For over two decades, The Sims franchise has captivated players with its engaging world, where they can control and shape the lives (and deaths) of virtual characters, from the mundane to the extraordinary. One of the most fun aspects of its latest installment, The Sims 4 is its tendency to include hidden Easter eggs. These playful nods can range from subtle references to real-world celebrities and films to homages to other video games.
In its latest DLC, Life & Death, The Sims 4 surprised players with a hidden gem: a cheeky reference to Astarion, one of the standout characters from Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3). This unexpected crossover has quickly gained attention across social media and gaming forums, sparking excitement and curiosity among fans of both games.
A Nod to Astarion in The Sims 4 Life & Death DLC
The Sims 4 latest DLC Life & Death, released recently on 31st October, introduces a range of new gameplay features, from custom bucket lists to intricate rituals surrounding death. The expansion also allows players to embrace death themselves, either by becoming a ghost or a necromancer, adding layers of intrigue and darkness to the game.
This supernatural update is filled with a theme that explores life’s fragility and the eerie side of the human experience, making it a fitting canvas for some imaginative crossovers. And in a delightful surprise, players have uncovered a hidden reference to Baldur’s Gate 3 within the DLC, which has sparked excitement across both fan communities.
One of the standout additions in the Life & Death DLC is the new in-game item, the Sun and Stars Headstone. On the surface, it seems like just another decorative tombstone for your Sims’ cemetery. But for Baldur’s Gate 3 fans, it quickly becomes clear that this particular headstone contains a clever tribute to one of the game’s most iconic characters: Astarion. The headstone features a description that reads:
This is a perfect gravestone to commemorate a cheeky little Sim who faced the trials of life’s shadowy depths, all the while craving the sun. […] Just a little bit of sun, as a treat, darling!
Not only does this description perfectly capture Astarion’s inner conflict, his vampire curse needing him to remain in the shadows while he desperately wants the warmth of the sun, but also the use of “darling” at the end makes the reference even clearer as it’s his favorite term of sentiments towards the companion.
It’s a very tasteful and unmistakable reference, essentially confirming that this headstone is a loving (and slightly cheeky) tribute to the beloved Baldur’s Gate 3 character.
Fans Loving the Hidden Easter Egg
In the Life & Death DLC, which takes the game’s usual lighthearted tone into supernatural territory, players didn’t expect to encounter a reference to Baldur’s Gate 3’s Astarion and they loved it. While it is not uncommon to find hidden eggs in the game, this was a very unexpected and direct nod if players know the character of Astarion.
The Easter egg has been a hit in the gaming community, with fans quickly sharing their excitement across social media platforms and gaming forums. It’s sparked lively discussions about whether there are more hidden references in the game, with many players now combing through every detail to uncover more surprises.
There’s no way The Sims 4 referenced BG3 in this
I love it 🖤😭#TheSims4 #sims4lifeanddeath #BaldursGate3 #TheSims #Astarion pic.twitter.com/TcUm8AWFHp
— Jayce on bsky (@JayceDoesVoices) November 2, 2024
omgg the darling is the cherry on top soo cute
— Josephine August (@Josephine_08_) November 2, 2024
As an Astarion simp, omg I could cry at how perfect this is! Thank you to whoever did this from as Sim 4 and Baldur’s Gate 3 fan 🥹
— momsoccerteam (@momsoccerteam) November 2, 2024
Aww, it totally is a BG3 reference! How sweet. 😽
— Knusperfrosch (@schwanenwald) November 3, 2024
From all the comments it can be seen that players really enjoyed this hidden easter egg about Astarion and want the game to add more easter eggs like this. The hidden Easter egg has sparked such joy that fans are now eagerly searching for other possible references in the game.
As the latest installment in the franchise continues to build on its tradition of clever crossovers, it is very exciting to imagine what other unexpected connections players might find in future DLCs.
In the end, the latest Life & Death DLC serves as a perfect example of how two very different gaming universes can connect and creates one more reason for players to keep an eye out for the clever surprises that The Sims franchise has always been known for.
Did you recognize the Astarion reference? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
