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Anonymous's avatar
Anonymous
12 years ago

Can I install expansion packs for The Sims 3 if they're from different sources?

Here's what I mean:

I currently have The Sims 3 base game and the Night Life EP which I bought and downloaded from the Origin store. My question is: if I buy a different expansion pack (e.g. Island Paradise) from a different store or retailer (e.g., Steam, Amazon or from a retail disc), will they work together?

And if I do buy an EP from Steam (for example), will I need to have both Steam and Origin open in order to play all of my Sims games? If I buy a retail disc, will I need to have the disc in my tray in order to play it?

Basically, I'm asking if I buy the base game from one store, am I locked into buying the EPs and SPs from that same store in order for them to be compatible.

Thank you.

12 Replies

  • roberta591's avatar
    roberta591
    Hero (Retired)
    8 years ago

    @Arkidie  When you go the Steam route you have to stay the Steam route. Steam provides codes that can be used in Origin. As Steam installs the base game differently you have to redeem the base game code in Origin and install the game from Origin. Then redeem the pack codes in Origin and install and run the game from Origin. The physical copy (disc version) are generic (all the same for that product) and are for the pre Origin games. Some (most) will install and update for Origin but it is safer to get the digital download version from Origin as that is updated for Origin. What you are paying for is the code (license) to activate the purchase. As some big box stores and other sellers that are not authorized to sell EA products, the only way they can sell the products is the physical sealed jewel case. If you encounter issues you still have to return to place of sale to resolve any issues but EA is more willing to help you in the case of the physical version. Origin is like Steam. The Sims 3 was released with the DRM of SecuROM and SafeDisc. Microsoft Windows and Apple OS X no longer support SecuROM and SafeDisc. Origin is the DRM for The Sims 3 since 2012. With Origin there is no install limit and you do not need a disc to play. I have both Origin games and Steam games and have no problems running both on the same computer. There may be a way to get the pack to work with Steam but I do not know it. Be careful of codes from Ebay sellers as most of these sellers are not authorized to sell just the code.  hth

  • Raiflex's avatar
    Raiflex
    8 years ago

    Boa Tarde,

               Ontem no inicio da promoção de fim de ano da steam, eu comprei a expansão "The Sims 3 - into the Future" como presente para uma colega, sendo que ela não possui o jogo na steam, ela possui ela apenas como cd físico e compra as expansões pela origem, ela consegue usar essa dlc que comprei pela steam na origem?

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