The Sims 4 March 2026 Update: Full Laundry List Breakdown with Over 50 Fixes
Great news for Simmers! It seems your Mods folder might get a little lighter since some autonomy-fixing mods may no longer be needed. The Sims team has released a fresh "Laundry List" — a detailed breakdown of fixes coming to the game with the next update. We've gone through the official list on the EA website and pulled out the most important details: what will be fixed, when to expect the patch, and what changes to Sim autonomy will make the game better.
Update Release Date
The key thing to know: the update for PC and Mac will be released on March 17, 2026. For PlayStation and Xbox console owners, the patch will arrive a bit later, and until it does, there may be version mismatches when using the Gallery.
The developers also shared a short video announcement on the official The Sims Direct account on X, briefly listing the key fixes: improved blinking, the return of prom, smarter autonomy, and protection against pets disappearing.
Visual Improvements and Important Fixes
This list contains many changes the community has been waiting for. Here are the five main points the developers specifically highlighted:
Eyes Now Close Completely. Extensive work has been done to ensure Sims actually fully close their eyelids when blinking during most actions.
The Return of Prom. The graduation ceremony will once again appear in calendars, and Sims will finally be able to attend it. The bug that prevented players from achieving goals at the prom (High School Years expansion) has also been fixed.
Pets and Horses No Longer Disappear. A critical bug has been fixed that caused data for cats, dogs, and horses to be lost in pre-made families. This will no longer happen in new saves.
Conversations Will Become More Meaningful. The developers have retuned how Sims choose who to talk to. Now they will prefer speaking with those they already have good relationships with and are less likely to randomly bother strangers.
Animals No Longer Get Stuck in Inventory. The issue where chickens, goats, or sheep would become permanently trapped in the family inventory after moving has finally been resolved.
Autonomy Improvements: Sims Will Stop Being Annoying!
This is perhaps the most substantial part of the changes. The Sims team has actively tackled autonomous Sim behavior to make it more logical and less frustrating for players. Here's what will change in autonomous mode:
New Preferences for Technology. New traits have been added to the game: "Likes Phones," "Likes Computers," and their opposites. If you don't want your Sim constantly glued to their phone or playing on the PC, simply select the corresponding preferences.
Cooldowns for Repetitive Actions. Now, after a Sim autonomously:
- uses the computer (including "Troll Teh Forums");
- destroys a dollhouse (this will now only be done by Mean or Angry Sims with specific traits);
- mixes drinks;
- swims in the pool;
- plays the violin, guitar, or chess;
- dances;
- turns on the radio;
- does push-ups, sit-ups, or stretches (now reserved for Active Sims);
- watches a cooking show (for Foodies);
- plays with clay, does cross-stitch, makes paper airplanes, or uses a yoga mat — a cooldown will be placed on that action.
The Sim won't immediately repeat it again. Exceptions are made for passionate Sims, certain situations (parties, clubs, outings), and inactive household members.
What's Behind the Scenes of the Blinking Fix?
In the Laundry List, this item is described as "extensive work so that Sims will fully close their eyes when blinking during most actions." It sounds simple, but in reality, it required the effort of entire teams: Quality Verification (QV), Tech Art, animators, and Create a Sim (CAS) artists.
In an official blog post on the EA forums, the developers revealed the details of this complex process, which usually remains hidden from players' eyes.
How the Problem Was Identified
It all started with community reports. The QA team analyzed exactly which situations caused eyelids not to close fully, where blinking was excessive, and how eye shapes complicated the issue.
Automated Animation Cleanup in Maya
A special script scanned all animation files in Maya (the 3D modeling software) for the base game and all expansions. It searched for upper eyelid rotation animations that prevented eyes from closing completely and automatically adjusted them. This fixed a huge number of issues at the source animation level.
Individual Approach to Each Eye Shape
But this turned out to be insufficient. Each eye shape in CAS requires its own eyelid rotation angle to close completely. Previously, rotation was globally dampened to prevent lashes from clipping through the eyelid geometry (especially after the Lovestruck expansion released, which added many new lower lashes). Now, however, an individual rotation multiplier is applied to each eye shape preset. This has made it possible to find the perfect balance: eyelids close completely, but lashes still don't get in the way.
Manual Work on 280+ Animations
For the most problematic interactions, animators had to manually refine over 280 animation files. Here's what specifically changed:
- The "half-blink" in CAS (which was originally intended as a stylistic choice) was replaced with a full blink, so players wouldn't confuse it with a bug.
- Mood-based sleep cycle animations were improved — transitions are now smoother.
- Unnecessary facial overlays that created a "double" expression effect were removed.
- CAS artists reskinned the lower lashes so they move more accurately with the lower eyelid.
The developers acknowledge that in rare cases, some unique eye shapes may still exhibit slight over-blinking. But this is a conscious choice: better this than widespread under-blinking. Custom poses and animations weren't individually adjusted, but they will still benefit from the global changes.
Fixes for Pets and Farm Animals
In addition to rescuing animals from inventory, the developers have solved the problem of uncontrolled breeding. Chickens, mini goats, and sheep will no longer duplicate when moving a family from lot to lot.
Tag Updates in CAS and Build Mode
Extensive work has been done to ensure items are properly categorized. Categories have been fixed for makeup, lights, clothing, wall coverings, and many other objects. For example:
- Makeup from the Everyday category will now appear in Hot and Cold Weather outfits.
- 43 items have been moved to the "Kids' Room Decor" category.
- Numerous lights have finally been properly classified as outdoor lighting.
- Color filters have been fixed for some clothing items.
In Progress: What's Coming Next
The developers also provided a progress report on more complex issues:
Corrupted Saves. Moving files from Documents to AppData has helped reduce the number of infinite loading cases. The results are encouraging.
Save Recovery. The team is working on making the "Recover Save" function able to restore to a greater number of versions.
Black Photos and Textures. The issue is known, and fixing it is one of the top priorities.
Infants. Developers are investigating numerous bugs related to infants (Sims taking infants out of their cribs and putting them on the floor, or constantly checking on them). The fix is complex, but work is ongoing.
Sleep Issues. A series of fixes is being prepared so Sims can finally sleep peacefully.
The full list of fixes (and there are over 50 of them!) can be found below
Top 5 Most Voted Fixes:
— [EA Forums][EA Forums] Extensive updates to ensure that Sims' eye blinking will now show fully closed eyes for most interactions, see the blog post for more information on these changes.
— [EA Forums] Prom will once again appear on Calendars and Sims will be able to attend, this fix will ensure it is working for both new and old saves. Alongside this fix, we fixed another issue where Prom goals weren't able to be completed. (High School Years)
— [EA Forums] We fixed an issue where Pet and Horse data was being lost in Premade Households. This will no longer occur in fresh saves. However, if this occurred in an old Save, it will still be occurring in that instance. (Cats & Dogs, Horse Ranch)
— [EA Forums] We've implemented a notable change to how Sims determine who they speak with on a lot. Now, Sims will generally prefer speaking with familiar Sims they already have a good rapport with, and Sims are less likely to engage with strangers spontaneously.
— [EA Forums] Animals can be assigned to an Animal Shed after moving the Household to a new lot. They no longer become stuck in Household or Sim Inventory. This is also fixed for saves where the animals were already stuck. (Cottage Living)
Sims Autonomy Improvements
“Sim autonomy” is one of our key focus areas based on community feedback, and this update delivers on 3 of our top autonomy issues : Sims socializing with strangers, excessive flirting, and Sims using certain objects obsessively.
Base Game
— [EA Forums] We've addressed the issue where Sims were excessively flirting with each other.
— [EA Forums] We've heard your feedback and wanted to address Sims using Computers and Phones too often. We've added a few new preferences to the Base Game including: Likes Phones, Likes Computers, Dislikes Phones, and Dislikes Computers. If you don't want your Sims to autonomously use these objects, please give them the "Dislikes Phones" or "Dislikes Computers" Preferences. If you want them to be obsessed... you know what to do.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously uses the Computer, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for half of a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Geeks, Sims who Like Computers, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties. Sims who Dislike Computers (a new Preference we added) will never use them autonomously anymore.
— [EA Forums] The "Troll teh Forums" Computer Interaction has been added to the same cooldown that is used for other Computer interactions. Sims will also now need Mischief Skill of 6 or higher to consider this action autonomously unless they have the following Sims Traits: Evil, Childish, Geek, Hot-Headed, Erratic, or Mean (who always have it available). (Base Game)
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously destroys a Doll House, it will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. We also made a change so that only Sims with certain Traits (Evil, Hates Children, Mean Hot-Headed) will ever autonomously decide to destroy a Doll House while Angry. Before this update, this autonomous behaviour could occur for any Sim who was feeling Angry or Dazed.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously mixes a drink, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day for non-NPCs. Previously this would occur frequently for Sims who were Inspired, or Sims with the Bro or Foodie Trait.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously Swims, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, on Pool Venues, during Pool Party or Birthday Party events, when Swimming is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, or Small Businesses, or if the Sim is a Mermaid or Plant Sim.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays the Violin, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Music Lovers, Sims who Like Violins, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays the Guitar, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims, for Sims who are Music Lovers, Sims who Like Guitars, or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, Small Businesses, or Dynasties.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays Chess, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This is for non NPCs only, and not applicable during clubs or getaways revolving around chess.
— [EA Forums] We've added a cooldown for Sims dancing while on a lot that the Sim owns. Sims who Like Dancing, Dance Machine Trait Sims, and certain situations will not receive this cooldown. This cooldown is not for Non-Active Household Sims. This cooldown will disappear when Sims move lots in case they are going to a lot where they want to dance.
— [EA Forums] We're reducing how often a Sim considers turning on the radio. Sims with the Music Lover trait will consider listening to music more often than other Sims.
— [EA Forums] Though practically a staple of Sim culture (I'm being cheeky), we've added a cooldown for autonomous Push-Ups, Sit-Ups, and Stretches. Now, only Sims who are Energized at the Gym Venue or Sims with the Active trait will consider doing this autonomously.
— [EA Forums] We've added a cooldown for Foodie Sims watching Culinary Training Videos on the television where they won't do this autonomously for two days after doing it.
— [EA Forums] If a Child Sim autonomously uses the Space Ship playground, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a Sim day. This cooldown does not exist for non-active Household Sims or when it is a preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs, or Small Businesses. Leaving the current lot also removes the cooldown.
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Lump of Clay, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Creative Sims or Sims who Like Pottery.
Discover University
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Soccer Ball they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Sims who Like Fitness or non-Household Sims.
Cottage Living
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously does Cross-Stitch, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for some time. This cooldown does not exist for Sims who Like Cross-Stitching or when it is a preferred interaction for a Club.
Lovestruck
— [EA Forums] Sims will no longer consider playing Thumbs Up or the WooHoo Card Game while in the middle of writing a book on the computer.
Adventure Awaits
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously plays with the Paper Airplane, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again for a while. This cooldown does not occur for Sims who Like Papercrafting.
Spa Day
— [EA Forums] If a Sim autonomously uses the Yoga Mat, they will receive a cooldown on wanting to do this autonomously again right away. This cooldown does not exist for High Maintenance Sims or Sims who Like Wellness. (Sims must be Level 2 to Autonomously use a Yogo mat - previously and still.) The cooldown is removed when leaving the lot, and when it's the preferred interaction for Getaways, Clubs or Small Businesses.
Movie Hangout Stuff
— [EA Forums] A cooldown has been added to the Popcorn Popper so that after it has been used by a Sim that Sim will not want to immediately use it again for some time.
Pet & Animal Fixes
With two of our Top Community Issues being around animals and pets, we fixed a few other bugs also in this category to provide a better overall experience with these systems.
— [EA Forums] Animals in the Animal Shed, Chicken Coop, Mini Goats, and Sheep will no longer be multiplied. This was happening when these animals were placed into a Sim inventory, then back in the world, and after that the Sims moved their Household. (Cottage Living, Horse Ranch)
General Bug Fixes
We addressed a handful of other important issues that were quickly rising, particularly problematic, or easy fixes to get in.
Base Game
— Sims with the Unflirty trait will no longer get the ick when hugged.
— Placing a painting on the wall and then returning it to the Sim's inventory will no longer result in a Simulation error.
Seasons
— [EA Forums] Flowers will no longer get stuck midair while crafting a Flower Arrangement.
For Rent
— [EA Forums] The "Do Inspection and Maintenance" interaction is now available on broken objects in a Tenant Household for Landlord Sims.
Life & Death
— We've adjusted design elements on some of our swatches for the Ornate Mystery Run which were concerning to some players.
Royalty & Legacy
— [EA Forums] There was an issue where the updated Family Tree could cause wrong connections and overlapping which has now been fixed.
— [EA Forums] We fixed a crash that could occur when resuming the game after deleting the Capp Household in Ondarion.
— [EA Forums] Ondarion's Verdemar lot is no longer reversed.
Parenthood
— Child and Teen Sims who grew up in the same Household but weren't related could get the Super Sibling relationship, despite not being related and then could later romance each other. Because we didn't want to prevent stories where children could have possibly been in the same Household at one point while not related and end up in a relationship, we decided to fix this by renaming the relationships to Childhood Besties and Childhood Frenemy.
StrangerVille
— There should no longer be a Script Call Fail error when the Plant Containment Cell is on the lot and the player tries to place other objects.
CAS & Build Mode Tagging Updates
We had the opportunity to address a large swath of simpler tagging bugs, making CAS and Build Mode sorting more accurate overall. Here are related issues we fixed:
Base Game
- All Makeup that was in the Everyday Category has been added to both Hot and Cold Weather Outfit Category as a sorting option.
- We've sorted 43 existing items under the Kids Decoration category.
- Various lights (that were previously considered wall lights) have been sorted into the Lighting > Outdoor Lights Build Mode Category.
- “Cute Critter Basket” is now sorting under Objects by Function > Kids > Decorations.
- Updated the swatch color for (yfMakeupLipstick_EF28GlossyLips_RedRuby) to appear more accurate.
- (yfBottom_SDX040CCHSkirtPleated) will no longer appear for masculine frame Sims.
- The Pencil Holder object has been additionally sorted into the Clutter Category in Build Mode.
- The "Wicker-Work Diaper Storage" object is now sorting under Objects by Function > Kids > Kids Furniture.
- The "Bow, Bow, Bow!" object is now sorting under Objects by Function > Activities & Skills > Life Events.
- The "Martian Soil" wall pattern is now categorized under the Misc category rather than the Paneling Build Mode Category.
- The (wall_V_Clapboard02SGBrick_NT_PeachWhiteBrick) and (wall_V_Clapboard02SGBrick_NT_BlueRedBrick) wall patterns are now sorting into Masonry and Siding.
- The Sycee of the Prosperous Moon, Right Side Up Gnome, and Bob the Butler Fancy Sculpture have been removed from their previous sorting category and are now sorted under Function > Decorations > Sculptures.
Multiple
— We updated a large amount of love seats and benches to properly be identified as "Benches" for lot requirements when placed.
Lovestruck
— We've adjusted the Lovestruck Beard swatches to display in the correct order.
— (ymBottom_EP16Jeans) will now appear as a Masculine Fashion Choice in CAS filters. (Lovestruck)
Life & Death
— "Perilous Paneling" and "Patterned and Perilous Paneling" now sort into the Paneling category, and "Lunar Reverie" sorts into the Wallpaper category.
Enchanted by Nature
— "Wild Uncanny Cane" plant is now sorted in both Roof Sculptures and Outdoor Plants.
Backyard Stuff
— (yfTop_SP08TeeBoatNeck_GradientPink) no longer sorts as Yellow in CAS filters. (Backyard Stuff)
Moschino
— The "Libearian" bookshelf and the "I’m So Shiny!" surface have been removed from the Sculptures category.
Free Holiday Stuff
— The "Kinara" and "Menorah" light objects are now sorting under Lighting > Table Lamp.
— "Holiday Snowman" and "Pre-Strung Tree of Lights" are now sorting under Lighting > Outdoor Lighting.
Kitchen Clutter
— All clutter items from the Kitchen Clutter pack are now visible when sorting by the pack filter and looking under the Misc Decorations category in Build Mod's room view.
The Forever Friends Event
— (ymTop_EV0641TankTwistBack_SolidBlackCyan) will no longer appear for masculine frame Sims.
The Nature’s Calling Event
— The Cove Stone - Round, Cove Stone - Flat, and Cove Stone Cluster objects are now sorted in the Outdoor Plants > Rocks category in Build Mode.
The game update will be released on March 17, and this impressive list of fixes will start taking effect in your saves. Stay tuned for more news to keep up with future changes to the game!
