EA and Maxis are marking the 25th anniversary of The Sims franchise with an exciting gift for fans. Both The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 are now available for purchase once again on PC, offering players a chance to experience the roots of one of the world’s most iconic gaming franchises. Released today, these two classic games are included in two separate collections—the Sims: Legacy Collection and the Sims 2: Legacy Collection—which can be purchased individually or together as part of The Sims 25th Birthday Bundle, priced at $40.
What’s Included in the Legacy Collections?
The two Legacy Collections offer a comprehensive look back at The Sims and The Sims 2, featuring not only the base games but also all expansions and almost every stuff pack ever released. For longtime fans, this means you can dive into the nostalgia of the early days of the franchise, from The Sims 1’s quirky characters to The Sims 2’s iconic open-world gameplay.
The Sims 2: Legacy Collection does have a small omission, however: the IKEA Home Stuff pack from 2008 is missing. Despite this, the collection still includes a vast majority of the other content released for the game. Meanwhile, The Sims 1: Legacy Collection includes a fun new bonus—The Throwback Fit Kit—while The Sims 2: Legacy Collection includes the Grunge Revival Kit, both of which offer a fresh set of items to enhance your gaming experience. These additions make the collections even more appealing for both veterans and newcomers alike.
A Historic Re-release
The release of these collections is a momentous occasion for The Sims community, as it marks the first time in over a decade that both games have been readily available for digital purchase. The Sims 1, which was originally released exclusively on disc, has become increasingly difficult to find in recent years. Running the game on modern systems was a challenge for those who had managed to get their hands on a physical copy. Similarly, The Sims 2 was removed from the EA Store after the Ultimate Collection was discontinued in 2014, leaving many fans unable to experience it. With these new collections, both titles are now easily accessible through digital storefronts like Steam, the Epic Games Store, and the EA app.
Why Revisit These Classics?
The re-release of these beloved games gives a fresh generation of gamers the chance to explore the origins of The Sims series. While later iterations of the game introduced more complex features, the simplicity and charm of the original games still hold a special place in the hearts of longtime fans. The Sims 1’s quirky animations, challenge-based gameplay, and groundbreaking simulation of daily life provide a look into how far the franchise has come. Meanwhile, The Sims 2 is widely considered a critical turning point in the series’ development, introducing features like genetics, aging, and a more complex life-simulation system.
While modern Sims games have evolved to offer even more expansive worlds and intricate features, both The Sims 1 and The Sims 2 offer an experience that is still refreshing in its simplicity. Their fun, wacky, and unpredictable gameplay still offers a unique challenge for players who want to return to a more straightforward simulation experience.
Available Now
The Sims: Legacy Collection and The Sims 2: Legacy Collection are both available for purchase on Steam, the Epic Games Store, and through the EA app, providing easy access to these classic games for players new and old. Whether you’re a returning fan eager for nostalgia or a newcomer curious about the roots of The Sims, now is the perfect time to dive into these legacy titles and celebrate the enduring success of the franchise as it turns 25.
