Why You Should Update Your Legacy Saves for The Sims 4 Base Game Lot Refresh

The latest patch for The Sims 4 released in January has breathed new life into the residential lots across the base game. Notably, Willow Creek and Oasis Springs are now bursting with character, ensuring that each household feels authentically inhabited by their respective pre-made townies. The décor and objects have been customized to reflect the unique traits and narratives of each Sim, making these spaces more inviting than ever. While new games will automatically incorporate these enhanced lots, players can also update their existing saves to experience this refresh, which offers a genuinely compelling reason to explore the lives of these Sims further.

Many of the revamped homes were already well-designed, but the updates ensure they now cater even better to families of varying sizes. Players may find themselves eager to socialize with iconic families, such as the Calientes or the Goths, whether as a friendly roommate, a potential spouse, or even a savvy newcomer keen on claiming ownership of prime properties. Additionally, the option to evict existing families during renovations adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay within The Sims 4.

Willow Creek and Oasis Springs Are More Vibrant

Townies Seem to Truly Inhabit Their Lots

This patch has positively impacted the various families introduced with the original version of The Sims 4, including the Pancakes, BFFs, Goths, Spencer-Kim-Lewis, Landgraabs, Calientes, Roomies, and Zest. While uninhabited homes remain untouched, there is potential for these spaces to receive upgrades in the future.

Each bedroom is now distinctly personalized, allowing players to easily identify them. The updates reflect individual traits, careers, aspirations, and default skills. For instance, Gavin Richards is now equipped with a computer and easel, aligning perfectly with his creative ambitions. Notably, Johnny Zest has upgraded to a two-person bed, signaling readiness for potential romantic encounters.

The updates also delve deeper into the lore of TS4. For example, the Pancakes’ home now features designated space for a newborn, hinting at the impending arrival of Iggy Pancakes. However, the relationship dynamics within the home still seem strained, as evidenced by the chilly interactions between Bob and Eliza, who now have a basement setup that provides Bob with a quiet retreat, complete with a bar and television.

Despite many positive changes, not everything has improved. Iconic elders Dennis Kim and Vivian Lewis find themselves climbing three flights of stairs to access their rooms in the Cypress Terrace. Furthermore, wealthier families like the Landgraabs and Goths continue to possess excessive, unused space, which may serve as a critique of their extravagant lifestyles.

Updating Old Lots Using the Gallery

Options Available for Both New and Old Lots

The lot refresh applies primarily to new games; however, adding enhancements to older saves via the Gallery is feasible. The official Maxis account has released both new and legacy versions of homes in Willow Creek and Oasis Springs. The prior designs can be easily identified by the “Legacy” label before their names. By default, these homes are available offline, allowing players to replace them without losing access to original designs. If players accidentally delete these homes, they can easily download them again from Maxis.

Lot	Family	World	Neighborhood
Cypress Terrace	Spencer-Kim-Lewis	Willow Creek	Sage Estates
Garden Essence	BFF		Foundry Cove
Ophelia Villa	Goth		Pendula View
Pique Hearth	Pancakes		Courtyard Lane
Cactus House	Roomies	Oasis Springs	Parched Prospect
Affluista Mansion	Landgraab		Acquisition Butte
Slipshod Mesquite	Zest		Bedrock Strait
Sultry Springside	Hot		Skyward Palms

Many of the newly designed builds stand out as some of the finest creations by EA and its associated creators. This update could herald significant changes for the future of The Sims 4, potentially paving the way for revisions to expansion worlds and a deeper integration of lot designs with the narratives of pre-made Sims.

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