The first Sims 4 Expansion Pack for 2023 has officially been announced, entitled Growing Together. It was previously announced that this year would feature two new EPs - the largest size of DLC for the game - but it hadn't been clear exactly when players could expect either one until a roadmap for the first quarter of the year teased several family-oriented releases. Over the past few years, The Sims 4 has averaged about one Expansion Pack annually, so this is a step-up for players in terms of frequency.

Ideas about what the next Sims 4 Expansion Packs should be varied wildly, although the concept of DLC akin to The Sims 3's Generations was a popular one. While it doesn't share its name, the new Sims 4 Growing Together that was announced on The Sims' YouTube channel this week holds many similarities.

The DLC is slated to release March 16, and a post on the EA website further expands how the Expansion will focus on bolstering the gameplay between family members of all ages, including new events, interactions, and special items, as well as a new world called San Sequoia.

Related: The New Sims 4 Roadmap Gives Me Hope For The Game

New Features In The Sims 4 Growing Together Expansion Pack

Sims 4 Baby Shower event showing a pregnant woman talking to another Sim.

The Sims 4 Growing Together will expand how relationship dynamics work in a number of ways. Just as The Sims 2's Wants and Fears were added to the game last year, it seems the older title's chemistry system will now make an appearance under the umbrella of social dynamics, this time affecting not just romantic relationships, but friendships and enemies as well. Sims will also now go through life milestones, unlocking and changing their traits as they age. EA also teases the DLC will offer "opportunities for both drama and unity" when it comes to familial relationships.

The Sims 4 Growing Together EP Offers New Activities

Sims 4 Treehouse covered in banners, one child stands on its ledge and another is climbing it.

There will be a host of new activities and areas to explore in the new Growing Together Expansion Pack. This includes sleepovers, baby showers, and even building a treehouse, finally offering more for The Sims 4's long-neglected children to do. Sims will also be able to explore the new world of San Sequoia, which is an ocean bay city that has grown from a small fishing town to a place full of life, featuring suburban areas and a rec center - the latter of which seems to imply more activities for elders

This new Sims 4 Expansion Pack looks like it could be an even better version of The Sims 3's Generations, offering comprehensive activities and relationships for all age ranges. Things like midlife crises and strained familial dynamics sound like they will offer a host of new narrative opportunities for players, and vastly expand the potential for family-oriented fans. Growing Together can also help to add a new level of depth to the game, making relationships feel more meaningful.

This Expansion Pack is set to release just two days after The Sims 4 finally gets the infant life stage, creating a perfect synergy for new family storytelling. While there's still lots left to learn about the specific features of Growing Together, it seems to have some of the most promise of any Expansion Pack in the past several years. Players will be able to see for themselves everything The Sims 4 Growing Together can bring to their families next month.

More: How To Have Fun In The Sims 4 (Without Buying Expansions)

Source: EA, The Sims/YouTube