EA has announced the Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack for The Sims 4, set to release on February 12, 2026. The pack introduces dynasties, scandals, and royal intrigue in a new world called Ondarion. This comes after backlash over EA's acquisition by investors linked to conservative values.
EA unveiled The Sims 4's first major expansion of 2026, titled the Royalty & Legacy Expansion Pack, promising familial dynasties, scandal, and intrigue. It launches for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox on February 12 at $39.99 (around £34.99). Purchases between January 15 and March 15 include a free upgrade to the Grand Bundle, featuring the expansion, Regal Treasures Digital Content DLC with items like A Crown of Leaves and Sparkles and the Enemies to Lovers Practice Dummy, plus kits for Tea Time Solarium and Silver Screen Style.
The announcement arrives amid controversy from EA's acquisition last year by investors, including Saudi Arabia's investment fund and Donald Trump's son-in-law. High-profile Sims 4 content creators have pushed back, citing concerns over the new owners' conservative and anti-LGBTQIA+ values clashing with the game's inclusive community. The development team has insisted it retains full creative control, stating its "values of inclusivity [have] not changed."
At the core is the new world of Ondarion, a coastal region divided into three neighborhoods: art-loving Dambele, Verdemar with heroic outlaws and cunning nobles, and opulent Bellacorde. Each is ruled by dynasties vying for Ondarion's throne. Players can pursue the Noble Career, rising from Noble Newcomer to Kingdom Leader through scheming, alliances, Royal Duties, and earning Favour across worlds. Higher ranks attract rivals, necessitating the new Swordsmanship skill, while Powershifts occur based on actions.
Additional features include ballroom dancing, sword fighting tournaments, teleport-style secret passages, and a Dynasty System for designating heirs, expelling Sims, or usurping leadership to maintain Prestige. The Scandal System lets rumours affect Prestige, relationships, and careers; Sims can deny, apologize, or weaponize them against rivals. New Create-a-Sim options, building items, and a Backroom Lot—innocent by day, raucous at night—round out the pack.