Prepare yourself to dive back into the world of Simlish because The Sims 5, also known as Project Rene, is officially on its way. With the longest gap between main entries in the series' history, anticipation is at an all-time high. While The Sims 4 received numerous expansions to keep fans engaged, along with transitioning to a free-to-play model, the excitement for a new installment is palpable. As with any new release in the franchise, fans are eager yet cautious about the features, both new and returning. While The Sims 4 eventually reached a commendable state, it took time to get there. While we can't provide all the answers just yet, here's everything we currently know about The Sims 5.
Images : Electronic Arts
Release Date Speculation
As of now, The Sims 5, still known by its code name Project Rene, does not have a confirmed release window. During the Behind the Sims Summit presentation in October 2022, developer Maxis confirmed that they are actively working on the game. However, the only hint provided by Lyndsay Pearson, the franchise's creative vice president, was: “Over the next couple of years, we’ll continue sharing updates with all of you on Project Rene.” Based on this statement, it's reasonable to speculate that The Sims 5 won’t be released before 2025 at the earliest.
Images : Electronic Arts
Platforms
While no official platforms have been confirmed for The Sims 5, it's highly likely to be available on PC. Additionally, there have been hints about the game being transferred to mobile devices, indicating a potential expansion to other platforms.
Trailers
Although not labeled as a traditional trailer, the Behind the Sims Summit provided the first glimpse of The Sims 5. This early footage showcased furniture decorating and customization features, leaving much anticipation for further reveals.
Images : Electronic Arts
Gameplay
From the presentation, it's evident that The Sims 5 will introduce several new gameplay features. One highlight is an enhanced version of the Create-A-Style tool, reminiscent of The Sims 3, allowing players to upload custom designs to a gallery for use in decorating furniture. Moreover, players will have more extensive options for tweaking and editing designs on a finer scale.
Another significant addition is multiplayer functionality, although the specifics remain unclear. While players can collaborate with friends on sharing and creating content, the extent of multiplayer interaction, such as bringing Sims together, has yet to be fully revealed.
Rumors and Leaks
Before proceeding, it's crucial to note that the information discussed below remains speculative until officially confirmed by EA.
The most significant leak to date surfaced on Reddit, where a user claimed to have datamined the entire map of The Sims 5 from a leaked playtest build. According to this leak, the map, which is purportedly open-world, is based on Paris and offers a glimpse into the game's expansive world.
However, there are less favorable rumors circulating as well. One such rumor suggests the inclusion of the Denuvo anti-cheat system, a move that has drawn criticism from some players.
Additionally, rumors hint at improvements in object placement mechanics, with physics-based enhancements allowing for more natural placement and interaction within the game world. Objects may react realistically to uneven terrain or imbalanced weight distribution, adding a new level of immersion to gameplay.
Preorder
Given the extended timeline for The Sims 5's release, preordering options are not yet available. However, as the game's development progresses and more details emerge, including potential beta testing opportunities, we'll ensure you're promptly informed with all the necessary information.
