Growing Together – Pack Guide – The Sims 4

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Released on March 16, 2023, The Sims 4: Growing Together is the thirteenth expansion pack for the franchise. It builds on family, relationships, and intergenerational storytelling, acting as a spiritual successor to The Sims 2: Family Fun Stuff and The Sims 3: Generations. The pack encourages family gameplay with milestones, dynamics, and social compatibility, offering depth, drama, and realism for Sims across all life stages.

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World Overview: San Sequoia

San Sequoia is a coastal world inspired by the San Francisco Bay Area. Once a fishing village, it has grown into a lively town with suburbs, gardens, and community spaces. It features 12 lots spread across three distinct neighbourhoods, plus a new Recreation Center lot type.

Neighbourhoods

Neighbourhood	Description
Anchorpoint Wharf	A vibrant area by the ocean, home to bustling docks, restaurants, and urban housing.
Hopewell Hills	A quiet, leafy suburb filled with spacious homes, perfect for raising children.
Gilbert Gardens	Community-driven neighbourhood with family-friendly parks, playgrounds, and splash pads.

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Festivals, Events, or Special Occasions

• Baby Shower – Celebrate upcoming arrivals with friends and family (no pregnancy required).
• Slumber Party – Kids can invite friends over for sleepovers with themed interactions.
• Family Reunion – Gather extended family together for memories, food, and collage photos.
• Stay Over – Sims can temporarily stay at others’ homes, cooking, cleaning, and sleeping freely.

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Activities and Gameplay Features

Major Systems

• Milestones – Track life’s big events (first steps, first kiss, graduation, marriage, etc.).
• Family Dynamics – Set in CAS or discovered in-game, these define how family members interact (e.g. Close, Strict, Jokester).
• Social Compatibility – Sims may click instantly or clash, based on preferences, traits, and new Sim Characteristics/Conversation Topics.
• Infant & Toddler Quirks – Unique behavioural traits (e.g. Gassy, Loves Water, Picky Eater).
• Confidence System (Children) – Builds towards Teen reward traits based on childhood experiences.
• Self-Discovery Traits – Sims can gain up to 3 extra traits through life events and choices.
• Midlife Crisis – Mini-aspirations for Adults, shaping personality and goals.
• Burnout & Layoffs – New career-related challenges.

Outdoor or Hobby Activities

• Board Games & Puzzles – Family and group-friendly activities.
• Splash Pads – Fun outdoor water play for children.
• Cinema (Rabbithole) – Sims can watch films together as a leisure activity.

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New Career(s)

None directly added, but careers are enriched with Workplace Rivalries, Burnout, and Layoff events for realism.

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New Aspirations

No new skills, but Child Aspirations are expanded into a Multi-Skill Category, including:

• Playtime Captain
• Creative Genius
• Mind and Body
• Slumber Party Animal

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Lifestyles and Sentiments

Lifestyles

Not introduced in this pack, but expanded through Self-Discovery Traits.

Sentiments

• Family Dynamics-driven Sentiments – e.g. support, rivalry, strictness.
• Social Compatibility Sentiments – influenced by likes/dislikes and chemistry.

Full Sentiments Guide Here

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Create-a-Sim (CAS)

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Build/Buy Mode

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Hidden or Missable Features

• Keepsake Box – Allows elders to set family memories and influence dynamics.
• Suitcase – Functions as a mobile dresser during Stay Overs.
• Layoffs – Rare but impactful random career event.

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Lore and Storytelling

• San Sequoia is steeped in history, with community traditions and coastal roots.
• Robles Family: A prominent, influential local family included as premades.
• Intergenerational play encourages storytelling across grandparents, parents, and children.

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Cheats

Type	Cheat Command
Skills	stats.set_skill_level [skill] 10
Career	careers.promote [career]
Traits	traits.equip_trait [trait]
Unlocks	bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement

Full Cheat Guide Here

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Cross-Pack Bonuses

• Parenthood – Expands family-focused gameplay even further.
• Seasons – Complements life milestones with holidays and traditions.
• High School Years – Works well with confidence, teen milestones, and compatibility.
• Cottage Living – Adds generational farm/family storytelling depth.

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Final Thoughts

Growing Together is one of the most impactful expansions for players who enjoy family and generational gameplay. Its milestone system, family dynamics, and quirks add depth at every life stage, while San Sequoia provides a rich, suburban world to explore. This pack is essential for storytellers who value realism and long-term play.

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