Can you play two different versions of sims 4 on one pc?

Probably the simplest way to do this would be to set up a dual boot system. Provided you had licenses for both installations, I don't see any possible legal complications.

It would probably be possible to run two different installations of the game on the same OS, but you'd end up having to do a certain amount of file system "surgery" to get it to work. If I had a mind to do this, I'd sooner use the dual boot approach.

I don't play sims on Steam so I'm of no help.

Console and PC game copies are separate if you have an Xbox or Playstation. Another idea is to disable packs and backup your save files to avoid ruining them. Start a new save for BG only.

The easier way to do that would be to have a separate save file that you play with basegame only.
When you want to play that save, set Origin or EA App or whatever to load the game with no packs.
When you open the game and see the Load Game screen, there will be some sort of indicator on the saves that used your packs (maybe it's a light green icon, I can't remember). Nothing about those saves will change if you don't load them.
Then when you do want to play those saves, you can set Origin or whatever to load the game with all your packs.

@mcrudd @SimplyJen @EmmaVane yes, disabling packs is what I had in mind

here's a quick pic-by-pic

@SimplyJen thank you that was very helpful, I am going to try that :)
@EmmaVane thanks, yes I will be trying that.
@mightysprite thanks so much for the screenies, I use EA app though, but I am sure an Origin user would love that <3

Thanks all of you, I am going to try doing that now, will let you guys know how it goes ;)

Oh wow what an experience.
https://i.imgur.com/87VFOSd.png
I only realize now how much I actually use each pack even ones I did not think I was using. But this is interesting playing base game only, much less choice so quicker customization LOL

Thanks all for your help <3

Yes. I’ve steam and ea. Just rename The Sims 4 folder in electronic arts/documents folder to something else before steam install in order to swap between the two versions.

That sounds fun. But I guess I would do a bit more research into how Steam handles the installation of the base game minus all the base game updates. Mainly, can you install the base game only and prevent past updates from being installed at the same time. I have a Steam account for another game but I don't play the Sims on Steam. Let us know what happens. I'm interested in how that might work. :)

I haven't tried separate installations of the sims but I have used steam as another launcher for origin. I ended up removing it though. The artwork wasn't there, it looked generic. This was before the game went free on steam.

Hi all <3

First off thank you so much for all your replies, you guys are super, and then I would like to apologize for only replying now, but we have been busy prepping our garden and home for the upcoming cylcone Gabrielle, since our place is still soggy from the deluge we had two weeks ago.

@SteveBridger the fact that I have no idea what you are talking about means I should not attempt it LOL Thanks so much for the reply, I am sure a computer savvy person would take your advice and attempt it :)

@Paigeisin5 I will keep you updated once I find a way ;) Perhaps you could give it a go too

@SimplyJen we do have an Xbox, but it is in my daughter's sleepout, she uses it in her room. I only have my little laptop which is hanging by a thread, its old but still good enough for sims :D

@mightysprite mmmm that all sounds very interesting , and a bit more easier to do, could you please tell me more on how to load the game without the packs, never heard of it ;)

@SnaveXs so they might be connected if you could use it as a launcher. I think I will try mightysprites way and leave steam for my waterblaster and Hogwarts game only :)