The Sims 4 Update — September 22, 2026: 95+ Fixes, Smarter Autonomy & New Kids’ Content
A major update has been released for The Sims 4 – and it’s a really packed one. Maxis listened to feedback from players on Discord, Reddit, and the EA Forums and released a patch that touches almost every key aspect of the game: from Sim behavior to stability and free content for kids. Let’s break down what’s new and what got fixed.
The update is already available on all platforms. Here are the current versions:
PC: 1.128.90.1030
Mac: 1.128.90.1230
Consoles: Version 2.39
You can download the patch via the EA App, Origin, Steam, and Epic Games on PC and Mac. On PlayStation 4/5 and Xbox One / Series X|S, the update will download automatically when you launch the game or through the update check in the main menu. If you have auto-updates enabled, the patch will install itself.
A separate warning for modders and custom content fans: the update will affect mods, so before launching, be sure to check whether a new version of your favorite mods has been released. Creators have already been warned, and most popular modders adapt quickly to the new patch.
The main focus of the update – smarter autonomy in The Sims 4
The main theme of this patch is Sim autonomy. Maxis made dozens of changes so characters behave more logically and realistically.
What changed:
Eye contact during conversation. Sims now look at each other when they chat. A small thing, but a nice one.
Bathroom sink. Sims finally wash their hands in the same bathroom where the toilet is, instead of running across the whole house to the kitchen. We remember this was already fixed in previous patches, but apparently some issues remained.
Dancing under control. Sims who don’t like dancing will no longer dance on their own. And if a song they dislike comes on, they’ll stop. Dancing also no longer appears in the action queue while painting.
Less repetitive TV watching. Sims will stop zoning out in front of the TV in some situations.
Tired Sims don’t wake up for nonsense. Characters with low Energy no longer jump out of bed in the middle of the night to do something else.
Low Bladder need walk. Sims will now walk a little faster so they definitely don’t end up in an awkward situation.
Gardening by choice. Sims who don’t like gardening no longer pick up the watering can on their own or constantly check whether crops have appeared.
Kids and swings. A small but important one: kids no longer swing endlessly over and over.
Serenades – with a cooldown. Sims will stop singing serenades too often.
Infants don’t stick to Sims. If a Sim returns home from another lot, the infant will no longer be “glued” to them.
Reaction to strangers’ deaths – Sims now mourn less if someone they didn’t know died.
Relationships and family dynamics in The Sims 4: full rebalance
Maxis did serious work on Relationship Satisfaction and Sim family dynamics.
Growing Together
- The “Strict” and “Jokesters” dynamics now trigger less often.
- The “Distant” dynamic was almost invisible in the game. Now, if Sims behave aggressively or fight, they have a chance to get this dynamic.
- Sims with poor compatibility and complicated/distant family relationships will start conversations on their own less often, avoid each other, and end conversations faster.
Lovestruck
- In inactive households, Relationship Satisfaction will no longer change. Feelings can wait.
- Relationship Satisfaction now decays more slowly. Relationships require work, but not that much.
University, infants, and other important fixes
University for rotational gameplay. Sims from inactive households now attend classes and fail exams less often. This fix only works in new saves; it does not affect old saves.
Infants and bassinets. Fixed an issue where infants could end up on top of each other or “fall out” of the bassinet after reloading a lot. Canceling infant interactions was also fixed.
City Living. NPCs no longer reset when using karaoke at festivals.
Seasons. Sims finally don’t make snow angels and snowmen as often. And only lot owners will now pick up the snow shovel – this fixed a funny bug where ranch hands went to shovel snow instead of doing their duties.
Get Famous. Sims no longer obsessively look at autographs.
Fitness. A cute failure animation for push-ups has been added – it triggers more often if a Sim has low Fitness or low Energy/Hunger.
Career. “Negotiate a Raise” via phone works again.
Team Sports. Sims can again do squats, push-ups, and stretches when directed by the player.
Stability and crash fixes in The Sims 4
One of the biggest parts of the patch is crash fixes. Maxis found that the main source of automatic crash reports is a conflict with outdated mod files. So if you have mods installed – be sure to update them.
What else got fixed:
- A rare crash on Mac during long play sessions.
- A crash on consoles related to gamepad controls.
- A crash when switching from Build Mode to the Manage Worlds screen.
- An issue with time and Sims “freezing” while the environment kept animating.
- Interactions getting stuck in the queue.
Free content for kids and toddlers in The Sims 4
And the nicest part — new free content in the base game focused on kids.
New CAS items
- Kids’ clothing: sweatshirt, polo, khaki shorts, sequin top, ruffle blouse, lace jeans.
- New hairstyle – ponytail with bangs.
- 4 adult hairstyle conversions for kids: messy bangs, parted afro, long braids, long ombre braids.
- For toddlers: t-shirt, colored glasses, denim dress.
New Build Mode objects
- The Crayon Chronicle (decor item)
- Look What I Made! Frame
- Family Game Night Favorites (decor item)
- Junior Artist’s Paint Palette
- Make-Believe Wall Mural
- Bright Blocks Playroom Chair
- Bright Blocks Playroom Table
- The Dino Dive Tank (aquarium)
A new styled room and new styled looks for kids and toddlers were also added. Maxis also uploaded a new family to the Gallery wearing the new items.
Maxis have already announced the next step: the October base game update will focus on food, dining, and drinks. So if the way Sims behave at the table annoyed you – get ready, it’ll be fixed soon.
