On The Case: A Family Affair
April 18, 2026
Sul Sul…
It seems that the mysterious machinations of a certain Sim weren't limited only to the Landgraab Manor...
Across SimTown, businesses are thriving. The salon is fully booked, the deli can barely keep up with orders, and the boxing gym keeps its lights on well past closing.
Normally, that would be good news.
But when the same names keep appearing behind every successful new business venture, Detective Anya Case suspects it's time to asking questions about the Altos.
The On The Case series continues with A Family Affair. The investigation moves beyond the manor and into the neighborhood, where busy storefronts and familiar faces start to form a pattern… and someone seems very interested in keeping it that way.
But, before we get caught up in this new mystery, let's take a look at what else is coming in this update…
More Community Spaces Glow Up
Some familiar places are looking a little brighter lately. With Enhanced Lighting, several Community Spaces across SimTown now feature a richer atmosphere and a warmer, more natural lighting.
You’ll notice updates across the Day Spa, Police Station, Movie Studio, Hospital, Candlelit Fork Restaurant, Northern Glade Castle, Wizard’s House, and the Sunset Mall.

From relaxing day spas to late-night mall strolls, these spaces now shine in new ways.
Updates to Mystery Boxes
We’re making some changes to Mystery Boxes to make them easier to browse and easier to choose from. From this update, every item in a Mystery Box can now be previewed in the Prize Pool section, so you can see exactly what’s unlockable before making your choice.
Some of our existing Mystery Boxes, like the Loot Box, Bounty Box, and Fortune Box, had well over 200 items, making it hard to preview everything properly.
To improve this, these boxes will be replaced with two new Mystery Box types: the Legacy Fortune Box and the Classic Fortune Box. Each will feature a smaller selection of items at a time, making it easier to see what’s currently available. The contents will rotate regularly, so be sure to check back for new combinations of rewards.
Premium Mystery Boxes
Premium Mystery Boxes will also be refreshed with themed content throughout the update. Starting with the Floral Escape Box and the Goldwood Villa Box, followed by the high-tech Highrise Box and the Community Hospital Box.
Something special is strolling this way in May.
We also have something extra special coming to Mystery Boxes in this update. You could say we have lots for the little ones, perfect for those who celebrate Mother’s Day. Maybe even something extra special that may help your Sims... perambulate. Keep an eye on the Mystery Box section so you don’t miss it!
A Look Worth the Entrance…
Style travels quickly in SimTown, especially when success is in the air.
This update introduces The Lace Dynasty, a striking new look arriving in your inbox, one variation at a time, over four weeks. Featuring a sculpted lace gown, gold toe heels, and vintage earrings.
Each variation can be claimed from your inbox for 48 hours, with a new look arriving each week.

The Neighbourhood Under Investigation
SimChase: Tough As Nails
The investigation begins at the neighborhood nail salon, where glossy polish and careful smiles suggest everything is running a little too smoothly. Vita Alto runs a tight operation, and she doesn’t seem thrilled about Anya’s questions.
Step into Vita Alto’s salon and stay one step ahead of her, where every detail is polished, and nothing slips by unnoticed.
Craft Challenge: The Alto Alibi
Not far from the salon, Villa Alto has undergone a remarkable glow-up. Freshly polished rooms, untouched furnishings, and a few lingering price tags suggest someone has been very busy.
Craft refined décor and restore the mansion’s striking interiors and you might just find new details begin to surface.
Influence Island: Gottem Cornered Deli
The deli counters are packed, and the grilled cheese sandwiches are flying off the shelves. But when Anya asks about a recent supplier shuffle, conversations grow noticeably quieter.
Influence your way through careful exchanges to win over the staff and uncover a few telling details.
SimChase: Gloves Off!
The trail eventually leads to the boxing gym, where bright lights and strong personalities keep the atmosphere lively. Sly Gumshoe seems unusually interested in this place... or more importantly, what might be kept on the premises.
Head to the gym as tensions rise and every round carries a little more weight.
While the investigation continues…
Hair Hobby Event: Tress to Impress!
A fresh set of styles has arrived for Sims looking to switch things up! From soft waves to playful curls and bold colorways, this Hair Hobby Event lets your Sims experiment with a whole range of looks. Get creative at home and start putting together fresh new looks, from soft waves to bold styles that bring personality to every Sim.
Craft Challenge: FreePlay Replay
Some of SimTown’s favorite prizes are making a return! This Craft Challenge revisits rewards from several past Events, giving players another chance to unlock décor, outfits, pets, and more. If you’ve already earned some of these items before, they’ll appear as claimed, but you can still jump in and craft resources to unlock anything you missed along the way.
Craft Challenge: Mid-Century Mansion
A classic SimTown home with mid-century charm has hit the market… but it’s definitely seen better days. With the right tools and a little creativity, you can turn this dated house into a stylish retro dream. Craft your way through the challenge to unlock furniture, décor, and architectural pieces perfect for a sleek mid-century renovation.
Influence Island: The Highest Highrise
Back to the office… sort of. This time the “workspace” has been moved to the rooftop, and not everyone is thrilled about it. Convince your coworkers that these sky-high working conditions are completely unreasonable as you charm your way through Influence Island and unlock sleek, modern décor inspired by life at the top.
Influence Island: Toppling Tortoises
The Conservatory returns to Influence Island with a collection of stylish greenery and indoor garden décor. From hanging chairs and plant displays to cozy conservatory furniture, this rerun lets you gather botanical-inspired pieces to build the ultimate indoor oasis. There might even be a slow-moving new companion waiting at the end.
SimChase: Summer Daze
Sunshine, sandals, and laid-back afternoons are the name of the game in this sunny SimChase. Jump into the action to unlock outdoor lounge sets, summer outfits, and breezy hairstyles perfect for warm days in SimTown. Just don’t let the competition beat you to the best relaxation spots.
SimChase: Sleepover Subterfuge!
A tween sleepover is underway, and things are about to get lively. Race through this SimChase to unlock colorful bedroom décor, bunk beds, and playful furniture perfect for late-night chats and pillow-fort building. By the end, your Sims will have everything they need to host the ultimate sleepover hangout.
Influence Island: Back For The Score!
A familiar troublemaker has slipped back onto Influence Island, and whispers of shady side deals are spreading fast. Can your Sims charm, persuade, and outmaneuver the competition before the Burglar makes a clean getaway? Play your cards right, and you could walk away with a massive payday, including over a million Simoleons and a treasure trove of LP and SP rewards.
Complete Event List*
There’s always something happening in SimTown, and now you’ve got more choice than ever, with events running throughout the update. Pick your favourites, revisit events you missed, or jump in for rewards that catch your eye.
| Event | Start time (UTC timezone) | End time (UTC timezone) | Event Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEW Influence Island: Season 82 - “Back For The Score!” | April 21, 2026 7:00 | April 25, 2026 7:00 | 5 Days |
| NEW SimChase: Season 101 - “Tough As Nails” | April 21, 2026 7:00 | April 29, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| NEW Premium Perks S8 | April 21, 2026 7:00 | April 28, 2026 7:00 | 9 Days |
| NEW Craft Challenge: “The Alto Alibi“ | April 21, 2026 7:00 | May 2, 2026, 7:00 | 10 Days |
| NEW Pregnancy Pack 51 | April 24, 2026 7:00 | May 2, 2026 7:00 | 9 Days |
| SimChase: Season 102 - “Sleepover Subterfuge!” | May 1, 2026 7:00 | May 9, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| NEW Influence Island: Season 83 - “Gottem Cornered Deli” | May 1, 2026 7:00 | May 8, 2026 7:00 | 5 Days |
| Craft Challenge: “FreePlay Replay” | May 5, 2026 7:00 | May 15, 2026 7:00 | 10 Days |
| Hair Hobby Event V10: “Tress to Impress” | May 7, 2026 7:00 | May 14, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| NEW Premium Perks S9 | May 7, 2026 7:00 | May 14, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| SimChase: Season 3 - “Summer Daze!” | May 11, 2026 7:00 | June 19, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| Influence Island: Season 70 - “The Highest Highrise” | May 15, 2026 7:00 | May 20, 2026 7:00 | 5 Days |
| Craft Challenge: “Mid-Century Mansion” | May 19, 2026 7:00 | May 30, 2026 7:00 | 10 Days |
| NEW SimChase: Season 103 - “Gloves Off!” | May 22, 2026 7:00 | May 30, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| NEW Premium Perks S10 | May 22, 2026 7:00 | May 29, 2026 7:00 | 7 Days |
| Influence Island: Season 48 - “Toppling Tortoises” | May 25, 2026 7:00 | May 30, 2026 7:00 | 5 Days |
The Case Continues
The mystery that began in Heir of Mystery is far from over.
As the story moves through SimTown’s neighborhoods, new clues, unexpected alliances, and a few carefully kept secrets will continue to reshape what you think you know.

For now, keep your eyes open, your notes close, and your suspicions closer.
Because in SimTown…
Some secrets stay in the family.
Dag Dag!
*Join us as we kick off a brand-new series, On The Case, with the second update, A Family Affair, live from 2:30 AM UTC on April 21st (it may take up to 24 hours to appear in your app store).
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