Is there a good buying guide/must haves for this game? I really wanna get back into The Sims, but immediately nope out at all the add-ons and their pricing every time. So far from looking some stuff up Seasons looks great, but it's like £30 or £40, so I'm waiting on it to go on a sale with the base game at least.
It really depends on what kind of simmer you are, or expect to be. What's great is that everything is tiered. You get Expansions which tend to be massive gamechangers, you get the Game Packs which tend to be smaller, focused mini-expansions and then the Stuff Packs which is mostly things you might find you need depending on your playstyle.
Expansions
-----
Get to Work: It adds a set of actual workable jobs from doctor to detective. Which means instead of your Sim going offscreen for a bit, while they rack the Simoleons you get to directly control them at the new jobs. Later packs added even more of these more interactive jobs.
Get Together: Adds clubs which can run the gamut for homework clubs for kids, to straight up partying at night clubs. It's very much a deepening of the friendship system. Plus you get a gorgeous new town, Windenburg based off Europe. You can join existing clubs, or make up your own.
City Living: Adds San Myshuno, an expy of NY city and festivals to participate in. Mostly it adds the option to rent an apartment which can go from dirt cheap to mega expansive in rent. You also get new careers like politician and critic.
Cats and Dogs: PETS! PETS AS FAR AS THE EYE CAN SEE! You can now purchase and adopt cats and dogs. And be a veterinarian. Also adds a new town. Pets have their own traits and needs to discover and cater to.
Seasons: Widely considered THE most desirable pack, this one adds seasons and weather systems to the game. And holidays like Halloween and Christmas (with changed names). IMO this is a true must own for any Sims 4 player. It's the game's salt and pepper. Plus snow angels. And Santa. Come on.
Get Famous: I love this one. It adds Sims LA, Del Sol Valley and a pretty in-depth celebrity system. Take your Sim from nobody to global superstar. The best part is the new acting career which is fully playable like the ones added in Get to Work.
Island Living: Adds the beautiful tropical world of Sulani, one of my favorite destinations in the Sims 4 and the new conservationist career which is both fully playable and actually affects the island itself. Plus it adds mermaids which are the easiest occult Sims to play. Just lay back, bask in the sun and lure Sims to their drowning with your songs at night. Or don't. Seriously don't.
Game Packs
-----
Outdoor Retreat: Adds a vacation world where you can rent a cabin for a while and take in the sights. Or you can camp outdoors. If you are a Friday the 13th fan, it's great fun. There might even be a crazy person in the woods, who knows (hockey mask not included).
Spa Day: Do you want your Sims to be yoga freaks? This is your pack. It's all about relaxation. Burn some incense, medidate, get a massage. It helps a lot with Sims stressful lives.
Dine Out: Do you want to be Sims Gordon Ramsay? This is your shot. You can now own and operate your own restaurant. Hire staff, pick your menu, entertain your guests. It's a lot harder than it sounds but if you get a restaurant running, the Simoleons will flow straight into your pockets. A must IMO. Also it adds restaurants in general. Kind of a big deal.
Vampires: Oh now this is my favorite of all Game Packs. Become an immortal vampire. Burn in the sun, be repelled by garlic! Drink the blood of your fellow Sims (or be lazy and order blood off the Internet). Vampires have an XP system, skill trees, and various strengths and weaknesses to pick from and it adds a delightful little world that's very Tim Burton-esque.
Parenthood: A major, major update to toddlers up to teens. It's a must own if you plan on playing a family. Every non-adult Sims gets various traits to level up which will mold them into their future self. Will your needy toddler turn out OK? Will your irresponsible teen turn out better? That's on you now.
Jungle Adventure: Become Indiana Jones for a bit and risk literal death as you explore the vacation world of Selvadorada. This is very much an adventure themed pack, with riches and treasures to be found.
Strangerville: Explore the bizarre town of Strangerville in this second adventure pack. The inhabitants are weird, kooky plants are growing everywhere and if you start digging for info, you might find yourself into a boss fight. It's that kind of party.
Realm of Magic: It's Harry Potter time. Become a powerful spellcaster! Dozens of spells to be learnt and potions to be brewed. This one is very in-depth and almost could have been a full expansion. It's that big. It's an absolute treat to be a wizard.
Stuff Packs
-----
Not much to say here. These packs are basically really not as important as the ones above IMO. There's some really great ones like Movie Hangout which can lead to a full outdoor cinema if you want, and then there's stuff like the Moschino Pack which adds a career and not much else. If you want kids, Kids Room is great and comes with the Sims version of Pokemon. I also love the Backyard Stuff Pack so the kids can play in an inflatable waterslide as dad BBQ out back.
