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The Sims 4 Base Game is Going Free-to-Play Permanently

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The Sims 4 free to play

EA and Maxis have announced that the popular life sim The Sims 4 will be permanently free-to-play.

According to a post on the game’s official Twitter account, the game will be free to download from October 18. The game will be available for free download for users of Mac, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X. 

Additionally, those who own the game will get a bonus. The developers announced that any players who own the game can redeem The Sims 4 Desert Luxe Kit for free until October 17. The Kit is mostly inspired by the aesthetics and architecture of the southwestern American deserts. It adds new furniture pieces to the in-game store based on the southwestern desert’s natural terrain. To claim the bonus, simply log into the game and select “Claim the Kit” from the main menu.

The Sims 4 fans are speculating whether the game is approaching the end and whether The Sims 5 is forthcoming. Following the switch to free-to-play for The Sims 4 base game, EA stated in a statement that, “the team is more dedicated than ever to developing new and meaningful experiences for players and will continue to develop and release packs, Kits, and Sims Delivery Express drops into the foreseeable future.”

In the announcement, EA stated that Sims gamers and fans can get more information about EA’s future plans in an upcoming live stream. EA will hold a Behind The Sims Summit live stream on October 18 at 6 p.m. in the UK/10 a.m. PDT.  The Sims’ YouTube and Twitch channels will both broadcast the live stream.

The Sims 4 current price is $19.99. The game is bundled with an EA Play membership on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms. Those with PlayStation Plus membership could previously download the game for free. EA also has a free-to-play mobile game The Sims FreePlay, which launched in 2011. 

What is your take on The Sims 4 going free-to-play? Let us know here on our socials or in the comments below. 
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Evans Karanja is a video game journalist, and content writer at Gaming.net, where he covers game reviews, features, buying guides, recommendations, and new releases across PC and major console platforms.

His passion for gaming began while he was still a child after his uncle surprised him with a Brick Game packed with dozens of games. He later moved on to Contra and other NES classics, sparking a lifelong passion for video games.

Evans specializes in creating player-focused content that helps readers discover new games. He also enjoys tabletop games like Monopoly, hiking, and watching F1.