2025 was a mixed bag too The Sims franchise. If the year proved anything, it's that The Sims is no longer in a holding pattern. It is in motion. Between content releases, persistent leaks, and growing concerns about the franchise's long-term direction, Maxi's flagship series spent the year feeling restless rather than stagnant. That fear of instability carries right into 2026.
While The SimsAt the beginning of 2026 it may seem restrained compared to previous years, that limitation may be intentional. With Project Rene threatening, long-lasting Sims 4 rumors refuse to die and Maxis signals a desire to reset expectations, the coming months look less like a slowdown and more like the calm before a major shift. Here's what the coming months may have in store for the life simulation giant.
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The Sims Mobile shuts down
The Sims franchise has gotten off to a disappointing start for mobile gaming fans. The Sims Mobile will be closed on January 20, 2026. The Sims Mobilewhile smaller in scope than a traditional mainline title, it was still a solid Simming experience on the go. The Sims Mobile was launched in 2018. For many years it offered a free alternative to The Sims before Sims 4 became free to play.
January 6th, everyone Sims mobile standard or premium build mode and CAS content will be unlocked for all players. This is independent of game levels or mission completion.
Sim Devs will clear up “misinformation” in early January
The Sims The franchise is no stranger to speculation. In an attempt to quash rumours, Maxis developers have announced that January 2026 Sims 4 news will provide some clarity on the future of the game. In particular, this official statement from EA will address “misinformation going around.”
Based on this language, fans can likely expect a developer roadmap that highlights key dates to keep in mind The Sims 4. Development roadmaps for The Sims 4 are not new. In fact, it's a fairly new practice that emerged from the 2025 transparency efforts. Last year, the roadmaps were accompanied by bug report forums where Simmers could vote on their most pressing gameplay issues stemming from broken content or updates.
The Sims 4 could have a crazy 2026 ahead of it – if the rumors are true
The Sims 4 Rumor Patrol
- The Sims 4s final expansion pack?: According to the latest rumors circulating Reddit and other forums, next Sims 4s Expansion Pack will be its last. The 21st expansion pack will reportedly be royalty-themed with three kingdoms for players to choose from. While this rumor says there won't be any more expansion packs, it also makes it clear that game, kit, and stuff packs are still in the works.
- Project X: There are some conflicting allegations surrounding the mysterious Project X which has circulated The Sims' online circles. But according to a known leaker, a Sims 4 remake called Project X may be released in late 2026. The rumored remake would come soon after The Sims 4s 12th anniversary, and may address some of the stability issues facing the over-decade-old software.
- The Sims 4s release cadence: With no roadmap yet and endless speculation, Simmers may be wondering what the DLC release schedule might look like this year. Fortunately, previous years give us a starting point. In recent years, there have been at least 2 expansion packs per year, usually released in summer and winter. Game packs and stuff packs are scattered throughout the year between EPs. The most common type of DLC is Kits, with free Sims 4 base game updates accompanying all types of releases.
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What we know about Project Rene for 2026
The basics of Project Rene
Project Rene is positioned as the next generation of The Simsbut it is no The Sims 5. That difference matters. Maxis has been clear about that Clean is not a direct sequel or replacement for The Sims 4. Instead, it develops alongside it, with both experiences expected to coexist for the foreseeable future.
Confirmed details paint Project Rene as a more flexible, modular Sims experience built with long-term iteration in mind. Project Rene supports cross-platform play on PC, consoles and mobile devices, with shared progression between devices. Maxis has also confirmed that Project Rene will have multiplayer capabilities, allowing players to co-op or share spaces, while also supporting solo play. From a design standpoint, early Project Rene footage has emphasized improved build mode tools, including more intuitive object placement, color customization, and modular furniture systems.
From now on, Project Rene has no confirmed release date, monetization model, or final platform list. What's clear is that Maxis sees it as a foundational platform rather than a traditional boxed sequel – one meant to evolve over time rather than launch as a 'full-on' generation reset.
Project Rene Rumor Patrol
- A fashionable, social focus: A circulating leak claims Project Rene shares game features with Robloxpp Dress to impressindicating a greater emphasis on fashion, cosmetics and social presentation. This has led to an onslaught of criticism.
- Project X which Cleans single player mode: Some rumors – Project X chief among them – suggest that one is allegedly separating Sims the project is actually Project Renes single player experience. These claims also point to a late 2026 launch window and position Project X as a more traditional Simssandbox in stock on Cleans broader platform.
- Will Project Rene released in 2026?: Several rumors pose Project Renelaunching in late 2026, although Maxis has not publicly committed to any timeframe. This reputation is fueled by the sunset Sims mobileand general talk about Clean enters an Early Access or beta phase. But the studio's emphasis on testing, iteration and transparency, a longer runway would be consistent with how Clean have been presented so far. All date speculation should be taken with a grain of salt.
