If you're a fan of *The Sims 4* and looking to add a historical twist to your gameplay, the Decades Challenge is the perfect way to experience life through different eras. This challenge not only keeps the game fresh but also adds an intriguing layer of difficulty and historical accuracy to your Sims' lives.

Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

Image via EA

To start, familiarize yourself with the rules and mechanics of the Decades Challenge. The challenge spans from 1890 to either 2010 or 2020, with every two in-game days representing a new year. Feel free to adjust the years to suit your preference, making the challenge uniquely yours. With the ongoing Blast from the Past event, there's no better time to embark on this historical journey.

Ensure that automatic aging is disabled, and use specific guidelines for life expectancy. Since life expectancy has changed over the years, you'll categorize your Sims into those born before 1950 and those born after. This reflects the significant increase in life expectancy around the mid-20th century.

The initial life stages remain consistent for all Sims:

• Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months old)
• Infant: Ages after 3 days (2 years old)
• Toddler: Ages after 8 days (6 years old)
• Child: Ages after 14 days (13 years old)
• Teen: Ages after 12 days (19 years old)

For Sims born before 1950, follow these aging guidelines:

• Young Adult: Ages after 26 days (32 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 36 days (50 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)

For Sims born after 1950, use these instead:

• Young Adult: Ages after 32 days (35 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 60 days (65 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)

To kick off the challenge, you can start with a single young adult and get them married, or begin with a married young adult couple. It's also acceptable to include one Sim's parents in the household, reflecting the common practice of multi-generational living during these times. Dress your Sims in period-appropriate outfits to enhance the historical immersion.

Housing restrictions add another layer of realism. You can't use Strangerville at all, and Del Sol Valley becomes available only from the 1950s. For the most authentic experience, avoid using Sulani as well. Single Sims can live in apartments, but they must move to a house upon marriage.

Regarding technology, use phones only for necessary gameplay elements until the appropriate decade. The same goes for computers, which are essential for certain jobs and ordering items like books and seeds. Choose jobs that were available during the time period you're simulating.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

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Each decade in the Decades Challenge brings its own set of rules and challenges. Here's a brief overview of how each era works. For more detailed rules, check out Cute Coffee Gal's full challenge guidelines.

1890s

In the 1890s, only male heirs are allowed. Daughters must have the Creative trait and move out upon marriage. WooHooing is prohibited, with trying for a baby being the only reason for Sims to sleep together. Babies are born at home. Men work period-appropriate jobs like woodworking at home, while women manage the household but can work as freelancers or gardeners if widowed. Electricity is not allowed, and children must attend elementary school, but high school isn't required. University is open to both genders but with period-appropriate majors. Start cultivating a Cow Plant during this decade.

1900s

Lamps are now permitted, and you have indoor plumbing, though no showers. Jobs and education rules remain the same as the 1890s. Phonographs for music are acceptable, but other rules from the 1890s still apply.

1910s

Teen, Young Adult, and Adult males are drafted for World War I. They must eat Cow Plant cake, and a dice roll determines their fate. Odd numbers eat the cake again; even numbers return home. If all males die, the oldest female and her husband become the heirs. High school is now mandatory with a C average requirement; otherwise, the Sim must move out. Male Sims can attend university post-war, and women can take manual labor jobs.

1920s

Women can now be heirs and don't need to move out upon marriage. The Creative trait for daughters is optional. Talk radio, movies, and all lighting options are allowed. Women can work if their husbands don't earn enough. Alcohol is prohibited due to the Prohibition era.

1930s

Kegs are allowed at university, but the Great Depression affects job availability. Sims can't start in business careers and lose their jobs at the decade's start, regaining them after one week. Prohibition ends, and Sims are limited to one cooked meal per day, with other meals needing to be scavenged, caught, or grown.

1940s

Follow the World War I rules for World War II. Every household needs a victory garden with at least four plants. Thermostats, washers, and dryers are permitted. All households must have a radio, with at least one Sim listening for an hour daily. High schoolers stay home regardless of grades, and teens can have part-time jobs.

1950s

The oldest son goes to war in the Korean War, following previous war rules. Showers and cheap TVs are allowed, and radio listening is no longer mandatory. High school is required, and phones can be used for calls.

1960s

The oldest two children of any gender go to war in the Vietnam War, following the same rules. Any college major is allowed, and women can take maternity leave. WooHooing is now permitted, not just trying for a baby.

1970s

The oldest two children go to war in the Vietnam War again. Marriage is encouraged but not required. Microwaves and dishwashers are allowed, along with lottery tickets and food delivery.

1980s

Gaming is permitted, and at least one Sim must pursue a business career. Science babies are allowed, and hospital births are standard.

1990s

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

2000s

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

2010s

Journalism with print media is no longer allowed. Same-sex marriages are permitted, and all part-time work, the meat wall, Trendi, and the weather generator are available.

That's the essence of the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4*. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances the experience, you can adapt the challenge to fit any other packs you own. *The Sims 4* is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.