The Sims 4 is getting a new base game update on August 25, 2026, bringing the first batch of free content additions along with preparation files for two upcoming Capsule Kits. The patch lands on all platforms at 10AM PST / 6PM BST / 7PM CEST and will affect mods and custom content.
EA community manager EA_Cade confirmed on Discord that this is not a Quality of Life update, so there won't be an accompanying Laundry List. Instead, players can expect new content, a handful of crash fixes, and setup data for the Clueless and Mean Girls Capsule Kits arriving Thursday.
Free content arriving with the patch
This update delivers the first wave of a previously announced free content drop that includes plus-size clothing options and star hair. The Sims Team noted that "the rest of the items will remain later this year," so expect additional free additions in future patches.
The next Quality of Life update, which should bring Sim Autonomy improvements and Family Tree fixes, is currently slated for sometime in September.
Mods and CC: what to do before the patch hits
The team has confirmed this update will impact mods. If you play with script mods or UI mods, here is what to do before the patch goes live:
Back up your save files. Navigate to your saves folder and copy everything to a separate location:
- Windows:
C:\Users\[USERNAME]\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\saves - Mac:
Macintosh HD/Users/User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 4/saves
Do the same for your tray folder if you have library builds or Sims you want to protect.
After the update installs, do not load a save you care about until your mod creators have confirmed compatibility. UI mods (UI Cheats, More Columns in CAS, interface replacements) and gameplay mods with.ts4script files are historically the most likely to break. Custom content is usually fine, but corrupted files can appear after any patch.
If something goes wrong after updating, the 50/50 method remains the most reliable way to track down problem files: split your mods folder in half, test each half, and keep narrowing down until you find the culprit. Always delete your localthumbcache.package file when changing your mods folder, as it regenerates on launch.
Timing
The patch is expected to go live at:
- 10:00 AM Pacific (PST)
- 1:00 PM Eastern
- 6:00 PM BST
- 7:00 PM CEST
Regional deployment times can vary slightly, but these are the standard windows for Sims 4 updates.
If you have been following recent Sims 4 updates, the routine is familiar: back up saves tonight, pull your mods folder before launch tomorrow, and wait for creator confirmations before jumping back in with your modded setup.
Source: Sims Community