Are you looking for information on how to download The Sims 5 for free? Then you’ve come to the right place! Here, you’ll find all the information you need.
Will the fifth generation be available to download for free at all? Will there be a demo or trial version? And what platforms will it be available on? You’ll find the answers to these and other questions down below.
On this page:
Is it possible to download Sims 5 for free? If so, how can I get it?
You’re probably here because you’re wondering how to get The Sims 5 for free.
To give a clear and perhaps not-so-satisfying answer to this question, The Sims 5 is currently (2023) not yet available to download.
So, when is the fifth generation going to be released?
In January 2023, Grant Rodiek (Game Director for The Sims 5) mentioned that the game is “Years away” from being released. This means that the game won’t be launched in 2023. A release in 2024 or 2025 is very likely, though. Read more about the release here.
Another important question is: When the fifth generation comes out, will it be possible to get it for free?
The most likely answer is no. The game will probably not be available for free for the first few years after it comes out. This may perhaps not be the most satisfying answer, but it’s the most likely scenario.
So, why will the game not be available for free, you may wonder?
The main reason for this is that game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) and game developer Maxis are commercially driven companies. This means that they must generate revenue in order to keep developing games. Besides that, they also have other big expenses, like employees and offices.
Since EA is listed on the stock market, investors and other shareholders want to see a return on their investment.
It would be difficult for EA to make a profit if The Sims 5 was given away for free right away.
There is a chance, though, that the fifth generation will be given away for free a few years after its release. If that’s the case, we will definitely tell you more about it on this site, SimsDownloads.net.
According to some sites, it’s already possible to download and play The Sims 5 for free. By now, you probably know that this isn’t possible. Please avoid visiting these sites, as they can infect your computer with malware or viruses.
Sims 4 is now available for free. Will this happen with Sims 5 as well?
You may have heard that The Sims 5’s predecessor, The Sims 4, was made available for free back in 2015. The game could only be downloaded for free for a very short period of 48 hours. This was a very special event.
However, between 2015 and late 2022, you couldn’t legally download the fourth generation for free. Luckily, this changed in 2022, when EA and Maxis announced that the base game would be free from October 18 onwards, and not just for a short time. This time, it was permanent!
So why did The Sims 4 suddenly become free to download? Many Simmers were wondering this.
By offering the base game for free, EA and Maxis hope to sell more expansion packs instead, which will increase the company’s revenue and profits. More players will likely become hooked on the game as time goes on. It’s a simple marketing strategy that has proven to be quite effective for many businesses.
Now that The Sims 4’s base game doesn’t cost anything anymore, you may be wondering if the same will happen with The Sims 5.
As was explained above, the fifth generation probably won’t be free for a while after it comes out. However, there is a chance that the base game will be offered for free a few years later.
We know that most Simmers probably don’t want to wait that long. In one of the following sections, we’ll tell you more about where to get The Sims 5 games cheaply once they become available.
Will Sims 5’s expansion packs be available for free?
It’s unlikely that expansion packs (also called DLC) for The Sims 5 will be free to download in the first few years after the game comes out.
In some rare cases, specific add-ons might be provided free of charge for a short time, but probably not soon after they are released.
However, this doesn’t mean there won’t be any free content for The Sims 5 at all.
For The Sims’ fourth generation, EA and Maxis have released numerous free updates with more items, features, and gameplay. This will likely also happen with the fifth generation.
These content updates are typically relatively limited, so in order to get more content or gameplay, you will still need to purchase expansion packs, game packs, stuff packs, or kits.
How can I download Sims 5?
There’s both bad and good news. As you may have guessed, the bad news is that The Sims 5 isn’t out yet (in 2023). But the good news is that the game is actually currently being developed, so it’s coming – for real!
So, how do you download the fifth generation once it’s available?
The game is expected to be made available via EA’s own game platform, the EA app (formerly known as Origin). Aside from that, EA will probably also offer the game via EA Play, which is EA’s subscription service. In order to use EA Play, you will have to pay a monthly membership fee.
The EA app is required to download, install, and play the fifth generation of The Sims. Here is a quick explanation of how you can get the game once it’s available. For more details, visit the download page.
- Visit the EA app site and download the EA app.
- After you’ve installed the EA app, simply open the app on your device.
- Use your EA account to sign in. Don’t already have an account? You can register for free here.
- When you’re logged in, use the search bar at the top of the screen and search for “Sims 5”. The game should show up quickly. If you haven’t bought the game yet, you can purchase it here or through other online stores or gaming platforms.
- Now that you’ve bought the game, go to your game library and click the “Download” button. The download process may take some time. Once that’s done, the installation process will start.
- Finally, click the “Play” button. After that, the game will start! Now you’re ready to go. Enjoy!
Besides that, we also expect the game to be launched on Steam, Amazon, and other third-party platforms. Even if you use third-party platforms, you will probably still need the EA app to download, install, and run the game.
Other third-party sites, including CD key sites, usually also provide cheaper ways to buy Sims games. These sites include MMOGA, CDKeys, Instant Gaming, Gamivo, CJS CD Keys, SCDKEY, Allkeyshop, Eneba, G2A, HRKGame, and others.
Once The Sims 5’s base game is available, we’ll share more details on how you can purchase and download the game.
Will there be a demo/trial version of Sims 5 available to download?
One of the most frequently asked questions about The Sims 5 probably is whether or not there will be a demo or trial version of the game. We completely understand why a lot of Simmers want to know this! Trying something out before buying it is always a good idea.
Back in 2014, EA and Maxis introduced a Create A Sim (CAS) demo of The Sims 4 before the actual game was launched. The game’s beta version allowed players to preview this section of the game. Many fans really enjoyed getting to see CAS early.
A few years before that, there was also an official demo version of The Sims 3. This version gave access to the entire base game. In addition to that, there was a Create A Pet (CAP) demo. Players in CAP could create their own dogs, cats, and even horses.
So, will there be a demo or trial version of The Sims 5?
Even though it hasn’t been confirmed yet, there will probably be a demo of some kind!
More recently, in October 2022, EA and Maxis started inviting a small group of gamers to try out a closed beta version of The Sims 5. This is a very early-in-development version of the game. Some screenshots and videos from these so-called “playtesting sessions” have appeared online.
Even though this beta version is not accessible to the masses yet, you may have a chance to become part of the playtesting team. All you need to do is visit EA’s playtesting site, sign up, and log in to your EA account. Follow the instructions there for a chance to be invited to a sneak preview of the forthcoming game.
As soon as we know more, we’ll definitely share it on this site.
Can I play Sims 5 online for free?
Currently (2023), The Sims 5 isn’t available yet. Andrew Wilson, EA’s CEO, said that the next generation will have “social interactions and competition,” and they are also considering adding a “cloud-enabled world.” So, as soon as it’s available, you’ll be able to play the game online!
Besides that, Lyndsay Pearson (Vice President of Franchise Creative for The Sims at Maxis) also confirmed that the fifth generation will introduce multiplayer capabilities. For those who would rather play alone, there’s also good news. The game will also have a single-player mode.
Pearson said:
“With Project Rene, we want to make it easier to work together and share. You can choose to play or create by yourself, or with your close friends. It’s entirely your choice.”
– Lyndsay Pearson, Vice President of Franchise Creative for The Sims at Maxis
Now that we know that The Sims 5 can be played online, the next question is: Will it be possible to play it online for free?
The answer is probably no. As explained in the sections above, it’s very unlikely that the next version of The Sims can be played for free during the first few years after it comes out.
The main reason for that is that EA and Maxis are commercial companies that need to make money.
Besides that, developing and maintaining a multiplayer game is very costly as well. A multiplayer game runs on very advanced servers, which are very expensive.
Even though it’s still uncertain, there is a chance that the base game will eventually be provided at no cost. This is unlikely to happen during the first few years after its release.
When the first The Sims Online was released many years ago, playing the game required a monthly subscription. That’s also one of the reasons why the game didn’t become a success.
The question remains whether The Sims 5 will be accessible as a one-time purchase or whether it will require a monthly subscription to play.
When we know more, we’ll share it here on SimsDownloads.net.
If Sims 5 games won’t be available for free, then how much will they cost?
As you may have read on this page, it’s unlikely that the base game or future expansion packs for The Sims 5 will be given away for free in the first few months or years after they come out.
So, how much will The Sims 5’s base game and expansions actually cost?
Even though nothing has been confirmed yet, it’s already possible to estimate how much the different packs will cost. This is based on the initial retail prices of previous Sims games at launch.
Here are the estimated prices for the different editions of The Sims 5’s base game:
- Base game (Standard Edition): $40 – $60 USD (€40 – €60).
- Base game (other editions): $60 – $100 USD (€60 – €100).
Here are the estimated prices for the different types of The Sims 5 expansion packs:
- Big expansion packs: $30 – $40 USD (€30 – €40).
- Game packs: $15 – $20 USD (€15 – €20).
- Stuff packs: $10 – $15 USD (€10 – €15).
- Kits: $5– $10 USD (€5 – €10).
Please be aware that these prices are only estimates and may change depending on the market.
Where can I get Sims 5 games cheaply?
As we all know, Sims games can be pretty expensive. This is especially the case in the first few months after a game comes out.
Now you’re probably wondering: Where and how can I get Sims 5 games cheaply?
We’ll answer this question here.
Currently (2023), The Sims 5 isn’t available yet. But once it’s available, you’ll be able to purchase the base game and add-ons in different places. It’s always recommended to buy games from authorized, legitimate retailers.
So, what are some of the best online stores where you can buy cheap Sims 5 games safely?
Even though EA’s own platforms, such as the EA app (formerly known as Origin), aren’t always the most affordable, they frequently have promotions.
Other online third-party platforms, such as Steam, Amazon, and others, may also sell Sims 5 titles. Besides that, other popular stores like Best Buy and GameStop may also be selling these games.
Online CD key stores are one of the most affordable options. They include MMOGA, CDKeys, Instant Gaming, Gamivo, CJS CD Keys, SCDKEY, Allkeyshop, Eneba, G2A, HRKGame, and more. These retailers are all legitimate and authorized. If you want to be entirely sure, you can always look up reviews on Trustpilot.
It’s good to remember that Sims games typically become cheaper with time. A newly released expansion may cost $30 – $40 USD (€30 – € 40) at launch, but after a few years, it’s probably much cheaper, like $10 – $20 USD (€10 – €20).
If you’re not in a rush, it’s perhaps better to wait a little longer so you can get these games at a big discount. Games are often cheaper during Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other holidays.
We’ll share more details on this site as soon as The Sims 5 becomes available for pre-order.
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Will there be microtransactions in Sims 5?
Microtransactions: Some Simmers love them, some hate them. Not sure what microtransactions are? Don’t worry! It’s a business model that enables gamers to purchase in-game virtual goods in-game with real money. You can unlock extra features, items, and other things by paying a small amount of money.
Discussions about microtransactions in The Sims 5 have been going on for a long time. Many Sims fans wonder if they will be a part of this new game or not.
Looking back at previous Sims games, it can be seen that older Sims mobile games, like The Sims FreePlay, offered microtransactions as an option. The game itself was free to play, but it had an in-game store where players could buy extra in-game items. These items included furniture, clothing, hairstyles, and other things that had to be purchased with real money.
At this moment, it’s not confirmed whether or not there will be microtransactions in The Sims 5. Based on feedback from the Sims community, we know that only a very small percentage of Sims players would like to have this in their game.
Only 2% of community members voted in favor of microtransactions, while 83% preferred to have regular, big expansion packs. When we add game packs and stuff packs to this, it shows that almost 95% of the Simmers prefer separate expansion packs over in-game purchases.
Even if the majority of Simmers choose not to make in-game purchases, it can’t be fully ruled out that there will be any microtransactions in the upcoming Sims installment. And in case it will be part of the game, it will most likely be optional.
Since microtransactions require micropayments in order to unlock additional features or items, these extras will not be available for free.
Freebies: Free content updates for Sims 5
Even though the base game and expansion packs for The Sims 5 aren’t likely to be free right away after the game comes out, EA and Maxis are likely to release free content updates for the game.
In The Sims 4, pools, toddlers, and other content updates were added to the game later on, and they didn’t cost anything. Some highly requested gameplay features and other popular items will probably also be added to the fifth generation for free later on.
The Sims 5 will probably also support mods and custom content (CC) again. This means that you can also download free content made by Simmers and add it to your game.
Some sites seem to be offering Sims 5 for free. Is this legit?
You may have seen websites or content creators who claim that The Sims 5 can already be downloaded for free.
Be careful because the fifth generation isn’t out yet! Even after it’s released, it probably won’t be given away for free in the first few months and years, at least not legally.
Most websites claiming that The Sims 5 can already be downloaded have bad intentions. For example, they could install viruses or malware on your computer. Some of them could also steal your personal information and scam you.
Be cautious whenever you come across download links or buttons! When you see headlines like “100% Working,” “Download PC Game Full Version Free,” or “License Key Origin Crack,” you should be very wary. Avoid using Torrent and cracks!
We strongly recommend buying from reliable, authorized retailers only. These include the EA app, EA Play, Steam, Amazon, Best Buy, GameStop, and popular CD key sites such as MMOGA, CDKeys, Instant Gaming, Gamivo, CJS CD Keys, SCDKEY, Allkeyshop, Eneba, G2A, HRKGame, and others.
When you buy games from these retailers, you’ll always get a legal and unique serial code (license key) that you can use to redeem, activate, and play the games you’ve bought.
Also, by purchasing games from authorized retailers, you support businesses and game developers who work hard to provide the finest games for the Sims community!
When is Sims 5 actually coming out?
As you may know by now, The Sims 5 isn’t out yet. The good news is that the game is currently under development, so it’s actually coming soon. But how soon is soon?
The only honest answer is that EA and Maxis have not yet confirmed the official release date (as of 2023).
Grant Rodiek (Game Director for Project Rene, The Sims 5’s working title) stated in January 2023 that the game is “Years away.” This suggests that a 2023 release is unlikely.
A release around 2024 or 2025 appears very likely, though. The fourth generation, The Sims 4, has been long overdue. Typically, there are five years between each new Sims generation.
In 2024, The Sims 4 will also be celebrating its 10th anniversary, which seems like the perfect time to introduce the fifth installment.
In 2025, The Sims will turn 25 years old, so that’s another good opportunity to introduce the world to The Sims 5.
Read more about the possible release date of The Sims 5 here.
On what platforms will Sims 5 be released?
The Sims 5 will be coming to different platforms, that’s for sure. In October 2022, Lyndsay Pearson (Vice President of Franchise Creative for The Sims at Maxis) confirmed that the game will become a cross-platform experience. This means that it can be played on various devices.
But what platforms will be supported?
Pearson confirmed that the fifth generation will be launched on PC and mobile devices. Although Pearson hasn’t mentioned any other platforms yet, more will undoubtedly be added to this list.
Since The Sims 5 is coming to PC, devices that run Windows will be capable of running it. This includes Windows 11 and possibly Windows 10 as well. Older versions may not be supported.
Currently, there is no confirmation about Mac devices yet. Given that The Sims 4 can be played on Mac devices, we do expect that the next generation of The Sims will also be compatible with MacOS-powered devices.
You can learn more about the platforms on which The Sims 5 can be played here.
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