The Sims 3 is the first game in the series that lets you download it from the internet instead of buying it on CD. You can buy and download Sims 3 from various official online sources, or you can download torrents to replace your lost or damaged installation CD. See step 1 below to learn how.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Using Origin
Step 1. Check your system specifications
Before buying The Sims 3, you should make sure that your computer can run it. Sims 3 is getting old, so most modern computers should be able to run it smoothly. However, if you're trying to run it on an old or cheap computer, you need to know what you need for the best experience.
- Windows - Windows XP or later, 6 GB of storage space, 1 GB of RAM, and a 128 MB video card. You can view your system specifications by pressing Win+Pause.
- Mac OS X - OS X 10.5.7 or later, 6 GB hard disk space, 2 GB RAM, and 128 MB video card. You can view your system specifications by clicking the Apple menu and selecting About This Mac.
Step 2. Download the Origin client
Origin is the store and game loader for all EA games, including the Sims 3. The Origin client can be downloaded for free on the EA Origin website.
Step 3. Create an account
To use Origin and buy games, you need to create an account. You can do this the first time you start origin, or you can create it on the origin site when the client is installed.
- You need a valid address and credit card to purchase games on Origin.
- Log in with your account to start using Origin.
Step 4. Buy a game
Click the "Store" tab at the top of the Origin window. Type "Sims 3" in the search bar. Search results will appear below the search box as you type, or you can click the magnifying glass icon to see all the results.
- The results that appear will be quite a lot because of the many expansions available. Use the "Refine Results" menu to the left of the search results and open the "Game Type" option. Select "Base Games".
- You can choose between The Sims 3 or The Sims 3 Starter Pack which includes several expansions.
- If you purchased The Sims 3 on Amazon as a PC or Mac download, the Origin client will be installed if it's not already available.
Step 5. Start the download
After you buy a game, it will be added to the "My Games" list. This list is a list of all your Origin games. Decide whether you want the icon on your Desktop or your Start menu in the window that appears. Click "Download Now" to start the installation.
- You will be able to see the required storage space as well as the available storage space.
- You can monitor downloads from the "My Games" list. This download may take some time depending on your connection speed.
Step 6. Play the game
Once the download is complete, you will be able to play The Sims 3. Click the Sims 3 icon in the My Games list and click the Play button to start the game.
Method 2 of 3: Using Steam
Step 1. Check your system specifications
Before buying The Sims 3, you should make sure that your computer can run it. Sims 3 is getting old, so most modern computers should be able to run it smoothly. However, if you're trying to run it on an old or cheap computer, you need to know what you need for the best experience.
- Windows - Windows XP or later, 6 GB of storage space, 1 GB of RAM, and a 128 MB video card. You can view your system specifications by pressing Win+Pause.
- Mac OS X - OS X 10.5.7 or later, 6 GB hard disk space, 2 GB RAM, and 128 MB video card. You can view your system specifications by clicking the Apple menu and selecting About This Mac.
Step 2. Download the Steam client
Steam is a store and game loader for a variety of games, including the Sims 3. The Steam client can be downloaded for free on the Steampowered site.
Step 3. Create an account
To use Steam and buy games, you need to create an account. You can do this the first time you start Steam, or you can create one on the Steampowered site when the client is installed.
You need a valid address and credit card to purchase games on Steam
Step 4. Buy a game
Open up the Steam client and log in if you're not already signed in. Click the "Store" link at the top of the Steam window. At the top of the page, you will find a search bar. Type "Sims 3" in the search bar. Search results will appear below the search box as you type, or you can click the magnifying glass icon to see all the results.
Once you have confirmed your purchase, you will be given the option to install the game now or later
Step 5. Install the game
You can click the Install button that appears after purchase, or you can click the Library link at the top of the Steam window. This will open your Steam game list. Right-click Sims 3 on the list and select "Install game".
- You will be able to see the required storage space as well as the available storage space.
- The download and installation progress will appear in the list of games, next to their title.
Step 6. Play the game
Once the download is complete, the game can start playing. Double-click Sims 3 in your Library, or click once and then click the Play button in the Game Details frame.
Method 3 of 3: Using Torrent
Step 1. Download the torrent client
Torrenting is a way of sharing files between computers. You can download a wide variety of programs and media with torrents. Downloading Sims 3 if you don't have it is illegal. Follow this method only if your installation CD is missing or damaged.
The most popular torrent clients are uTorrent, Vuze, or BitTorrent
Step 2. Find torrents for the Sims 3
To download torrents, you need to find a torrent tracker. The public tracker has the most popular games, so you should have no trouble finding them. Enter "the sims 3" in the Google search box.
- When you view the torrent tracker page, you will see the Seeder (S) and Leecher (L) columns. The more seeders, the stronger your connection and the faster you can get to files. If a torrent has significantly more leechers than seeders, the file download time may take longer.
- Read comments on torrents. This will help you determine if the torrent has a virus, as many viruses are spread via torrents.
Step 3. Wait for the torrent to download
Once you find the torrent you want, click on the link to download the torrent to your favorite client. Once you connect with someone else, the torrent will start downloading. Depending on the connection speed and the strength of the torrent, it may take a long time to download.
The Sims 3 download size is approximately 5 GB
Step 4. Install the game
Games downloaded via torrent are installed in a slightly different way than games purchased legally. Read the Readme file that should come with every torrent for an explanation of how to install games and install cracks.
- The crack lets you play games without a CD key. This is useful if you lose or forget your CD key, but illegal if you don't own the game.
- Most games come in ISO format, which is a DVD image. You need to burn it or open it with a mounting device before using it.
