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Origin has shut down, so most PC and Mac players can no longer use it to launch The Sims 4. EA’s current platform for downloading and launching the game is the EA app. You can turn off automatic game updates in its Download settings, or use its separate offline mode—but disabling automatic updates does not guarantee that a game with a required update will launch.
Choose the option that matches what you want to do
| Option | Use it for | Conditions and limits |
|---|---|---|
| Turn off automatic game updates | Avoiding automatic game downloads in the EA app | Does not guarantee that a game requiring an update will launch without one. EA documents the update setting, while its update-required guidance does not offer a general bypass. |
| Select Go offline | Playing without an internet connection | Requires an earlier online launch. EA says offline access lasts up to 30 days since the last online launch, for games that do not require an internet connection. Most Marketplace features require online access. EA offline guidance; Marketplace details. |
Turn off automatic game updates in the EA app
EA manages automatic game updates and background downloads in the EA app’s Download settings. The menu path differs by computer:
| # | 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 |
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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)
|
The Sims 4 - Kids Room Stuff - Origin PC [Online Game Code] | $5.60 | Buy on Amazon |
- PC: Open the three-line menu, select Application settings, then open Download.
- Mac: From the menu bar, choose EA app > Settings, then open Download.
Find the automatic game-update control and turn it off. This is a preference against automatic updating, not a promise that you can skip every pending patch. EA’s update-required troubleshooting page recommends closing any running game process and retrying; it does not document a supported way to bypass an update the app requires to launch.
Do not confuse game updates with EA app updates. EA’s uninstall instructions mention a separate Application updates toggle under Settings > Application in the context of managing DLC. Uninstalling the EA app is not a workaround: EA says you cannot use installed games or downloaded extra content until the app is installed again. EA app download and update settings; EA app and game uninstall guidance.
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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.
Play The Sims 4 offline
Offline mode is separate from turning off automatic updates. EA Help’s instruction is: “To use offline mode, you need to have launched your game at least once online.”
- Connect to the internet, open the EA app, and launch The Sims 4 online at least once.
- In the EA app, open the top-left menu and select Go offline. On Mac, use Account to find the option.
- Launch the game while offline. This applies only to games that do not require an internet connection. EA says offline access lasts up to 30 days from the last online launch.
If you close and reopen the EA app, EA says it automatically goes online again. Select Go offline again if you need to play without a connection. EA’s offline-mode instructions.
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
What works in The Sims 4 Marketplace offline?
The in-game Marketplace requires an internet connection, with one exception: My Collection is available offline. Recent Marketplace purchases may not appear until you reconnect. EA’s Marketplace guide.
If the EA app says an update is required
EA’s troubleshooting steps are to close any running game processes and then retry:
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- 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
- Windows: Close the game process in Task Manager.
- Mac: Use Force Quit to close the game.
If the message remains, EA advises reporting the issue to EA. Its guidance does not establish a supported method for launching The Sims 4 while skipping an update the app requires. EA update-required troubleshooting.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you use Origin or Legacy Edition instead?
EA says Origin has shut down and directs players to the EA app. Its current guidance identifies the EA app as the main PC and Mac platform for downloading and launching The Sims 4. EA app installation and update guidance; EA’s pack installation guide.
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
The Sims 4 Legacy Edition is not a current alternative: EA says it stopped being available for PC and Mac on December 12, 2022. The Legacy Edition article says 32-bit Windows and non-Metal Mac systems lost support at the end of 2019; it directs PC players to 64-bit Windows and Mac players to Metal-compatible macOS. EA says a 64-bit PC launches the full game through the EA app. EA’s Legacy Edition guidance.
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.
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.
