Sims 3 was the first game in the series to be downloadable directly from the internet and not requiring an installation CD. You can buy and download Sims 3 from different online sources or you can from torrent to replace your lost or damaged original copy. Read the article starting from the first step to understand how to do it.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using Origin
Step 1. Check the system requirements
Before buying Sims 3 make sure your computer supports it. Sims 3 is an old game now, and many modern computers should be able to run it smoothly. However, if you are using an old or limited computer it is best that you inform yourself on how to run the game at its best to have the best possible gaming experience.
- Windows: Windows XP or newer, 6GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, 128MB video card. You can see your system characteristics by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause.
- Mac OS X: OS X 10.5.7 or newer, 6GB hard drive, 2GB RAM, 128MB video card. You can see your system characteristics by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".
Step 2. Download the Origin client
Origin is the launcher for all EA games, including Sims 3. The Origin client is free and can be downloaded from the EA Origin site.
Step 3. Create an account
To use Origin and purchase the game you will need to create an account. You can do this the first time you start Origin or you can create an account on the Origin site while installing the client.
- You will need a valid email address and credit card to be able to purchase games on Origin.
- Log into your account and start using Origin.
Step 4. Buy the game
Click on the "Shop" tab at the top of the window. Type "Sims 3" in the search bar; the results will appear below the search bar as you type the words. Alternatively, click on the magnifying glass to see the results.
- There will be a lot of results due to the many expansions. Use the "Reduce Results" menu on the left and expand the "Game Type" item. Select "Base Game".
- You can choose between Sims 3 or Sims 3 Starter Pack, which includes a couple of expansions.
- If you buy the game on Amazon by downloading it for PC or Mac, the Origin client will be installed automatically.
Step 5. Start the download
Once purchased, the game will be added to the "My Games" list which contains all of your Origin products. Click on the Sims 3 icon and then on the Download button. Choose whether you want a shortcut on the desktop or on the Start menu in the window that appears. Click on the "Download Now" button to download the game.
- The installer will show you how much disk space you need and how much of it you have available.
- You can monitor the download from the "My games" list. The download may take a long time depending on your connection.
Step 6. Play
Once the download and installation are finished you will be able to play. Click the Sims 3 icon on the "My Games" list and then click "Play" to begin.
Method 2 of 3: Using Steam
Step 1. Check the system requirements
Before buying Sims 3 make sure your computer supports it. Sims 3 is an old game now, and many modern computers should be able to run it smoothly. However, if you are using an old or limited computer, it is best that you inform yourself on how to run the game at its best to have the best possible gaming experience.
- Windows: Windows XP or newer, 6GB hard drive, 1GB RAM, 128MB video card. You can see your system characteristics by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause.
- Mac OS X: OS X 10.5.7 or newer, 6GB hard drive, 2GB RAM, 128MB video card. You can see your system characteristics by clicking the Apple menu and selecting "About This Mac".
Step 2. Install the Steam client
Steam is a launcher for many games, including Sims 3, and can be downloaded for free from the Steampowered website.
Step 3. Create an account
To use Steam and purchase Sims 3 you will need a free Steam account. You can create it through the client after installing it or you can create one directly from the Steam site during installation.
You will need a valid email address and credit card to purchase games on Steam
Step 4. Buy the game
Open the Steam client and log in, if you haven't already. Click on the "Shop" link at the top of the window. You will find a search bar: type "Sims 3" and select the appropriate item from the list of results that will appear or click on the magnifying glass.
Once your purchase is confirmed, you will have the option to either install the game immediately or wait and install it later
Step 5. Install the game
You can click the "Install" button that appears after purchasing the game, or you can click the "Library" link at the top of the window. A list of all your Steam games will open. Right click on the game in the list and select "Install".
- You will be shown the required and available hard disk space.
- The download and installation bar will be visible in the games list. The download speed and install percentage will be displayed next to the game title.
Step 6. Play
Once the download and installation are finished you will be able to play. Double click on "Sim 3" in your game list or click once and then click on the "Play" button that will appear.
Method 3 of 3: Using Torrents
Step 1. Download a torrent client
Torrents are a way to share files between computers. You can download all kinds of programs or media files via torrent. If you don't already own a copy of Sims 3, downloading one with torrents is illegal. You should only use this method if your original copy has been damaged or if you have lost it.
The most popular torrent clients are uTorrent, Vuze and BitTorrent
Step 2. Find the Sims 3 torrent
To download torrents you will need to use a tracker. Public trackers have some of the most popular games, so you shouldn't have a problem finding one. Just search for "sims 3 torrent" on Google.
- When you are on a tracker page you will see a column with the seeders (S) and the leechers (L). The more seeders there are, the more stable and faster your connection will be. If there are many more leechers than seeders it may take a long time to download the entire file.
- Read the comments on the torrent. It will help you figure out if it contains viruses (torrents are a very common way to spread viruses or trojans).
Step 3. Wait for the torrent to download
Once you have found the torrent you are looking for, click on it to download it and open it with your client. The program will connect you to other people with the file and you will start downloading it. Depending on your connection and the torrent seeders and leekers, you will download your file either very fast or very slowly.
The Sims 3 file weighs around 5GB
Step 4. Install the game
Games downloaded via torrent often install slightly differently. Read the README file which is found in most torrents and which contains instructions on how to install the game and use the crack.
- The crack will allow you to play without inserting the game CD key. This particular method, therefore, is very useful if you have forgotten or lost your CD key, but it is illegal if you don't own the game.
- Many games are shared in ISO format. This is a disc image format, and to use it you will first need to mount it to a virtual drive or burn it to a CD.
