How to Download The Sims 4 on PC | Where to Get It Free

The Sims 4 is free to download on PC through the EA app, Steam, or Epic Games Store with no purchase required.

The question of how to download The Sims 4 on PC comes with a simple answer right now: the base game is permanently free, and you can grab it from three different storefronts. The catch is that each launcher works a little differently, and plenty of outdated guides still point you toward a version of the EA app that no longer exists. Below is the exact process for each route, plus what to do if you want to add mods later.

Downloading The Sims 4 on PC Through the EA App

The EA app is the official PC launcher for EA games and the most stable place to keep The Sims 4 installed. EA phased out its older Origin software a while ago, so this app is the one you want.

1. Download and install the EA app from EA’s official download page for The Sims 4. The page automatically detects your operating system and offers the Windows or Mac version.
2. Launch the EA app and sign in with your EA account. If you don’t have one, creating a free account takes about a minute.
3. Click the Search bar at the top of the app, type “The Sims 4”, and select the game when it appears in the dropdown.
4. On the game page, click the Download button. The EA app will ask you to confirm an install location and your preferred language.
5. Click Next, review the terms of play, then click Download again to start the installation.
6. Wait for the progress bar to finish. When the installation is complete, the button on the game page changes from Download to Play.

That’s it. The base game is entirely free — no payment method is required during the EA account creation or the download process.

Two Alternative PC Options: Steam and Epic Games Store

If you already keep your game library on Steam or the Epic Games Store, The Sims 4 is free on both platforms. The install process is nearly identical across them, and your saved games and mods work the same way regardless of which launcher you pick.

Steam

Open the Steam client, search for The Sims 4, and visit its store page. Click Add to Library — the base game is free, so Steam won’t ask for payment. After it’s added to your account, click the Install button and choose your install location. Steam will download and install the game automatically. You can launch it directly from the Steam store page.

Epic Games Store

Launch the Epic Games Launcher, search for The Sims 4, and go to its store page. Click the Get button to add the game to your account. Once it’s in your library, click Install and wait for the download to complete. The game will appear in your library after the first launch. You can find it on the Epic Games Store page.

What About Origin?

EA replaced Origin with the EA app in 2022. Some older guides still reference Origin, and the shortcut might still be sitting on your desktop if you upgraded from an older PC. The Old Origin installer no longer works reliably. Before you do anything else, uninstall any version of Origin you find and download the EA app from the link above. Running an out-of-date launcher is the most common roadblock for new Sims 4 players.

EA App vs Steam vs Epic — Which Launcher Should You Choose?

All three versions of the game receive the same updates and support mods. The difference comes down to which ecosystem you prefer. The table below breaks down what each one offers.

Pick the EA app if you want the most direct connection to future game updates and any early-access promotions. Pick Steam if you already use Steam for other games and want the convenience of achievements, an in-game overlay, and a friends list. Pick Epic if you already have the Epic Games Launcher installed and prefer to keep everything in one place.

How to Install Custom Content and Mods After Downloading

The Sims 4 has a massive modding community, and enabling custom content takes about two minutes. The game will automatically create the required folders after its first launch.

1. Go to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4. Inside that folder, you’ll see a Mods folder. If it doesn’t exist, create it manually — the folder name is case-sensitive.
2. Download a mod or custom content file. Most mods come as .package or .ts4script files. If the file is inside a ZIP folder, extract it first before placing it into the Mods folder.
3. Launch The Sims 4. Go to Options > Game Options > Other.
4. Turn on Enable Custom Content and Mods and Script Mods Allowed. Click the checkmark to apply the changes.
5. Restart the game entirely. Mods do not load until the game relaunches.

Getting Started After Installation

Once the game is installed and launched, you can start a new household or load a pre-made family. The base game includes enough clothing, furniture, and building tools to keep you busy for hours. If you decide to buy expansion packs later, note that they are tied to the platform where you downloaded the base game — so if you installed through Steam, you need to buy the packs on Steam too.

The Sims 4 base game is genuinely free, has no paywalls for core gameplay, and supports unlimited custom content. Pick the launcher that fits your current setup, follow the steps above, and you’ll be building your first house within 30 minutes.