Sul Sul, Smarter Sims!

Update 9/22/2026

PC: 1.128.90.1030 / Mac: 1.128.90.1230

Console: Version 2.39

Sul Sul, Simmers!

This month, we’re delivering a hefty Quality of Life (QoL) update, influenced directly by your feedback in our Discord Dev Q&As, Reddit, and via top-voted issues on EA Forums.

Our biggest focus for this patch is all about Sim Autonomy. We’ve made dozens of tweaks to help your Sims act more logically and feel more realistic. Whether it's making eye contact during conversations, or washing their hands in the actual bathroom sink instead of trekking all the way to the kitchen, your Sims are about to make better choices. We’ve also tuned and balanced relationship autonomy for the Lovestruck and Growing Together expansion packs, so that Family Dynamics and Romantic Satisfaction feel more in line with player expectations.

Alongside improved autonomy, we’ve addressed top causes of crashes to improve game stability, so read on for more information on those updates.

Lastly, we’re absolutely thrilled to include a special delivery for the younger members of your households! This update introduces a brand-new collection of Children Items into the Base Game. As part of our ongoing effort to celebrate age diversity and representation, we've gathered a fun variety of fresh, adorable additions that give your child Sims even more ways to express their unique personalities.

Let's dive into what's new. Happy Simming!

The Sims 4 Team

Kids are taking center stage in this free content drop with fresh Create a Sim and Build Mode items designed to bring even more personality, playfulness, and storytelling potential to your youngest Sims!

From colorful everyday outfits, new hairstyles, and adorable accessories, to playful décor, creative clutter, and kid-friendly furnishings, these additions make it easier than ever to create spaces and looks that feel uniquely theirs. 

This update also includes a new Styled Room, new kid’s Styled Looks, and a new household uploaded to the Gallery from the Maxis account, so you can jump right into the fun!

• The Crayon Chronicle (Clutter Notebook Object)

• The “Look What I Made!” Frame 

• Family Game Night Favorites (Clutter Object)

• Junior Artist’s Paint Palette 

• Make-Believe Wall Mural 

• Bright Blocks Playroom Chair 

• Bright Blocks Playroom Table 

• The Dino Dive Tank (Aquarium)

Kids

• Sweatshirt

• Polo Shirt

• Khaki Shorts

• Sequin Top 

• Ruffled Blouse

• Jeans with Lace Detail

• 1 New Hair (Ponytail with Bangs)

• 4 Adult Hair Conversions for Kids (Messy Bangs, Afro Part, Long Braids, and Ombre Long Braids)

Toddlers

• Tshirt

• Colorful Glasses

• Denim Dress

Here are the top-requested fixes coming with this release: 

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/married-couples-become-unmarriedpartners-after-entering-cas/13524609"]EA Forums[/url]] Married Couples will no longer be reverted to Partners when entering CAS through Custom Tattoo planning or Plan Outfits.

• \[[url="{LINK REMOVED}http://google.com/url?q=https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gallery-doesnt-have-resultsslowno-connection/13408128?topicRepliesSort%3DpostTimeDesc&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1787870024408895&usg=AOvVaw3xAVeGeSN9UeYt85eyMRL0"]EA Forums[/url]] Earlier in August, we addressed an issue with the Gallery server where the Gallery was failing to load content, often showing a "No Results," "Slow Loading," or "No Connection" error after frequent searches. Sharing here for visibility on the update since it was addressed on Server and not part of a patch.

• Sims getting stuck or freezing and interactions resetting are major pain points for players that we put a lot of attention on for this update and that we’ve been investigating for a while.

  • \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/timesim-freezes-while-environment-still-moves/11885395"]EA Forums[/url]] We've addressed an issue where Time and Sims would freeze when the environment continued to animate. This was connected to a Sim trying to use an object while another Sim was in their spot. We believe this issue was potentially hardware specific.

  •  \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/interactions-getting-stuck-in-queue/12401399"]EA Forums[/url]] We fixed a major instance of interactions getting stuck in a Sim's queue relating to interaction priority and the time it takes to complete certain interactions. Our fix specifically relates to the "sleep" and "chat" (specially group chats) interactions, so we'll continue investigating to see if we can find other instances where this fix can be applied as well.

  • \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-are-not-movingfreezinganimation-problems-after-patch-1-112/11849452"]EA Forums[/url]] We made some adjustments to interactions that are 'tending' objects, which resulted in Sims waiting on an interaction to complete. Going forward, if new instances of this are found, we’ll need to address them individually with this solution.

  • We fixed an instance where Sims would become idle and frozen after WooHoo if an autonomous interaction was queued during WooHoo.

  • As an update, we are still investigating a series of other bugs that relate to Sims Freezing \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-keep-freezing/12035382"]EA Forums[/url]] or interactions getting canceled \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-keep-stoppingcancelling-out-their-actions-to-do-other-things/12301215"]EA Forums[/url]]. These issues can present similarly to the one above we fixed, but it's important that we continue to untangle them from each other so we can address them individually and find solutions - it’s a ‘6 raccoons in a trench coat’ sort of thing. We have some good leads.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sleeping-infant-popped-out-of-cribplaymat-after-reload-and-waking/13127784"]EA Forums[/url]] We addressed a few issues where Infants could be placed on top of each other or pop out of their Playmat or Crib after reloading a lot or save. This fix also resolves a situation where certain interactions on Infants were being canceled or blocked.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/platforms-and-half-walls-affect-roof-trims/13577302"]EA Forums[/url]] We’ve improved how roof trim segments work so nearby geometry does not incorrectly clip or invalidate the trim. This addresses a visual issue where platforms or half walls were placed close to a roof with inward-facing eaves.

• We addressed a handful of bugs that were causing ‘Sims Dancing’ to be too frequent:

  • \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/game-is-spamming-autonomous-dance-actions/11888101"]EA Forums[/url]] We've addressed an issue where stereos could cause Sims to spam dancing interactions in their queue. This is not-retroactive and only fixed in new saves. However, we believe replacing an affected stereo in old saves will address this.

  • The "Dance Interaction" will no longer be autonomously queued when a Sim is painting.

  • Acting on feedback from our Discord Dev Drop Ins, Sims who Dislike Dancing will no longer Autonomously Dance. They will also stop dancing if a song they dislike comes on during their dance.

In this patch, we also focused heavily on improving game stability by targeting crashes for fixes.

During our investigation, we discovered that our top automated crash report was actually stemming from a conflict with outdated mod files. Since custom content and mods are such a huge, vibrant part of The Sims 4 experience, we want to help you keep your game running as smoothly as possible. If you use mods, we highly recommend checking out our comprehensive Mods & Game Updates Guide on the EA Forums for the best ways to update your files and safely get back to playing.

• Fixed a rare rendering issue that could cause an unexpected crash on Mac during extended play sessions.

• We added a change for gamepad directionality for console players that was affecting a large amount of players with a crash.

• We've addressed an issue for a mod players had installed that was corrupting memory, which was affecting a moderate number of players.

• Fixed an issue that could cause a crash while rendering Sim models in CAS or Live Mode.

• We addressed a crash in SimService that was affecting a smaller number of players. 

• We added a defensive crash fix in the path-planning/navmesh flow that was affecting a smaller number of players.

• We've addressed a crash that could occur from transitioning from Build Mode to the Manage Worlds screen.

• We addressed an assert that could occur when a Swimming Pool was built inside of a contour wall.

• We've addressed an assert relating to particle VFX.

• We fixed an assert that could occur when entering Create a Sim from the Simology Panel.

• We fixed an assert that could occur when there were a lot of VFX on screen at once. This regularly occurred when there were a lot of occults on screen at once (as an example).

• We fixed an assert which sometimes resulted in a crash that could trigger in the Social Bunny app after navigating between tabs and then closing the app.

• We addressed a crash affecting a small number of players relating to Luck. 

• We addressed an assert that could occur when Zhaleh Amani was attempting to WooHoo in a bush in certain save files.

For this release we wanted our major focus and theme to be around improved autonomy. We addressed top voted autonomy-related issues from EA Forums as well as feedback we received on Reddit, Discord, and in our recent Discord Dev Q&As.  We hope these improvements, changes, and fixes make your game feel more realistic and fun!

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/talking-sims-dont-face-each-other/12577961"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims now face each other during conversations… eye contact unlocked!

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-washing-hands-in-sink-in-different-bathroom-patch-1-117-288/12574679"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims will now use a sink in the same bathroom as the toilet. Your kitchen sink can finally rest.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-keep-stoppingcancelling-out-their-actions-to-do-other-things/12301215"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims with low energy will no longer randomly wake up and fill their Hygiene, Fun, or Social Needs.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/autonomous-phone-interaction-even-with-dislikes-phones/13273951?topicRepliesSort=postTimeDesc"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims will no longer play a "Browse Phone" idle when they have the Dislike Phones preference.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-only-wear-first-outfit-choice/11893213"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims will now choose from multiple Everyday Outfit options in the Everyday Outfit Category, not just the first Everyday outfit.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/rocks-and-dig-sites-not-respawning-patch-1-112-512/11880736"]EA Forums[/url]] Rocks, Dig Sites, Frog Logs, and Wild Plants will now respawn if the Sim is not on the active lot.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-serenade-too-much/13380535"]EA Forums[/url]] We've added a cooldown to how frequently Sims will perform the serenade interaction.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-returning-home-after-travelling-have-an-infant-stuck-to-their-side/13428520"]EA Forums[/url]] Infant Sims will no longer be attached to a returning Sim who is traveling home after being on another lot.

• Sims mourn for less time when a Sim they don't know dies via an update to the "Around Death" Buff.

• When their Bladder Needs are low, Sims will walk a little faster during the "needs to pee" animation.

• Sims who Dislike Gardening will no longer autonomously garden.

• Children Sims should no longer use Swings repeatedly back-to-back.

• We've added a cute little failure for when Sims are doing Push Ups. This failure is more likely to occur when a Sims Fitness level is too low or if a Sim's Hunger or Energy is too low.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/cl-sims-reset-when-autonomously-using-karaoke-machine-during-festival/11978815"]EA Forums[/url]] NPC Sims will no longer reset when using the Karaoke Machine during festivals.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gf-sim-obsessively-admires-autographs/13380572?topicRepliesSort=postTimeAsc"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims will no longer obsessively admire Autographs.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/s-sims-obsessively-make-snow-angels/13282263"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims have CHILLED OUT on how frequently they make Snow Angels , Snowmen, and Shovel Snow autonomously.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/s-excessive-snow-shoveling/12139512"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims must now be the owners of a lot to want to shovel snow on that lot. This is more realistic, and it'll prevent a reported issue where Ranch Hands were shoveling snow instead of performing their assigned duties on a Ranch.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/il-excessive-sunbathing/11979596"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims will no longer autonomously Lounge in Lounge Chairs during Rain or Storms or cold weather.

• Sims with the Brave Trait will no longer be afraid of THUNDERSNOW. (I said it in a booming voice.)

• The Storm Chaser Sims will now get excited for Thunder Snow like they would any other storm. Sweet! A Storm!

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/du-rotational-gameplay-is-impossible-for-university/13253685"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims from inactive Households will now attend University classes and are less likely to fail term exams. This fix was intended for rotational play. It is not retroactively fixed in old saves.

  • Note: There is a different bug we are still actively investigating relating to the active household receiving a failing grade while attending University.

• Teen Sims who dislike Fitness will no longer Autonomously use the Cheer Mats.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/ls-npc-couples-interactions-overwhelming-all-other-interactionsactivities/5039121"]EA Forums[/url]] Couple Sims Walkbys introduced in Lovestruck will no longer engage in obsessive couple activities like Sky Gazing or kissing in the Library or other Non-Residential Venues. Get a room.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/children-take-napmediate-after-several-interactions/12706121?topicRepliesSort=postTimeDesc"]EA Forums[/url]] Children can use playground equipment and will no longer nap or meditate while playing.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gf-autonomous-acting-number-while-doing-other-interactions/13347057"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims in a Dynasty with the "Artistic" Ideal will no longer autonomously perform Acting scene interactions while executing normal tasks like cooking and painting.

• Sims with the Mysterious Dynasty Ideal will no longer watch TV over and over and over and... you get it.

Based on feedback, we also did some balancing passes for two of our ‘relationship’ themed features: Relationship Satisfaction (Lovestruck) and Family Dynamics (Growing Together).

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gro-sims-ignore-compatibility-and-family-dynamics-when-interacting/13279433"]EA Forums[/url]] Some family beef is best served from a distance. Sims now agree. Sims with awful compatibility and Difficult or Distant Family Dynamics will now rarely initiate socials, avoid each other, and keep conversations short.

• Per player feedback, we reviewed analytics data on the Family Dynamics feature and found some imbalances in how often certain Family Dynamics were awarded. We've made the following changes to improve the balance of this feature:

  • The "Strict" Family Dynamic will now occur less frequently.

  • The "Jokesters" Family Dynamic will now occur less frequently.

  • The "Distant" Family Dynamic was rarely seen. We've updated this Dynamic so that when Sims run malicious interactions or fight there is a chance that they will receive the option for this Dynamic.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/ls-played-sims-satisfaction-changing-when-not-active-household/12405502"]EA Forums[/url]] Relationship Satisfaction will no longer change for inactive households. Their feelings can wait.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/ls-romantic-satisfaction-suddenly-changed-to-unsatisfiedwant-divorce/12971240"]EA Forums[/url]] Romantic Satisfaction should now decay slowly over time. Relationships take work, but maybe not that much work.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/social-interactions-decrease-friendship-and-romancealways-fail/12576529"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims with bad luck will see fewer negative relationship impacts while socializing. Unlucky not unlikeable.

• We’ve streamlined the game startup flow on Steam, clearing out some of those extra loading steps and pop-up windows so you can get to your Sims even faster.

• We fixed a Black Photo issue that could occur for the MixPix Portrait Digital Photo Frame or MixPix Landscape Digital Photo Frame when photos were dragged from the Sim's inventory into the frame's inventory or via Manage Photo Inventory.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/negotiate-a-bonuspromotion-not-doing-anything/13157820"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims are once again able to "Negotiate a Bonus" using their Phone while in a career.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/sims-cant-be-directed-to-do-sit-upspush-upsstretching/13265547"]EA Forums[/url]] Sims can once again do sit-ups, push-ups, and stretching exercises when directed to do so.

  • The "Do Push Ups" Interaction can once again be run manually on Sims outside of Gym Venues. 

  • We've added the Fitness icon to the "Go Jogging," "Do Push Ups," "Do Sit Ups," and "Stretching" interactions.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/vocalization-on-new-energized-dancemotion-is-loud/13541135"]EA Forums[/url]] We don't like auditory jump scares either! The vocalization on the new Energized/Confident animation has been turned down.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/cant-use-eyedropper-tool-on-half-wall-trims/12074703"]EA Forums[/url]] The Eyedropper tool will now display Half Wall Trims in the Build Mode catalog when used on Half Wall Trims.

• We addressed an issue where Sims were not correctly routing and positioning themselves when performing the Toddler Book "Read to Children" interaction.

  • Note: There are still other reading related bugs under investigation.

• Expanded Buff View will no longer automatically close when the game is played at 2x speed or above.

• We've addressed an issue where a Sim could be revived and brought back to life by entering Create a Sim via the Simology Panel when the Grim Reaper was actively reaping a Sim.

• We fixed a llamacorn icon that could appear on the "Neighborhood Reconnaissance" interaction on the Telescope object when For Rent (because of the Nosy trait) wasn't installed. This interaction should now say "Spy on Neighborhood" with the Mischief Skill icon instead.

• Sims who Like Horse Riding will no longer get a negative buff when attending a Horse Riding Lecture.

• \[[url="{LINK REMOVED}http://google.com/url?q=https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/rl-children-receiving-inter-dynasty-date-invites/13185816?topicRepliesSort%3DpostTimeDesc&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1788989875313895&usg=AOvVaw3dXufTchzLE1NKMjUzNCmJ"]EA Forums[/url]] We've addressed a bug that was occurring where Children would be the possible recipients of a Royalty and Legacy invitation.

• We addressed an issue where Child Sims who were related to the head of a Dynasty would trigger the "Joined Dynasty" notification. We'd previously fixed this for new saves, but had an additional fix that would repair this also in old saves as well where it was already happening.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/mws-wedding-venues-placing-as-residential/11893158"]EA Forums[/url]] Wedding Venues will no longer be placed as Residential Lots when placed from the Gallery. They’ll now be placed as Wedding Venues.

• The Save Reminder notification will now appear for Console Players when it is set to 30 minutes.

• Using “Save and Exit” or “Save” then “Exit to Main Menu” will no longer create a new save file in the EA Documents folder instead of a versioned save file attached to the original save.

• Fixed an issue where restoring an Autosave and then manually saving could create an unnamed save or overwrite the wrong save slot.

• The countdown timers for Real Time Autosave Options and Save Reminder Notifications will no longer reset when you change options relating to the other. They now reset independently.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gallery-psxb-cant-change-featured-itembutton-doesnt-work/13536073"]EA Forums[/url]] The "Showcase Item in your Profile" button on Gallery is now accessible while playing with Controller or Keyboard and Mouse.

• We fixed an error that could occur when purchasing the Comfy Gamer Kit from the Marketplace then interacting with a computer.

• We've added comfort values to the following sofas: Bougie Burlap Sofa, Mega Sofa, White Lily Lavish Sofa, Tree Napper Sofa, Unliving Sofa, Woodland Lodge Sofa, Big Boss Sofa, The Diving Sit Oblonger, Not Your Average Firewood Loveseat, "I’m Lycan You" Loveseat, Must be Loveseat, Split-Beam/Split-Personality Bench, Seat of Cultivation, Wanderwood Loveseat, Fresh Beginnings Loveseat, Movie Madness Advertising Bench, Mahogany Loveseat, Resistance Supply Couch, Cantina Booth, The Schmooze and Snooze, The Unyielding Bench, and The Wide (Outdoor) Love.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/fair--square-incorrectly-tagged/13485181"]EA Forums[/url]] We've moved the following wall patterns from the "Paint" category to the "Paneling" category: Ornate Regency Paneling, Louis the Fourth, Fair & Square, Pleasing Profiles, and All Square.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/several-west-african-items-not-tagged-africana/13156046"]EA Forums[/url]] The following Build Mode objects will now sort as Africana Style: (lightTableMedium_SDX040GENwicker_set1), (paintWall2X1x2_SDX040GEN_set1), (plantPotFloor_SDX040GENaloe_set1), (rug3x2_SDX040GEN_set1), (sculptTableLarge_SDX040GENbasket_set1), (sculptTableMedium_SDX040Pillow_set1), and (sculptTableSmall_SDX040_GENspices_set1).

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/gtw-pants-should-be-in-the-formal-wear-outfits-for-boys/13510588"]EA Forums[/url]] (cuBottom_EP01JeansSkinny) and (cuBottom_EP01JeansSkinnyRolled) have been sorted into the Formal category in Create a Sim.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/march-of-the-penguins-incorrectly-tagged/13485243"]EA Forums[/url]] The "March of the Penguins" wall pattern is now correctly tagged as Wallpaper rather than Paint in Build Mode.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/marble-marvel-incorrectly-tagged/13485282"]EA Forums[/url]] The wall patterns Marble Marvel, Seashells on the Seashore and Bathhouse Blues are now tagged correctly under the Tile category in Build Mode.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/garden-glory-incorrectly-tagged/13485368"]EA Forums[/url]] The wall patterns Garden Glory and Above-Deck have been moved from the "Paint" category to the "Paneling" category.

• The cfHair_EP01BraidsBunSide hair in Create a Sim now sorts under straight texture.

• The 'EP13LongBraids' hairstyle is now consistently tagged across genders.

• \[[url="https://forums.ea.com/idea/the-sims-4-bug-reports-en/rl-plaque-received-for-completing-swords-of-ondarion-collection-is-blank/13187367"]EA Forums[/url]] The "Swords of Ondarion" collection plaque now has a title and description. You can find it called, "Ondarion Swordmaster."