“The Sims 4 Just Made Running a Business More Fun (and Profitable!) Than Ever”
The Sims 4 has done it again! The latest expansion, Hobbies and Business, is shaking up SimNation by giving players the power to build small businesses with more depth and creativity than ever before. While Get to Work first introduced the idea back in 2015, it never quite lived up to its potential. This time, however, EA has taken another crack at entrepreneurial life in the Sims universe—this time with much better results.
With new opportunities to turn hobbies into profitable ventures, this expansion offers a goldmine of possibilities. But before you start dreaming of Simoleon success, there are a few quirks and challenges to keep in mind. Here’s what I’ve learned from my deep dive into Hobbies and Business.
Building Your Simpire: Getting Started
Starting a business in The Sims 4 is as easy as clicking the cash register icon in the bottom right corner. From there, you’ll find four options: small business, vet clinic, restaurant, or retail store. For a cool 750 Simoleons, you can register your new venture and customize everything—from the types of services offered to your ideal clientele. You can even charge an entrance fee (because why not make money at the door?).
One of the coolest features is the ability to curate your customer base. Want to attract only wealthy Sims? Done. Prefer to cater to an elite crowd of Occult Sims? No problem—just tweak the settings and start selling enchanted tea or vampire-friendly tattoos. If your target audience is on the rare side, it might be worth adding a few Sims from the gallery to keep business booming.
The Fine Print: Managing Your Business
Once your business is up and running, you have a lot of control over how it operates. You can buy a new lot, set up shop in your home, or run your empire from a Tiny Home (although apartments in San Myshuno aren’t an option—Sim landlords are strict). Business zoning is also important, with areas designated as residential, public, or employee-only spaces.
Opening shop costs 75 Simoleons each time, so make sure you have something to sell or you’ll start in the red. Lot traits can also give your business a boost—bars thrive with “Great Acoustics,” while gyms benefit from “Bracing Breezes.” And while you can technically own multiple businesses, only one can be open at a time. That means your dream of running a 24/7 empire of cafes, boutiques, and bowling alleys might need a little adjustment.
Oh, and if you were hoping to make your Sim kids the next business moguls, think again! While children can own businesses, they can’t be officially employed. (Looks like Sim labor laws are stricter than some real-world ones!)
Profits, Pitfalls, and Player Tips
One of the most satisfying parts of the expansion is the ability to sell handcrafted goods, making it perfect for Sims with artistic or crafty aspirations. However, be warned: once an item is sold, it’s gone. Unlike retail businesses in previous expansions, you’ll need to manually restock—so having a skilled Sim to churn out new products is a must.
If you’re planning to run a retail shop, be sure your Sim is up to the challenge before diving in. Sims without crafting or sales skills might struggle, and nobody wants to run a failing business straight out of the gate. Consider building up some experience before going all-in on Hobbies and Business content.
Final Thoughts: Should You Invest?
If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your Sims’ passions into profits, Hobbies and Business is a must-have expansion. It adds a refreshing depth to the entrepreneurial experience, bringing flexibility, strategy, and plenty of quirky, Simlish fun. While there are a few roadblocks and learning curves, the thrill of building a business from the ground up is worth every Simoleon.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start raking in the Simoleons—just make sure your Sims are prepared for the highs, the lows, and the occasional ghost customer who just won’t leave your tea shop.
