The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies expansion is the latest addition to the franchise, offering a rich blend of entrepreneurial opportunities and creative outlets. This expansion introduces a new world, Nordhaven, alongside fresh mechanics that allow Sims to turn their passions into thriving businesses.
Start Your Dream Business
With the introduction of the Ticket Kiosk, Sims can now charge customers for entry or time spent in their businesses. Whether it’s a tattoo shop, a pottery studio, or a cat café, the new system provides endless opportunities to manage and grow a small business.
- New Business Selector Tool: Sims can designate spaces specifically for their businesses.
- Customizable Business Venues: Players can choose between residential-run businesses or dedicated storefronts.
- Employee Management: Up to three employees can be hired, trained, and even fired!
New Skills: Tattooing & Pottery
Tattooing – A New Form of Expression
One of the most highly anticipated features, tattooing, allows Sims to create custom tattoos, layer designs, and even remove ink. With the new Tattoo Paint Mode, users can:
- Layer stamps and stencils.
- Share their designs in The Gallery.
- Earn Simoleons by running a tattoo studio.
Pottery – A Passion for Crafting
Pottery has also made its way into Sims 4, providing a hands-on creative outlet.
- Add unique glazes for a custom finish.
- Use Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold.
- Sell pottery creations or teach pottery classes for profit.
Explore Nordhaven – The Hub for Creativity
Nordhaven is a bustling new town, featuring two neighborhoods, Gvic and IAD. Here, Sims can participate in daily hobby meetups or attend skill-building classes. Some key features include:
- Mentorship Programs: Meet experienced Sims who help improve skills.
- Skill-Based Classes: Host and attend lectures to earn Simoleons.
- Business Perks: Players can select perks based on their business alignment—Dreamer, Neutral, or Schemer.
Customizable Business Mechanics
With Build & Buy enhancements, players can design their dream business spaces.
- Choose the logo, business name, and customer type.
- Set restricted areas for employees or VIPs.
- Charge customers per service or by the hour.
Retail businesses can display items for purchase, while service-oriented ones, like tattoo parlors, earn money per session. Satisfied customers lead to more perks, including rare collectibles or tax write-offs!
Expanded Traits & Aspirations
To complement the business and hobby mechanics, this pack includes new personality traits and aspirations. Whether Sims want to be a Master Mentor, a Visionary Artist, or an Ambitious Mogul, the expansion offers a diverse range of playstyles.
Community Reactions – Mixed But Excited
The expansion has received a mix of praise and criticism from the community:
- “I love this expansion! Finally, we get tattoos and pottery!” – @MatildaLit
- “I wish there were more hobbies like music, sewing, and ballet.” – @BernadineRHughes
- “This feels more like a business pack than a hobby one.” – @Djjunior95
- “I saw ‘sleep’ as an activity—can we finally run hotels?” – @KatyAnn623
Despite some concerns, most players are excited about the new features and the ability to turn hobbies into profitable businesses.
Final Thoughts: Is This Expansion Worth It?
Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies introduces a new level of creativity and entrepreneurship, allowing players to monetize their Sims’ passions in exciting ways. Whether you want to tattoo, sculpt, teach, or sell—this expansion offers endless possibilities.
Will you be picking up this expansion? What type of business will your Sims run? Let us know in the comments!
