Sims 4’s Enchanted by Nature Is Gorgeous—But Is It Worth the Headache?

If you’ve stuck with The Sims 4 through its plethora of expansions, game packs, and bizarre celebrity tie-ins, you’d know that sometimes it’s a hit, and sometimes… let’s just say it gets very lost in its own gnome-filled sauce. Enter Enchanted by Nature, the latest expansion that finally brings fairies back into our pixelated lives. Does it shine? Absolutely. Does it have some “Why am I paying $40 for this?” moments? Oh yes.

Life Among the Trees

First, let’s talk about the Nature Living skill. This pack encourages your Sims to, quite literally, eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors. You’ll forage for items, sleep on the ground, and occasionally pee in a bush (because realism is important, clearly). While the skill progression lets you do cool things like forage for rare apothecary items or bathe in shallow water, the climb to Level 9 feels like some kind of twisted endurance test. Catch a fish! Now go grind this skill until your Sim forgets what comfort feels like.

And those aspirations? Two words for you: low effort. The Nature Nomad aspiration has about two levels to it, and if speed-running aspirations were an esport, this one would be in the Rookie League. You fly through easy tasks on Level 1, but hitting Level 2 demands mastery of the entire skill. It’s less of a gradual progression and more of a “Congrats, now go grind for hours!” move.

That said, if you’re one of those off-the-grid types who loves torturing their Sims with rustic living, the potential here might excite you. But brace for some painful aspiration whiplash.

Who Invited the Houseplants?

Oh dear, houseplants. The concept is solid! Place adorable pots around your house, plant herbs, and grow a lively home. But then reality hits. Like The Sims 4 Laundry Day, it quickly becomes “The Sims 4 Annoyance Simulator.”

Not watering your plants? They die. And if you made your Sim a Plant Lover, prepare for endless sulking over every shriveled leaf. Also, what kind of masochist designed a mechanic where harvesting your own plants makes your Sim sad? Imagine lovingly growing tomatoes only for your Sim to burst into tears because they “harmed” their green children. It’s unironically hilarious, but at a certain point, it’s like, come on, I’m here to play, not to raise delicate plant overlords.

The Balance System, aka “New Ways to Annoy Your Sims”

Then there’s the Balance and Luck system. Sounds mystical, right? Except it mostly makes you roll your eyes as ailments like “Simoleon Fever” hit your Sim, forcing them to literally cough up their cash. Sure, flames on their arms look cool, but man, ailments pop up so frequently that the novelty wears off faster than you can say “magic mushrooms.”

At least the new Apothecary system offers some fun, letting you craft cures and run your own naturopathic clinic. But good luck charming your constantly wandering patients while running click-heavy interactions. They’ll loiter forever afterwards, making “kick out” a standard part of your daily routine.

Fairies, Finally

Now, for the star of the show! Fairies are deeply customizable and, unlike mermaids (we don’t talk about Island Living), they actually feel like a proper occult type. You can customize their wings down to the tiniest detail, and their abilities range from enchanting plants to flying wherever they want. They even have an Emotional Force meter instead of hunger or bladder needs, which makes gameplay feel fresh (and yes, your Sims can die of emotional starvation… yay?).

Plus, the Fairy skill tree lets you choose between being the harmonious, purifying type or a mischievous trickster. No shocking surprises here, but hey, it works, and gives you plenty of storytelling potential. Want to enchant your neighbor’s plants because you’re the Good Fairy? Go for it. Prefer tormenting every Sim in sight with Discordant debuffs? That works too.

Build Mode Shenanigans

Look, if you’re a build-mode Simmer, Enchanted by Nature might as well be called Build Mode DLC. The furniture is stunning. Whether you’re crafting a magical fairy sanctuary or a modern outdoor getaway, the design options are A+ across the board.

From mismatched fairy-core windows to glowing mossy showers, the lush creativity on display is pure dopamine for builders. My only gripe? Where are the outdoor plants!?! They got everything else right, but how did we end up with a pack about nature that skimps on greenery? Give me more tree varieties and pond accessories, EA. I’m begging here.

Is This Pack Worth It?

Ultimately, Enchanted by Nature feels like a mixed mystical bag. Compared to some of The Sims 4’s other expansions, this one brings beauty and charm in spades, especially for fairy fans and build-mode addicts. However, the lackluster gameplay additions and downright irritating mechanics (looking at you, houseplants) hold it back from being an instant classic.

Should you buy it? If you’re obsessed with fairies or must-have cottage-core vibes, sure, grab it. But if you’re not sold on mystical woodland living, maybe wait for a sale. Either way, prepare to fly high and curse loudly at your wilting plants.