On July 28, The Sims 4 released a new well-awaited expansion pack for its players called High School Years.

The High School Years Expansion Pack is exactly what it says it is — letting Sims 4 players live out high school realities, whether that be making straight A’s or getting back at the school’s bullies. 

Published by Electronic Arts, The Sims 4 is no stranger to expansion packs. This pack fills one of the rabbit holes that is in the base game right now. When a teen goes to high school for five days a week in the base game, the player cannot interact with them other than some automatic controls like “study hard,” “make friends,” or “slack off.”

The High School Years pack incorporates teen life more than ever before in the game, something that has been highly anticipated by players. 

The new expansion pack revolves around the ups and downs of high school, connecting the teen to more activities than before. 

Sims 4 players that buy the High School Years Expansion Pack can now attend high school in-game. New experiences were added to the game such as going to classes, getting to know teachers and other classmates, hanging out in the cafeteria and decorating lockers. 

Iconic moments in teenage life are featured in the new pack such as high school prom and graduation, that is if they keep up with their grades. Teens can even be voted prom royalty or valedictorian at school, leading to a speech at the graduation ceremony. 

Other new gameplay includes pulling pranks, experimenting with self-identity, new trends, and forming life-long friendships and rivalries at all the extracurricular activities offered by the high school.

Along with new content, players will also get a new world to play in, with the high school campus being the main focus. Around the city, players can also stop by the local boba tea restaurant or the trendy thrift shop, both of which are new to the game from this expansion pack. 

Teen Sims can now get acne and grow body hair, adding even more depth to the player’s experience in the game. 

With so many new outfits and hairstyles, some of which are gender-neutral options, teens can actually plan outfits with the styles that come from Depop sellers in the real world. 

Teen Sims can also start earning their own money by selling outfits and hyping up their personally designed looks on Trendi through the entirely redone phone interface. 

The Sims 4 High School Years Expansion Pack can be purchased for $39.99 and includes limited digital content if purchased before Sept. 8. Sims 4 base game is required to play with expansion packs. 

If purchased before Sept. 8, the pack will include the Vibing Streamer Gear Digital Content, which comes with the Groove Tube Wireless Speaker, Spine Reticulating Gamer Chair and Tri Hard LED Panel Lights. 

EA said that “it’s everything a teen Sim needs to become a streamer or Simfluencer!”

I would recommend the High School Years Expansion Pack if you are looking for more detailed and realistic gameplay in Sims 4.