*The Sims 4* community constantly breathes new life into the game by crafting creative challenges for enhanced gameplay. If you're looking to guide your Sims through a historical journey spanning multiple eras, mastering the Decades Challenge in *The Sims 4* is essential.

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Rules of the Decades Challenge in The Sims 4

Before diving in, let's break down the challenge's fundamental rules. The core concept treats every two in-game days as a new calendar year, beginning in 1890. You're welcome to adjust these timeframes to suit your playstyle. During days 1-2, your Sims live through 1890, days 3-4 represent 1891, and so forth until reaching either 2010 or 2020 as your endpoint. With the current Blast from the Past event running, there's never been a better moment to embark on this historical simulation.

Remember to disable automatic aging, using these lifespan guidelines instead. Life expectancies evolved dramatically around 1950, so we separate Sims into two groups:

All age groups share these initial life stages:

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

For pre-1950 adults:

• Young Adult: Age up after 26 days (32 years old)
• Adult: Age up after 36 days (50 years old)
• Elder: Die after ~14 days (~60 years old)

For post-1950 adults:

• Young Adult: Age up after 32 days (35 years old)
• Adult: Age up after 60 days (65 years old)
• Elder: Die after ~56 days (~90 years old)

When launching the challenge, begin with either a single young adult who needs to marry, or start with a married young adult couple. Including parents in the household reflects realistic multi-generational living situations. Authentic period clothing completes the historical immersion.

World restrictions apply: No Strangerville access. Del Sol Valley unlocks in the 1950s, while Sulani remains forbidden for realistic playthroughs. Single Sims may reside in apartments but must transition to houses upon marriage.

Technology use has specific limitations: Phones serve only essential functions until their historical introduction. Similarly, computers facilitate job requirements and basic purchases like book orders or seed buying.

The Sims 4 Decades Challenge Difficulties

Each decade introduces unique constraints and opportunities. Here's a condensed overview (for comprehensive rules, consult Cute Coffee Gal's full challenge documentation).

1890s

Male heirs only. Daughters receive the Creative trait and depart upon marriage. WooHooing prohibited except for procreation. Home births required. Men work appropriate jobs (woodworking, etc.); women manage households unless widowed. No electricity allowed. Elementary education mandatory, high school optional. Begin cultivating a Cow Plant.

1900s

Lamps permitted. Indoor plumbing arrives without showers. Phonograph music allowed. Other 1890s rules persist.

1910s

WWI draft: Teen+ males must interact with Cow Plant cakes. Dice rolls determine survival. High school becomes mandatory (C average required). University options expand, women may take manual labor jobs.

1920s

Female inheritance allowed. All lighting options unlocked. Entertainment options expand (talk radio, movies). Women can work for financial need. Prohibition bans alcohol.

1930s

Great Depression rules: Business careers suspended initially. University kegs allowed. One cooked meal daily - others must be foraged/grown. Prohibition ends.

1940s

WWII draft follows WWI mechanics. Victory gardens (4+ plants) required. Thermostats, laundry machines permitted. Daily radio listening mandated. Teen employment allowed.

1950s

Korean War drafts oldest sons. Showers and basic TVs introduced. Phone calls permitted. High school mandatory.

1960s

Vietnam War drafts two oldest children. College majors unrestricted. Maternity leave introduced. WooHoo restrictions lifted.

1970s

Vietnam War drafts repeat. Marriage becomes optional. Modern appliances (microwaves, dishwashers) allowed. New services (food delivery, lottery) emerge.

1980s

Gaming permitted. Business career required. Hospital births allowed. Scientific reproduction options open.

1990s

Laptops and unlimited TV access. Y2K preparedness required (3-day shelter lockdown). Appliance restrictions removed.

2000s

Technology restrictions lifted (except Trendi). Birth location choice returns. All entertainment unlocked.

2010s

Print journalism unavailable. Same-sex marriage legalized. All part-time work and modern items permitted.

While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack enhances this challenge, you can adapt it for any DLC configuration.

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