Expansion packs (EP) are add-ons for The Sims games. They make the original game more interesting by providing new things to the game, and are often centered around a theme. They require the original game (also known as base game or core game) to work. Sometimes, collections or compilations of the base game and one or more expansion(s) are released. The Sims 2 and The Sims 3 also offered mini-expansions called stuff packs (SP), which offered only new objects and clothes, though they sometimes included gameplay changes as well.^[1][2] Gamers are advised to check what an edition includes before buying it.

The Sims Edit

In The Sims, there are 7 expansion packs. They are:

• Livin' Large
• House Party
• Hot Date
• Vacation
• Unleashed
• Superstar
• Makin' Magic

The Sims 2 Edit

The producers released 8 different expansion packs for The Sims 2. They are:

• University
• Nightlife
• Open for Business
• Pets
• Seasons
• Bon Voyage
• FreeTime
• Apartment Life

Additionally, 10 different stuff packs were released. They are:

• Holiday Party Pack
• Family Fun Stuff
• Glamour Life Stuff
• Celebration Stuff
• Happy Holiday Stuff (This was an expanded re-release of the Holiday Party Pack.)
• H&M Fashion Stuff
• Teen Style Stuff
• Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff
• IKEA Home Stuff
• Mansion and Garden Stuff

The Sims 3 Edit

See also: The Sims game rumors

As of 5 March 2013 (2013 -03-05)^[update], there have been nine expansion packs that have been released for The Sims 3. They are (in order of release):

• World Adventures
• Ambitions
• Late Night
• Generations
• Pets
• Showtime
• Supernatural
• Seasons
• University Life

Two further expansions are set to be released for The Sims 3. The Sims 3: Island Paradise in June, and an unnamed future time travel expansion.

There are also eight stuff packs that have been released as of 22 January 2013 (2013 -01-22)^[update]. These stuff packs, in order of release, are:

• High-End Loft Stuff
• Fast Lane Stuff
• Outdoor Living Stuff
• Town Life Stuff
• Master Suite Stuff
• Katy Perry's Sweet Treats
• Diesel Stuff
• 70s, 80s & 90s Stuff

Also, a ninth stuff pack is slated for Fall 2013.

Themes Edit

Main article: Theme

Each expansion pack for The Sims is centered around one or more themes. Popular expansion packs included dating, pets, seasons, vacationing and exotic destinations, business and magic.^[3]

ReferencesEdit

1. ↑ The Sims 2: Happy Holiday Stuff introduces new NPCs, parties, and interactions.
2. ↑ Stuff packs for The Sims 2 included influence, chemistry, fury, and the inventory.
3. ↑ Popularity determined by review rankings at Gamerankings.com.