Release OrderRecommended
0 / 5 playedMain games in release order.
- 1 The Sims Original. Seven expansions.
- 2 The Sims 2 Aging and genetics added.
- 3 The Sims 3 Open neighborhood.
- 4 The Sims Medieval Quest spin-off. Optional.
- 5 The Sims 4 Current platform. Start here.
About The Sims
The Sims has players build houses and guide lives from needs to careers since Maxis launched the original in 2000. Sims 2 in 2004 added aging and genetics, Sims 3 in 2009 opened the neighborhood with no loading between lots, and Sims 4 in 2014 rebuilt emotions and multitasking while moving DLC to a steady pack model.
Each generation stands alone with no story order to follow. New players usually start with Sims 4 for current packs and performance, or Sims 3 for open world lots. Project Rene, the next Sims platform, remains in testing with no release date, so the four main games plus Medieval spin-off form the current set.
Good to know
Release order shows systems grow, but start with the newest you can run well. Sims 4 has the most current mods and packs, Sims 3 has the deepest base lots, and Sims 2 has the sharpest wants and fears loop. Medieval from 2011 works as a quest spin-off after the main three. Treat Project Rene as upcoming rather than counted, and refresh this list once EA sets a date and title.
