Released on January 13, 2015, The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat introduces the first vacation destination for the series. This pack encourages outdoor exploration, camping, and herbal remedies, offering family play, adventure, and storytelling opportunities in a forest setting.
World Overview: Granite Falls
Granite Falls is a nature-themed vacation world where Sims can rent cabins or camp outdoors. Its neighbourhoods are designed for hiking, fishing, and wildlife encounters.
Neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | Description |
|---|---|
| Granite Falls National Park | A sprawling forest filled with hiking trails, fishing spots, and wild plants. Sims may encounter wildlife such as insects and even bears. |
| Campgrounds | A shared space with designated camping sites, communal fire pits, and areas for tents. Perfect for Sims who want the full camping experience. |
| Forest Ranger’s Cabin | A hidden lot where Sims can meet the Forest Ranger, gather supplies, and learn about local plants and wildlife. |
Festivals, Events, or Special Occasions
- Weenie Roast Social Event – A group gathering around a campfire. Sims complete goals like roasting food, telling ghost stories, and singing campfire songs.
Activities and Gameplay Features
Outdoor Retreat adds a vacation system where Sims can book short breaks away from home. Players choose between tents, cabins, and campgrounds.
Outdoor or Hobby Activities
- Hiking and Exploration – Travel trails, encounter wildlife, and discover the Hermit’s Secret Area.
- Fishing – Catch rare fish unique to Granite Falls.
- Camping – Roast marshmallows, socialise by the fire, and sleep under the stars.
- Insect Collecting – Gather insects required for herbalism recipes or display them.
New Skills
| Skill | Effect |
|---|---|
| Herbalism | Allows Sims to identify, harvest, and brew plants into potions. Higher levels unlock stronger remedies and special recipes from the Hermit. |
Lifestyles and Sentiments
None introduced with this pack.
Create-a-Sim (CAS)
Build/Buy Mode
Furnish campsites with rustic gear like tents, lanterns, and log furniture. 
Furnish campsites with rustic gear like tents, lanterns, and log furniture. 
Furnish campsites with rustic gear like tents, lanterns, and log furniture. 
Furnish campsites with rustic gear like tents, lanterns, and log furniture.
WooHoo Locations
Hidden or Missable Features
- Hermit’s Secret Location – Found by exploring the trails. The Hermit teaches unique herbalism recipes.
- Bear Costume NPC – Sims may encounter other Sims dressed as bears, adding humour to camping trips.
Lore and Storytelling
Outdoor Retreat focuses on emergent storytelling: Sims bonding around campfires, getting lost on hikes, or living off the land. It suits family vacations, survivalist challenges, or nature-themed storytelling.
Cheats
| Type | Cheat Command |
|---|---|
| Skills | stats.set_skill_level Major_Herbalism 10 |
| Career | No new careers |
| Traits | traits.equip_trait Survivalist |
| Unlocks | bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement |
Cross-Pack Bonuses
- Seasons: Adds dynamic weather to camping trips, making vacations more immersive.
- Eco Lifestyle: Combines well with off-the-grid survival stories.
- Cats & Dogs: Pets can join family camping adventures.
- Jungle Adventure: Expands on the vacation system with a more challenging destination.
Final Thoughts
The Sims 4: Outdoor Retreat was the first game pack released and introduced vacations to the Sims 4. It works best for storytelling, family gameplay, and players who enjoy camping, exploration, and survival playstyles. While not as deep as later packs, it still adds unique flavour through herbalism, camping gear, and vacation destinations.
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