How to get back into playing the sims 3?

[doxxielover]

I am trying to get back into playing sims 3 again but it seems like a daunting task. I have the base game, all expansion packs, and most stuff packs on disc from the early 2000s. I am wondering what the best next step would be.

This is my laptop: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U with Radeon Graphics            2.10 GHz
The laptop I currently have does not have a disc drive to even install them thru. Should I consider buying the games on steam or EA (my games are all downloaded in the sims store if that makes a difference)? Can I somehow play them without the disc without repurchasing? I saw the option of doing a steam or ea membership, but I am not sure if this is worth it.

Or should I consider buying a new desktop computer?

Thank you for the advice!

[MrsFlynn]

Hi Doxxie,

You can pick up an external dvd drive to help install the game. They can be purchased via Amazon or Best Buy fairly cheaply for between $15 - $40/$50.

We typed up a how-to awhile back, if you'd like to read it over.

How To Install Sims 3 via Disc
https://www.carls-sims-4-guide.com/forum/index.php?topic=20732.msg425178.html#post_Disc

If you'd rather get it digitally, I would recommend Steam. It allows for offline play and seems to be less hassle as well.

As I understand it, EA App does not allow for offline play as well as other issues.

You can download any Sims 3 Store content via the store's website.

Sims 3 Store's website (https://www.thesims3.com/home.html). Download items via your purchase history page (Store > Store Account > Purchase History) or the item's page.

Here are a couple examples:

(Store > Store Content > Sets > Fun - Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes)

Lullabies and Nursery Rhymes Set:
https://store.thesims3.com/setsProductDetails.html?scategoryId=13915&index=0&productId=OFB-SIM3:59921

(Store > Store Content > Worlds - Hidden Springs)

Hidden Springs:
https://store.thesims3.com/hiddenSprings.html?categoryId=12642

Try it out on your laptop first, if you don't like how it runs, you might consider a desktop computer.  If you have Windows 11 or a newer computer you may need the Alder Lake Patch to get the game to run.

Sims 3 won't open: Alder Lake (Intel 12th-gen) CPU
https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/Sims-3-won-t-open-Alder-Lake-Intel-12th-gen-CPU/m-p/11528168#M250997

[doxxielover]

Thank you for your suggestions and the helpful links! One concern I had with the external dvd drive is that a disc would have to be running in it during gameplay and not just install? Do you suppose this will be ok for my disc? Thank you!

[MrsFlynn]

You're welcome!!

Yes you would have to have the disc in the dvd drive and running, which is fine.

However, you could use Nraas No CD [https://www.nraas.net/community/NoCD] and put your discs away so they don't get scratched.