Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →You can still play The Sims 4, but Origin is no longer the way to install or launch it: EA has replaced Origin on PC and Mac with the EA app. Sign in to the EA app with your EA account, find The Sims 4, and download it; the base game is free, while add-on content costs extra.
Can you still play The Sims 4 through Origin?
No. EA says the EA app replaced Origin on PC and Mac, and its help page states that Origin has shut down. An Origin-based installation tutorial is therefore out of date. Use the EA app for the current PC or Mac installation route.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
![The Sims 4 - Parenthood - Origin PC [Online Game Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51N60qq6z6L._SL160_.jpg)
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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 |
|
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)
|
The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $5.60 | Buy on Amazon |
EA also lists Steam and Epic as PC/Mac storefront options. On PC, however, EA says its app is required to play EA games even when you launch them from Steam or Epic. Choosing another storefront does not remove that EA app requirement.
How to download The Sims 4 in the EA app
- Download and open the EA app from EA’s official EA app page, then sign in to your EA account.
- Search for The Sims 4 in the app and open its game page.
- Select Download.
- Review the installation location and language, and change them if needed.
- Review and accept the terms of play.
- Select Download to begin installation. When the game is ready, the button changes to Play.
These are the steps in EA’s The Sims 4 base-game download guide. The game may take time to download, depending on your connection and the available storage on your device.
The Tool Desk
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- 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.
What if you already owned The Sims 4 on Origin?
Sign in to the EA app with the same EA account you used with Origin, then check your library for The Sims 4. EA says purchases are linked to the account and can be downloaded through the EA app. If the game or content is missing, confirm that you signed into the correct account and contact EA account support for help with the specific entitlement rather than assuming it transferred to another account.
Mac users should also check that the game or content they want is compatible with Mac. EA’s EA app installation help explains Origin’s shutdown and the account sign-in transition.
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
Check the EA app and game requirements
The launcher and The Sims 4 have separate requirements. EA’s EA app FAQ lists 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 for PC and macOS Catalina or newer for Mac. The game’s own published minimum specifications are below; meeting them is not a guarantee that every pack or configuration will run smoothly.
| Requirement | PC minimum | Mac minimum |
|---|---|---|
| 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 at least 1 GB for custom content and saves | 25 GB, plus at least 1 GB for custom content and saves |
| Graphics | DirectX 11-compatible graphics with 128 MB video RAM and Pixel Shader 3.0 support | Metal-capable graphics with at least 256 MB video RAM |
| Internet | Required for activation | Required for activation |
EA lists 8 GB RAM and 50 GB free storage as recommended for both PC and Mac. Requirements can change, so check EA’s current The Sims 4 system requirements before installing, especially if your device is near the minimum.
Recommended Free Tools
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
Is The Sims 4 free on PC or Mac?
The Sims 4 base game became free to download on October 18, 2022, according to EA. Expansion packs and other additional content are separate purchases, and they are optional for playing the base game. If you decide to install packs, EA advises installing and updating the base game first. See EA’s free-to-play announcement and pack installation guide.
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
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.
