There are so many expansion packs for The Sims 4, it's hard to keep count. The packs are fun; they allow players to enjoy new experiences with their Sims and extend the gameplay far beyond the boundaries of the base game.
However, the base game is now free to play, making it an excellent time for new players to hop on board before the impending arrival of The Sims 5. There's plenty to enjoy in the base game, with some surprisingly useful items hidden in the Build/Buy catalog. Certain items offer more bang for their buck, with multipurpose use or several skill and moodlet boosts for Sims. Here are a few items that new and returning players alike can enjoy.
6 The Future Cube - §325
The Future Cube is an interesting object in The Sims 4. It's a small cube that can sit unobtrusively on a coffee table. However, if Sims interact with it, they can ask it questions. Sims can ask about the future, ask scientific questions, ask for creative ideas, or ask about their love lives. It's a little like a magic eightball, but actually useful.
The Future Cube will typically provide a +2 positive moodlet (unless it fails, in which case it gives them a +1 negative moodlet). However, it's worth a try before making a Sim do a specific task. For example, if they ask for creative ideas, they may get a +2 'Inspired' moodlet, perfect for musicians, artists, or writers.
5 NanoCan Touchless Trash Can - §1,200
The NanoCan Touchless Trash Can is pretty expensive as far as trash cans go. However, it's worth investing in when Sims have enough spare cash because it converts trash into fuel, therefore removing the need for Sims to empty it. It's functional off the grid, too.
This is good because these small tasks (along with cleaning up dishes and scrubbing the shower) can quickly mount up, especially for lazy Sims. One less task to quickly squeeze in around career-ladder-climbing and raising a family. On top of that, Sims will receive a small amount of Simoleons every time they use the trash can. While the initial investment is pretty big, players can make that money back eventually, and then they'll have a small extra income stream in the household.
4 Digitalistic SketchPad - §750
If players are looking to make money for their Sims, the Digitalistic SketchPad is the way to do it. Creating a new painting on the drawing tablet will increase a Sims' painting skill; it will also produce prints that can be sold for a decent chunk of cash.
It's also a good idea to level up a Sims' Handiness skill. Reaching Level 4 will allow them to complete a high-performance upgrade, which will allow artistic Sims to produce paintings quickly. A creative Sim can churn out several paintings in a day, giving them a pretty decent freelance income stream.
3 Lin-Z Smart Speaker - §750
The Lin-Z Smart Speaker is useful for several reasons. Sims can play music, adjust the lighting, play a trivia game, ask for a joke, or use it to order deliveries. It's a multi-purpose item, so while it is bulky, it's worth having it around.
Sims can befriend Lin-Z by interacting with it often; ordering pizza or putting on music seems to increase the friendship bar quite quickly. Once a Sim is friends with Lin-Z, they can set a wakeup routine, which will give them a positive moodlet depending on which option they choose to wake up to. Plus, as a fun little Easter Egg, Sims can 'Ask About a Secret' if they become best friends with Lin-Z, at which point the smart speaker will divulge three Simlish words. These words can be spoken to an Alexa device in real life if players are curious enough to try it …
2 Woodworking Table - §750
The Woodworking Table is one of those must-have items for Sims. Not only does it increase the Handiness skill (which is extremely useful, as Sims can use this to fix household appliances rather than having to replace them all the time), but it can also be a good earner. Sims can create everything from gnomes to bathtubs and sell them for thousands of Simoleons once they level up their Handiness skill.
A good tip here is to ensure Sims have the Focused moodlet before making a new object. Players can do this by making their Sim play video games, use a telescope, or ponder chess. The Focused moodlet allows Sims to learn more efficiently and to learn new skills rapidly.
1 Under The Stars Chess Board - §570
The chess board is a classic item in The Sims, having been around since the days of the original game. It remains a very useful item in The Sims 4, offering both improvement in the Logic skill and a chance for Sims to socialize. The Logic skill is useful for several reasons. Firstly, Sims with high Logic skills are more likely to win games (this is specifically useful for Sims in the eSports Gamer career).
Plus, playing chess may give Sims the Focused moodlet. This is a beneficial moodlet for tons of reasons. It will improve a Sims' performance at work and impact their ability to take on tricky repairs or larger crafting projects. Players may be able to find chess boards on public lots, too, which allows rags-to-riches players to improve their Sims logic without having to spend a single Simoleon.
The Sims 4 is available now for Mac, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.