Welcome to a tropical paradise where your Sims can bask in the beauty of crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and lush volcanic islands. The Sims 4: Island Living expansion pack takes your gameplay to an entirely new level by letting you immerse yourself in the magical world of Sulani. With its stunning visuals, captivating activities, new careers, and fresh gameplay mechanics, Island Living promises an unforgettable adventure for every Sims fan. Whether you’re exploring marine life, becoming a conservation hero, or embracing the enchanting life of a mermaid, this expansion offers infinite opportunities for creativity and storytelling.
The New Tropical World – Sulani
The centerpiece of The Sims 4: Island Living is undoubtedly Sulani, an idyllic island destination teeming with opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Sulani is a breathtaking archipelago composed of pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and dramatic volcanic landscapes. It provides a stunning backdrop for your Sims to chill, explore, or embark on thrilling new activities.
Open-World Exploration
One of the key highlights of Sulani is its large, open areas, allowing you to swim in wide ocean stretches, snorkel around coral formations, or just lazily float on the water. Its beaches are perfect for sunbathing or making sandcastles with your Sims’ friends and family. Sulani feels alive, with vivid wildlife, sparkling waters, and rich cultural elements that make the world immersive and captivating.
Environmental Details
Sulani isn’t just visually stunning—it’s a fully interactive environment. You can explore secret caves, marvel at volcanic activity, or even stumble upon hidden treasures while beachcombing. This creates endless gameplay opportunities with an environmental story centered on conservation and sustainability.
Mermaids – A New Life State
One of the most exciting features of Island Living is the introduction of mermaids as a fully fleshed-out life state. Mermaids bring an air of mystery and magic, capable of performing unique interactions and exploring the ocean differently than ordinary Sims.
Mermaid Abilities and Customization
Mermaids offer a range of special abilities for Sims, such as summoning dolphins, controlling the weather, or enchanting other Sims with siren songs. In Create-a-Sim mode, players can fully customize their mermaid Sims, from their tails and scales to unique hairstyles and accessories that embrace an aquatic theme.
Mermaid Gameplay Elements
Mermaids live dual lives—they can blend in seamlessly with humans when on land but transform once they return to the ocean. This adds an intriguing layer of storytelling possibilities, whether your mermaid Sim wants to live a quiet beach life or dive deep into the mysteries of Sulani’s waters.
New Traits for Sims
Island Living introduces two fresh traits that connect your Sims more deeply with Sulani’s culture and environment.
Child of the Islands
Sims with this trait feel deeply connected to Sulani and its traditions. They enjoy attending kava parties, eating local delicacies, and interacting with island spirits. Not only does it enhance gameplay immersion, but it also opens up unique interactions, like summoning spirits to gain blessings for environmental care or spiritual wisdom.
Child of the Ocean
This trait is perfect for Sims who thrive on ocean-based activities. They love swimming, snorkeling, and bonding with marine life. However, there’s a catch—Sims with this trait can’t work as fishermen due to their deep respect for aquatic creatures.
Exciting New Careers and Job Options
Island Living expands the professional horizons of your Sims by offering rewarding jobs and gigs tailored to the island lifestyle.
Conservationist Career
As a conservationist, your Sims can work to protect and restore Sulani’s natural beauty. Tasks include cleaning up polluted beaches, conducting research, and collaborating with locals to improve the ecosystem. The choices you make in this career impact Sulani, ensuring that your efforts shape the environment in visible and rewarding ways.
Part-Time Jobs
- Diver: Dive deep to explore underwater mysteries and collect treasures.
- Fisherman: Engage in sustainable fishing practices to make a living.
- Lifeguard: Ensure the safety of beachgoers while enjoying the sun and sea.
Odd Jobs
For those seeking flexibility, Sulani offers a unique gig-based system of odd jobs. These quick tasks range from delivering packages to repairing items, allowing Sims to earn cash without committing to a full-time career.
Unique Lot Traits and Challenges
Oceanic Paradise
This fixed lot trait in Sulani lets Sims swim directly on the lot and interact with rare fish and dolphins. It’s perfect for creating an immersive coastal lifestyle.
Island Spirits
With this lot trait, mystical spirits occasionally visit your lot, offering unique interactions that can shape Sims’ moods and unlock special benefits.
Volcanic Activity
Originally a trait, this has been revamped as a lot challenge. Living on a volcanic lot means playing with fire—literally—as lava rocks occasionally rain down, providing both challenges and opportunities for storytelling.
Live the “Beach Life” Aspiration
Island Living introduced a new aspiration designed for a relaxed and carefree lifestyle. The Beach Life aspiration encourages players to make the most of Sulani’s tropical setting. Sims must complete tasks such as getting a suntan, hosting kava parties, exploring underwater caves, and finding hidden treasures. Mastering this aspiration unlocks unique rewards, helping your Sim truly embrace island life.
Create-a-Sim and Build/Buy Enhancements
Polynesian-Inspired Outfits
Island Living brings a vibrant range of clothing options inspired by Polynesian culture. From breezy sundresses and boardshorts to ceremonial outfits, Sulani’s fashion will make your Sims look effortlessly stylish.
Beach House Designs
Build mode introduces numerous tropical-themed objects perfect for creating a dream coastal home. Deck your lot with tiki-inspired furniture, decorative shells, and functional outdoor showers. Additionally, make use of overwater foundations to create stunning stilt-built homes that embrace the aesthetic of tropical living.
How to Embrace the Full Island Living Experience
- Start a Conservationist Career: Use this career path to help clean up Sulani and unlock eco-friendly upgrades for the island.
- Create a Mermaid Sim: Enter Create-a-Sim and customize your magical underwater creature with unique features and powers.
- Explore Underwater Life: Snorkel, dive, or interact with dolphins to discover the hidden beauty of Sulani’s ocean.
- Host Kava Parties: Share the island culture by hosting traditional social gatherings complete with kava root drinks.
- Build an Off-the-Grid House: Embrace sustainable living by using the Off-the-Grid challenge to avoid electricity and focus on natural resources.
FAQs About The Sims 4: Island Living
What platforms is Island Living available on?
Island Living is available on PC, Mac, Playstation 4, and Xbox One.
Can Sims live year-round in Sulani?
Yes, Sulani is a fully residential world where your Sims can live permanently or visit for vacations.
Can mermaids have children?
Yes, mermaids can have children, and there’s a chance their offspring will inherit the mermaid life state.
How do you transform a Sim into a mermaid?
A Sim can become a mermaid by consuming the Mermadic Kelp, which can be found or purchased in-game.
What is the conservationist career?
The conservationist career focuses on protecting and restoring the environment in Sulani through research and active cleanup efforts.
Can you build stilt homes in Sulani?
Yes, Sulani allows you to construct stilt-built homes over the water, offering stunning views and unique layouts.
Do mermaids have special abilities?
Mermaids have exclusive powers such as summoning dolphins, changing the weather, and using siren songs to influence others.
Can Sims interact with dolphins?
Yes, Sims can bond with dolphins, feed them, and even perform tricks together.
What is the Off-the-Grid challenge?
The Off-the-Grid challenge requires Sims to live without modern utilities like power or plumbing, relying on natural resources instead.
Are there new collectibles in Island Living?
Yes, players can collect seashells, underwater treasures, and rare fish exclusive to Sulani.
Step into Paradise
The Sims 4: Island Living offers an unforgettable escape into a tropical haven filled with adventure, relaxation, and rich cultural elements. Whether you want to create a thriving beachside community, embrace conservation efforts, or explore the mystical life of a mermaid, this expansion promises hours of engaging gameplay. Grab your sunscreen and dive into Sulani—your Sims’ paradise awaits!
