Summary
TheLovestruckexpansion pack forThe Sims 4might be one of the most exciting in a while, and a lot has been revealed about what all fans can expect to see when it releases. Expansion packs have always been a big part ofThe Sims, fleshing out anemic elements of the base games and adding new items, worlds, events, and more. Almost ten years into its lifespan,The Sims 4is still going strong, andLovestruckis yet another addition for dedicated fans to consider picking up.
True to its name,Lovestruckaddresses romance inThe Sims 4, which is one of themost essential aspects of the gamefor many players. The most exciting part lies in the additions and overhauls to how getting and going on dates works, features supplemented by a new world, items, and more. Even those who aren’t focused on the romance aspect of the game could probably find something to enjoy here, although committing to the purchase might be a lot harder to justify if having fun dates isn’t the main appeal.
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The Sims 4: Lovestruck Release Date & Price
Pre-Orders Are Available Now
The Sims 4: Lovestruckwill release on July 13, 2025 for a price of $39.99, matching the model of standard expansion packs for the game. On PC, the expansion will be available through Steam, Epic Games, and the EA App. Console players will be able to pick it up on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Pre-orderingLovestruckor purchasing it before September 5 unlocks a few bonus items — Cry Me a River Eyeliner, the Herbert Heart Plushy, and a Basic Breakup Double Bed.
Although the pricing remains consistent with previous releases in North America,Lovestruckreceived a price bump in some regions, with New Zealand especially suffering from an increase from $49.95 to $69.95 in its local currency.
Romance Changes In The Sims 4: Lovestruck
Turn-Ons & Turn-Offs Make Attraction More Complex
The biggest overhaul to romance inThe Sims 4: Lovestruckis the addition of anew attraction system that makes use of Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs, enhancing the mechanics surrounding compatibility between characters and calling back to romance features inThe Sims 2’s Chemistry system. Coming into a date with the knowledge that a Sim happens to have a trait that’s a Turn-Off to a prospective partner makes it more likely that things aren’t going to work out, while finding a match where Turn-Ons are in play is obviously a recipe for success.
Lovestruckappears to feature the ability to make up excuses to leave dates, which could be the perfect way to bail if Turn-Offs are becoming too much of an issue.
It’s never that simple, of course, and building a relationship can reveal more Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs that could pose new challenges or help overcome minor incompatibilities.Interactions also contribute to an overall Relationship Dynamic, which follows in a similar mold to the familiar Family Dynamic systemintroduced inThe Sims 4: Growing Together. Maintaining strong relationships over time can be a challenge, and even long-term partnerships might need some exciting dates to keep things fresh down the line.
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Setting up relationships should also be easier in the new world of Ciudad Enamorada, which offers a lot in the way of date spots or hangouts to first meet and flirt with other Sims. On dates, there’s more to do than before, with options from cuddles to new games focused on romance. It’s also possible to bring others along on a date, although dragging a family member or ex behind while attempting to spark up a new flame might not exactly contribute to the overall aura of the event.
Anyone truly dedicated to romance can commit to learning the Romance skill, which offers 10 levels that can improve a Sim’s capability for wooing others and unlock new perks. If that’s not enough, new romantic Aspirations can sweeten the deal, and it’s even possible to focus a career around the concept with the Romance Consultant option. This might not have the same wide appeal as core romance features in theLovestruckexpansion pack, but it could be perfect for the truly dedicated.
How The Sims 4: Lovestruck’s Dating App Works
Finding Matches & Planning Dates
The Sims 4is getting a powerfulnew way to facilitate romantic connectionsin the form ofCupid’s Corner, a new dating app where a Sim can set up a bio and match with other characterswho seem compatible. After matching, it’s possible to simply add a Sim as a contact, but the app also includes quick access to a new date planning feature. Planning a date involves choosing the basic type of meetup, location, and possible activities to engage in, providing several opportunities to tailor things toward the particular preferences of the Sims attempting to get together.
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Setting up a bio on Cupid’s Corner works similarly to an actual dating app. There’s a place for a profile picture and basic options to determine who will show up as matches, selecting what genders and age groups the Sim is open to dating. A description section offers a couple of spots to display a Sim’s traits, which should have an impact on whether other Sims will be willing to match them in the app.The app can include Sims from the Galleryalong with Sims in the world, opening up a wider world of dating than ever before.
Not every expansion pack forThe Sims 4has managed to deliver systems with the depth that would serve them best, so whether the new romance features inLovestruckare as compelling as they could be remains to be seen. There are definitely plenty of promising ideas, however, and it seems like an expansion that any fan ofThe Sims 4should keep an eye on. Whether angling for a career as a Romance Consultant or looking for the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship,The Sims 4: Lovestruckcould bring a lot to the table.
