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Should I Buy Sims 3 on Steam or EA? A Simmer’s Dilemma, Solved!

The age-old question for any aspiring or returning Simmer looking to dive into the expansive world of The Sims 3: Should I buy it on Steam or EA (formerly Origin)? The short answer? Steam is generally the better option for most players. It offers a more user-friendly experience, frequently has better sales, and doesn’t force you to launch the EA app to play (though you may still need it installed). However, the choice isn’t always black and white. Let’s unpack the nuances to help you make the best decision for your Simming needs.

Diving Deep: Steam vs. EA – Feature by Feature

The Sims 3, despite its age, remains a beloved entry in the franchise, largely due to its open-world gameplay and extensive customization options. Both Steam and the EA app offer the base game and its numerous expansion packs. However, their delivery and associated features differ significantly.

User Experience and Interface

Steam: Steam boasts a well-established, intuitive interface. Managing your game library, downloading content, and browsing the store are generally smoother and less prone to hiccups than on the EA app. Plus, Steam’s community features, like forums and reviews, can be valuable for troubleshooting and discovering mods.
EA App: The EA app, while improved from its predecessor Origin, still faces criticism for its clunkiness and occasional technical issues. While EA is continuously working on improvements, Steam’s established reputation and overall stability still give it the upper hand.

Game Library and Selection

Steam: While the EA app focuses primarily on EA titles, Steam offers a vast library of games from various publishers. If you’re looking for a central hub for all your PC games, Steam is the clear winner.
EA App: The EA app primarily carries games published by Electronic Arts. While it occasionally includes titles from other publishers, its selection is significantly smaller than Steam’s.

Pricing and Sales

Steam: Steam is known for its frequent and substantial sales, including seasonal events like the Summer Sale and Winter Sale. You can often find The Sims 3 base game and expansion packs at significantly discounted prices during these periods.
EA App: While the EA app also offers sales, they are typically less frequent and less generous than those on Steam. However, the EA Play subscription can provide discounts and access to certain Sims 3 content.

Compatibility and Technical Issues

Both: Regardless of where you purchase The Sims 3, you may encounter technical issues due to the game’s age and demanding hardware requirements. However, Steam’s community and forum support can provide valuable solutions. Ensure your computer meets the recommended specifications for smooth gameplay.
Steam: The Steam version can sometimes be less prone to issues because of Steam’s more stable platform. However, the game itself requires some workarounds due to its age.

EA Play Integration

Steam: If you subscribe to EA Play on Steam, you get access to a selection of games in the EA Play library, member discounts, and other benefits. However, these benefits are tied to the Steam platform.
EA App: EA Play membership is centered within the EA app, offering similar benefits but specific to that platform. The Sims 3 Starter Pack is offered with EA Play.

Expansion Packs and Content

Both: All Sims 3 expansion packs are available on both platforms.
Steam: If you purchase the base game on Steam, you need to buy all of its expansion packs from steam as well.
EA App: If you purchase the base game on the EA app, you need to buy all of its expansion packs from the EA app as well.

The Verdict: Why Steam Generally Wins

While the EA app might seem like the obvious choice for EA games, Steam’s superior user experience, frequent sales, and larger game library generally make it the better option for buying The Sims 3. Unless you’re heavily invested in the EA Play ecosystem and specifically want to manage all your EA games through the EA app, Steam is likely the more convenient and cost-effective choice. You also do not need to run the EA app to play games you bought on Steam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buying Sims 3

1. Do I need EA Play to play Sims 3 on Steam?

No, you do not need EA Play to play The Sims 3 on Steam. You only need to purchase the base game and any desired expansion packs directly through Steam.

2. Can I transfer Sims 3 from the EA app to Steam?

Unfortunately, no. You cannot directly transfer your Sims 3 content from the EA app to Steam. They are treated as separate purchases.

3. Does the Steam version of Sims 3 require the EA app?

Technically, no. While the EA app may need to be installed for some games, you typically don’t need to actively launch it to play Sims 3 on Steam. It might run in the background.

4. Is Sims 3 cheaper on Steam or the EA app?

Generally, Steam offers better and more frequent sales on The Sims 3 and its expansion packs. Keep an eye out for Steam’s seasonal sales events.

5. Will my Sims 3 expansion packs from the EA app work on the Steam version?

No. Expansion packs are tied to the platform where you purchased the base game. If you buy Sims 3 on Steam, you must also buy the expansion packs on Steam to ensure compatibility.

6. What happens if I buy an EA game on Steam?

When you buy an EA game on Steam, you may need to install the EA app to launch the game. Steam will indicate if this is necessary on the game’s store page.

7. Is my EA account linked to Steam?

You may be prompted to link your EA account to Steam when launching an EA game for the first time. This allows for data sharing and potential cross-platform benefits, though these are limited for The Sims 3.

8. What Sims 3 content is included with EA Play?

The Sims 3 Starter Pack, which includes the base game, Late Night Expansion Pack, and High-End Loft Stuff Pack, is available through the EA Play subscription.

9. How much storage space does Sims 3 require with all expansions?

With all expansions installed, The Sims 3 can take up between 25 and 30 GB of storage space.

10. Why does Sims 3 keep crashing on Steam?

Sims 3 crashing can be due to various reasons, including outdated drivers, insufficient system resources, or conflicting software. Try running the game in windowed mode (Alt + Enter), updating your graphics drivers, and closing unnecessary background applications. Improper game settings can also cause the game to crash.

11. Where can I find helpful resources and a community to assist me with problems with Sims 3?

Steam and the EA app provide platforms with forums, reviews, news, and community hubs to assist with problems. You can also find online communities dedicated to the Sims franchise.

12. If I buy Sims 3 on Steam, do I need to redeem the product key on the EA app?

While not required, you can register your Steam product codes on the EA app. This allows you to use the Sims 3 Store and Exchange, but it doesn’t affect how you play the game through Steam.

13. Are there mods available for the Steam version of Sims 3?

Yes, there are a plethora of mods available for The Sims 3, regardless of whether you own it on Steam or the EA app. Steam and online communities are your friends!

14. How much does The Sims 3 cost with all expansions?

Purchasing The Sims 3 and all its expansions at full price can be expensive, around $400. However, keep an eye out for sales on Steam and the EA app to significantly reduce the cost.

15. When will Sims 3 expansions go on sale?

EA never announces sales in advance, and Sims 3 expansion packs are only rarely on sale. The best bet would be Steam, where packs are often as low as $5 each during mega sales.

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Should I buy Sims 3 on Steam or EA?