Electronic Arts has officially revealed the first major expansion for The Sims 4 set to release in 2026. The new content is titled the Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack. It promises to bring elements of familial dynasties, scandal, and political intrigue to the game. The expansion is scheduled to launch for all platforms on February 12th.
However, the release comes during a complex time for the game’s community. Last year, news broke regarding the acquisition of Electronic Arts by a group of investors. This group includes Saudi Arabia’s investment fund and the son-in-law of Donald Trump. High-profile content creators for The Sims 4 have expressed concerns regarding this change in ownership. They worry that the conservative and anti-LGBTQIA+ values associated with the new owners may conflict with the game’s traditionally inclusive community. The controversy has been significant enough that the development team for The Sims 4 has repeatedly stated that they retain full creative control. They have insisted that their values regarding inclusivity remain unchanged.
It is within this volatile environment that the Royalty & Legacy expansion arrives. The content offers a mix of family dynasties, historical references, and whimsical storytelling. At the center of this expansion is a new world called Ondarion. This coastal region is divided into three distinct neighborhoods. These include Dambele, which is focused on art; Verdemar, where heroic outlaws and clever nobles are said to roam; and Bellacorde, known for its grand opulence. While each of these areas is ruled by its own dynasty, the overall throne of Ondarion is available for anyone to claim.
To support this gameplay, the expansion introduces a new Noble Career. Sims aiming for total power can advance through the ranks, starting as a Noble Newcomer and rising to become the Kingdom Leader. They achieve this by scheming, forming powerful alliances, completing Royal Duties, and earning Favour in court through their choices. These activities can take place not only in Ondarion but across other worlds as well. However, as Sims climb higher in social standing, they are more likely to attract rivals. This makes the new Swordsmanship skill particularly useful. Additionally, the game will feature Powershifts that occur over time, depending on the actions taken by the player.
Beyond the career path, the expansion offers a variety of new activities. Players can engage in ballroom dancing and participate in sword fighting tournaments. For those who enjoy building, there are teleport-style secret passages to construct. A major addition is the new familial Dynasty System. This gives players the ability to designate heirs and outcasts within a family. They can expel Sims or usurp the headship of the family to maintain the dynasty’s Prestige. This leads directly into the new Scandal System. Rumors of inappropriate behavior can impact Prestige, relationships, and careers. Sims can respond to these rumors with denials or apologies. It is also possible to weaponize rumors against rivals to gain an advantage.
Rounding out the features of the expansion are new building items and additions to Create-a-Sim. There is also a new Backroom Lot type. This allows players to build innocent-looking structures by day that transform into lively venues at night. The Sims 4 Royalty & Legacy will cost $39.99 when it launches for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on February 12th. Electronic Arts notes that all purchases made between January 15th and March 15th of this year will receive a free upgrade to the Grand Bundle. This bundle includes the expansion itself, plus the Regal Treasures Digital Content DLC. This DLC features items such as the A Crown of Leaves and Sparkles, the Enemies to Lovers Practice Dummy, and the Under the Stars Lantern. The bundle also includes two new kits: Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style. Tea Time Solarium features glass walls, windows, and garden-inspired furniture. Silver Screen Style is a fashion-focused kit offering dramatic gowns, sharp suits, bold accessories, and iconic outerwear.
