The *Sims 4* community thrives on creative challenges, and the Decades Challenge offers a unique way to experience the game through different eras. Want to guide your Sims through a century of change? This guide will show you how.

The core of the Decades Challenge involves simulating the passage of time. Every two in-game days represent a year, starting in 1890. You can adjust the start and end years (e.g., ending in 2010 or 2020) to customize the challenge. Remember to disable automatic aging.

Life expectancy is a key factor. Sims born before 1950 and after 1950 have different lifespans, reflecting historical changes in average lifespans. Here's a breakdown:

Lifespan Guidelines:

• All Sims:
• Baby: Ages after 1 day (6 months old)
• Infant: Ages after 3 days (2 years old)
• Toddler: Ages after 8 days (6 years old)
• Child: Ages after 14 days (13 years old)
• Teen: Ages after 12 days (19 years old)
• Sims born before 1950:
• Young Adult: Ages after 26 days (32 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 36 days (50 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 14 days (around 60 years old)
• Sims born after 1950:
• Young Adult: Ages after 32 days (35 years old)
• Adult: Ages after 60 days (65 years old)
• Elder: Dies after about 56 days (around 90 years old)

Begin the challenge with a single young adult Sim (or a married couple). Multi-generational households are permitted, reflecting common historical living arrangements. Strive for historically accurate clothing and hairstyles for each decade. Housing choices are limited to reflect the era: Strangerville is off-limits, Del Sol Valley is unavailable until the 1950s, and Sulani should be avoided for maximum realism. Apartments are acceptable for single Sims, but marriage requires a house.

Technology use is carefully regulated. Phones are permitted for essential gameplay functions but not for entertainment or communication until appropriate for the time period. The same applies to computers. Job choices should also align with the available professions of each decade.

**Related: Where To Find Plathinum & Ironyum in The Sims 4 Blast From the Past Event**

Each decade presents unique challenges and rules. For detailed rules for each decade (1890s-2010s), please refer to Cute Coffee Gal’s comprehensive guide. Here’s a brief overview:

Decade-Specific Rules (Summary):

1890s: Male heirs only, daughters with the Creative trait move out upon marriage, no WooHoo (only trying for a baby), home births, period-appropriate jobs, no electricity. Begin growing a Cow Plant.

1900s: Lamps allowed, indoor plumbing (no showers), other 1890s rules apply, phonographs allowed.

1910s: WWI draft for male Sims (eating Cow Plant cake, dice roll determines fate), high school mandatory (C average or higher), women can take manual labor jobs.

1920s: Women can be heirs, no alcohol (Prohibition).

1930s: Kegs allowed at university, Great Depression (job loss, limited meals), Prohibition ends.

1940s: WWII draft (same rules as WWI), victory gardens, thermostats, washers, dryers, radios.

1950s: Korean War draft (same rules), showers, cheap TVs.

1960s: Vietnam War draft (same rules, two children), maternity leave, WooHoo allowed.

1970s: Vietnam War draft (same rules, two children), marriage encouraged, microwaves, dishwashers, food delivery.

1980s: Gaming allowed, business career required, science babies, hospital births.

1990s: Laptops, unrestricted TV, texting, Y2K shelter.

2000s: Computer and phone restrictions lifted (except Trendi), home or hospital births.

2010s: No journalism, same-sex marriage, all part-time work allowed.

The Decades Challenge provides a rich and engaging experience, allowing for customization based on your installed packs. While the *Eco Lifestyle* pack adds significant depth, the challenge can be adapted to suit your game.

The Sims 4 is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.