Best Worlds To Build In

Key Takeaways

• The Sims 4
  offers a wide range of worlds for builders to create and construct in, with each world offering its own unique charm and allure.
• Some of the standout worlds include the balmy desert of Oasis Springs, the eco-friendly town of Evergreen Harbor, and the mysterious StrangerVille.
• Henford-On-Bagley provides a nature-lover’s paradise, Newcrest offers a blank canvas for builders to create their own town, and Windenburg is considered the best world for builders due to its size and aesthetics.

The Sims 4 has given its players all the tools they need to master the art of creation and construction. The endless possibilities for avid architects and aspiring builders stretch across a myriad of worlds, each offering its own distinct allure and charm. Simmers who create masterful builds offer storytellers and designers a perfect canvas to weave stories, sculpt landscapes, and fashion dreamscapes.

From the sun-kissed shores of Sulani to the rustic countryside of Henford-On-Bagley and the enigmatic intrigue of StrangerVille, these diverse locales serve as illustrative backdrops for crafting architectural marvels. Explore the finest worlds and expansions that beckon builders to unleash their imaginations.

Updated on November 26, 2024, by Jenna Amore: With new worlds continually being added to The Sims 4, it’s the perfect time to revisit and expand the ranking of the best worlds to build in. From the vibrant cityscapes of San Myshuno to the tranquil beaches of Sulani, this updated guide includes all available worlds, from the base game to the latest DLC. Whether players prefer designing cozy suburban homes or grand modern mansions, this ranking highlights the best worlds based on lot variety, architectural potential, and thematic charm to inspire the next masterpiece.

27 Batuu

Where the Force Is Strong, But the Building Options Are Weak

• DLC: Journey To Batuu
• Number of Lots: 3

Undoubtedly the worst world for building in The Sims 4 is Batuu. With only three lots, none of which are editable without using cheats, it offers minimal opportunities for creativity or expansion. Players must enable the bb.enablefreebuild cheat during gameplay to make any changes to the existing lots, limiting its usability and convenience compared to other worlds.

While Batuu can provide a fun, thematic escape for fans of Star Wars, it fails to cater to builders looking to craft unique or versatile spaces. The small number of lots and their locked status make this world impractical for designing and customizing builds. As a result, Batuu is more suited for roleplay and storytelling than for players focused on creative construction.

26 Magnolia Promenade

A Promising Start With Little Room to Expand

• DLC: Get To Work
• Number of Lots: 4

Magnolia Promenade is the second-worst world for building, primarily due to its extremely limited lot availability. With only four lots, three of which are already occupied as retail stores, players are left with just one empty lot for their own creations. While it shares a charming aesthetic with Willow Creek, this similarity makes it feel less unique, especially for a world introduced in an expansion pack.

Adding to its limitations, the hidden Police Station and Hospital lots are inaccessible on the map and can only be edited with cheats during active careers, adding unnecessary steps to renovating the lots and reducing creative freedom. This world is underwhelming and lacks versatility, leaving players wishing for more space and opportunities.

25 Forgotten Hollow

Eerie, Dark Aesthetics and Narrow Opportunities

• DLC: Vampires
• Number of Lots: 5

Forgotten Hollow from The Sims 4 Vampires pack presents a distinct yet limited building experience. This world stands out with its eerie atmosphere, drawing inspiration from Victorian England. It features a blend of Gothic and old Transylvanian architectural styles. The dark shades and spooky aesthetics create an ideal backdrop for those interested in crafting haunted mansions or vampire lairs.

The world is quite underwhelming in terms of space and variety, however. With only five lots available, two of which are already occupied by townies, there is little room for expansion or diverse builds. Despite its unique charm, this world struggles to offer the versatility and creative freedom found in other worlds.

24 Moonwood Mill

Rugged Charm, Minimal Room to Roam

• DLC: Werewolves
• Number of Lots: 5

From The Sims 4 Werewolves pack, Moonwood Mill offers a thematic yet constrained environment for builders to unleash their creations. This world features dark, grungy aesthetics that perfectly align with the werewolf theme. All five lots of this world have been designed by the alpha wolf himself, James Turner (TheSimsSupply), who has previously built lots for Mt. Komorebi.

Much like Forgotten Hollow, Moonwood Mill leaves much to be desired in terms of building opportunities. The limited space is a significant drawback, especially given the ample room on the map that could have accommodated additional lots. While the existing atmosphere captures the rugged, untamed essence of the pack, the lack of buildable space makes this world a tough sell for players seeking variety and creative freedom.

23 Glimmerbrook

Magical Vibes, Minimal Space to Build

• DLC: Realm of Magic
• Number of Lots: 5

Unfortunately, Glimmerbrook ranks low among builders due to its severe lack of space. With just five lots — three residential, one bar, and one empty — it offers minimal opportunities for creativity, especially for players excited about the magical theme of the Realm of Magic game pack. While its secluded woodland aesthetic and vibrant colors create a beautiful atmosphere, the single neighborhood feels constraining and underwhelming.

The Magic Realm game pack, while visually stunning, is not designed for building, further diminishing the world’s usefulness for creative players. For a world tied to such a niche and enchanting theme, the lack of lot variety and room for expansion is a significant letdown. Glimmerbrook’s untapped potential leaves builders wishing for more space to bring their mystical visions to life.

22 Oasis Springs

A Balmy Desert Climate

• DLC: Base Game
• Number of Lots: 21

Oasis Springs is one of the three worlds that comes free with the base game. Inspired by the Southwestern desert towns of the United States of America, this massive world has a total of 21 lots for players to build on. These lots are separated into six different neighborhoods and even feature a secret hidden world that players can build on using Sims 4 building cheats.

Although the world is vast and allows plenty of room for players to create beautiful-looking homes, Oasis Springs comes off as dull. The builders who thrive in suburbia may find the sandy floors to be a much-needed change of environment, but it is one of the least vibrant worlds that The Sims 4 has to offer. Sims players, and builders especially, desire a fresh experience beyond the colorless Western world.

21 Willow Creek

Classic Charm, But Creativity Hits a Ceiling

• DLC: Base Game
• Number of Lots: 21

Willow Creek ranks low among building worlds in The Sims 4 despite its generous total of 21 lots, including 16 residential and 5 community spaces. As one of the base game’s original worlds, its New Orleans-inspired setting and French Colonial architecture add charming aesthetics but lack the depth and thematic vibrancy seen in later DLC worlds.

While the bayou backdrop and diverse lot sizes offer some creative potential, this Sims 4 world feels dated and uninspired compared to more dynamic and feature-rich locations added in expansions. Its design reflects the limitations of the game’s early development, making it a less exciting choice for builders seeking variety or innovation.

20 San Sequoia

Charming Design, But Room to Grow Is Limited

• DLC: Growing Together
• Number of Lots: 12

Again, due to its limited size and lot availability, San Sequoia finds itself rather low in this ranking with only 12 lots: nine residential, one rental, and two community lots. The smaller map and lot sizes feel at odds with the Growing Together expansion pack’s theme of large, multigenerational families, leaving builders craving more space for expansive family homes.

While the world’s American Craftsman-inspired architecture and San Francisco Bay Area influence provide charm, its potential is undercut by these restrictions. San Sequoia stands out slightly with its beautifully crafted lots built by Simmers like Deligracy, lilsimsie, and Dzidziak86, giving the world a unique touch. It’s not the worst world because of its aesthetic appeal and the thoughtful design of its existing lots, but the lack of room to grow prevents it from ranking higher.

19 Mt. Komorebi

Japanese-Inspired Buildings With a Frigid Twist

• DLC: Snowy Escape
• Number of Lots: 14

This winter wonderland world’s snowy landscapes, serene lakes, and picturesque views create an inspiring canvas for building unique homes. The blend of traditional Japanese architecture and modern design allows builders to create a multitude of diverse builds. Players can design cozy lodges that cater to winter sports enthusiasts or serene retreats that add depth and functionality to the world.

Of the 14 available lots to build on (and three extra hidden mountain lots), several were created by Simmers in the community. This includes YouTubers like Deligracy, James Turner, Simlicy, and Lilsimsie. Builders who find themselves constrained by the complex style and small lot sizes have plenty of other beautiful worlds to create their builds in.

18 Granite Falls

A World To Camp, Glamp, And Make Memories

• DLC: Outdoor Retreat
• Number of Lots : 6

Granite Falls is a woodsy world that campers flock to when planning vacations and getaways. Sims can pitch their tents in the middle of the woods or rent a log cabin for their stay. Despite its disappointingly small size, there are plenty of camping activities that Sims can do in this world. Builders can take advantage of the large lot sizes and the build/buy items from this game pack to design log cabin-themed rental houses and outdoorsy community lots.

Unfortunately, players who enjoy the woodland aesthetic cannot have their Sims move into this world permanently, which severely affects its rating among the best worlds to build in. Using mods and cheats, players can change the lot type of their builds to add residential lots and community centers like an outdoor bar or a dog park.

17 Evergreen Harbor

Eco-Friendly Towns And Industrial Architecture

• DLC: Eco Lifestyle
• Number of Lots: 15

Evergreen Harbor is the Pacific Northwestern world that came from the Eco Lifestyle expansion. This environment is a good place for builders to experiment with the world’s industrial architectural style. Many builders have made some unconventional builds here, like houses made out of shipping containers.

There are seven residential lots, four community lots, and four apartment units available for players to test their skills on. Simmers were delighted to see the return of apartment buildings for their Sims, which were once exclusive to those who owned the City Living expansion. If players prioritize the world’s eco-footprint, Evergreen Harbor has excellent lighting for builders. Admire the view of the harbor and evergreen forest.

16 Chestnut Ridge

A Horse Haven, But Builders Seek More Variety

• DLC: Horse Ranch
• Number of Lots: 13

The world of Chestnut Ridge lands at 16th in this ranking, making it a middle-tier world for builders in The Sims 4. Inspired by the arid deserts of the Southwestern United States, it offers a unique focus on equestrian activities, with open spaces, long roads to practice the Horse Riding skills, and built-in hurdles and barrels in public areas. Its 13 lots — nine residential, one rental, and three community — provide a decent but not exceptional range of building opportunities.

However, the Southwestern aesthetic and architectural style, while beautiful, feel overly familiar to seasoned builders who have seen similar themes in previous worlds. The world’s overall layout and design lack the versatility and innovation needed to inspire standout builds. Chestnut Ridge isn’t the worst for building, but its repetitive aesthetic and limited appeal prevent it from climbing higher in this ranking.

15 Selvadorada

A Golden Jungle Filled With Potential

• DLC: Jungle Adventure
• Number of Lots: 7

From the Jungle Adventure game pack, Selvadorada finds itself in the middle of this ranking for its rich cultural and architectural theme, despite its limited size of only seven lots. Surrounded by sprawling jungles and Omiscan ruins, the world offers a distinct aesthetic inspired by ancient civilizations and Spanish colonial design.

While its small number of lots might deter some builders, its thematic focus provides a unique opportunity to create builds that draw from ancient civilizations or lush, tropical settings. The world’s marketplace and hidden temples serve as beautiful backdrops that inspire creativity, even if the lot count and versatility don’t compete with larger worlds.

14 Tartosa

Craft Stunning Seaside Escapes Where Beauty and Bugs Coexist

• DLC: My Wedding Stories
• Number of Lots: 9

Tartosa offers builders a charming, if imperfect, canvas to place their builds. Inspired by coastal Mediterranean countries like Italy, Croatia, Southeastern Spain, and Southern France, Tartosa exudes a romantic atmosphere perfect for seaside vistas or quaint retreats. With nine lots, this world allows for a variety of build styles.

The lots, crafted by talented Simmers including Simlicy, Hey Harrie, icemunmun, and CatherineGamesYT, showcase diverse architectural influences. Despite the unfavorable opinions and bugs associated with the My Wedding Stories game pack, Tartosa’s versatility in building options ranks it above worlds with more constrained aesthetics. While it may not be the top choice for all builders, it remains a solid option for those seeking to create picturesque, summer homes.

13 Brindleton Bay

Picturesque Coastal Town With Furry Friends

• DLC: Cats and Dogs
• Number of Lots: 16

From the Cats and Dogs expansion pack, players can build in the coastal town of Brindleton Bay. The world is inspired by New England states, with the majority of the residential architecture mirroring Cape Cod’s style. This style typically features symmetrical designs, steep gabled roofs, and other details like dormer windows and cozy porches, offering a strong foundation for creating cohesive and picturesque homes.

There are a variety of lots and lot sizes in Brindleton Bay, ranging from tiny properties like 20×15 to the grand 64×64 lot with its own private beach. Design places for Sims to bring their pets, such as dog parks, vet clinics, and facilities for training or adopting animals. Expand upon the museum at Deadgrass Isle, complete with a lighthouse for curious adventurers and frisky Sims.

12 StrangerVille

A Mysterious Town With Some Strange Goings On

• DLC: StrangerVille
• Number of Lots: 12

The town of StrangerVille is shrouded in mystery and secrecy. Everything is… strange, from its people to its flora. Once again, The Sims 4 goes for a Southwestern-inspired world. Some are led to believe that the secret lab resembles Area 51, a base thought to harbor aliens and other government secrets.

StrangerVille is reported to have surprisingly ideal lighting for builders, who enjoy dabbling in trailer park builds and other unorthodox-looking homes. Take the “Old Penelope” lot, for example. After his plane had crash-landed on the outskirts of town, he set up camp in the plane’s cargo bay. The dev team built his home to look like plane ruins. Use creative skills to construct other strange builds like underground homes or even functional tree houses.

11 Copperdale

Building The Foundation For Big Dreams

• DLC: High School Years
• Number of Lots: 12

The town of Copperdale is a good middle-of-the-line choice for building in The Sims 4. Previously utilized for its mining industry, many players and their Sims like this world for its pier and amusement park with functioning rides, food stalls, and photo booths. Copperdale is a good place to build houses for big families that seek a small-town life with big-city dreams.

This world is also home to an active high school lot, where players can attend high school with their teens. Using cheats, builders can bulldoze the existing high school and rebuild the establishment of their dreams. There are 12 lots that players can choose from for their builds, each with various sizes and spacious backyards.

10 Britechester

Where Classic Academia Meets Creative Freedom

• DLC: Discover University
• Number of Lots: 13

The world of Britechester ranks as a versatile and engaging world for builders, inspired by the historic charm of British university towns like Oxford. Home to two distinct college campuses — the traditional University of Britechester and the modern Foxbury Institute — this world offers a rich canvas for academic and social life alike.

Builders can edit university dorms, design fraternity or sorority houses, and craft residences for multiple Sims, taking advantage of the ample lot space near the campuses. Britechester also boasts a variety of university-themed community lots, including libraries, pubs, and cafes. The blend of historical and contemporary architecture, coupled with the opportunity to create diverse living and social spaces, ensures that Britechester ranks well among worlds for building.

9 Del Sol Valley

Design Luxurious Estates and Trendy Hotspots

• DLC: Get Famous
• Number of Lots: 11

Inspired by cities like Los Angeles, Del Sol Valley offers builders a glamorous playground for crafting luxurious mansions and trendy community lots. With 11 spacious lots — six residential and five community — this world captures the essence of Hollywood’s glitz and glamour.

The large lot sizes provide ample space for starter homes in Mirage Park to sprawling mansions in The Pinnacles — a nod to the iconic Hollywood Hills — as Sims rise to fame. Del Sol Valley not only encourages creativity in architectural design but also offers rich storytelling opportunities as players guide their Sims from humble beginnings to stardom.

8 Tomarang

Endless Possibilities For Building and Renting

• DLC: For Rent
• Number of Lots: 9

Builders have been enjoying building in Tomarang, the world inspired by Southeast Asian countries like the Philippines and Indonesia, ever since its release. Rather than following the pattern of Western desert worlds, the team gifted Sims players with this work of art, encouraging players to diversify their builds to match different cultures and styles. The town has tons of lore that can be unlocked by using the Tomarang Truth social interactions.

The For Rent expansion also came with a new feature known as residential rentals. Experiment with this feature by building apartments and communal homes for multiple families to live in. The map of Tomarang is quite extensive, making it disappointing that only nine lots are available for building when other worlds have upwards of 20.