If you’ve been too intimidated by the numerous expansions and kits available for The Sims 4, then you’ll be pleased to know that The Sims 4 base game is now free to play from today. From October 18 you’ll be able to download the full The Sims 4 base game on PC and consoles for free, although you’ll still need to pay for any expansions you’re after.
You can download The Sims 4 via the EA app, Steam and Origin, with console users downloading from their respective stores. If you’re playing via EA Play or EA Play Pro, you’ll be able to claim The Sims 4 EA Play Edition, which includes the Get to Work expansion. EA Play Pro subscribers can also get the EA Play Pro Edition which also comes with the Get to Work expansion as well as the Toddler Stuff pack.
The Sims™ 4 base game is free to download! Unleash your imagination and give your Sims’ unique appearances and personalities, experiment with their fashion senses and choose the aspirations that will shape who they are.
Dive into the ultimate life simulation game as you build and decorate incredible homes, help Sims develop relationships and guide them through their careers. You’ll experience all the rich moments — good and bad — of their lives!
Explore beautiful worlds with unique environments and travel to different neighbourhoods where you can visit local venues and meet more interesting Sims. Become immersed in a game where the possibilities are endless.
The Sims 4 key features
Create unique Sims
Customise the appearances, outfits, personality traits and inspiring aspirations of the Sims you’ll guide through life.
Build the perfect home
Plan layouts, choose furniture and alter the landscape! Build and decorate your Sims’ ideal spaces — you can even add a pool, basement or garden.
Expand your game
Add more careers, aspirations, fashion, furniture and even more worlds to your game when you purchase expansion and game packs.
Can I still have fun without buying all the extra DLC packs?
You absolutely can! If you need inspiration, there are dozens of creators on YouTube who have dedicated videos on base game builds. Simmers also review packs online, which can help you determine whether you should buy one or another.
The Sims 4 is constantly updated with new items. About once a month, Simmers will receive a Sims Delivery Express, which adds new free content to the base game. If you want more free extras, check out the Cheats section of this article to learn about Debug items.
Here are the different types of Sims 4 DLC:
- Expansion packs are larger releases that include a new destination, aspirations, pre-made characters, as well as lots of build and buy items, Create-A-Sim items and more.
- Game packs are similar to expansion packs, but generally smaller. Sometimes game packs introduce a new neighborhood, vacation destination or aspiration. These packs will also include new build and buy items, as well as Create-A-Sim content.
- Stuff packs revolve around a certain theme, but don’t include new neighborhoods, and may or may not offer a new aspiration for your Sim. Stuff packs are more focused on build and buy and Create-A-Sim content.
- Kits, which are fairly new additions to The Sims 4, are smaller versions of Stuff Packs. Kits are the cheapest to purchase, but also include the fewest new items. With a Kit, you’ll get access to a few pieces of furniture, clothing or decor.
Challenges and scenarios
The sky’s the limit when it comes to gameplay in the Sims, but it’s easy to fall into patterns and become bored. The Sims gaming community has you covered with challenges. Creators from all corners of the internet have written gameplay and story lines with specific parameters and goals to reach like Rags to Riches and the 100 Baby Challenge.
The Sims 4 added a built-in version of challenges called Scenarios. On the game’s main menu, click Play Scenario to choose between storylines like Finding Love After a Breakup, Too Many Toddlers, Super Rich Supervillain and more.
