Snowy Escape SimGuru/Maxis-Sourced Info

The World: Mt. Komorebi

The 10th expansion pack introduces the majestic and serene world of Mt. Komorebi, a new location for Sims looking for a getaway from their everyday lives or a new dream home. - press release

https://twitter.com/SimGuruGeorge/status/1322021326706544640

Snowy Escapes Interactive Map with Venues
In Wakaba:

Like its namesake, Wakaba is young, new, and bright as the leaves of a tree in early springtime. This small town is up-and-coming in the region, home to beautiful, sleek new homes and an attractive town center featuring Mt. Komorebi’s official mascot: Yamachan. Tourists of all ages can enjoy the Festival of Youth, or simply take in the neighborhood’s natural beauty.

• Hazakura Lounge
  
• Rental lot:

  Visitors and out-of-towners can rent one of these lots for the day or stay for a vacation to experience the mountain. In fact, these new rental lot types will soon be available to be placed in any residential world, and some of them in Mt. Komorebi were built by our very own GameChangers—no more spoilers, though!

  
  
• 3 residential lots
  

In Senbamachi:

Senbamachi, the town of a thousand leaves, is the oldest in the region. Many locals enjoy the town’s connection to nature, especially with the bamboo forests surrounding the town and unique spritely creatures that make a home in their leaves. It's said that if you walk the local trails long enough, you’re bound to meet the guardians of the trees who reward those who love and respect their dwelling.

Senbamachi means "Thousand Leaves Town" - Gameplay blog

• Izakaya Ippai (bar)
  
• Hanamigawa Koen (park)
  
• 3 residential lots
  
• Mountain Temple

  This beautiful temple inspires many Sims to stop and reflect in its shadow. Swing by on a hike to take a selfie with this landmark or make a wish at the ema board

  
  
• Graveyard

  Many Sims pause to mourn or offer a gift in the graveyard while on a hike. And sometimes, just sometimes, Sims might encounter spirits like kodama or other forest spirits! (Just try not to get cursed.)

  
  
• Bamboo Forest

  The bamboo forest is an incredibly scenic destination for Sims on a hike. Listen to the sound of the trees rustling together, and keep an eye out for wildlife like bats, Japanese hornets, and denkimushi. (Make sure to carry spray repellents just in case!)/quote]
  

  Climbing Walls
  
  In Yukimatsu:
  

  The true beauty of the countryside can be seen from Yukimatsu, named for its snow-covered pines. Located on the slopes of Mt. Komorebi, this area offers gorgeous vacation rentals, a variety of snow sports, untamed wilderness, and a peaceful Onsen Bathhouse getaway. Whether it's relaxation in a hot spring, seeing the sights of the Snow Festival, or an exhilarating climb to Mt. Komorebi's highest peak, this year-round snowy wonderland has something for everyone.

  
  

  
  
  • Sutefani Onsen Bathhouse, with

    natural hot springs

    
    
  • Gondola

    Take this up to the top to reach the trails and start a mountain-climbing excursion to the peak of Mt. Komorebi!

    
    
  • Snow Slopes

    Stick to the bunny slope for sledding, or choose one of the four different trails at the top of the gondola for skiing and snowboarding. (Most beginners stick to the bunny slope as well while they learn to stay on their feet.)

    
    
  • Caves (not sure I put this in the right world)

    Hiking is the only way to reach these stunning caves. Playful Sims might shout into the depths to hear their voices echo back at them while mindful Sims can take a moment for themselves.

    
    
  • 2 rental lots
    
  • Hiking Trails
    

  
  https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1321594866065788929
  
  From the Livestream:
  Wakaba = "Young Leaves"
  - river is swimmable
  Senbamachi = "Thousand Leaf Town"
  Yukimatsu neighbourhood: always snowy, always chilly
  - mountaintop lot can built on but is not map accessible
  - Mountain Snow in more remote areas
  - Can run into Forest Spirits on the mountainside
  
  https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322264310278619136
  https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322264183073697793
  
  All lots were built by Simmers with some direction from in-house.
  Rental/Residential
  

  Rent one of the vacation lots or build your own home when you arrive in Mt. Komorebi! Find inspiration all around town for your next project, whatever it is. - blog post

  
  

  The first world in The Sims 4 to introduce both residential homes and rental lots for vacationers, Mt. Komorebi offers three new primary neighborhoods for Sims to take their dream vacation or make the winter locale their home. - press release

  
  
  

  these new rental lot types will soon be available to be placed in any residential world - Interactive map

  
  
  From the Livestream:
  - Can build Rental lots in any world (patch), but can't turn Destination Worlds into residential
  - Can rent in same world you build in
  - Can order Supplies from a mailbox when on vacation, including Toddler beds, potties.
  
  https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1322416412732739584
  
  Weather
  

  Do remember to dress appropriately, though—depending on where you are, it sure can get cold here! - blog post

  
  

  The weather gets worse the higher you climb, and you may end up caught in a thundersnow storm. ... They’re intense blizzards that take place in the middle of a thunderstorm. - Gameplay blog

  
  https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322266338908278784

Gameplay

Snow activities

Breathe in that fresh mountain air and start working on your Sim's rock climbing, skiing, and snowboarding skills. They'll want to level up if they ever intend to explore anything bigger than the easy practice courses. Once they’ve gotten the hang of it, take the gondola up to the bigger ski runs and the climbing routes to the peak. Even wipeouts look cool up there… probably. But when Sims get really good, show off with a light-up board and the chicest snow gear.

It’s not just for adults, either. Children can ski and snowboard on the less challenging trails while parents take their toddlers sledding! It’s snow fun for everyone. - blog post

Livestream:
- Bunny slope is for starting out in skiing & snowboarding skills.
- Don't have to wait for Toddlers to climb to the top of the slope for Sledding - Sims will carry them.
- Different ranks of slopes and ski/snowboard intensity
- Don't have to buy skiis/boards. Auto-rental costs, will get sore after a while (SimGuruPJ)
- can purchase from vending machine near gondola (SimGuruPJ)
- get cool equipment through skill (SimGuruPJ)
- lower intensity is safer, higher intensity have more exciting moves (SimGuruPJ)
- Can choose to video your skiing/snowbaording, upload it, get fame (SimGuruThomas)
- Snow Bros have perks, interactions, can endure injuries, hype up for energy (SimGuruThomas)

SNOWBOARDING AND DOWNHILL SKIING

The way a Sim travels down a slope varies, and they may take a different route each time, adding to the immersion of the game. - Screenrant, based on Maxis presentation

SLEDDING

team up with another Sim on the sleds - store page

Other activities
HIKING

Even the hiking trails just outside of town offer something new every time. Explore bamboo forests, pause to reflect at the graveyard, or visit the mountain temple with friends to get the full experience. - blog post

unwind with a meditative hike through bamboo forests to take control of your emotions and find your zen - store page

The sign at the trailhead lays out all the different places you can visit, and there’s so much to see along the way. Once you’ve chosen a destination, take it easy and relax into the moment with each other. The best part about hiking is being together with friends and family. ... Denkimushi aka electric bugs. She forgot her spray, so she kinda… got zapped. She's still a bit mad at me for leading her through that area unprepared, but she'll come around. Probably. - Gameplay blog

A hike can be "meditative or energetic" - Gameplay blog

Livestream:
- includes hiking together, hiking to specific locations, trail jogging, meditative walking, which can get Sim into emotionally mindful state.
- "Hiking with" is social, builds relationships, take selfies at spots, check trail maps.
- Can leave wish at one board.
- Before you go, can get Daily Wildlife Report at an info board

CLIMBING AND EXCURSIONS

Build their rock climbing skill and challenge your Sim to reach the mountain peak during daring, sometimes dangerous excursions. - key features

The Summit

... beginner’s climbing course in Yukimatsu! If you want to head up to the peak of Mt. Komorebi, you’re going to need those skills. Group excursions usually start at the onsen ... Dress warmly and bring a few snacks to tide you over.

Take the gondola up to the top of the ski slopes, where you’ll find the first climbing obstacle. After that, there’s a series of challenges awaiting you. ... Rest at the base camps along the way... There are caves and other surprises on the way up. (For instance, you might find a secluded little spot for a quick Woo-Hoo up there—something about life-and-death danger really gets some Sims going. ?)

Don’t undertake this excursion lightly, though! The weather gets worse the higher you climb, and you may end up caught in a thundersnow storm. Yes, you read that right. They’re intense blizzards that take place in the middle of a thunderstorm. And with the lightning and the booming and the wind… it gets really dangerous while you’re clinging to the side of a cliff for dear life. And if you fall from these heights… it doesn’t bear thinking about. Just be careful. - Gameplay blog

Livestream:
- Climbing routes are spread throughout this world. Beginner one is near the slopes.
- Diff. styles of climbing and difficulties at diff. skill levels (SimGuruNickP)
- Diff. difficulty from wall heights (SimGuruNickP)
- Inspecting wall gives sense of chance of success (SimGuruNickP)
- Practice: repeatedly climb up and back again (SimGuruNickP)
- Courageous approach takes more risk, can gain more skill (SimGuruNickP)

https://twitter.com/SimGuruGeorge/status/1322308279427452928

Mountain Climb Excursion social event
Livestream:
- takes place in multiple locations
- Excursions can change from trip to trip
- Weather conditions can affect climbing success, e.g., ice
- Caves might include treasure, tents won't always be there, weather can vary, what's in the Ice Cave could vary e.g., hermit (SimGuruJessica)
- Base Camp 1 brings new set of event goals
- At each excursion section, you can get rewards and other incentives (SimGuruJessica)
- Mountaintop lot can be edited but isn't accessed from the map

Wildlife Encounters
Livestream:
- incl. Giant Hornets, Denkimushi (dangerous critters that shock people), Bats (which can injure you)
- Vending machines sell defences, salves and balms

Getting Injured
Livestream:
- Injuries stack, can prevent mountain excursion success
- from Vending machines, rock climbing, bats, skiing/snowboarding

ONSEN BATHHOUSE

Hit up the the onsen bathhouse to soak your Sim’s problems (and injuries!) away. Is there anything better than watching the steam rise into the cold night above after a long day? - blog post

natural hot springs - store page

Livestream:
- new venue type
- Sims may notice if you don't follow etiquette of showering before entering Hot Springs

Re. the showering rule:
https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322273054370590720
https://twitter.com/SimGuruPJ/status/1322282346842787840

Re. swimsuits in the shower:
https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322299640297922561


FESTIVALS
- mentioned in the quiz

In Wakaba:

If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to hit up the Festival of Youth in the main plaza. Kids will love meeting Yamachan, the town mascot, and joining the Voidcritter Hunt. While they’re off doing that, you can check out the vending machine collectibles or try the festival-exclusive character crepes, too! - Gameplay blog

In Senbamachi:

Festival of Lights to admire the beauty around you. This tradition helps us remember the dead and celebrate the light. In the evening, there are fireworks, and you can watch the lanterns float along the river. Remember to make a wish for the future at the tanabata tree. - Gameplay blog

From the Livestream:
- Festival of Youth includes Voidcritter Hunt for Children - Get 10 and go back to the mascot! (SimGuruPopcorn)
- Each festival has a unique Vending Machine
- Festival of Snow includes paper lanterns on river, fireworks, new food stalls with new recipes, vending machine with new clothes
- Info boards show when next festival is

Sim Profile
- New UI, can see Sentiments in it - Livestream

Lifestyles

Lifestyles manifest in response to your Sim's actions and habits, changing their behaviors appropriately. - key features

For the first time, up to 16 Lifestyles will manifest in response to a Sim’s actions and habits, changing their behaviors significantly more than Create a Sim traits as they reflect a Sim’s lived experiences. - press release

Gameplay Trailer screenshot:
https://twitter.com/StormyDayzGamez/status/1321470562019979267

I grew up learning to snowboard on the bunny slope here. Of course, I spent a lot of time wiping out at first, but now you can find me up on the mountain for at least a few hours a day! It just became part of my Lifestyle as I made it a habit over time. - Gameplay blog

We all have our own Lifestyle, and Mt. Komorebi offers something for everyone. Even just looking around in Yukimatsu, you can see Outdoorsy Sims enjoying a hike, Workaholic salarymen glued to their computers, Junk Food Fiends grabbing snacks from vending machines, and Energetic Sims (like me!) flying down the mountain. - Gameplay blog

Lifestyles are based on a Sim's experiences and behaviors and influence what a Sim will do when fully autonomous and how they will feel in certain situations. Lifestyles include things like Workaholic, Frequent Traveler, and Adrenaline Seeker. Sims can have up to three at a time, and as their habits change, their Lifestyles will also shift. Sims can also change their Lifestyle using a reward potion or by calling a lifestyle coach. This feature is currently exclusive to the Snowy Escape pack. - Screenrant, based on a Maxis presentation

Livestream:
- 16 total lifestyles, incl. Workaholic, Frequent Traveler
- all exclusive to EP
- Unlike Traits, which are intrinsic, Lifestyles are lived experience, habits
- Vacationing in same world doesn't affect Frequent Traveler lifestyle
- not permanent, can change as experiences do
- can be removed with potions (SimGuruMorgan)
- can get Lifestyle Coaching on the phone (SimGuruMorgan)
- can shift-click to add/remove (SimGuruMorgan)
- Game Option can turn them off altogether (SimGuruMorgan)

Sentiments

Shared experiences inspire Sentiments and have a lasting impact on Sims' relationships to each other, affecting their social interactions. - key features

Sentiments represent how two Sims can feel differently about the outcome of a shared experience and have a lasting impact on Sims’ relationships to each other, affecting their social interactions. - press release

All players will get the opportunity to experience Sentiments, though there will be expanded options if players opt for the DLC. Sentiments are feelings different Sims will have about shared experiences. While one Sim might reminisce on a moment with fondness, another may become sad. Now, when Sims share time together, the moments can mean more and affect their moods later on. - Screenrant, based on a Maxis presentation

Livestream:
- Some are exclusive to SE
- are not permanent, can decay and strengthen, can last up to weeks
- can have four at a time with a Sim, what stays depends on what experiences were most powerful (SimGuruMorgan)

Careers, Traits, Ambitions, etc.
There are new careers and ambitions. - Screenrant, based on Maxis presentation

TRAITS
- ]Livestream
Utensil preference includes new styles of chopsticks or standard cutlery. City Living uses chopsticks with specific recipes; this EP's can be used with way more recipes.
- Legendary Stamina (Reward Trait?)
- Adventurous
- Proper: very respectful, prefer Respectful Greeting, don't like improper behaviour, more flirting options e.g. court (SimGuruPopcorn)
- Sims who become Emotionally Mindful can put themselves in any emotion they want with a Surge Emotion self-interaction "like the Hulk". Mindful walking, Hot Springs, painting, massage and Wellness skill (Spa Day) also contribute. (SimGuruPJ)

ASPIRATIONS
Livestream
Mt. Komorebi Sightseer
Extreme Sports Enthusiast

CAREER
Livestream
Salaryperson, a rabbithole career - long hours, long commutes, late nights
- can be a Supervisor or Expert
- new home tasks
- can dance to company anthem (SimGuruNickP)
- New fitness activities, e.g., exercise to decompress, are related (SimGuruNickP)

Objects and Build/Buy, CAS and Premades

Buy Mode

both modern and traditional furniture options - blog post

- New science table (Livestream)

KOTATSU TABLE & HOT POT

make sure to add a cozy kotatsu table for group meals like hot pot - blog post

https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1318571868564025344

From Livestream:
- A social experience, Sims socialize while it cooks in the middle of the table
- Hotpot is live draggable, can put on counters, tables (SimGuruPopcorn)
- Table can replace regular dining table.
- Keeps Sims warm.
- Table upgrades include being unbreakable, more temperature controls, insulation gives stronger & longer happy buff. (SimGuruSarah)

https://twitter.com/SimGuruGeorge/status/1322308279427452928

VENDING MACHINES
From the Livestream:
- Can be dangerous when you shake them. Injury stacks over time, can result in death. Stacks with other injuries in the pack as well. Vending Machine can be "final one that does you in." (SimGuruMorgan)
- Hot and cold food Vending Machines - items will heat/cool Sims - e.g., hot tea. They (the foods) will not kill you. (SimGuruMorgan)
- Foods are all hand-held (SimGuruMorgan)

Build Mode

New features like shoji doors, tile roofs, and tatami mats lean into the Japanese inspiration behind the pack, and going forward, you can also start playing with customizable platforms! - blog post

shoji doors, windows and screens, tatami mats and paper lanterns - press release

Vending machines also make a comeback in this pack, and players can purchase not only food, but also collectible creatures, bug sprays to keep away the new giant hornets and other critters, and snowboards. - Screenrant, based on Maxis presentation

PLATFORMS

customizable platforms! - blog post

Platforms will be patched in. - Screenrant, based on Maxis presentation
From the Livestream:
- Clearance above platform can stop taller Sims getting somewhere while kids can still get there. (SimGuruAzure)
- Platforms can be built on any build level. (SimGuruAzure)
- Platforms can be stacked on each other, accessed with stairs (but not needed if one stair height)
- Platform Trims available (sidings), can match outdoor foundations plus some new ones
- Can raise and lower platforms, for sinking below floor level
- Can be built in apartments (SimGuruAzure)
- Sims can interact between floor heights, including Sims watching from "stage" (SimGuruAzure)

https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322275119906000896
https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322274363979128837

HALF WALLS
- Now in many more sizes, to put along any Platform height (Livestream)

SHOES

Take your shoes off at the genkan entryway - key features

- Shoes off and indoor slippers rules can be set on any lot, not limited to new world (Livestream)

https://twitter.com/SimGuruGeorge/status/1322431173805502465

CAS

Players can look forward to more than 130 new Create a Sim items to create various looks to keep their Sims warm and stylish including winter activity wear and both modern everyday and traditional Japanese-inspired fashion. - press release

School uniforms new and unique to this world - Livestream

Premades
From The Sims Instragram, the premade featured in the gameplay trailer is Hina K.:

We all want to travel. Now more so than ever. Places we want to go, People we want to see, and things we want to do. If we’re lucky, we call that place home. For me, it’s Mt. Komorebi. And I am VERY lucky. This video only scratches on the surface of my world, click the link in the profile for my traveler guide?

Welcome to Mt. Komorebi - Slow down to take it all in, or rush into the adventure of a lifetime! ?

Xoxo, Hina K. *

*caption & trailer translated from Simlish. #Sims4SnowyEscape

Mascots
From the Livestream:
Yamachan mascot background: Was an explorer looking for somewhere to settle, good dancer, helps run Festival of Youth, loves ramen (SimGuruPopcorn)
- Even Toddlers can get mascot selfies

Miscellaneous

Food (also see Hotpot above)
- some new foods visible in the trailer

Hot pot. Sukiyaki is my favorite, but mostly I enjoy it because it’s perfect for a nice meal together. You can cook it right at the kotatsu table where you’re warm and comfy...
Lots of folks like to use chopsticks when they’re eating, but your utensil choice is ultimately up to you. (I just think it just makes picking up maki rolls easier.) And some foods, like yummy taiyaki, you can hold in your hands! - Gameplay blog

Music
"traditional Japanese folk music" - Gameplay blog

New music added to S-Pop station, and the new music in the station is being added to the base game (The City Living songs will not be) - Livestream

New Deaths

Sims fans will also be delighted to learn Death by Vending Machine, a classic Sims death, is also part of this pack. - Screenrant, based on Maxis presentation

Livestream:
- Death by Vending Machine
- Death by Falling in rock climbing


New Fish
Koi can go in fountains - Livestream

New Collections
Livestream:
- Simmis: can buy in capsules in Vending Machines, including rare gold versions of each of the 12.
- Forest Spirits: Can run into Forest Spirits on the mountainside, a Collectible - can grab them and get a spirit doll version to hang on your walls

New Woohoo Spot
Ice Cave - Livestream

Collaboration and Consultation
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1318208993513197575
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1321932229052784645
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1321933241444573185
https://twitter.com/JamesTurnerYT/status/1322143084285747205
https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1321881387872387072
https://twitter.com/Simproved/status/1322939844297920517

On cultural representation:
https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1318279295182098432

Pack Changes Post-Trailer
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1319730336549330946
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1319730338508107776
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1319730340835962882

Not in the Pack
https://twitter.com/SimGuruAzure/status/1322260545601351681

https://twitter.com/SimmerWill/status/1323975491662024705
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1324079077163110401
https://twitter.com/SimGuruGraham/status/1324079107055915009

Hey, @luthienrising can anyone say if this image is real or not?
https://twitter.com/alalasims/status/1318212882539171845

https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1318251358051467266?s=19

On representation of an Asian culture:
https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1318279295182098432

There are new kitchen counters
https://twitter.com/SimGuruFrost/status/1318571868564025344?s=20

Thread is now up to date with all the various blogs/press releases/ etc. :)