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Eeekey's avatar
Eeekey
Seasoned Ace
5 years ago
Solved

Transfer codes from Steam to Origin

Hello! Having previously purchased Sims 4 and DLC from the Origin store, I would like to take advantage of the current heavily discounted packs on Steam. If I were to re-purchase the base game and ...
gameplay issue
  • puzzlezaddict's avatar
    puzzlezaddict
    5 years ago

    @Eeekey  Close, but not quite.  For one thing, you can't link your Steam and Origin accounts unless you buy an EA game through Steam, so the process would be buy Sims 4 in Steam -> link accounts -> download base game from Steam.

    The other point is that once you installed the Steam copy of the base game, you should be able to install your Origin-owned packs through Origin without also downloading the base game from Origin.  So something like:

    • Download base game from Steam
    • Install Steam-bought packs
    • Login to Origin, download Origin-bought packs
    • Play through Steam

    That last part is key: if you install the Origin version of Sims 4 and play through Origin, you don't have access to your Steam-bought packs.  You need to play through Steam to access everything.

    Honestly though, this process can be such a headache, it might be better to just stick with Origin.  People sometimes report that Sims 4 won't run properly—they get errors saying that the game isn't installed (when it is) or that Origin isn't installed (when it is) or that Steam can't properly link to Origin.  One person recently said their Origin packs have disappeared, although that may be an isolated incident.

    Origin is currently offering the same discounts as Steam is, at least for most packs.  (I didn't check all 38 or however many there are.)  And as annoying as Origin can be, it's just one problem, with no need to link your content or manage two game launchers at the same time.

puzzlezaddict's avatar
puzzlezaddict
Hero+
5 years ago

@Eeekey  Any Sims 4 content you purchase through Steam can only be used if you install the game through Steam.  There's no way to add the packs you buy through Steam to an Origin-installed game.

However, what you could do is install the game through Steam, then download and install your Origin-bought packs.  (Uninstall the Origin version first.)  You'd then be launching the game through Steam, with Origin running in the background.

  • Eeekey's avatar
    Eeekey
    Seasoned Ace
    5 years ago

    Hi @puzzlezaddict 

    Just to be clear:

    After linking my Steam account to Origin, If I were to purchase the base game from Steam then currently purchased Origin DLC would remain valid either playing thru Steam or Origin?

    So the steps would be:-

    • Uninstall Sims4 and DLC from Origin
    • Link Steam to Origin - Incidently Thru Origin, I see there is an option to link Origin to third party,  but not available since its greyed out]
    • Install S4 basegame to Steam
    • Install basegame and DLC to origin

    This would allow Steam gameplay with S4 basegame and ALL previous purchased Origin DLC [with Origin silently opening in background] ?

    Also, would this allow, having the option to play Sims4 using EITHER Origin and/or Steam and all DLC tied to both platforms?

    Sorry about this,  but I'm finding this all a bit confusing, its probably very straight forward, but I cannot find a genuine EA link which clears up all the little questions.

    Thanking YOU!🤓

    • puzzlezaddict's avatar
      puzzlezaddict
      Hero+
      5 years ago

      @Eeekey  Close, but not quite.  For one thing, you can't link your Steam and Origin accounts unless you buy an EA game through Steam, so the process would be buy Sims 4 in Steam -> link accounts -> download base game from Steam.

      The other point is that once you installed the Steam copy of the base game, you should be able to install your Origin-owned packs through Origin without also downloading the base game from Origin.  So something like:

      • Download base game from Steam
      • Install Steam-bought packs
      • Login to Origin, download Origin-bought packs
      • Play through Steam

      That last part is key: if you install the Origin version of Sims 4 and play through Origin, you don't have access to your Steam-bought packs.  You need to play through Steam to access everything.

      Honestly though, this process can be such a headache, it might be better to just stick with Origin.  People sometimes report that Sims 4 won't run properly—they get errors saying that the game isn't installed (when it is) or that Origin isn't installed (when it is) or that Steam can't properly link to Origin.  One person recently said their Origin packs have disappeared, although that may be an isolated incident.

      Origin is currently offering the same discounts as Steam is, at least for most packs.  (I didn't check all 38 or however many there are.)  And as annoying as Origin can be, it's just one problem, with no need to link your content or manage two game launchers at the same time.

      • Eeekey's avatar
        Eeekey
        Seasoned Ace
        5 years ago

        Hi @puzzlezaddict 

        Thank you!  Now I have better understanding of the process. 

        I went ahead and purchased the basegame from Steam, safe with the knowledge that the Origin DLC will still be valid thru Steam.

        Regarding purchase of additional DLC.  You could very well be correct with that total! 👍🤔  Since there is no Sim3-like Store to purchase individual items, I guess EA has to get its pocket money from somewhere.   

        Nonetheless,  I now play the waiting game and see which platform has the deeper price reductions.  Although,  I have a sneaky suspicion, I may very well be waiting quite some time.

        Many thanks for your help!🙂🍺

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