With the recent release of the full Enchanted by Nature gameplay trailer for the hotly-anticipated upcoming Sims 4 expansion we’ve finally seen the new additions in action. But while we’ve only scratched the surface there’s a lot more to uncover. So with that in mind, let’s get together for a gameplay deep dive into The Sims 4 Enchanted by Nature!
Plants & Gardening
The first suite of new mechanics we get a look at is a little boring, but still significant. If you’ve got a green thumb you’ll find all manner of new houseplants being shown off, as well as the ability to pot more and bring them indoors.
Interestingly enough you can also talk to and even name your houseplants! Well, if it works for some. And taking care of your green friends is also a key aspect here, fortunately a sprinkle of fairy dust can keep them fed and watered for as long as it lasts.
Just be careful, because enchanted plants attract pixies!
Winx Club, eat your heart out
We also get a good look at the transformation process from human to fairy. It seems to consist of the planting of a special seedling, which will then summon mother nature, who’ll give you a potion which you need to drink and then commit to a ritual to transform into a fairy.
It’s a long-winded process, but for good reason, considering that the benefits of becoming a fairy also come with significant drawbacks. You’ll be dependent on a new need in the form of Emotional Force, which you need to keep topped up with the emotions of others, either by drawing it directly, or consuming it from bottles.
But the benefits are immense, be it shrinking down to tiny size to nap in a dollhouse, or using your powers in disruptive ways to mess with other Sims’ relationships. Which is where the Disruptive trait, and its counterparts with Mystical come in.
There’s also a surprising wealth of customisation options available, with a variety of skin hues, horns, adornments and the ability to paint directly onto your new wings (because yes, you have those) as you can with the tattoo system.
Nature’s calling
Finally, we have one of the other main focuses of the expansion which is the natural living and health aspects. The Nature Nomad aspiration will see your Sim desiring to get in touch with the outside world, and after a period of adjustment you’ll be able to attend to your needs outdoors without four walls or a roof!
You’ll also be able to solve newly-created Ailments that can arise from Imbalanced emotions. These are less serious and more fantastical, with everything from attracting gnomes to developing stony skin.
Fortunately, the new Apothecary skill allows you to craft mystical cures from common plants, and even develop into a Naturopath that helps treat these ailments professionally! To do so you’ll also need to deal with new, unusual plants such as the Lightning Root and Moody Shrub
Seeing these additions in action definitely makes it seem like Enchanted by Nature will be a game-changer. And while Business & Hobbies focused on the slightly more mundane strengthening of the jobs and careers system, you can’t get more bold and outlandish than fairies!
With the new Nature’s Calling event now in full swing, and even The Sims Resource going crazy for All Things Fairy, I think it’s safe to say that excitement for Enchanted by Nature is reaching ‘fairy’ pitch!
