To install The Sims 4 through the EA app on a compatible Windows PC or Mac, sign in, search for the game, open its page, and select Download. Confirm the install location and language, accept the terms, and download it. When the button changes to Play, the game is ready to launch. EA says the Base Game is free to download on supported platforms.
Install The Sims 4 from the EA app
- Open the EA app and sign in to your EA account.
- Enter The Sims 4 in the app’s Search bar.
- Open the game page and select Download.
- Check the installation location and language, then select Next.
- Review the terms of play and select Download.
- Wait for the download to finish. When Play appears, select it to launch the game.
These are EA’s published instructions for installing through the app. The EA app is EA’s current download and launch platform for The Sims 4 on PC and Mac; EA says it replaced Origin as the main platform. See EA’s download instructions.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $13.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
![The Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/513y5rPI8OL._SL160_.jpg)
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The Sims 4 - Vampires - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $11.20 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Sims 4 - PC/Mac | $35.69 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Sims 4 Limited Edition PC / Mac | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51e1zRnkG2L._SL160_.jpg)
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The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $5.60 | Buy on Amazon |
Is The Sims 4 free on the EA app?
EA says The Sims 4 Base Game has been free to play since October 18, 2022, and is free to download on supported platforms. This applies to the Base Game; it does not mean every separately offered game add-on is included. EA also lists Steam and Epic Games for PC and Mac, and PlayStation and Xbox for console players, but those use their respective storefronts rather than the EA app installation path described above.
Check app compatibility and game requirements separately
Your computer needs to meet two different sets of requirements: the EA app’s operating-system compatibility floor and The Sims 4’s hardware and operating-system requirements. Meeting one does not guarantee the other. EA app compatibility guidance lists 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 for Windows and macOS 10.15.8 or later for Mac; the app does not support 32-bit Windows. EA app installation and compatibility guidance and EA guidance for updating Windows or macOS cover the app side.
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#1 Best Overall
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Develop Parenting Skills – Level up your Sim’s parenting skills to satisfy their child’s needs and influence their behaviors. Gain new abilities through experience and choosing when to discipline bad actions, encourage good behavior, or just let kids be kids.
- Shape Your Sim’s Childhood – The decisions you make influence how your Sim parents and leave a lasting impact on their child’s future. Each choice shapes their personality, affects their traits, influences their family relationships, and guides their path into adulthood.
- Gather your Sim’s family to participate in new activities and spend quality time with each other. Sims of all ages can work together to complete a variety of school projects, express their creativity using construction blocks, or volunteer their time for good.
- Customize your Sims’ looks and their home with new family fashion and build items. Give the kids’ bedrooms extra personality, remodel the kitchen to feel homier, and let your Sims express their sporty or artistic sides with new outfits.
The Sims 4 minimum requirements listed by EA
| Requirement | Windows PC | Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Operating system | 64-bit Windows 10 | macOS 10.15 (Catalina) with Metal |
| Processor | Intel Core i3-3220 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or better | Intel Core i3-3225 or better |
| Memory | 4 GB RAM | 4 GB RAM |
| Free storage | 25 GB, plus 1 GB additional for custom content and saved games | 25 GB, plus 1 GB additional for custom content and saved games |
| Graphics | EA lists supported legacy graphics cards with 128 MB video RAM and Pixel Shader 3.0 | Metal-capable graphics; Intel HD 4000 or better is listed |
| Other | DirectX 11 compatibility; keyboard and mouse or touchpad; internet required for activation | Keyboard and mouse or touchpad; internet required for activation |
These are EA’s published minimum specifications, not independent performance benchmarks. EA also lists recommended specifications, including 8 GB RAM and at least 50 GB free storage plus 1 GB additional for user content and saves on both platforms, with faster processor and graphics specifications. Check EA’s current Sims 4 requirements page for the complete specifications, since requirements can change.
The EA app’s Mac compatibility floor is more specific than the game page’s macOS 10.15 label: check macOS 10.15.8 or later for the app, as well as the game requirements, before installing.
Rank #2
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Create Vampires
- Unleash Supernatural Powers
- Escape to Forgotten Hollow
- Live the Immortal Life
If the EA app will not install or connect
First compare your operating system with the EA app requirements and check that your internet connection is working. EA’s app installation guidance recommends restarting the router and trying the EA app download and installation again after connectivity is restored. If an app installation failed, EA advises restarting the installation and removing files or folders left by the failed install before retrying. These steps address EA app setup; they are not a guaranteed fix for every The Sims 4 download problem.
If you are considering an operating-system update to meet compatibility requirements, EA recommends backing up files first. An update is not automatically necessary: check your installed version against the app’s requirements before changing it. If installation problems continue, contact EA Help.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Requires The Sims 4 & all game updates. For PC, see minimum system requirements for the pack.
- Customize Kids Rooms – Build kids bedrooms that are both expressive and full of style. Excite your Sim’s imagination with colorful new furniture and themed decorations ranging from space robots to fun flower flourishes.
- Battle with Monsters – Collect and trade monster cards featuring your Sim’s favorite magical creatures. Use cards in the electronic battle station to bring them to life and challenge friends to a monster duel that’s sure to excite.
- Play with Puppets – With the all-new puppet theater and a bit of imagination, Sims can tell a variety of whimsical stories to entertain an audience of family and friends.
- Kids Fashion – Trendy yet playful kids clothing and hairstyles let Sims showcase their individual style, or highlight obsession with the latest tween heartthrob.
Rank #4
- Compatible with PC and Mac.
- We’ve designed the game to be a live service so that we can continually evolve The Sims 4 experience with exciting new features and content.
- Now with Pools and Ghosts: Pools and ghosts have arrived and are now included in The Sims 4 with the most recent updates.
- Exclusive Sims 4 Life of the Party Digital Content – Features the stunning Flaming Tiki Bar and spectacular party costumes
- 100% Good Quality
Rank #3
- Create unique sims: A variety of sims are yours to personalize, each with distinct appearances, dynamic personalities, and inspiring aspirations
- Build the perfect home: Construct the home of your, and their dreams by planning its layout, choosing furnishings, and altering the landscape and terrain
- Explore vibrant worlds: Travel between locations, discover amazing and distinctive neighborhoods, and encounter captivating venues
- Play with life: Control the rich and entertaining moments of your Sims’ lives from their relationships to their careers
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
