Summary
Lovestruckis a big overhaul to the romance inThe Sims 4, but the changes coming with the expansion cover a lot of ground across more than just dates. Like any expansion pack forThe Sims 4, there’s at least some reason for every player to consider getting it, although how worthwhile it is as a complete package will come down to individual preferences.
The best new changes inThe Sims 4: Lovestruckare theones that address common complaintsor go above and beyond in adding new features. Not every tweak is a significant improvement to the game, but when looking at a list of the biggest changes, there’s a good bit to be excited about.
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One of the most notorious flirts from The Sims 4 swipes his way into reality in an excellent ad campaign for the upcoming Lovestruck expansion.
10A Romance Consultant Career For The Dedicated
Lovestruckoffers a lot ofnew ways for Sims to focus on romance, but for most Sims, this will only be one aspect of their life. It’s possible to make it the defining feature, however, anda career as a Romance Consultant makes the art of love into a job. The career addition comes with some overtly themed objects, like a heart armchair and a kissing lips couch, so it’s possible to really lean into the gaudy side of things.
Being a Romance Consultant turns some tasks that many would willingly do for free into part of the position, like reading romance novels and writing advice columns. It’s also possible to use it to offer love advice even when it’s not solicited, so this could be a key ingredient to make a memorably annoying character. Gearing the career in a genuinely helpful direction could also be a fun challenge, however, and it definitely seems like a fun one to take for a spin.
9New Recreational Items In Lovestruck
Among the many included features in the new city of Ciudad Enamorada is the SUDOR Gym, and this exercise spot shows off some exciting additions to the game. SUDOR Gym sports the same basic inclusions that any facility in theSims 4might, but a few new styles shake up the design. Weight machines and treadmills have gotten a new look, and decorative options like a rack of weights fill in some previous gaps.
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The biggest reveal in the gym is a curved pool, something thatThe Simshas always been notoriously missing. The feature apparently works similarly to curved walls, and although the pool in SUDOR Gym isn’t anything too innovative, it definitely opens up some significant possibilities. Fortunately for those who are skipping out onLovestruck, this is one change that will be available in the base game when the expansion releases.
8Romantic Boundaries Guide Relationships
Not everyone has equivalent comfort levels when it comes to perceived loyalty in a relationship, and the new Romantic Boundaries feature seeks to address this spectrum.Three toggles control whether jealousy triggers from a partner engaging in non-physical romance, physical romance, and WooHoo with other Sims. A fourth determines whether the Sim is open to having these triggers change through conversations in the future.
When a situation does trigger jealousy, romantic boundaries will be shown in the notifications to clarify just what line was crossed. Jealousy results in a significant hit to romantic satisfaction, potentially putting a solid relationship on the rocks. Although an instance of jealousy won’t immediately trigger a break-up, it can cause a Sim to consider one, so paying attention to the romantic boundaries of other Sims is important.
It’s possible to turn off the potential for jealousy to trigger break-ups.
7Finding Dates With Cupid’s Corner
Dealing with modern romance makes it impossible to avoid dating apps, andThe Sims 4: Lovestruckfinally embraces this concept with the addition of Cupid’s Corner.Sims can set up profiles and browse potential partners to select matches, with everything working more or less like it would in real life. It’s possible to curate the library of potential matches with basic preferences for age groups and gender, hopefully cutting down on the amount of time that might be wasted in the app.
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The new system of Attraction incorporates neatly with Cupid’s Corner, as Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs can provide a quick basis for whether a match might work. For anyone who wants an absolutely perfect fit, it’s possible to open up the selection pool to Sims from the Gallery along with the ones physically present in the world. Cupid’s Corner also feeds directly into the new date planning mechanic, streamlining the process of setting up the perfect first meeting.
6Create-A-Date Makes Date Planning Fun
Even better than the matchmaking element of Cupid’s Corner is the Create-A-Date feature, which can be easily launched after matching with another Sim in the app. Different basic types of date can be selected for the right mood, whether it’s a casual meetup to check out each other’s vibes or a springboard directly into romance.Other Sims can also be invited along on the date, although random Sims are less likely to interrupt with the newly tweaked system.
After choosing the type of date, different activities can be selected, like playing board games, watching TV, or, of course, WooHoo. Some other expansion packs add extra activities into the mix, like enjoying some wintry activities thanks toThe Sims 4: Seasons.Finally, a location for the date can be picked, and Ciudad Enamorada includes appropriate options like nightclubs and lounges.
5The Romance Skill Opens Up New Options
Lovestruckadds a new skill toThe Sims 4, and it should come as no surprise that it’s Romance. The Romance skill seems like an obvious pick for anyone picking upLovestruckto fulfill a flirty lifestyle, as it levels up through romantic interactions that shouldn’t be hard to come by.
When it comes to finding a date,the Romance skill offers a Scan the Room feature to identify available partners and an Aura of Flirtiness to get everyone in the mood, which could make the whole affair a lot easier. Other options like creating emotional connections can help in committed relationships, and when it comes time to make the romance happen, new kiss types and more provide a fresh experience for even seasonedSims 4players.
4New Build Items Are Great For Everyone
Outside of the gym, there’s a wider array of versatile new build items for Sims to have fun with. Some are obviously explicitly themed around romance, like some new beds, blankets, and more that make use of pinks, reds, and occasionally heart shapes. Others could be useful even for Sims with no interest in love, and most of the new items are in fairly neutral styles to work with any type of home decor.
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The focus on date spots means some new bar options are included, which can be just as great for a mixologist as home as for a Sim taking a night out on the town.Ciudad Enamorada’s Latin American inspiration also comes into play with a few itemshere and there. Exteriors get a buff with new additions to fences, doors, windows, and more.
3Date Actions Flesh Out Dates
When out on dates, there’s more to do than ever before, andincreasing the bond with a romantic partner can be more complex than ever before. Some new interactions are straightforward, like sharing personal details to potentially appeal to a beau. Others just offer more in the way of activities than ever before, helping to keep dates diverse.
Intimacy that isn’t just WooHoo gets a boost with options like feeding chocolate to other Sims, stargazing together, or cuddling on a bed. There are also more opportunities now for NPC Sims to initiate (or cut things off) on their own end, making for dates that can feel more convincingly two-sided while still giving the player the opportunity to make choices or take the lead.
2New Outfits & Accessories Add Fashionable Fun
Making a Sim look good is one of the most exciting parts ofThe Sims 4for many players, andLovestruckis adding in some notablenew Create-A-Sim optionsin that regard. A lot of outfits are geared toward date looks, from tight dresses to bold sheer ensembles. Not everything is flattering, however, and the introduction of some new costumes includes oddities like a full-body catfish getup alongside more normal options like a maid dress.
Sims 4 CAS Updates & Full World Map Revealed In Lovestruck Livestream
The Sims 4 Lovestruck developer’s live stream was full of exciting updates and a first look at the brand new world Ciudad Enamorada, a vibrant city.
Eyelashes are a big new addition, and they aren’t fully restricted toLovestruck.Two options will be available in the base game, withLovestruckadding two flashier styles into the mix. New hair clips, necklaces, tattoos and more allow for even more customization. Most of theLovestruckadditions tend more towards being eye-catching than suiting a Sim who likes to keep it casual, but there are still a few unobtrusive choices in the mix.
1Attraction Makes Romance Better
One core pillar of the way romance works inThe Sims 4: Lovestruckis the new Attraction system, which uses Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs to determine compatibility. Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs can be anything from core characteristics like cleanliness or ambition to aesthetic elements like hair and outfit color. Sims don’t need to be hitting every possible Turn-On to make it work, but attempting to build a relationship when the Turn-Offs overwhelm the Turn-Ons could be troublesome.
Simsveterans may recognize the core idea of this system fromThe Sims 2, where it first appeared as part of a concept called Chemistry in theNightlifeexpansion.Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs can be changed at any time in Create-A-Sim, so a Sim’s preferences can always be nudged if no ideal beau is coming along. Romance Styles, which are essentially love languages like gift giving and physical intimacy, also affect satisfaction in relationships inThe Sims 4: Lovestruck.
