Summary

• The Sims 4's Lovestruck expansion pack focuses on romance, enhancing date mechanics with Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs in a new city.
• Maintaining long-term relationships also gets a refresh, and dates could be helpful even years down the line.
• Lovestruck introduces the Cupid's Corner dating app for setting up matches and planning dates with customizable activities.

The Lovestruck expansion pack for The Sims 4 might 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 of The 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 4 is still going strong, and Lovestruck is yet another addition for dedicated fans to consider picking up.

True to its name, Lovestruck addresses romance in The Sims 4, which is one of the most essential aspects of the game for 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.

The Sims 4: Lovestruck Release Date & Price

Pre-Orders Are Available Now

The Sims 4: Lovestruck will release on July 24, 2024 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-ordering Lovestruck or 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, Lovestruck received 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 in The Sims 4: Lovestruck is the addition of a new attraction system that makes use of Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs, enhancing the mechanics surrounding compatibility between characters and calling back to romance features in The 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.

Lovestruck appears 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 system introduced in The 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.

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 the Lovestruck expansion 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 4 is getting a powerful new way to facilitate romantic connections in the form of Cupid's Corner, a new dating app where a Sim can set up a bio and match with other characters who seem compatible. After matching, it's possible to simply add a Sim as a , 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.

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 Gallery along with Sims in the world, opening up a wider world of dating than ever before.

Not every expansion pack for The Sims 4 has managed to deliver systems with the depth that would serve them best, so whether the new romance features in Lovestruck are 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 of The Sims 4 should 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: Lovestruck could bring a lot to the table.