The Sims™ 4 Outdoor Retreat Review Summary

The base game earns its full price with new building options and fun campfire cooking, but the DLC feels overpriced, build mode lacks polish, and camping activities are too limited.

Tents and camping items praised: Multiple reviewers appreciate the tents and camping equipment, finding them convenient and of good quality. The items add to the camping experience and are used regularly in builds.

Pack is worth full price: Some reviewers rate the pack highly, considering it a favorite and a worthwhile purchase even at full price. Overall satisfaction is high, with no major issues reported.

Adds new building options: The DLC includes new build items, plants, and fish, expanding creative possibilities. These additions are frequently used in Build Mode and Create a Sim, enhancing overall gameplay.

Better than Journey to Batuu: The pack is considered superior to the Journey to Batuu pack, especially when combined with the Seasons expansion. Reviewers find it a more valuable vacation world with better content.

Campfire cooking and activities: The campfire is usable for roasting fish and offers a central activity hub for camping. Combined with hiking and stargazing, it enriches outdoor experiences.

DLC not worth price: Multiple reviewers consider the DLC overpriced relative to its content and value. Specific complaints highlight that the pack feels outdated and lacks the substance of other DLCs.

Build mode items lack quality: Build-mode items are few and low quality, with many being unattractive. The pack lacks expected items like log cabin wallpaper and outdoor toilets, making it feel incomplete.

New map missing: Several users report that the DLC's new world does not appear in the game despite items showing up, preventing them from accessing the promised content. This bug makes the purchase feel wasted.

Regretful purchase overall: Many reviewers express regret for buying the pack, calling it the worst pack they own and noting it adds almost zero gameplay. The pack is rarely used and offers little replay value.

Limited camping activities: Camping-specific activities are limited, and the pack feels empty even during short vacations. Reviewers note there is almost no gameplay and the pack is only for vacation, not daily life.

Herbalism skill introduced: The pack adds a herbalism skill, allowing players to grow plants and craft remedies. Herbs can be used to make medicine, enhancing the survival element.

Bug collecting is an activity: Players can collect bugs, and they are found by looking at the ground. This adds a new collection mechanic to the game.

Camping and cottage vacations included: The DLC offers camping and cottage vacation activities, allowing Sims to go on outdoor trips. Camping involves buying a tent and staying at a camping lot.

Granite Falls is vacation destination: Granite Falls serves as a non-residential vacation world, reinforcing that the pack is about getaways rather than permanent living. This aligns with the vacation-themed content.

Nature walks and real vacation: The pack features nature walks and real vacation experiences, including sleeping in tents. This reinforces the holiday theme.

Error 132 crash after pack download: The game crashes with error code 132 after downloading a specific pack, disrupting gameplay and requiring a fix.

Crawling insects require laptop mode off: Players must disable laptop mode to enable crawling insects, which may be an unintended or poorly communicated setting.

Steam Deck compatibility praised: The game runs smoothly on Steam Deck, indicating good optimization for handheld devices.

Pack not recommended standalone: Multiple reviewers advise against purchasing this pack on its own, citing that it is better when bundled with other packs or for completionists. It may also be unnecessary for players who don't enjoy outdoor features.

Wait for a sale: A strong consensus across feedback is that the DLC should only be bought at a discount, with several mentioning 50% off as a good price point. Buying at full price is widely considered overpaying for the content provided.

Recommended for outdoor enthusiasts: The pack is positively recommended for players who enjoy outdoor activities like tent living, barbecues, and a relaxing vacation feel. It is specifically praised for adding value to those with a preference for nature-themed gameplay.

Pair with other packs: Reviewers note that the pack is more enjoyable when combined with other DLCs, especially for players doing expeditions in Selvadorada, Sulani, or Snowy Escape. Bundling also provides a discount, making the purchase more worthwhile.

Better pack alternatives exist: One reviewer points out that Cottage Living is a better matching pack, suggesting that players might get more value from a different DLC. This could steer potential buyers toward alternatives if they are seeking outdoor gameplay.

Community fair range: $8.00 - $12.00.

Session length: 5.0h.

Adventure & Challenge Seeker: Engages in structured challenges and explores expansion features. Motivation: Fun and adventure through new gameplay opportunities. Stance: buy.

Relaxed & Chill Player: Casual, prefers slower, aesthetic-driven gameplay rather than high-stakes challenges. Motivation: Adding a relaxed, atmospheric outdoor vibe to their game. Stance: buy.

Value-Conscious Veteran: Purchases strategically, waits for sales, and likely owns many expansions. Motivation: Maximizing value and avoiding full price for DLC. Stance: sale.

Weaker than other packs: Reviewers feel this pack is weaker in terms of additional features compared to other game packs. This implies that it offers less content or value than its counterparts.

Rugs to riches challenge: The pack is specifically used for a 'rugs to riches' challenge, indicating its utility in that gameplay style. This suggests that the pack has a niche but dedicated use among players.

EA accused of dishonest practices: One reviewer accuses EA of dishonest tactics, such as producing low-quality content to sell fixes and exploiting less tech-savvy customers. This reflects a broader distrust of the publisher's ethics.

Can be substituted by other packs: The DLC can be replaced with other packs, implying that its content is not unique or essential. This is a common criticism for lacking distinctive features.

Criticism of monetization strategy: The publisher's monetization strategy is criticized, likely for overpricing or exploitative practices. This sentiment can influence overall pack reception.