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The devastating impact of natural disasters, environmental degradation, and dwindling natural resources has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Environmental protection and sustainability are constantly discussed in the media, and even video game developers are taking note. Maxis, the studio behind The Sims franchise, has consistently integrated eco-conscious elements into their games, with expansions like Outdoor Retreat, Tiny Living, and Island Living. However, The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle takes this a step further, presenting a dedicated expansion focused entirely on sustainable living as a global issue and a modern societal trend. This review will delve into the features of this expansion pack to determine if it’s worth the $40 price tag.

Embracing Green Living in Evergreen Harbor

The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle gameplay showing a polluted Evergreen Harbor

A Timely and Relevant Theme

Few game genres can integrate environmental education as effectively as simulation games. The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle excels in this area, providing actionable plans to improve your Sim’s neighborhood. Players can influence friends, family, and neighbors to launch community projects aimed at gradually transforming their surroundings. Witnessing the transformation from a polluted wasteland with a smog-filled sky and contaminated river to a vibrant, green environment powered by renewable energy is truly rewarding. The ability to upcycle and repurpose items adds another layer of eco-conscious gameplay.

Sims working on a community project in Eco Lifestyle

Eco Lifestyle presents a stark contrast between a fast-paced, industrial lifestyle with strong economic growth but significant pollution, and a peaceful green lifestyle with a DIY-focused economy and a clean environment. The new Freelance Crafter career, the Fabricating skill, and various crafting tools and equipment offer hands-on experience in how to “greenify” the town.

Sims using a Fabricator in Eco Lifestyle

Learning Valuable Environmental Lessons

The Eco Footprint Feature

Eco Lifestyle introduces the innovative Eco Footprint system, which evaluates the environmental sustainability of your Sim’s home and neighborhood. This rating is based on energy consumption, recycling habits, and the overall sustainability of the community. Living green in isolation won’t suffice; the neighborhood’s collective efforts contribute to the overall environmental impact.

Eco Footprint indicator in The Sims 4 Eco Lifestyle

Players can strive to create an eco-friendly neighborhood by utilizing green appliances, renewable energy technologies, and upcycled furniture. Diplomatic skills are also essential for rallying the community toward this shared goal. This expansion pack encourages players to think critically about their resource consumption, even in a virtual world.

Sustainable Living Practices in Action

Living off-the-grid in a shipping container or on an island (with Island Living) presents unique challenges and opportunities. Players must learn to generate their own power using solar panels and wind turbines. Building a sustainable home requires crafting new furniture from salvaged materials, reducing energy bills by turning off electronics, and even creating children’s toys from discarded cardboard boxes.

Sims crafting in Eco Lifestyle

Eco Lifestyle introduces creative ways to earn money, such as repairing discarded items and selling them for a profit. Meat can be grown on “meat trees,” catering to vegetarian lifestyles. Vertical gardens allow for efficient urban farming, even on balconies and rooftops. Participating in neighborhood action plans by cleaning up public spaces and planting trees offers practical ways to contribute to a better environment. Even seemingly minor choices, such as flooring and wall colors, impact a home’s eco-footprint.

Sims participating in a neighborhood action plan in Eco Lifestyle

Synergy with Other Expansion Packs

Eco Lifestyle complements existing Sims 4 expansions, offering new possibilities and interactions. Discover University allows Sims to start the Civil Designer Career at a higher level and provides eligibility for the Harbor Residency Scholarship. Realm of Magic introduces new opportunities for spellcasting with found objects. Seasons adds the element of acid rain and provides new uses for beeswax. The items in Eco Lifestyle also work well with Tiny Living Stuff, enabling players to create eco-friendly tiny homes. Furthermore, Island Living expands the scope of cleaning up beyond beaches to other polluted areas. Get Together offers group activities focused on crafting, designing, and environmental cleanup.

Sims crafting with recycled materials

Some Disappointing Aspects

Sims woohooing in a dumpster in Eco Lifestyle

While fans have requested features like cars or farming, Eco Lifestyle includes the somewhat bizarre addition of WooHooing in dumpsters. The recycled clothing, jewelry, and household items lack aesthetic appeal, making recycling feel purely functional rather than stylish.

Sims wearing paper bags on their heads in Eco Lifestyle

Sims wearing paper bags on their heads as a symbol of environmental activism can appear comical or even frustrating, especially when they wear them while eating, sleeping, or performing other everyday actions. This detail seems unrealistic and detracts from the overall experience.

Conclusion

The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle offers a thought-provoking and engaging way to explore sustainable living in a virtual world. While some aspects may fall short of expectations, the expansion pack successfully integrates environmental awareness into gameplay, encouraging players to consider their impact on the world around them. The synergy with existing expansion packs adds even more depth and replayability. Overall, Eco Lifestyle provides a timely and relevant gaming experience that promotes environmental consciousness and sustainable practices.