How to Transfer Sims 3 from EA to Steam

To transfer Sims 3 from EA to Steam, you need to purchase the game on the Steam Store or redeem a Steam-specific key. Unfortunately, you cannot directly transfer your EA Sims 3 content to Steam due to EA’s rules, which means that any content purchased through EA will not be accessible on Steam.

Understanding the Transfer Process

The process involves buying the Sims 3 base game on Steam and then installing it. If you have any DLC (Downloadable Content) packs, you would need to reinstall them through Origin and then access them through Steam. This is because EA Play memberships and content do not cross over between platforms.

Related FAQs

1. Can I switch my Sims from EA to Steam?: Yes, you can switch by buying the Sims 4 base game on Steam, uninstalling the Origin version, installing the Steam version, and then downloading your packs through Origin.
2. Can I transfer EA Play from Origin to Steam?: No, EA Play memberships do not cross platforms, so benefits and access to The Play List games are exclusive to the platform of purchase.
3. How do I connect my Sims 3 to Steam?: Purchase Sims 3 on the Steam Store or redeem a Steam-specific key, then install and launch the game through Steam or the TS3W.exe file.
4. Does Sims 3 on Steam require Origin?: No, you don’t need Origin to play Sims 3 on Steam; only packs bought and installed from Steam will work.
5. How to transfer Steam codes to Origin?: This process is not directly applicable for transferring Sims 3 content from EA to Steam, but you can redeem Steam content through Origin by providing the product key.
6. Does Sims 3 still work on Steam?: Yes, The Sims 3 is available on both Origin and Steam, and the gameplay experience is the same regardless of the purchase platform.
7. Is Sims 3 better on Steam or EA app?: Both platforms serve the same purpose, but EA offers bonus content, and Steam is considered easier to use and does not require Origin to run the game.
8. How do I find my Sims 3 CD key on Steam?: Right-click the game in your Steam library, select ‘Manage’ -> ‘CD keys’, to find and use your key for registration outside of Steam.
9. Can I play Sims through Steam?: Yes, The Sims 4 is available on Steam, allowing you to play with life, discover possibilities, and create a unique world of Sims.
10. How do I transfer my EA games to Steam?: Sign in to Steam, go to your library, select the game, click install, and follow the prompts to install the game.
11. Do I have to rebuy Sims on Steam?: If you’ve previously purchased through Origin, you’ll need to rebuy the base game on Steam, but your DLC packs will carry over, requiring re-download.
12. Is Sims going to be free on Steam?: As of October 18, 2022, The Sims 4 base game is available for free on PC via EA app or Origin, Mac via Origin, Steam, and various PlayStation and Xbox systems.
13. Where is the serial code on the EA app for Sims 3?: Find your code in the Origin client by restarting the client, going to your game library, right-clicking the game’s tile, and selecting ‘Game Properties’.
14. Why can’t I find my CD key on Steam?: Ensure the game is installed or being installed, then select the cogwheel icon, choose ‘Manage’ and then ‘CD Keys’, or look for the key when launching some older games.
15. Can you play Sims 3 without CD?: Yes, by installing Origin and either entering a game code you already have or purchasing the game through the Origin online store, allowing you to install and play Sims 3 without a CD.