The Sims 4 screenshot of pollution from the new Eco Lifestyle expansion pack

[Update #2]: The base version of The Sims 4 is now entirely free-to-play on both PC and consoles.

[Update]: The Eco Lifestyle expansion has now arrived, and so far it's looking quite fun.

The Sims 4's latest content pack Eco Lifestyle is set to arrive this June 5th for both PC and consoles. Among other things, Eco Lifestyle will bring with it the ability to produce your own electricity and water through the use of solar panels, wind turbines and dew collectors. Relying on these types of green technologies will ensure the skies stay blue and the rivers remain clear, while the opposite will see your cities covered in smog, the rivers polluted, and the neighborhoods riddled with trash.

You'll also have the ability to collaborate with your neighborhood through the new voting board and ensure major changes happen everywhere at once. Provided you can manage to convince enough people that your course of action is the correct one anyway! And if you're just in it for the decorations, Eco Lifestyle will also be adding a variety of pre-used items that you can buy or scavenge yourself, as well as furniture and technology made from reclaimed materials.

As for what exactly all of this looks like in gameplay terms, that you'll find out through the recently posted trailer. Have a peek:

Much like the rest of The Sims 4 expansions, this one is neither mandatory nor all that important. So if you're not a fan of what you're seeing, feel free to skip it without worrying about missing out on anything truly special.

If you are interested, however, you can learn more about Eco Lifestyle over at the official website. Have fun!