An expansion to the Sims 4 that gives you a variety of options for going on outdoor excursions
An expansion to the Sims 4 that gives you a variety of options for going on outdoor excursions
Pros
- Granite Falls adds a picturesque new setting for Sims to explore
- New rustic-themed objects and art pieces for home customization
- Funny bear costume adds humor to character interactions
- The introduction of phytotherapy expands gameplay with unique potions
Cons
- Limited wildlife and interactive random events
- Clothing options could be more expansive
- Lacks new career opportunities
Explore the Great Outdoors with Your Sims
The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat is an expansion pack that ushers your Sims into an enthralling world of outdoor adventure. This DLC not only expands the gameplay of the base game but also brings a breath of fresh air for your Sims craving a getaway. With Granite Falls as the new hub for escapism, your Sims can indulge in the charm of nature, complete with camping, hiking, and interactive activities that deepen the game’s immersion.
A New Destination: Granite Falls
The most significant addition in The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat is the introduction of Granite Falls, a district designed for relaxation and reprieve from the daily grind. As a scenic woodland area, it provides an ideal backdrop for your Sims to explore the outdoors and engage in soothing pastimes such as sitting by a bonfire or tossing horseshoes.
The integration of the new locale is seamless, with a wealth of objects tailored to a rustic lifestyle. From outdoor-specific furniture and decorative plants to trees that add a touch of wilderness, players can customize their Sims' retreats or even revamp their primary residences with a back-to-nature theme. The aesthetic overhaul extends to new art pieces that bring home the organic feel of Granite Falls to any lot.
Sartorial Shifts for a Country Sojourn
Keeping up with the needs of a nature retreat, the expansion pack rolls out a line of new clothing suitable for outdoor adventures. Your Sims can slip into hiking boots, utility pants, and layered jackets that reflect the practical needs of an outdoor excursion. And for a measure of whimsy, Sims can don an entertaining bear costume, adding a touch of humor to the game's character interactions.
However, while there is a noteworthy range of new sartorial options, the variety is not substantially expansive. The selection feels somewhat limited, especially when considering the free clothing updates previously released by EA for The Sims 4.
Phytotherapy: A Novel Skill to Cultivate
The pack does not present a new career path, which might disappoint some players looking for professional advancement alongside their relaxation. Nevertheless, it does introduce a unique skill: phytotherapy. This new craft allows Sims to blend potent potions from the flora they collect, adding an element of natural mysticism to their skills repertoire.
Vacation Gameplay: Familiar yet Refreshing
Gaming mechanics in Outdoor Retreat will be familiar to veterans of The Sims 4, offering a comfortable transition to this new content. Sims can engage in routine activities, foster relationships with others, and seek out collectibles while exploring the enticing surroundings. Additional in-game tutorials are accessible for players needing a bit more guidance on the new features.
Despite the DLC’s captivating country theme and visual appeal, the absence of wildlife and random events related to the natural setting feels like a missed opportunity. Interaction with the environment is one aspect where the expansion could have enriched the game experience with lively spontaneity, reminiscent of the community lots in earlier iterations of The Sims series.
Final Thoughts: A Promising Path for Future Packs
The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat starts a new journey into vacation-based expansion content, setting the stage for potential future additions that may introduce new themes, gameplay mechanics, and aesthetic choices. While some areas could use enhancement, such as more robust wildlife engagement and a broader catalog of clothing items, the pack plants the seeds for innovative growth in the Sims universe.
Pros
- Granite Falls adds a picturesque new setting for Sims to explore
- New rustic-themed objects and art pieces for home customization
- Funny bear costume adds humor to character interactions
- The introduction of phytotherapy expands gameplay with unique potions
Cons
- Limited wildlife and interactive random events
- Clothing options could be more expansive
- Lacks new career opportunities
