What to Expect From The Sims in 2026

2025 was a mixed bag for The Sims franchise. If the year proved anything, it’s that The Sims is no longer in a holding pattern. It’s in flux. Between content releases, persistent leaks, and growing anxiety over the franchise’s long-term direction, Maxis’ flagship series spent the year feeling unsettled rather than stagnant. That fear of instability carries directly into 2026.

While The Sims’ early 2026 may appear restrained compared to past years, that restraint may be intentional. With Project Rene looming, long-running Sims 4 rumors refusing to die, and Maxis signaling a desire to reset expectations, the months ahead look less like a slowdown and more like the calm before a major shift. Here’s what the next couple of months may have in store for the life simulation giant.

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The Sims Mobile Shuts Down

The Sims franchise is off to a disappointing start for mobile gaming fans. The Sims Mobile is shutting down on January 20, 2026. The Sims Mobile, although smaller in scope than a traditional mainline title, was still a solid Simming experience on the go. The Sims Mobile launched in 2018. For many years, it offered a no-cost alternative to The Sims before Sims 4 became free-to-play.

On January 6, all Sims Mobile standard or premium Build Mode and CAS content will be unlocked to all players. This is regardless of in-game levels or quest completion status.

Sim Devs to Clear Up “Misinformation” in Early January

The Sims franchise is no stranger to speculation. In an attempt to quell rumors, Maxis devs have announced that January 2026 Sims 4 news will offer some clarity about the game’s future. In particular, this official statement from EA will address “misinformation going around.”

Based on this language, fans can likely expect a developer roadmap highlighting key dates to keep in mind for The Sims 4. Development roadmaps for The Sims 4 are not new. In fact, it’s a fairly recent practice that arose from 2025 transparency efforts. Last year, roadmaps were accompanied by bug-report forums where Simmers could vote on their most pressing gameplay issues stemming from broken content or updates.

The Sims 4 Might Have a Crazy 2026 Ahead—If Rumors Are True

The Sims 4 Rumor Patrol

• The Sims 4’s final Expansion Pack?: According to recent rumors circling Reddit and other forums, the next Sims 4’s Expansion Pack will be its last. The 21st Expansion Pack will allegedly be royalty-themed with three kingdoms for players to choose from. Although this rumor states that there will be no more Expansion Packs, it also clarifies that Game, Kit, and Stuff Packs are still underway.
• Project X: There are some conflicting allegations surrounding the mysterious Project X that has been circling The Sims’ online circles. But according to a renowned leaker, a Sims 4 remake called Project X might be released in late 2026. The rumored remake would come shortly after The Sims 4‘s 12th anniversary, and may address some of the stability issues facing the over-decade-old software.
• The Sims 4’s release cadence: With no roadmap yet and endless speculation, Simmers may be wondering what the DLC release schedule may look like this year. Luckily, previous years give us a starting point. In the past few years, there have been at least 2 Expansion Packs per year, usually released in the summer and winter. Game Packs and Stuff Packs are scattered throughout the year in between EPs. The most common type of DLC is Kits, with free Sims 4 base game updates accompanying all kinds of releases.

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What We Know About Project Rene for 2026

The Basics of Project Rene

Project Rene is positioned as the next generation of The Sims, but it is no The Sims 5. That distinction matters. Maxis has been clear that Rene is not a direct sequel or replacement for The Sims 4. Instead, it is being developed alongside it, with both experiences expected to coexist for the foreseeable future.

Confirmed details paint Project Rene as a more flexible, modular Sims experience built with long-term iteration in mind. Project Rene supports cross-platform play across PC, consoles, and mobile devices, with shared progression across devices. Maxis has also confirmed that Project Rene will feature multiplayer functionality, allowing players to collaborate or share spaces, while still supporting solo play. From a design standpoint, early Project Rene footage showcases have emphasized improved Build Mode tools, including more intuitive object placement, color customization, and modular furniture systems.

As of now, Project Rene does not have a confirmed release date, monetization model, or final platform list. What is clear is that Maxis views it as a foundational platform rather than a traditional boxed sequel—one meant to evolve over time rather than launch as a “complete” generational reset.

Project Rene Rumor Patrol

• A fashion-forward, social focus: One circulating leak claims Project Rene shares gameplay features with Roblox’s Dress to Impress, suggesting a heavier emphasis on fashion, cosmetics, and social presentation. This has spurred an onslaught of criticism.
• Project X as Rene’s single-player mode: Some rumors—Project X chief among them—suggest that an allegedly separate Sims project is actually Project Rene’s single-player experience. These claims also point to a late 2026 launch window and position Project X as a more traditional Sims-style sandbox layered onto Rene’s broader platform.
• Will Project Rene release in 2026?: Multiple rumors place Project Rene’s rollout in late 2026, though Maxis has not publicly committed to any timeframe. This rumor is fueled by the sunsetting of Sims Mobile, and general chatter about Rene entering an Early Access or beta phase. However, the studio’s emphasis on community testing, iteration, and transparency, a longer runway would be consistent with how Rene has been presented so far. Any date speculation should be taken with a grain of salt.