While I’m not someone who grew up with The Sims games, I remember falling in love with The Sims 3 the first time I played. When I heard The Sims 4 was coming out, I begged my mom to drive me to Target to get it on launch day. That was almost ten years ago now. While it still has a huge place in my heart, I often find myself getting bored despite the number of expansion and game packs we’ve gotten over the years. Thankfully, there’s always an option out there for people like me who want to play but feel like they’ve run out of things to do: challenges. No matter what people say, simmers are the backbone of this community. Besides creating custom content and mods for people to enjoy, they create entire challenges to give people a reason to keep playing. Today I’m going to introduce you to six legacy challenges that I’m positive you’ll be itching to play as soon as you can. But be aware that not all these challenges are base game compatible.
Postcard Legacy Challenge
The Postcard Legacy Challenge by @sojuteatime is a 23-generation challenge with a few unique rules that will surely make gameplay interesting. Instead of moving down generations linearly, you can start from any of the options listed, making your gameplay that much more distinctive. There are optional goals if you want an extra challenge, and even some recommended mods to make gameplay more exciting. The most interesting requirement is that you must set aside enough money for each of your children to have their own house. At the end of each generation is where the challenge name shines—you’ll take “postcard” photos to send to family, friends, and to keep one for yourself. That way you’ll have lasting memories of each family you’ve nurtured during this long and exciting journey.
Not So Scary Legacy Challenge
Are you someone who also struggles playing with occult sims in your game? Well, the Not So Scary Legacy Challenge by @itsmaggira is for those of us who want an introduction to the sims who often get left behind. It’s only a four-generation challenge, making it the shortest on our list and a great starting point. You’ll have some freedom for what traits and aspirations to give your sims, and they give you little building prompts, forcing you to work on your building skills on the side. Unfortunately, this challenge doesn’t have werewolves or mermaids and hasn’t updated to include them. But if that doesn’t bother you, then it’s time to get spoopy!
The Family Jewels Legacy Challenge
Though I don’t know much about gems and jewels, I do know that they each stand for different things. The Family Jewels Legacy Challenge by @sugarcain-sims takes the meanings of these precious stones and turns them into generational goals. This challenge will bring you through nine generations, each named after one of the base game collectible jewels. For each generation, you’re given a list of potential traits, an aspiration category, and multiple career options, in which you must choose one of each. I appreciate the flexibility of this challenge, and if you enjoy your first playthrough, your second one can end up being completely different. They also offer bonus goals that you can decide for yourself whether you want to accomplish them. Leaving you with so many options, this legacy challenge will surely be one that you can come back to again.
Forgotten Realm, a Dungeons and Dragons Legacy Challenge
The first time I played Dungeons and Dragons, I accidentally massacred an entire village of people…and it was then that I knew I wanted to play again. But with things being so busy (and me having no one to play with—ahem), I figured I could make life easier and play it in The Sims. This Forgotten Realm Legacy Challenge by @anxiousmoodlet is inspired by Dungeons and Dragons and uses the classes to map out each generation’s story. While you don’t have to, you’re encouraged to roll a 6-faced die to determine your number of children, and with the infant update having just been released, this is sure to be an anxiously exciting roll. If there’s a part of this challenge that doesn’t sit right with your D&D heart, you’re more than welcome to change it to match your campaign style. This is a great chance to throw your characters into The Sims and watch their legacy thrive.
Vampire: The Masquerade Legacy Challenge
If you aren’t quite ready to explore multiple occult sims but still want to dip your toes into at least one of these otherworldly creatures, then Vampire: The Masquerade Legacy Challenge is sure to catch your eye. This challenge, also created by @anxiousmoodlet, is based on an older TTRPG universe. The rules sheet graciously gives you a vampire glossary, keeping you up to date on the limbo and undoubtedly making things more engaging. You’ll go through 12 generations and “clans”, each with complex yet engaging goals. Uniquely, you’re given an aesthetic for each of your heirs, and along with that, a storyline to match their given personalities. Each generation truly interconnects and will be sure to leave you with a satisfying ending. Some of the challenges may seem too time-consuming at first, but remember that our vampy friends live, well, forever. So, while the tasks are on the difficult side, there’s no need to worry about the length of your playthrough. Take your time, immerse yourself, bite some necks, and enjoy your blood-filled vampire life.
Stardew Valley Legacy Challenge
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m a Stardew Valley lover through and through. Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon a Stardew-related legacy challenge. In the Stardew Valley Legacy Challenge by @chellplays, you’ll be playing as all of the bachelors and bachelorettes—a pretty unique idea if you ask me. Starting with Abigail and ending with Shane, each generation adheres to the backstories and personalities of Stardew’s most beloved romance options. It’s so fun looking at the creator’s interpretation of the character’s traits and aspirations, and while some of their endings are a little sad (I’m looking at you, Sebastian), the creator did a great job. This challenge is base game compatible and has options for those with DLC. It’s time, simmer. Don’t just date the characters. Be the characters.
I hope that at least one of these legacy challenges stood out to you. Truly, I understand what it’s like to lose interest in something faster than you’d like to. But there’s no shame in that! That’s why simmers create challenges to spark more gameplay, and that’s why people like me want to share them with the world. Happy simming!
