The Sims 4 Burglar Update Brings Back Iconic Feature, Adds Robin Banks

Hide your valuables, “The Sims 4″ is finally adding an iconic feature fans of the early days of the game franchise have been clamoring for: the burglar.

In “The Sims,” “The Sims 2,” and “The Sims 3,” the burglar character who sneaks into houses, usually at night when Sims are asleep, to steal household items is a staple among the many different highs and lows of a Sim’s life. But the feature had yet to be incorporated in the current iteration of the game, “The Sims 4,” which came out more than 10 years ago. With a new free base game update released Tuesday, the burglar, now named Robin Banks, is back.

“The burglars have been part of ‘The Sims’ since Day 1. Right on the cover of the first ‘Sims’ game, there’s the burglar,” “The Sims 4” senior game design director Loel Phelps told Variety. “And as we’re thinking about the anniversary event, it was really important to think about all those big nostalgic beats that we don’t yet have in ‘The Sims 4’ and we built that anniversary event thinking about, how do we get all of the disparate concepts to the player in a way that’s fun and flavorful? So the burglar was one of the first things that came up in that conversation, like, how do we get the alarm clock and the dress from the Calientes and all of these little bits in there? So it really was kind of the capstone of the anniversary event, that this is the thing that players really want. I read it every day on all the forums and all the videos that people make — burglars are really at the top of that list. So it was really an opportunity for us to have a little fun with the story of bringing things back and and really highlighting and bringing back that whimsy that I know players are always trying to get into the game.”

With fans asking about bringing back burglars pretty much since “The Sims 4” launched more than a decade ago, why did the team wait until now to grant their wish?

“We’re always looking for the right fits,” Phelps said. “And we’ve had this season of love, we started with EP [expansion pack] 16, ‘Lovestruck.’ We kind of moved into the world of death with ‘Life & Death.’ And now we’re kind of in the in the era of motherlode or taxes or finance with ‘Business & Hobbies’ and that really connects very well with burglars. So it was a really natural fit to kind of have it at the end of of this three seasons we’ve been working on.”

So does that mean other features that were in previous installments of “The Sims” franchise but have yet to make it to “The Sims 4,” including cars, will be coming later as another anniversary present to players?

“That’s a great question,” Phelps said. “I think we’re focused on the burglar today, but one of the things I spend most of my time doing is paying attention to what the community is asking for. So I’m fully aware of pretty much every request that exists. I got a long list of things that we try to find the right place for”

Phelps says there are more than 50 different ways sims will react to the burglar character showing up, his favorite being tied to the “Cottage Living” expansion pack, where “the chickens and the llamas and the cows are running away trying to go back into their houses, goats just running wild off into the field”

While you don’t have to have the latest expansion pack “Businesses & Hobbies” to get burgled, as Robin Banks is a part of the free base game update released Tuesday, Phelps says the burglar will have specific features you can enjoy if you get the paid add-on: “You have new places to be robbed and have to reopen your small businesses. You got to put that burglar alarm down, otherwise you’re going to lose it all and that fear aspect really plays well into running a business.”

Read the EA blog announcement from “The Sims 4” designers about the burglar’s return below.

Sul Sul, Simmers

It’s Xènia here – Designer and longtime Simmer – to talk about why today is a big day for The Sims 4! If you’ve ever missed those suspenseful moments when your Sim’s peaceful night was interrupted by tense music and a sneaky presence, we’ve got great news: the Burglar is back! And the best part? It’s in the base game, so it’s free for everyone with today’s update.

The Burglar is an iconic Sim featured in The Sims, The Sims 2, and The Sims 3 who sneaks into houses, usually at night when Sims are asleep, to steal household items. As a longtime Sims player, I have wanted to bring the Burglar to The Sims 4. You could say I’ve been stealing moments to pitch this idea from the very start! Even during my job interview, I asked “What would it take to bring the Burglar back?” Now, The Sims team can proudly say the Burglar is back just in time for our 25th Birthday, shipping alongside The Sims 4 Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack. —and trust me, it’s worth the wait.

Everything you need to know about the Burglar

So, how does the Burglar operate in The Sims 4? Here’s what you need to know. The infamous Robin Banks (yep, that’s her name—we couldn’t resist) only strikes at night, sneaking into your Sim’s home while everyone is fast asleep (or even if they are awake!). Before you know it, she’ll be grabbing whatever’s valuable and making her escape.

How to foil that midnight mischief

The Burglar can be arrested by the police if one of your Sims calls promptly. For those who want to play it safe, the Burglar Alarm is back too! Place one in your Sim’s home for extra protection because the only way to guarantee the police get to the crime scene in time is by installing a Burglar Alarm. Handy Sims can upgrade the alarm to do all sorts of useful things: automatically call the police, reduce the chance of it breaking, or even zap the Burglar, forcing her to drop the stolen goods.

Prefer to handle the situation yourself? No problem—your Sims can take action whether it’s waking up to call the cops (who may or may not catch the thief) or getting into a one-on-one fight, your Sims have options. Pro tip: Sims who’ve been hitting the gym have a better chance of winning those fights!

Special Sims can unleash new defenses

Stopping the Burglar will feel unique depending on who’s in the household. Special Sims bring even more exciting possibilities.

Even Sims without superpowers have fun reactions. Teenagers might stop to take a selfie with the Burglar before bolting to safety. Talk about stealing the spotlight!

Iconic characters like Agnes Crumplebottom and Bonehilda won’t run—they’re ready to fight! In total, we’ve included over 50 unique reactions across the base game and 17 different packs, along with 37 player-directed interactions. Who knew a bit of thievery could add so much character to your game?

Burglar visits are rare because we want those moments to stand out. But for those of you who thrive on chaos, we’ve got you covered with the new Lot Challenge, Heist Havoc. Turn this on, and not only will the Burglar visit more often, but even trusty Alarms might start acting up. You’ve been warned!

We are so thrilled to finally bring the Burglar back into The Sims universe. Sending a special shout out to our full team for making this a reality. Robin Banks isn’t just ready to rob your Sims’ houses—she’s here to steal your hearts too! What better way to celebrate The Sims 25th Birthday than with this nostalgic yet fresh addition? We hope you’re as excited as we are to see what kind of chaos Robin Banks will bring to your households.

Dag Dag,

Xènia

FAQ

Do I need to own Business & Hobbies to get the Burglar in-game?

No, the Burglar update will be available to all Simmers as part of today’s base game update!

Is there anything new with how the Burglar works in The Sims 4?

There are quite a few new updates with how the Burglar works in The Sims 4! First, there will be updated music accompanying the Burglar when they spawn on your lot. In addition, there is the new Heist Havoc Lot Challenge that will spawn the Burglar on your lot at a higher rate.

Similar to before, Burglar Alarms can be installed on Sims’ lots to help keep their belongings safe, but now you can upgrade the alarm to reduce the chance of it breaking, automatically call the police, or even zap the Burglar! In addition, you’ll be able to upgrade your Burglar Alarms so they break less often.

In addition, Sims can now take justice into their own hands, and special Sims can unleash their own defenses, as we’ve outlined in our dev diary!

Are any new items or functionality coming to the base game to support the Burglar? (e.g. Burglar Alarms, Smart Cameras, etc.)

Police Officers will be returning to the game to help tackle those pesky Burglars! You will also be able to install Burglar Alarms on tour Sims’ Residential or Small Business Venue (in the Businesses & Hobbies Expansion Pack) lots to keep their belongings safe.

Is there anything that the Burglar can’t steal?

Most build objects cannot be stolen – such as outdoor plants that are planted directly in the ground, windows, lights, elevators, etc.

Can you befriend Robin Banks?

Yes, you will be able to interact with and befriend Robin Banks! You can even add Robin Banks to your household. If you do this, another Burglar will generate to take Robin’s place, or a Sim that already exists in the world with the right traits who is unplayed can fulfill the role. New burglars will spawn with the same traits but a random appearance and name.

Can Robin Banks die? If so, will she regenerate?

Yes, Robin Banks can die, and yes, she will regenerate. Similar to Father Winter there will be a new Burglar with similar traits that will be randomly generated if this happens.