The Sims 4: High school Years expansion pack revolutionized the teenage life stage, presenting players with an interactive and immersive high school experience. Released on July 28, 2022, this expansion pack shifted what was once a background element into a vibrant and dynamic part of the game. Teens in The Sims 4 can now attend classes, build relationships, explore extracurricular activities, and even navigate the ups and downs of social hierarchy. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into all aspects of High School Years, helping you understand its features and how to make the most out of this exciting addition to your gameplay.
The World of Copperdale – A New Era of High School Gameplay
Copperdale, the new world introduced in the High School Years pack, is the heart of your teen Sims’ high school experience. This charming town features a central high school lot as its crown jewel and serves as the main stage where your Sims’ teenage stories will unfold.
High School Lot – The Center of Teen Life
For the first time in The Sims 4, high school is no longer a “rabbit hole.” Instead, players can accompany their teen Sims to school and actively participate in their lives. The high school lot, located in Copperdale, offers a fully interactive environment where Sims can attend classes, decorate lockers, socialize with peers, and more.
Customizing the High School
Want to put your personal touch on the school? The Art Deco-inspired default high school is fully customizable. Players can alter its layout, replace furniture, or add new areas to align with their Sims’ stories. Keep in mind, however, that editing the school is only possible when Sims are not actively attending classes.
Essential Other Lots in Copperdale
- Auditorium: This multi-functional space is used for events like prom, graduation, and other school activities.
- Thrift and Bubble Tea Shop: Teens can hang out here, experiment with styles, and create fashion trends using Trendi.
- Local Scenery: Copperdale boasts a picturesque waterfront and ideal photo spots for capturing those high school memories.
High School Days – Breaking Down the Schedule
A typical school day in High School Years is divided into structured yet flexible activities that allow players to immerse themselves in their Sims’ education and social life.
Morning Classes
Your Sims’ day kicks off with morning classes. While interaction within the classroom is limited to the occasional pop-up decision, attendance and focus are key to maintaining good grades.
Lunch Break
The two-and-a-half-hour lunch break offers plenty of time to catch up with friends, join social cliques, or even get in a quick workout. Your teen Sims can also explore the school grounds and customize their lockers during this time.
Afternoon Classes
Lessons continue in the afternoon and can contribute to your Sims’ academic success. However, if your teen prefers rebellion to diligence, they can prank lockers or skip class—but beware of possible detentions or even expulsion.
Grades and Graduation
Student performance is impacted by attendance and behavior. High-achieving students might even graduate early, though they’ll miss the traditional graduation ceremony that takes place on the nearest Sunday once they age up.
After-School Activities – Clubs, Teams, and More
Teen Sims can enrich their high school journey by joining various after-school activities. From competitive cheerleading to geeky chess club gatherings, there’s something for every personality type.
Available Clubs and Teams
- Football Team: Perfect for athletic Sims who enjoy teamwork and leadership.
- Cheerleading Squad: Dance, cheer, and perfect routines to become a standout performer.
- Chess Club: Hone your Sims’ mental skills and strategy sense in competitive chess games.
- Computer Club: Great for tech-savvy teens who want to develop programming and gaming skills.
Festivals and Competitions
Each club or team has its own unique events and festivals, providing additional chances for Sims to socialize, compete, and gain recognition for their efforts.
Social Life – Navigating Friendships, Romance, and Drama
Teenage years wouldn’t be complete without a bit of drama. High School Years introduces enhanced social interactions and relationship-building mechanics to deepen the high school experience.
Prom Nights
Prom is one of the most anticipated events in High School Years. Sims can invite friends or romantic interests to prom using fun new promposal methods, such as leaving notes in lockers or making bold public gestures. Depending on how the evening goes, Sims can gain unique sentiments and memories to shape their relationships.
Autonomous NPC Interactions
The expansion adds a level of autonomy for non-player characters (NPCs), allowing them to initiate romantic relationships, break up with Sims, or ask your Sim on a date. This helps ensure your high school feels lively and unpredictable.
New Traits Specific to Teens
- Overachiever: For Sims who strive to excel academically and in after-school activities.
- Party Animal: A perfect trait for social butterflies looking for fun at all costs.
- Socially Awkward: These Sims may struggle with new people but form deep bonds with close friends.
Customization – Showoff Your Sims’ Unique Style
Every teen has their own identity, and High School Years provides tools to express it through fashion, self-care, and aspirations.
Locker Decorations
Give lockers a personal touch with a variety of decoration styles, from sporty themes to glamorous designs. It’s a small touch, but one that makes Sims’ personalities shine.
Fashion Trends via Trendi
The collaboration with Depop introduces Trendi, a social app for creating and selling in-game fashion designs. Sims can also shop thrift stores to discover unique outfits and set new fashion trends themselves.
Physical Changes for Teens
Teen Sims now deal with body-specific changes such as acne, which requires regular skin care, and body hair that necessitates shaving or grooming. These features can be toggled on or off, depending on player preference.
Teen Aspirations
High School Years introduces four teen-focused aspirations, each with unique reward traits that follow Sims into their adult lives. These aspirations reflect typical high school experiences like academic excellence and social standing.
New Careers and Social Media Options
Part-Time Teen Careers
- Simfluencer: Promote products and build a social media following.
- Video Game Streamer: Turn your love of gaming into Stardom by streaming.
Social Media Features
- Social Bunny: A platform to communicate with friends, build popularity, and even start drama.
- Trendi: Focused on fashion and style, this app lets Sims buy, sell, or promote outfits.
How-To Guide – Making the Most Out of High School Years
How to Customize a High School
1. Navigate to the Build Mode on the high school lot.
2. Select elements like furniture, classrooms, or decoration to place your own creative spin.
3. Remember, editing the school is not possible when Sims are in session!
How to Join After-School Activities
1. Use the phone or computer to browse after-school club options.
2. Join a team and check the calendar for practice sessions and events.
3. Build relationships with teammates for better performance and meaningful interactions.
FAQs About The Sims 4: High School Years
Does the expansion only work in Copperdale?
No, teenage Sims from any world can attend Copperdale High School.
Can I customize the default high school building?
Yes, you can fully customize or rebuild the high school, but only outside of active school hours.
What happens if my Sim gets expelled?
Expelled Sims can enroll in an online high school to earn their diploma later.
What traits come with this expansion?
It introduces new traits such as Overachiever, Party Animal, and Socially Awkward.
Are there any new careers for teens?
Yes, new part-time jobs include Simfluencer and video game streamer.
How do I attend prom?
Check your calendar for prom dates and work on building relationships to score an invite or date!
Can I create my own fashion trends in-game?
Yes, you can design outfits and sell them using the Trendi app.
Can my Sims drop out of high school?
Yes, but dropping out will impact their future opportunities. They can later earn an online diploma.
Is acne mandatory for teens?
No, players can toggle acne on or off depending on preferences.
Is graduation mandatory for all Sims?
No, early graduates and dropouts can skip the event entirely.
The Sims 4: High School Years expansion balances realism and storytelling by delivering a compelling glimpse into teenage scenarios. From navigating complex social webs to excelling in academics or rebelling entirely—there’s something for everyone!
