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The Long-Awaited Sims 4 Pool Update Available Now
Maxis introduced its first free Sims 4 update last month, and now it's time for the next one: pools. Two new careers are also on deck for December.
When The Sims 4 launched, some key features were absent, such as dishwashers, pools, and even career paths. Maxis has answered by providing free content drops to include some of the most-requested pieces. Last month kicked off the first update, which included ghosts. Today marks the second, which introduces pools. After that, December's addition will feature new career paths. We spoke to Maxis to get the lowdown on some of these new features.
The absence of pools was surprising for fans, as they are typically available at launch. Each iteration has also expanded on them, giving them more use, like letting sims use them to increase their athletic skill. "We knew pools were coming... we just didn't want to promise anything until we had exact timelines on when we could deliver it for our fans," says producer Ryan Vaughan.
The Sims 4 is also adding some new elements to pools. They now have variable depth, and sims can sit on the side of them to socialize. Standbys like drowning are still in place. The update also includes new outfits for your sims, as they need swimming gear, such as speedos and board shorts for men and one-pieces and bikinis for women. Sims can socialize while they're swimming, too, no longer having to get out of the pool to chat with others.
After pools, Maxis' next venture is expanding careers in December. Fans requested more traditional jobs; therefore, the athletic and business tracks are being added for this update. These tracks also eventually branch, so you can become an investor or manager of a company for the business track, or a professional athlete or bodybuilder should you choose the athletic route.
Right now these are the only free updates planned, but it's still possible for more to release in the future.
To find out more, check out our interview with producer Ryan Vaughan.
Our Take
The free updates are a step in the right direction. It shows Maxis' dedication to getting the fans what should have been included in the game in the first place. I'm really hoping Maxis doesn't stop after the December with the free updates. As I noted in my review, The Sims 4 felt half-baked and I'd like to see it stand as a more complete game. I don't think fans should have to get some of these additional features through expansions, and my hope is that Maxis continues to see it that way.
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