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Are you wondering if the Sims 4 is free to play? The iconic life simulation game is still going strong in its fourth installment, with tons of expansions still being released. However, fans want to know if the game is playable for free.
The Sims has been a legendary series since the original game, and nothing has rivaled it in the life simulation genre. You can make your sims, create their look, and live their lives however you please. The newest expansion For Rent’s release date is on its way, and there are tons of other expansion packs to get. So, is the Sims 4 free to play? We’re here to let you know.
Can you play The Sims 4 for free?
Yes, The Sims 4 is free to play! However, the catch is that only the base game is free. All of the expansion packs are still at their original prices. While all of the base game content is available completely for free, content like high schools and apartments is not. This includes all four types of DLC, full expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, and kits.
EA decided to make the base game free for everyone in October 2022 to attract a new demographic of players. It’s been successful so far, with sales of expansion packs rising. The base Sims 4 has been out since 2014, so it didn’t make sense to charge players for a nearly decade-old game.
Fun Fact
The Sims 4 does not fit into the official Sims timeline – EA confirmed it is set in an alternate universe where Bella Goth never went missing.
How to play the Sims 4 for free on PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation
To play The Sims 4 for free, all you need to do is download it from the store and install it. Each platform has a different store you need to get it from, though:
- PC: EA App
- Mac: Origin App
- PS4 and PS5: PlayStation Store
- Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S: Xbox Store
Head to the store and search ‘The Sims 4’. From there, you’ll be able to find the game and simply click on download. For those playing on computers, you’ll first need to download whatever app corresponds to your operating system. For console players, luckily all you need to do is head to your console store and grab it.
Once you’ve got it fully installed, you’re good to go. You can play the fourth Sims game to your heart’s content.
Will Sims 4 expansions ever be free?
It’s highly unlikely that EA will make any of the DLC content available for free. Now that revenue for the game comes solely from expansions, they’ll want to keep that sweet money train rolling for the foreseeable future.
While the DLC might not be free, EA does frequently sell expansions in a bundle deal to let players grab a few at a discount. I recommend waiting for discounts and bundles to pop up, as this is how I got most of my expansions.
That’s everything you need to know about whether the Sims 4 is free to play. Be sure to check out our Sims 4 review so you can know everything great, and everything not so great, about the game.
Is Sims 4 free to play FAQ
Is the Sims 4 available for free?
Yes, you can play the fourth Sims game completely for free. However, it’s just the base game that is free to play. Any expansions you want you’ll still have to pay for.
How much do expansions cost?
There are four different types of expansions for Sims 4, each with its own price tag. Full expansion packs are $39.99, game packs are $19.99, stuff packs are $9.99, and kits are $4.99.
