Incorrect. EA says the game doesn't require an internet connection, and that is also incorrect.
To test this, I had Origin Advanced Settings to "Automatic Exit" when I quit the game. I double-clicked the Sims 4 shortcut to launch the game, and this automatically launched Origin and logged me in (I had it set to auto-login). I then selected Origin > Go Offline. I then quit the game, which closed both the game and Origin. So far, so good.
I decided I wanted to test the offline capabilities so I unplugged my ethernet cable from my router, disconnecting my computer from the internet. I then double-clicked The Sims 4 shortcut, which launched Origin. The Origin Login box popped up and said "Online login is currently unavailable". That's it. It just sat there and the game didn't launch. Closing the Origin Login box did nothing except close the program. The Sims 4 ABSOLUTELY is not playable if you're not connected to the internet.
However, I will say (in fairness) that if you FIRST login when CONNECTED to the internet, select "offline mode" but keep Origin running, then disconnect from the internet, the game will launch. That', however, is not what EA says. They say you only need to connect to the internet the very first time in order to authenticate the game. From that point on an internet connection is not needed.
Don't believe anyone that tells you an internet connection is not required.
Edit: Did that sound angry? 🙂
I stand corrected. I found the information by searching the internet. Here's how to play offline:
When you start the game, Origin login will come up and say "Online login is currently unavailable". At that point put in your email/username and password ANYWAY, and the game will launch even though you have no internet connection.
