Diving Deep into Copperdale: The High School World of The Sims 4
The name of the high school world in The Sims 4 is Copperdale. This charming, albeit slightly mysterious, town is the centerpiece of The Sims 4: High School Years expansion pack, offering a vibrant and engaging experience for your teenage Sims.
Exploring Copperdale: A Blast from the Past with a Modern Twist
Copperdale isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a world steeped in lore and brimming with opportunities for your Sims to grow, learn, and experience the rollercoaster of high school life. Established by Jasper Prescott, Copperdale was once a thriving mining town, leaving behind a legacy visible in its architecture and perhaps even some of its inhabitants. The world is clearly inspired by towns found in the Rocky Mountains, blending a rustic aesthetic with modern amenities. Some Simmers even speculate a connection to the popular teen drama Riverdale, further adding to the world’s allure.
In Copperdale, your teenage Sims aren’t just going off to school and disappearing for hours. You can actively follow them to Copperdale High, the heart of this expansion. This allows you to experience everything from attending classes and participating in extracurricular activities to navigating the treacherous waters of teenage romance and social drama.
Copperdale isn’t just about the school. The town itself offers a variety of locations and lots to explore. Community creators like MsGryphi, xfreezerbunnyx, and JOL1990 contributed to the world by building unique lots such as the combination thrift store/boba hangout ThrifTea, the local library, and the principal’s mansion, respectively. This collaborative effort gives Copperdale a more authentic and lived-in feel.
Copperdale: More Than Just a Backdrop
Copperdale presents an immersive experience for your Sim teens. Sims can develop crushes, join clubs (Computer, Chess, Football and Cheerleading), and even strive to become the valedictorian by achieving straight-A’s, completing homework, and excelling in their studies. However, academic success isn’t the only path; Sims can also find themselves on the wrong side of the rules, potentially leading to expulsion.
Copperdale adds significant depth to the teenage Sim experience, and provides players the chance to delve into different challenges like high school drama and academics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Copperdale and The High School Years Expansion
1. What exactly comes with the High School Years expansion pack?
The expansion pack comes with the new world, Copperdale, a fully interactive high school experience, new create-a-sim items focusing on teen fashion, new aspirations, and the ability to follow your Sims to school and participate in classes, clubs, and events.
2. Where is Copperdale located in The Sims 4 world map?
Copperdale is a separate world that is selectable when you start a new game or travel between worlds. It doesn’t replace or alter any of the existing worlds in The Sims 4.
3. Can I build my own school in Copperdale?
While Copperdale High comes pre-built, you can modify it to some extent or even replace it with a custom-built school on its designated lot. However, the game mechanics are designed specifically for Copperdale High, so a custom school might not function exactly as intended.
4. Is Copperdale based on a real-life location?
Copperdale seems to draw inspiration from towns in the Rocky Mountains region of the United States. Its architectural style and landscape reflect this influence. Some players see Riverdale inspiration within its design and feel.
5. Can younger Sims visit Copperdale High?
Toddlers, children, and younger Sims cannot attend Copperdale High. It is exclusive to teen Sims. Young adults and older Sims can visit the school and other locations in Copperdale, but they won’t be able to participate in the high school activities.
6. How do Sims become valedictorian in Copperdale High?
To become valedictorian, your Sim needs to maintain straight A’s, consistently study for exams, complete all homework (including extra credit), and attend all classes regularly.
7. What happens if my Sim gets expelled from Copperdale High?
If a Sim accumulates too many strikes (negative actions), they will be expelled from Copperdale High. Re-enrolling after expulsion doesn’t reset the strike tracker, so getting expelled again is a possibility.
8. Can my teen Sims get pregnant in Copperdale?
While the expansion introduces teen relationships and the concept of crushes, teens cannot actively “Try for Baby.” Pregnancy options remain passive until they age up to young adulthood.
9. What extracurricular activities are available for my Sim in Copperdale?
Sims can join various clubs and teams, including computer club, chess team, football team, and cheerleading squad. These activities enhance skills and provide social opportunities.
10. How does the “crush” system work in the High School Years expansion?
The High School Years expansion features a new dating system where teen Sims can develop crushes on other Sims. Being near their crush triggers positive moodlets, encouraging players to explore romantic relationships.
11. What kind of lots are in Copperdale?
Copperdale includes a variety of lots, including residential homes, the high school, a library, a thrift store/boba hangout (ThrifTea), the principal’s mansion, and a park.
12. Does Copperdale have any secrets or hidden areas?
While not explicitly defined as “secret areas” like in some other worlds, Copperdale’s backstory as a former mining town suggests that there may be unexplored areas or hidden details to discover within the environment.
13. How does Copperdale compare to other worlds in The Sims 4?
Copperdale stands out due to its focus on the high school experience and teen gameplay. Unlike the base game worlds (Willow Creek, Oasis Springs, Newcrest) or other expansion pack worlds, Copperdale is specifically designed to enhance and expand the teenage Sim’s life.
14. How do I make the most of the Copperdale High experience?
To fully enjoy Copperdale High, actively participate in all aspects of your Sim’s school life. Attend classes, join clubs, socialize with classmates, and explore the town. Experiment with different choices and paths to discover the unique stories that Copperdale has to offer.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, such as those explored in The Sims 4?
To dive deeper into the educational components and learning potential of games like The Sims 4, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society explores how games can be utilized for educational purposes and how they impact learning and development.
Copperdale is more than just a setting; it’s a dynamic and interactive world that brings the teenage experience in The Sims 4 to life. From attending classes and acing exams to navigating friendships and romances, Copperdale offers a rich and engaging playground for your Sims to grow and thrive.