Over the last 25 years of The Sims franchise, there have been many brilliant features that have made the game so popular. From the game’s life and death cycle loop resulting in visits from the Grim Reaper, to other iconic characters like the Social Bunny paying lonely Sims a visit in the original The Sims game, there are many characters and unexpected visitors in the game that give it a sense of chaos. However, in the current core game for the franchise, The Sims 4, the gameplay has been a little lacking in those features that have made previous installments of the series so exciting.
One of the most iconic features in the history of The Sims is the burglars that were in The Sims 1, 2, and 3. Burglars were such a standout feature in the game because every time they appeared in the game they would introduce a sense of tension and surprise. Despite the fact that the arrival of a burglar in the previous installments of The Sims would be a very unwelcome visit for the Sims themselves, it would be quite a thrilling experience for the player, as it added an elevated level of unpredictability to the game, which could improve The Sims 4.
How Did Burglars Work In Sims 1, 2 & 3?
Newer Players Won’t Be Familiar
In the original game, burglars would suddenly catch a player off guard by arriving while their Sims were asleep, which would trigger the signature burglar musical motif and alert the player. If a Sim had a burglar alarm installed in their house, this would alert the police, but nonetheless, the burglar would often manage to steal a few items before their arrival. In The Sims 2, burglars were introduced again, but with more sophisticated animations. Much like The Sims 1, burglar alarms could be installed in The Sims 2.
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In The Sims 3, burglars became a little bit more realistic, with better movement animations as well as more accurate reactions when confronted and caught by other Sims. They could also be interacted with while stealing from homes, and Sims could acquire the Brave trait or even fight the burglar. In the event that a Sim wins a fight with the burglar, they would be able to take back every item that they had stolen, and in certain cases where the police have been called, a Sim might be rewarded with some Simoleons in exchange for helping law enforcement catch the burglar.
Why Did EA Remove Burglars From The Sims?
A Controversial Decision
Given the unpredictable nature behind the arrival of the burglar in The Sims 1, 2, and 3, some players did not enjoy the unwanted interruptions in the game, and desired a more relaxing experience. By removing burglars and not introducing them at all in The Sims 4, it was guaranteed that players would be able to experience a much more laid-back gameplay experience compared to playing the original Sims titles, with predominantly positive experiences for their Sims.
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With the absence of burglars in The Sims 4, players are able to wholly focus on a more open-ended gameplay loop, mainly on being creative and a more relaxed Live Mode experience. However, it’s not something all fans are happy with, and modders have unofficially added them back into the game via a range of different mods.
Why Fans Think Burglars Are Coming To Sims 4 In 2025
It’s Looking Likely
In the recent “Behind the Sims” video that was released by EA in celebration of The Sims‘ 25th anniversary, there were some strong hints that burglars will be introduced in The Sims 4 at some stage in 2025. In the presentation, the upcoming Motherlode Season update was announced, demonstrating images of a new aspiration featuring a gloved hand holding a magnet. Additionally, it looks like the Motherlode Season will heavily revolve around prosperity and wealth, making it easy to speculate that burglars may be an important new feature in the update to coincide with its primary theme.
EA’s decision to remove burglars from The Sims 4 has certainly proved one thing in particular: the absence of burglars makes the game feel just that little bit too safe. While the decision definitely has allowed players over the last ten years to envelop themselves in a very relaxing gameplay loop that focuses on their creativity, it was the chaotic and iconic characters and unpredictable features in previous installments of the game that ultimately led to the success of The Sims franchise. With the hints of burglars being introduced to the game in 2025 with the Motherlode Season update, it’s even clearer that burglars will always be one of the most beloved features in the history of The Sims.
Source: The Sims/YouTube
The Sims 4
- Released
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September 2, 2014
- Developer(s)
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Maxis
- Publisher(s)
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Electronic Arts
- ESRB
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T for Teen: Crude Humor, Sexual Themes, Violence
