All rules from 1980s still stand with the following changes:
- Home/Building
- Computers are allowed for socializing, and laptops are now allowed. Plopsy is also now available.
- Television time restrictions are lifted.
- All restrictions on showers, appliances, furniture, are lifted.
- Conspiracy theorist paraphernalia and decor is now allowed.
- Kids Radio, Alternative, World Music, and S-Pop music are allowed.
- Kids Network, Cooking Channel, and World Culture Network TV channels are allowed.
- Career
- Permitted careers for any Sims:
- Actor
- Astronaut (Space Ranger)
- Athlete (either branch)
- Business (either branch)
- Civil Designer (either branch)
- Criminal (either branch)
- Critic (either branch)
- Culinary (either branch)
- Detective
- Doctor
- Education (either branch)
- Engineer (either branch)
- Entertainer (either branch)
- Freelancer (all branches)
- Gardener (either branch)
- Interior Decorator
- Law (either branch)
- Military (Officer)
- Military (Covert Operator) – males only
- Painter (either branch)
- Politics (either branch)
- Salaryperson (either branch)
- Scientist
- Secret Agent (either branch)
- Tech Guru (Start-Up Entrepreneur)
- Veterinarian
- Writing (either branch)
- Permitted part-time work for any Sims:
- Babysitter
- Barista
- Diver
- Fast Food Employee
- Fisherman
- Lifeguard
- Manual Laborer
- Retail Employee
- Men are allowed to take paternity leave after children are born.
- Permitted careers for any Sims:
- Miscellaneous
- Y2K: When your oldest Teen is about to become a Young Adult (or when you hit the second half of 1998), the family must prepare for the Y2K Disaster.
- Build a temporary shelter using the cheapest furniture: no computers allowed.
- The entire family must not leave the shelter for the three days leading up to 2000. No school, no work.
- Babies may only be born at home if they are born during the 3 days in the shelter – otherwise they must still be born at the hospital.
- Cell phones can be used for texting.
- Kids tablets are allowed.
- With the rise of the Internet, pet clothing is a thing. You can dress your pets in more than a collar.
- Play dates are allowed.
- You may use the electronic backdrop in photo studios.
- Bubble tea is allowed.
- Diaper pails are allowed.
- Y2K: When your oldest Teen is about to become a Young Adult (or when you hit the second half of 1998), the family must prepare for the Y2K Disaster.