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No—not through the official EA or Steam listings reviewed on October 7, 2026. Both US storefronts listed The Sims 3 for $19.99. EA also describes access to The Sims 3 Starter Pack through EA Play Pro, but that is subscription access, not a free permanent purchase. If you want a Sims game with no base-game purchase, EA offers The Sims 4 base game for free; it is a different game.
Is The Sims 3 free on EA or Steam?
No. As checked on October 7, 2026, EA’s US product listing showed The Sims 3 at $19.99 and offered purchase routes through the EA app and Steam. EA describes the purchase as a license to access digital content. EA’s The Sims 3 product page may show different prices or availability by country and can change over time.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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The Sims 3 - PC | $24.27 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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The Sims 3 Island Paradise - PC/Mac | $12.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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The Sims 3 Supernatural | $4.40 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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The Sims 3: Pets Expansion Pack | $8.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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The Sims 3 Seasons | $32.26 | Buy on Amazon |
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Steam’s US listing also showed $19.99. It identifies Electronic Arts as publisher and The Sims Studio and Maxis as developers. A listing price is not a guarantee that the same price applies in every region or remains current.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsCan you play The Sims 3 through EA Play Pro?
EA’s product page promotes access to The Sims 3 Starter Pack through EA Play Pro. That is a paid membership route, not a no-cost copy or a permanent purchase. The Starter Pack is the content EA identifies for this offer; do not assume it includes every expansion or add-on.
#1 Best Overall
- New Seamless, Open Neighborhood—Explore the neighborhood freely
- New Create A Sim—Create any Sim you can imagine
- New Realistic Personalities—Every Sim is a unique person, with a distinct personality
- New Unlimited Customization—Everyone can customize everything
- The freedom of The Sims 3 will inspire you with endless possibilities and amuse you with unexpected moments of surprise and mischief
Before subscribing, check the current membership price, regional catalog and subscription terms on EA’s page. The sources reviewed do not establish the precise current conditions for continued access after a subscription ends, so verify those terms before relying on the game being available for a particular period. EA Play information
Will a used copy or serial code let you play for free?
Not necessarily. EA’s terms state that The Sims 3 online services require an EA account and game registration with a serial code. Registration is limited to one EA account per code, and the code is non-transferable. A used copy whose code has already been redeemed may therefore not grant access to another account. Confirm the code and entitlement with EA before paying for a secondhand copy. EA legal terms
Rank #2
- Be it by paddleboat or speedboat, your Sims can now leave port to discover new lands and explore like never before, from inter-island travel to discovering their own uncharted island
- Create a family-friendly resort of waterslides and buffet tables, a romantic retreat dotted with minimalist cottages, or a singles resort featuring multiple pool bars where Sims can mingle and flirt. Choose and fine-tune your amenities, set your price
- See what surprises await under the sea as your Sims build their skills in snorkeling/scuba diving. Your Sims may find them on the shore of a new island or discover sunken or buried treasure
- New stilted foundations give your Sims the best of both worlds, a home that's partially on the water and partially on land. Build a resort, create travelling houseboats, and customize your very own island paradise for your Sims
- Requires The Sims 3 to play
Is The Sims 4 free?
Yes. EA lists The Sims 4 base game at $0.00 and provides official download options. This is a legal no-cost way to start playing a Sims game, but it does not give you The Sims 3. Expansion packs and other add-ons may cost extra. EA’s The Sims 4 product page
EA announced that the base game would become free to download for new players beginning October 18, 2022, on PC, Mac, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Platform availability and current download routes should be checked on EA’s page. EA’s announcement
Rank #3
- Play as supernatural Sims: Create witches, wizards, werewolves, more intriguing vampires, and fairies, each with their own magical abilities, traits, and interactions.
- Explore the town of Moonlight Falls: Discover what mysteries and abilities are revealed by the light of the full moon. Will your Sims freak out or become more powerful?
- Hone your magical crafts and share the enchantment: Learn to cast spells and find rare ingredients to brew elixirs, so you can charm or hex your Sims’ lives.
- Discover supernatural items: Race around the arena on your broomstick, visit the gypsy caravan, or preen in front of your magic mirror.
- Zombification: Mix a special elixir to create shuffling, brain-hungry monsters of your very own. Chomp on other Sims to spread the love and wreak havoc. Don’t fret, you can always concoct an elixir to change your Sims back
Check compatibility before buying The Sims 3
EA maintains Sims 3 download, installation and PC/Mac support resources, including information about the Mac 64-bit version. Check the guidance for your platform before purchasing; a listing alone does not establish that a particular computer or operating-system version is supported. EA Help: The Sims 3
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Assemble your company of customized soldiers, weapons, and vehicles - then take them on an epic journey through the tides of War.
- Experience the most intense, immersive battlefield yet. You will never be the same.
- Play firestorm battle royal, reimagined for battlefield V. Scavenge, fight, and survive to become the last squad standing.
Rank #4
- Be the pet - Wield control of your pets to chase, dig, tackle, and more
- Determine the personalities of your Sims' pets, from intelligent, friendly, and proud to playful, adventurous, and aggressive
- Pets can learn skills - Cats and dogs can learn to hunt, dogs can learn to locate collectibles and fetch your Sims a date
- Sims can take their pets outside - Take Spike to the park, bring Whiskers to the library, or ride Star to the new Equestrian Center
- Requires The Sims 3 to install & play
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
