Ready to make a difference in your virtual world? The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle expansion pack, released on June 5, 2020, offers a fresh take on gameplay, focusing on environmentalism and sustainable living. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key features, gameplay elements, and tips to help you embrace the eco-friendly lifestyle in Evergreen Harbor.
Evergreen Harbor — Your Green Oasis
Evergreen Harbor is the heart of Eco Lifestyle, featuring three neighborhoods – Grims Quarry, Conifer Station, and Port Promise. Each neighborhood has a distinct eco-footprint, ranging from green to industrial. Choose your ideal spot and explore the 15 available lots, including two apartment units from The Sims 4: City Living.
| Neighborhood | Eco Footprint |
|---|---|
| Grims Quarry | Green |
| Conifer Station | Neutral |
| Port Promise | Industrial |
What is the Eco Footprint System?
The Eco Footprint system measures pollution levels, influencing your Sims’ living conditions. Living in a green neighborhood brings a “Clean Air” moodlet, while industrial areas lead to a “Gross Air” moodlet and higher fire risks. Want a healthier environment? Engage in activities, use eco-friendly items, and participate in neighborhood action plans to make a positive impact.
Neighborhood Action Plans (NAPs) – Community Decision-Making
NAPs are regulations determined by community voting, affecting each neighborhood separately. Sims can vote on initiatives every week, influencing the eco-footprint and neighborhood behavior. Get involved, gather influence points, and shape your community’s future by selecting NAPs that align with your eco-friendly goals.
| NAP Name | Effect |
|---|---|
| Sharing is Caring | Sims steal from other lots |
| Rock Your Body (and Mind) | Encourages fitness and wellness skills |
Community Spaces – Transforming Unused Lots
Introducing Community Spaces – lots with sub-assignments like Community Garden, Marketplace, and Maker Space. Residents decide the active sub-assignment through voting, offering a chance to repurpose unused space and foster community engagement.
Civil Designer Career — Shaping a Greener Tomorrow
Embark on the Civil Designer career, divided into Civic Planner and Green Technician branches. Civic Planners influence community voting, while Green Technicians design eco-friendly items. Reach the top ranks for unique reward traits, like “Champion of the People” and “Eco-Engineer.”
New Traits — Personalizing Eco-Friendly Sims
Choose from four new traits to mold your Sims’ eco-friendly personality:
- Freegan: Loves finding reused goods, excels at Dumpster diving.
- Green Fiend: Thrives in green environments, actively promotes eco-friendliness.
- Maker: Enjoys crafting and repurposing items, gets sad without creative projects.
- Recycle Disciple: Rapid recycler who benefits from rummaging for bits and pieces.
Lot Traits — Enhancing Sustainability
Select from new lot traits to align with your Sims’ eco-friendly lifestyle:
- Eco Lot: Promotes eco-friendliness faster.
- Geothermal: Utilizes natural heat to lower bills and keep pools warm.
- Natural Well: Provides a spring water source, reducing utility bills.
Aspirations — Eco Innovator and Master Maker
Pursue the Eco Innovator Aspiration by participating in eco-friendly tasks, unlocking the “Influential Individual” trait. For crafty Sims, the Master Maker Aspiration rewards the “Muse of the Maker” trait, reducing crafting costs and material requirements.
New Skills — Fabrication and Juice Fizzing
Hone your Sims’ crafting abilities with the Fabrication skill, crafting furniture and items. Juice Fizzing introduces a skill for making quality fizzy juices – perfect for garden enthusiasts.
CAS and Build/Buy Items
Dress your Sims in rustic-chic outfits with over 120 new CAS items. Build eco-friendly homes using earthy-toned Build/Buy items, including vertical gardens and renewable energy solutions.
Conclusion – Start Your Green Journey
The Sims 4: Eco Lifestyle invites you to embark on a virtual journey of eco-conscious living. Whether you’re advocating for green initiatives, crafting sustainable furniture, or transforming community spaces, every action shapes the future of Evergreen Harbor. Dive in, make a difference, and create a Sim world that reflects your passion for sustainability!
