Can You Have Sims 4 on Both Origin and Steam? The Definitive Guide
Yes, you can have The Sims 4 installed on both Origin (now the EA app) and Steam, but there are crucial considerations to understand. Having the game on both platforms doesn’t mean you can run two separate instances simultaneously or magically merge your content into a unified super-version. Instead, it involves purchasing the base game on both platforms and understanding how your downloadable content (DLC) and account linking interact. Let’s delve into the details to clarify this.
Understanding Platform Entitlements and DRM
The first thing to understand is that the game versions purchased on Origin/EA app and Steam are distinct licenses. Each platform uses its own Digital Rights Management (DRM) system. Buying The Sims 4 on Steam doesn’t retroactively unlock it on Origin/EA app, and vice versa. This means that even if you own all the expansion packs on Origin/EA app, you still need to buy the base game on Steam to play through Steam.
Why would someone want to do this? Some players prefer Steam’s interface, community features, or library management. Others might want to take advantage of Steam sales or utilize Steam’s remote play features.
Linking Your EA and Steam Accounts
To play The Sims 4 on Steam, you must link your EA account (used for Origin/EA app) to your Steam account. This is mandatory. EA shares your account ID and individual game and play records with Steam to validate your purchase and/or refund request. Access to the game content is then limited to one EA account and one Steam account, making it non-transferable after purchase.
Here’s how to link your accounts:
- Navigate to the EA Help Website.
- Click log in at the top right of the page.
- When it prompts you to enter your login credentials, click Steam at the very bottom.
- Login with your Steam Credentials.
After linking, Steam will be able to verify your ownership of The Sims 4 and access related data from your EA account.
DLC and Cross-Platform Compatibility
Here’s where things get a little tricky. Your DLC should carry over, but only within its respective platform. This means that if you purchased all your expansion packs, game packs, and stuff packs through Origin/EA app, they will not automatically appear in your Steam version.
To use your Origin/EA app DLC with the Steam version, you essentially need to re-download it through Origin/EA app while linked to your Steam account. The Origin/EA app acts as a content delivery platform, even when launching the game via Steam. In the past, there have been some issues where DLC purchased on one platform was not recognized on the other, even after linking accounts. In most cases, uninstalling and re-installing the packs through Origin/EA app while logged in with the linked account solves the problem. However, keeping your game and client updated is crucial to mitigating the risk.
Pros and Cons of Having The Sims 4 on Both Platforms
Before deciding to purchase The Sims 4 on both platforms, consider the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros
- Flexibility: Choose which platform you want to play on, depending on your preferences.
- Steam Features: Utilize Steam’s community features, cloud saves (if enabled), and remote play capabilities.
- Sales: Take advantage of sales on either platform.
- Redundancy: Having the game on both platforms acts as a sort of back-up should you encounter issues with one platform.
Cons
- Double Purchase: Requires buying the base game twice, which can be costly.
- Account Linking: Potential complications and issues with linking EA and Steam accounts.
- Redownloading DLC: The need to redownload DLC through Origin/EA app even if you already have it installed.
- DRM Overhead: An additional layer of DRM that can sometimes lead to technical issues.
FAQs: All You Need to Know About The Sims 4 on Origin and Steam
Do I have to buy The Sims 4 again on Steam if I already own it on Origin/EA app?
Yes, you have to buy the base game again on Steam if you want to play it through Steam. Each platform treats game ownership separately. This means that if you previously purchased through Origin/EA app , you will need to redownload any DLC, even if you already had it installed.
Is The Sims 4 still free on Origin/EA app and Steam?
The Sims 4 base game is permanently free to download for PC and Mac via the EA app, Origin or Steam, as well as PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X and Series S and Xbox One systems. But you still have to download the Steam version if you want to launch the game through Steam.
What happens if I buy The Sims 4 on Steam?
When you buy The Sims 4 on Steam, you MUST link your EA and Steam accounts to play. EA will share your account ID and individual game and play records with Steam to validate your purchase. Access to the game content is limited to one EA and one Steam account and is non-transferable after purchase.
Will I lose my progress if I uninstall The Sims 4 on Steam?
You won’t lose game progress, game saves, or your custom content if you uninstall The Sims 4 on Steam. These files are usually stored in your Documents folder, separate from the game installation. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save files to be safe.
Should I download The Sims 4 from EA app or Steam?
Both platforms serve the same purpose. EA app gives bonus content if you download from origin. However, Steam is easier to use.
Will The Sims 4 be permanently free?
Yes, EA made its enormously popular life sim The Sims 4 permanently free-to-play on October 18th, 2022. This applies to PC, Mac, and consoles.
Do I need to buy The Sims 4 again if I get a new PC?
No, you do not need to buy The Sims 4 again if you get a new PC. Just install Origin/EA app on your new computer and log in with the account you used to purchase the base game. The game will be ready to be installed under the “My Games” tab.
What happens if Steam removes a game I bought?
Retired games will remain in players’ Steam libraries. Those players will continue to be able to download, install, and launch the game.
Do I have to buy The Sims 4 again if I uninstall it?
No, you won’t need to rebuy the game if you uninstall it. Your Origin/EA app account or Steam account owns The Sims 4, not your computer, and you have the right to install it as many times as you want, on as many systems as you want.
Will I lose my Sims 4 files if I uninstall Origin/EA app?
No, your Sims 4 files will be safe when you delete the origin client. The uninstallation of the Origin client will not remove local save game files and will certainly not delete online saves.
Will I lose everything if I uninstall a game on Steam and reinstall it?
Yes, you do keep your progress… but only if your game save has been saved to the Steam cloud. Otherwise, you will lose any progress not saved to the cloud upon uninstalling the game.
How many computers can I have The Sims 4 on?
You can install The Sims 4 on up to 5 computers at the same time, but you’re only allowed to play it on one at any given time (you can’t log in with Origin/EA app multiple times).
Can I play The Sims 4 on two computers?
Yes, you can play the same save on multiple computers, but you’ll need to manually copy over your save. Your user data is located in DocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4: saves are in the saves folder, saved households and builds in the Tray folder, etc.
Can I delete EA app and still play Sims 4?
So yes, you can cancel EA Play and just get the free version of Sims 4. Normally, you shouldn’t need to uninstall the game; that’s how things are supposed to work. However, you may need to do so or to remove this version from your game library.
Can I close Origin/EA app while playing Sims 4?
If you have Origin/EA app in Game enabled when you load the game, you can’t disable it while the game is open. You should be able to go into Origin/EA app –> Application settings –> Origin/EA app in Game and from there you can uncheck the enable Origin/EA app in game box.
Conclusion
Having The Sims 4 on both Origin/EA app and Steam is certainly possible, but it requires understanding the nuances of account linking, DLC management, and the limitations of cross-platform compatibility. While it offers flexibility and access to platform-specific features, the double purchase requirement and potential complexities might make it unnecessary for some players. Carefully weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs and preferences before making a decision. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming and simulations, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org!