Back in January 2025, an update for The Sims FreePlay was announced via a promotional video. This video included a series of updates, expansions, and in-game events for multiple Sims titles, as part of the 25th Anniversary Celebration. The most significant appeal of this update was the inclusion of improved lighting for The Sims FreePlay, bringing some positive visual changes for players to experience. This update has now gone live, enabling players to enjoy these new features.
The Sims FreePlay – Enhanced Lighting Update, Explained
The Sims FreePlay lighting update introduces the Enhanced Lighting feature for Home Lots, significantly improving the visual experience for players. From the ambient glow of your toasty little fireplace to bright beams of sunlight shining through the window on a nice day, these effects make gameplay much more attractive and lively for eager Sims enthusiasts.
Take a look at the before and after comparison below!
The lighting will adapt to each user’s device’s performance capabilities. This means that newer, higher-end devices will offer optimal lighting, while older devices will receive a more basic version so as not to hinder gameplay. Here is the details as stated in the official blog post for this update:
- Devices similar to the iPhone 12, Galaxy S23, and above, will be able to display the optimal version of Enhanced Lighting. The level of lighting effects will also adapt to older devices with lower specifications, including devices like the iPhone X and Galaxy S20.
- Devices with specifications below the iPhone X are unlikely to properly render Enhanced Lighting while maintaining a smooth gameplay experience. These devices will continue to use the Classic version of in-game lighting.
Furthermore, if you find you’re not a fan of this new lighting for whatever reason, you can simply toggle between Classic Lighting and Enhanced Lighting through Graphics Settings in the options menu.
Unlike the previous states of the game, lighting will not automatically dynamically change as the time of day goes on. Instead, this will only refresh when you enter a scene, so if you’ve been sitting at home wondering why you’re experiencing the longest sunny ‘day’ of your life – that is why. However, as a somewhat useful tradeoff, players can now turn all lights in a house on and off at the same time.
Keep an eye out for more updates on all things The Sims, and don’t forget to explore the site to stay informed on the latest news and announcements.
