The Sims 4 in 2025: System Requirements for All Expansions & Mods

Get ready, Simmers! This guide takes you through the complete The Sims 4 PC system requirements for 2025, whether you’re sticking with the base game or loading it up with every expansion, mod, and custom creation imaginable. We’ll first look at the cutting‑edge tech and timeless gameplay features that keep The Sims 4 fresh and engaging in 2025, then move on to the updated specs, performance tips, and recommended setups you’ll need for the smoothest possible experience.

Why The Sims 4 Still Rules the Simulation World in 2025

The Sims 4 continues to thrive thanks to its unmatched life simulation depth and the vast creative freedom it offers. Powered by the continually updated Sims 4 engine, the game supports highly customisable environments, advanced AI behaviour for Sims, and extensive modding capabilities. In 2025, the title’s performance has been further optimised with smoother rendering, faster LOT loading, and better memory handling.

Its unique selling point lies in its limitless storytelling potential. Players can create characters with distinctive personalities, build intricate homes, and shape entire neighbourhoods. Every choice impacts the world. The huge ecosystem of official expansions, game packs, and a vibrant modding community ensures that no two players ever share the same experience.

Official The Sims 4 Base Game Requirements

Before you install The Sims 4 on your PC, it’s important to know the baseline specifications and the setup that EA recommends for a smooth experience. The figures below, taken from Steam and EA, represent the technical foundation for running the game in 2025.

Minimum (Base Game only):

• • • OS: 64‑bit Windows 10 required for stability and compatibility with the latest updates.
    • Processor: Intel Core i3‑3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200, capable of handling core gameplay but may struggle with larger LOTs or heavy custom content.
    • Memory: 4 GB RAM is the bare minimum; expect longer loading times with expansions.
    • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 6600 or Radeon X1300 (128 MB VRAM, Pixel Shader 3.0) entry-level visuals suited for base game content only.
    • Storage: ~26 GB free space, enough for the base game without extra packs.
    • DirectX: Version 11.

Recommended:

• • • Processor: Intel Core i5 (4‑core) or Ryzen 5, better suited for multitasking and managing more complex in-game worlds.
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM provides a noticeable boost to performance, especially with a few expansions.
    • Graphics: GTX 650 or Radeon HD 7750 (≥1 GB VRAM) allows for smoother frame rates and higher graphical settings.
    • Storage: ~51 GB free accommodates the base game plus several expansions or packs.

2025 Reality: Expansions, Mods & All That Content

In 2025, The Sims 4 has grown into a content giant, with years of expansions, game packs, kits, and a thriving modding scene. Each additional pack adds new gameplay systems, assets, and higher‑detail worlds, while custom content can introduce high‑resolution textures, complex scripts, and entirely new mechanics. All of this brings richer storytelling and creative freedom, but also demands more from your PC.

If you want to enjoy every expansion, load large households, and run heavy mod collections without slowdowns, you’ll need to plan for stronger hardware. Stacking expansions, game packs, and custom content significantly ups the ante:

• RAM: At least 16 GB, and 32 GB for heavy mod collections
• CPU: A modern quad‑core (Core i5/i7 or Ryzen 5/7) to handle multitasking and story-heavy gameplay
• GPU: Dedicated card with 1 GB+ VRAM; preferable to use RTX graphics cards
• Storage: SSD with 100 GB+ free space for game, packs, mods, and saves

Recent The SIMS 4 Performance Improvements - May 27th 2025 Update

The May 27, 2025, patch (version 1.115.216.1030) brought a notable set of refinements aimed at improving gameplay fluidity across different setups. Some notable improvements of this update are as follows:

• Faster Loading: LOT loading times reduced by up to 10%, getting you into your worlds more quickly.
• Frame Rate Boosts: Gains of up to 22 FPS in Laptop Mode, making portable play far smoother.
• Optimised Memory Use: Around 18 MB of memory freed up, helping to stabilise performance in busy saves.
• Enhanced Rendering: Threaded rendering now delivers smoother, more consistent graphics across multiple platforms.
• UI/UX Tweaks: The new Emily Guidance toggle lets you choose how much help you want from the tutorial assistant, plus a refreshed Goals UI for clarity.

While these upgrades make a real difference in everyday play, high‑quality hardware is still essential, especially if you’re running large mod collections or all expansions at once.

Suggested Hardware Setup for a Seamless Sims 4 Experience

To get the most out of The Sims 4 in 2025, especially with all expansions and mods, consider the following:

• CPU & Motherboard: Aim for a modern Core i5 or Ryzen 5 processor on a quality gaming mother board for balanced performance and upgrade flexibility.
• Memory: 16 GB of DDR5 Gaming Ram is ideal for smooth multitasking; 32 GB if you’re a heavy mod user.
• Graphics: Invest in capable RTX graphics cards for richer visuals, faster rendering, and future‑proofing your system.
• System Type: Tower Gaming PCs offer better cooling, upgrade paths, and stability over time.
• Storage: Always choose an SSD for faster loading times; pairing it with DDR5 ensures optimal system responsiveness.

Don’t forget to check out Box’s full gaming pc range for complete builds tailored to your playstyle.

Build Tiers: Entry, Mid, and High-End

Before diving into specific configurations, it’s worth understanding why these tiers matter. The Sims 4 scales well across hardware, but your experience will vary drastically depending on your setup. Entry-level builds are fine for casual players who stick to the base game, mid-tier rigs balance cost with the ability to run multiple expansions and mods, and high-end systems deliver maximum performance for heavy creators and mod enthusiasts who demand flawless gameplay at high settings.

Tier	Specs Summary
Entry-Level	Core i3 / Ryzen 3, 8 GB RAM, GTX 650-integrated; okay for base game only
Mid-Tier	Core i5 / Ryzen 5, 16 GB RAM, RTX-class GPU – ideal for most expansions and mods
High-End	Core i7/Ryzen 7+, 32 GB RAM, SSD + high‑tier GPU – silky performance even in heavy save files

Mid‑tier rigs offer the "sweet spot" for performance and value. Check out our amazing Core i5 laptops or Ryzen 5 laptops range to find a great option for your gaming.

Mod & Custom Content Best Practices

Heavy mod setups can push The Sims 4 to its limits, especially with large collections of custom content, detailed script mods, and high‑resolution texture replacements. While these additions make the game more personal and exciting, they can also increase loading times, cause lag, or even trigger crashes if not managed properly. To keep things stable and running smoothly:

• Audit Your Mods Regularly: Keep only the content you actively use. Outdated or broken mods can cause conflicts after updates.
• Disable Mods List at Launch: This reduces initial load strain and speeds up startup times.
• Avoid Merging Custom Content Excessively: While it can save space, over‑merging can make troubleshooting harder and cause bugs.
• Optimise File Organisation: Store mods in clearly labelled folders to make updates and removals easier.
• Clear Cache and Thumbnail Data: Periodically deleting cache files helps prevent performance dips.
• Remove Old Saves: Fewer save files can improve load times, especially if you keep multiple large households.
• Test After Updates: Always check mod compatibility after game patches before loading your main save.

By maintaining a tidy and up‑to‑date mod folder, you can enjoy all the creativity and customisation The Sims 4 has to offer without sacrificing stability.