Pre-orders have a bad reputation, but The Sims 4's new expansion pack is well worth it

Pre-orders have a bad reputation. They are often based on promises rather than evidence, on trailers and bonuses that feel temporary at best. In a digital-first game industry, they don't feel so necessary anymore. I have internalized that skepticism into 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 come as soon as humanly possible. My dad pre-ordered Super Mario Galaxy to get ahead of the Christmas crowds (Jomten sent him, I promise). But when it comes to my own money and my own expectation, the hype has never been enough. I'm waiting. I look at reviews. If I want something badly, I still wait until the earliest reasonable opportunity to buy it with confidence. That is why it is surprising, even to me, that The Sims 4 could be the first game to break that streak.

The coming one Sims 4 The Expansion Pack has already generated significant buzz, largely because it delivers features that players have been asking for over several generations of the franchise. But what's most unexpected isn't just what the bundle brings to the game, but how much value is attributed to its pre-order window. By pre-ordering before March 15, players not only secure early access; they get something that feels increasingly rare: a genuinely good deal.

Family

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 an expansion pack I've wanted for The Sims, but after 20 years it seemed impossible. Now my dreams have come true.

The Sims 4 Royalty and Legacy Expansion Packs are too good to miss

Previous, The Sims 4s pre-order offerings have added very little to inspire widespread enthusiasm. Pre-orders have historically offered a handful of bonus items to round out the experience. Create-A-Sim Clothes. Decor details in Build Mode. Nothing is usually fancy or worth paying for if you're still on the fence about an EP's theme.

The Sims 4's Royalty & Legacy has shattered pre-order expectations. For the first time in over 10 years, you pre-order an expansion pack for The Sims 4 will ensure players catch more DLC alongside their main purchase. Known as the Royal & Legacy Grand Bundle, this pre-order deal promises the following:

Bonus Items: In typical pre-order fashion, the purchase would include additional items to match the royal theme. Specifically, the items include a headpiece called A Crown of Leaves and Sparkles (a playful nod to popular romantic 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's royalty without tea? For those of us who watch series like Bridgertonone is tied to the other. This kit joins the two with Build Mode items such as tea sets, tables and other fragile parts to complete a tea room.

By pre-ordering before March 15th, Simmers will receive a breadth of content that will naturally complement their royal play. Most importantly, they will get a first-of-its-kind find that they should really consider incentivizing.

Finally a good find

The Sims 4 is notoriously expensive. That might seem counterintuitive for a free game. But personally, I would never recommend just playing the base game alone. That's because its DLC makes it a more 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 play the base game alone.

Without sales, a complete Sims 4 the library can climb up to over four figures. It's not affordable for most players I know. So, in a world where most Simmers will be excluded from experiencing everything The Sims 4 has to offer I will recommend players take what they can get. And since it looks like Royalty & Legacy might be a must-have expansion pack for The Sims 4you get the best value for money.

A rare win for The Sims 4 at exactly the right moment

There is something almost surreal about this landing when it does. After a whirlwind year defined by uncertainty, a buyout, weird rumors and a general feeling that things rarely stick in the landing, The Sims' 2026 begins with a confident offer for players going forward that feels meaningful. Two thoughtfully themed kits alongside an expansion pack isn't just generous – it signals intent. It suggests a move that understands what players value, how monetization fatigue has built, and how goodwill is earned rather than demanded.

If it is like this The Sims 4 plans to move on, then it doesn't feel impulsive to break a personal rule without a pre-order. It feels deserved. And frankly, it's hard to imagine a better way The Sims to start the year.