Many features were actually added to the game later on; such as pools, ghosts, being able to lock doors, and toddlers.

The voice-over content in the game is completely new; there are no recycled Sim voices from the previous games.

With the release of the patch 34 update on June 2, 2016. The Sims 4 became the first game in the Sims series to feature gender customization as well as the option to have all types of clothing and hair types be available for use by both genders.

The Sims 4 is set in a new time period and has no continuity to previous games. However, some Sims from previous games (such as the Goth family) appear; the time line for The Sims 4 therefore exists in an "alternate universe" from the time line of the first three games.

Ariel Martin's debut.