The Sims™ 4 High School Years Expansion Pack Review Summary
Last updated: 2026-09-13
- Extensive CAS and build items
- Playable high school experience included
- Fun and engaging teen gameplay
- Buggy and unplayable at launch
- Missing or blank DLC content
- Boring high school experience
Emotions
Archetypes
- Sample precision
- Helpful reviews
- 94%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 6%
- Protest reviews
- 0%
- 27%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 73%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 167
- Negative points
- 373
- Gameplay points
- 217
- Perf. points
- 7
- Rec. points
- 74
- Misc points
- 84
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
CAS and build/buy items
| The pack adds a wide variety of stylish clothes, hairstyles, furniture, and build mode items tailored for teen Sims. These items are frequently praised as cute, useful, and essential for teen bedrooms. | 39% |
Teen-focused gameplay content
| The pack provides extensive gameplay specifically for teen Sims, including school days, part-time jobs, free time activities, social media, and prom. Many reviewers appreciate that teens now have ample distinct content compared to the base game. | 30% |
Playable high school experience
| Players can accompany their teen Sims to high school, attend classes, join extracurricular activities like soccer and chess teams, and participate in scripted events. This feature is widely praised for making the high school experience immersive and interactive. | 30% |
Copperdale world and attractions
| The new world Copperdale includes an amusement park, thrift store, recreation center, and bubble tea shop. Reviewers describe it as charming, cozy, and one of the best parts of the pack. | 29% |
Fun and engaging gameplay
| Many reviewers describe the pack as a fun experience with a good amount of cool activities, funny interactions, and new possibilities. It diversifies the game and adds much more personality. | 28% |
Social Bunny and social media
| The Social Bunny app and other social media features allow Sims to build friendships and romance through messages, make posts, and gain followers. Reviewers find it a fun and humanizing addition. | 22% |
Bugs fixed and smooth performance
| Many previously reported bugs, such as prom scheduling, infinite loading, save corruption, and rapid aging, have been fixed as of August 2026. Reviewers report smooth gameplay and no bugs, even with mods. | 20% |
Teen life details and realism
| Features like acne, body hair, exams, crushes, growing pains, and fashion preferences make teens feel more distinct and realistic. These details add personality and depth to teen Sims. | 19% |
Thrift store and Trendi app
| The thrift store and Trendi app allow players to make, buy, and sell outfits for followers and money, giving teen Sims a way to earn income. The bubble tea shop and hanging out with classmates are also enjoyed. | 18% |
New teen aspirations and traits
| The pack introduces teen-specific aspirations with rewards that serve into adulthood, as well as new traits like party animal, overachiever, and socially awkward. These additions are considered cool and meaningful. | 17% |
Prom and graduation events
| Playable prom with poster-making, afterparties at the boardwalk, and high school graduation are highlighted as fun and interesting events. Some players enjoy the event even when not following their Sim to school. | 17% |
School editing and customization
| Players can edit the existing school or build a custom school from scratch, giving them control over the high school environment. This feature is appreciated by builders. | 13% |
New careers and skills
| Teens can gain skill during class, become a streamer, and pursue part-time jobs. These additions give teen Sims more to do and work toward. | 13% |
Early graduation option
| Teen Sims can graduate early if they are brilliant students, which is valued as a positive feature and a good way to move teens forward in life. | 11% |
Sneaking out and window escapes
| Teens can sneak out through a window to attend parties or run away from home, adding story-telling potential and fun crossover gameplay with Parenthood. | 11% |
Chat with friends and make posts
| Players can chat with their Sim's friends and make posts, simulating modern teenage communication. This feature is considered realistic and fun. | 10% |
Pillow fights activity returns
| The pillow fight activity is back, allowing Sims to sit on a bed and hit each other with pillows while laughing and bonding. Reviewers find it a fun social interaction. | 7% |
Sleepovers and parties
| The pack enables sleepovers and parties, giving teen Sims more social events to participate in and enjoy with friends. | 7% |
Multiple Sims sent together
| If multiple teens from the same family go to school, they can be sent together and the player can control multiple characters at once, making the experience more efficient and engaging. | 4% |
Locker and prank interactions
| Players can design their Sim's school locker or put prank items in other lockers, adding a mischievous and customizable element to school life. | 4% |