How to Get Sims 3 for Free

Last Updated: November 21, 2021

The Sims 3 is sold by retailers worldwide, but can be downloaded to your computer for free using Origin if you previously purchased the game. The Sims 3 can also be downloaded for free using peer-to-peer file sharing protocol, also known as BitTorrent.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Origin

1
Navigate to https://www.origin.com/en-us/download in a web browser. This is the website to download the Origin client. The Origin client allows you to manage games you’ve purchased and downloaded in the past.
- Skip to step #6 if Origin is already installed on your computer.
2
Select the option to download Origin for Windows or Mac OS X. Your browser will download the installation file and save it to your default Downloads folder.

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3
Double-click on the Origin installation file. This brings up the Origin Setup menu.
4
Follow the instructions to complete the installation. The installation process is slightly different for Windows and Mac. You will need to select an install location, agree to the license terms, install the app. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. On Mac, drag the Origin icon to the Applications folder to add it to your Applications.
5
Log into Origin using your Origin account credentials. This is the same email address or Origin ID you used at the time you initially purchased The Sims 3.
6
Click on My Game Library. It's in the panel to the right. This shows all games you’ve purchased from Origin, including The Sims 3.
7
Right-click on “The Sims 3”. It's the icon with The Sims 3 box art. This displays a pop-up menu.
8
Click Download. It's the first option at the top of the menu.
9
Select your language and click Accept. Use the drop-down menu to select your language, and then click the orange button that says Accept.
10
Select an install location and click Next. If you want to select a different install location than the default, click Change Location. Navigate to the where you want to install the game and click Select folder. Then click the orange button that says Next.
11
Click the checkbox to agree to the License Agreement and click Next. There are four different license agreements you must agree to. Click the blue text to read the license agreements. Click the checkbox below the license agreements and then click Next. The game will start installing. Once the game is finished downloading, you can click the game's icon on your desktop, Start Menu, or Applications folder to launch the game. You can also launch the game inside Origin.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using BitTorrent

1
Understand the risks and legality. Understand that downloading copyrighted software using Torrents is illegal in most countries. Your online activity may be monitored by your internet service provider. Additionally, torrent downloads may contain viruses and malware that can damage your computer. Proceed at your own risk. It is recommended that you use a use a VPN when downloading torrents, and scan anything you download using a reputable virus scanner.
2
Download and install a BitTorrent client. This is a program that allows you to connect to other Internet users using BitTorrent file sharing protocol so you can download Sims 3. Examples of popular, reputable BitTorrent clients are uTorrent, Deluge, and qBitTorrent.^{[1]
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- Be aware that some BitTorrent clients contain bundled software and ads. Pay attention when installing the software. If you are offered to install any additional software, be sure to decline the offer or uncheck the option to install the software bundle.
3
Visit a BitTorrent directory. A BitTorrent directory is a search engine that allows you to find torrents for movies, television shows, apps, games, and music. Examples of top torrent sites are The Pirate Bay, ExtraTorrent, and KickassTorrents.^{[2]
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4
Type Sims 3 into the search box on the BitTorrent site. Some BitTorrent directories allow you to search by game. For example, if using The Pirate Bay, place a checkmark next to “Games” and search “Sims 3.”
5
Browse the list of torrents by title, seeders, upload date, and more. Seeders are other BitTorrent users sharing or “hosting” those particular torrents so files can be downloaded faster by users (known as leechers).
6
Click on any torrent to learn more about the torrent file. This allows you to view comments and details about the file, such as OS compatibility, file type, and file size.
7
Click on the magnet link to download a torrent file. This adds the torrent file to your BitTorrent client. The magnet link is usually labeled “magnet link,” or features the icon of a magnet.
- Be aware that many torrent sites have false download links that take download malware or viruses.
8
Open the torrent file in your BitTorrent client. Once the torrent file is downloaded, simply double-click it to open it in your default BitTorrent client. If it download doesn't start automatically, click the Play triangle to start the download. The amount of time it takes to finish the download depends on the number of seeders, your internet connection, and the connection of those you are downloading from.
9
Scan all the downloaded files for viruses. Once the files are done downloading, be sure to scan all downloaded files with a reliable anti-virus program.
10
Read the install instructions. The downloaded files will most likely come with a text file that explains how to bypass the CD-key. It may a CD key generator, or it may contain a crack application that alters the program so that it doesn't ask for a CD key. Follow the instructions in the text file to make sure you install the game correctly. If it's not installed correctly, you may not be able to play the game.
11
Install the game. Once you read the install instructions, follow the instructions to install the game, and bypass the registration process so you can play the game for free.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Troubleshooting

1
Try upgrading your computer’s operating system. Origin is only compatible with Windows 7 and later, and OS X 10.7 and later.
2
Confirm you have enough available disk space. Origin requires 250 MB disk space on Windows PCs, and 150 MB on Mac OS X. If you are not able to install Origin or the Sims 3, make sure you have enough space to download it.^{[3]
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3
Try downloading a different BitTorrent client. BitTorrent clients aren’t guaranteed to work at all times, and some clients are more compatible with certain operating systems. For example, Windows users prefer uTorrent, while Mac users prefer Azureus.
4
Visit a different BitTorrent directory. If you experience trouble finding a torrent for The Sims 3, try visiting a different torrent website. Some users stick to uploading torrents to their favorite directories. The Sims 3 may be available on a different torrent site.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I do this for Steam?

Community Answer

Steam has limited games available for free or even under $5, however there is seriously no way to get regular Steam games for free, just buy a Steam card at GameStop, Walmart, Toys R Us, etc.
Question

How do I get the Sims 3 for free on my iPad?

Community Answer

Sims 3 is not available for mobile devices. However, you can get Sims Freeplay which is similar to the Sims 3; and it’s free!
Question

Will getting the Sims 3 for free give me a computer virus?

Community Answer

It depends on where you download it and whether you have an antivirus security software running in the background on your computer. If you have a premier pass on Origin you can get the game for free, no virus!

Warnings

BitTorrent files can potentially cause malware or annoying things on your computer. Use at your own risk.

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Some games come with modifications that will change the game if it is pirated. If this is done for the sims 4, the mosaic effect will eventually replace the entire screen and will be permanent.

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Use BitTorrent at your own risk, and understand that downloading files from torrent sites may subject you to fines in some jurisdictions. Obtaining Sims 3 in this manner also violates EA Games rules of conduct, and may subject you to fines and Origin account closure.

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