Create and control virtual people
The Sims puts players in charge of virtual characters called Sims. Players create households, build and furnish homes, and guide their Sims through daily routines with no fixed win condition. Sims communicate in Simlish, act on their own when left alone, and respond to player direction at any time. Each new household starts with 20,000 simoleons to spend on a home lot and furnishings.
Needs, careers, and relationships
Sims have ongoing needs including hygiene, hunger, and social interaction. Players manage these needs while also developing skills, which feed into a career system where promotions depend on both skill levels and the number of friendships a Sim maintains. Relationships between Sims are tracked and can lead to outcomes ranging from romance to conflict. Neglected Sims can die, leave the household permanently after a fight, or have children taken away by a social worker.
Build mode and buy mode
Three core modes shape the experience. Live mode is where Sims go about their daily lives. Build mode lets players construct and renovate homes on residential lots. Buy mode is for purchasing and arranging furniture and objects. The original neighborhood fits on a single screen and contains all the playable lots in the game.
Seven expansion packs
Maxis released seven expansion packs for The Sims between 2000 and 2003: Livin' Large, House Party, Hot Date, Vacation, Unleashed, Superstar, and Makin' Magic. Each expansion added new items, characters, gameplay systems, and lot types. The game was re-released on January 31, 2025 as The Sims: Legacy Collection for Windows 10 and 11.