches on October 2, 2025. While players count down the days to their next big adventure, this patch introduces new features to the base game, quality-of-life improvements, and a long list of bug fixes across multiple packs.

This update is now live on PC and Mac. Console players on PlayStation and Xbox will receive the same update on September 23, 2025. Until then, console Simmers should remember to use platform filters in the Gallery, as PC/Mac will be on a newer version.

Let’s break down what’s new.

What’s New in the Base Game

Playground Venue
The headline feature of this patch is the brand-new Playground Venue. Unlike parks, this venue is designed specifically for children, giving them a space to run, climb, slide, and make new friends. After school hours, expect to see kids flock to these lots with their guardians in tow.

Players can also share their own Playground builds in the Gallery using the hashtag #playground.

Venue Type Filter for Events
Event planning just got easier. A new venue type filter in the Event Planning UI allows you to quickly narrow down locations. Want just libraries? Or only nightclubs? A few quick checks in the new drop-down menu saves scrolling through the full list.

Play Pretend Interaction
Child Sims can now “Play Pretend,” either solo or with another child. Found under Friendly > Activities or as a self-interaction, kids can immerse themselves in different make-believe adventures:
  • Fairy Tale Castle
  • House
  • Space Explorer
  • Pirate Adventure
  • Island Castaway

Each option comes with unique visual effects to bring their imagination to life.

New CAS Variant
Fashion fans get a small but welcome update in Create a Sim. The classic Slouch Beanie now has a softer ecru color swatch, available for teens through elders.

Cross-Pack Updates

Life & Death: Soul’s Journey – Adjusted progression gains and added Satisfaction Point rewards for completing tiers.

Island Living – Merfolk families now have access to the new Ocean’s Lullaby Bassinet, a seashell-inspired crib for little ones.

Memory Boost (PC Early Access)
Starting September 23, PC players can opt into Memory Boost, a new performance-improving feature that optimizes memory usage. With it enabled, players should see:
  • Reduced lag
  • Improved frame rates
  • Fewer memory-related crashes

You can enable it via Game Options > Other > Memory Boost. Saves created under Memory Boost will be tagged, and an original save will always be preserved as backup.

Autumn Apparel Kit
Also announced today is the Autumn Apparel Kit, arriving in October 2025. Expect cozy layered outfits and a stylish brimmed hat — just in time for sweater weather.

Bug Fixes

This update also tackles a wide range of issues reported via the EA Forums and the Bug Archive. Highlights include:
  • Sims with the Entrepreneurial trait will no longer suddenly skip ahead in careers.
  • Sims writing books can now resume properly after interruptions.
  • Infant eyebrow swatches are now correctly ordered.
  • Multiple shower stalls no longer flicker when zooming in and out.
  • Death sequences can no longer be bypassed by scheduling off-lot events.
  • Skill cheats once again allow players to lower skills.
  • Numerous fixes across packs, including pets deforming in Cats & Dogs, snorkel animations in Island Living, and bike pedals aligning correctly in Discover University.
  • Several CAS and build/buy fixes across expansions, kits, and game packs.

The list is extensive, covering Growing Together, For Rent, Lovestruck, Life & Death, Enchanted by Nature, Vampires, Realm of Magic, Werewolves, Backyard Stuff, and more.

Final Thoughts
This update sets the stage for Adventure Awaits with fun new content for kids, a performance-focused Memory Boost option, and plenty of bug fixes. Whether you’re building the perfect playground, dressing your Sims in fresh autumn fits, or diving into imaginative “Play Pretend” scenarios, there’s plenty to explore before the next expansion lands.

The Sims 4: Adventure Awaits launches October 2, 2025 — so pack your bags, Simmers, and get ready for the journey!