As of February 4, 2025, The Sims franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary, marking a quarter-century of innovative gameplay and cultural impact. To commemorate this milestone, Electronic Arts (EA) has re-released The Sims and The Sims 2 in special Legacy Collections, allowing both longtime fans and new players to experience these classics on modern systems.
The original The Sims game was released on February 4, 2000, by Maxis and Electronic Arts. Created by the legendary game designer Will Wright, it quickly became a groundbreaking phenomenon in the simulation genre. Unlike most games at the time, which focused on adventure, combat, or high-action gameplay, The Sims allowed players to build virtual homes, manage relationships, and shape the everyday lives of customizable characters called “Sims.” The game’s innovative mechanics and open-ended storytelling captivated players, leading to the development of numerous expansion packs and establishing The Sims as one of the best-selling PC games in history. Its legacy remains unmatched, setting the stage for the series’ enduring popularity over the past 25 years.
The Sims: Legacy Collection
The Sims: Legacy Collection includes the original game along with all its expansion packs:
- Livin' Large
- House Party
- Hot Date
- Vacation
- Unleashed
- Superstar
- Makin' Magic
Additionally, it features The Sims 4: Throwback Fit Kit. This collection is available for purchase on EA App, Steam, and the Epic Games Store for $19.99.
The Sims 2: Legacy Collection
The Sims 2: Legacy Collection offers the base game and a comprehensive list of expansion and stuff packs, including:
- University
- Nightlife
- Open for Business
- Pets
- Bon Voyage
- Seasons
- FreeTime
- Apartment Life
- Holiday Party Pack
- Family Fun Stuff
- Glamour Life Stuff
- Happy Holiday Stuff
- Celebration! Stuff
- H&M Stuff
- Teen Style Stuff
- Kitchen & Bath Interior Design Stuff
- Mansion & Garden Stuff
It also includes The Sims 4: Grunge Revival Kit. This collection is likewise available on EA App, Steam, and the Epic Games Store for $29.99.
The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle
For those looking to immerse themselves fully in the franchise’s history (and save some coin), The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle combines both Legacy Collections, providing an extensive array of content from the first two installments of the series. This bundle is available for purchase on EA App, Steam, and the Epic Games Store for $39.99
Community Reception
Upon release, some players reported technical issues with the Legacy Collections. EA has acknowledged these concerns and is actively working on patches to enhance the gaming experience. Despite these initial challenges, the re-releases have been praised for their nostalgic value and the opportunity they provide to revisit or discover the origins of The Sims.
As The Sims celebrates 25 years, these Legacy Collections offer a chance to reflect on the franchise’s evolution and its enduring appeal in the gaming world.
