Do You Have to Pay to Play The Sims? It Depends on the Game

It depends on which Sims game:

• The Sims 4 (Base Game): Free to play since October 2022 (EA made it free). Expansions, Game Packs, Stuff Packs, and Kits are paid
• The Sims 1, 2, 3: Paid standalone games. Often on sale (Origin/Steam) or used physical copies
• Custom Content (CC) & Mods: Free community-created items (clothing, furniture, gameplay tweaks) for all versions

Summary

So you can play The Sims 4 completely free forever—just buy packs if you want more.