17 January 2026

Pre-Orders Have a Bad Reputation, But the Sims 4’s New Expansion Pack is Well-Worth It

By newsgame

Pre-orders have a bad reputation. They’re often built on promise rather than proof, on trailers and bonuses that feel incidental at best. In a digital-first gaming industry, they don’t feel that necessary anymore. I’ve internalized that skepticism to the point of habit. I’ve never pre-ordered a game for myself. Not once.

That’s not to say I’ve never benefited from one. My husband pre-ordered Animal Crossing: New Horizons so it would arrive as soon as humanly possible. My dad pre-ordered Super Mario Galaxy to get ahead of Christmas crowds (Santa Claus sent him, I promise). But when it comes to my own money and my own anticipation, hype has never been enough. I wait. I watch reviews. If I want something badly, I’ll still wait until the earliest reasonable opportunity to buy it with confidence. Which is why it’s surprising, even to me, that The Sims 4 may be the first game to break that streak.

The upcoming Sims 4 Expansion Pack has already generated significant buzz, largely because it delivers features players have been asking for over multiple generations of the franchise. Yet what’s most unexpected isn’t just what the pack adds to the game, but how much value is being attached to its pre-order window. By pre-ordering before March 15, players aren’t just securing early access; they’re getting something that feels increasingly rare: a genuinely good deal.

I’ve Been Playing The Sims For 20 Years, And The Sims 4’s Next Expansion Pack Feels Like An Answered Prayer

There’s always been one Expansion Pack I’ve wanted for The Sims, but after 20 years, it seemed impossible. Now, my dreams have come true.

The Sims 4’s Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack Pre-Order Deal is Too Good to Miss

In the past, The Sims 4’s pre-order deals have added very few things to inspire widespread enthusiasm. Pre-orders have historically offered a handful of bonus items to round out the experience. Create-A-Sim outfits. Build Mode decor pieces. Nothing is usually fancy or worth the splurge if you’re still on the fence about an EP’s theming.

The Sims 4‘s Royalty & Legacy has shattered pre-order expectations. For the first time in its over 10-year run, pre-ordering an Expansion Pack for The Sims 4 will guarantee that players snag more DLC alongside their main purchase. This pre-order deal known as the Royalty & Legacy Grand Bundle promises the following:

Bonus Items: In typical pre-order fashion, the purchase would include extra items that match the royal theme. Specifically, the items include a headpiece named A Crown of Leaves and Sparkles (a playful nod to popular romantasy naming conventions), the Enemies to Lovers Practice Dummy, and the Under the Stars Lantern.
Silver Screen Style Kit: This fashion kit is inspired by classic Hollywood silhouettes. It features sparkling jewelry, fur-trimmed items, and everything to ensure your royal Sim looks straight out of a movie.
Tea Time Solarium Kit: What is royalty without tea? For those of us who watch series like Bridgerton, one is tied to the other. This kit unites the two with Build Mode items such as tea sets, tables, and other delicate pieces to complete a tearoom.

By preordering before March 15, Simmers will get a breadth of content that will naturally complement their royal gameplay. Most importantly, they will be getting a first-of-its-kind bargain that they should genuinely consider incentivizing.

Finally, A Good Bargain

The Sims 4 is notoriously expensive. That may seem contradictory for a free game. But personally, I’d never recommend simply playing the base game alone. That is because its DLC makes it a more well-rounded experience. Occult life forms are hidden behind paywalls, fame is tied to a specific Expansion Pack, and forget about seasons or pets if you’re playing the base game alone.

Without sales, a complete Sims 4 library may climb up to over four figures. That is not affordable to most players I know. So, in a world where most Simmers will be locked out of experiencing everything The Sims 4 has to offer, I am going to recommend players take whatever they can get. And since it seems that Royalty & Legacy may be a must-have Expansion Pack for The Sims 4, you’re getting the best bang for your buck.

A Rare Win for The Sims 4 at Exactly the Right Moment

There’s something almost surreal about this landing when it does. After a whirlwind year defined by uncertainty, a buyout, odd rumors, and a general sense that things rarely stick the landing, The Sims’ 2026 is opening with a confident, player-forward offering that feels meaningful. Two thoughtfully themed kits bundled with an Expansion Pack isn’t just generous—it signals intent. It suggests a move that understands what players value, how fatigue around monetization has built up, and how goodwill is earned rather than demanded.

If this is how The Sims 4 plans to move forward, then breaking a personal no-pre-order rule doesn’t feel impulsive. It feels earned. And honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better way for The Sims to start the year.