Can you play The Sims on Chromebook? Here's what you need to know

Chromebooks are known for being affordable, entry-level laptops for everyday tasks, but there are a few games you can play on them. One of which is The Sims, an iconic life simulation video game series. It allows players to create their own universe populated by virtual people called “Sims” and place them in pre-designed homes, guiding them through life’s various aspects, including relationships, careers, and daily activities. Sound fun? Here are all the versions of the Sims you can play on a Chromebook.

Which Sims games can you play on a Chromebook?

Currently, two versions of The Sims game are compatible with Chromebook: The Sims FreePlay and The Sims Mobile. These games are different from the PC or console versions of the game, as they are mobile games available from the Google Play Store. However, they still offer the basics of a fun Sims experience on the go. Also, keep in mind that your computer should support Google Play Store access. Most modern Chromebooks do.

If you’ve set your sights on The Sims 4 or the less recent The Sims 3, you’re out of luck. These versions aren’t available for Chromebooks, mainly due to the limitations of Chrome OS and the games’ resource-heavy demands.

To play these games on a Chromebook, you must figure out a way to run Windows apps on a Chromebook. You could install Windows on your Chromebook, but that is a convoluted process, and it likely won’t play smoothly unless you have a very powerful Chromebook.

Another method is to use emulators. We have a list of the best Chromebook emulators, but most of these can’t play The Sims 4 (or The Sims 3).

We would recommend using a cloud gaming service instead. Such as Shadow PC or Boosteroid. These work differently. We’ll talk more about these below.

How to download and install Sims on a Chromebook

From the Google Play Store

Getting The Sims on your Chromebook just takes a quick trip to the Google Play Store. Of course, this is if you want to play The Sims FreePlay or The Sims Mobile.

1. Launch the Google Play Store on your Chromebook.
2. Search for “The Sims.”
3. You should see The Sims FreePlay and The Sims Mobile in the results. Select the one you want to play.
4. Click on Install.
5. Launch the game when ready!

Using a cloud gaming service

If you want to play The Sims 4, this game is only available for some consoles, Windows, and Mac. That said, there is a workaround you can use on a Chromebook. Cloud gaming services make it easy to play Windows games on mobile devices like a Chrome OS computer.

Shadow PC

You can try Shadow PC, for example. This service offers a full Windows computer in the cloud. It requires a good internet connection without much lag, and it isn’t cheap. Its “gaming” offerings start at $30 per month.

1. Sign up for Shadow PC here.
2. Wait for Shadow Tech to set up your remote Windows machine and give you access. The website claims it should take about an hour or less.
3. Download the Shadow PC app on your Chromebook. Sign in and set up your Windows machine.
4. This is pretty much a Windows PC. All you have to do now is download The Sims 4 using Steam, the EA app, or Epic Games.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

It’s also possible to play Xbox Cloud Gaming titles using a Chromebook! Sadly, this is also a paid option. This service requires a monthly subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which costs $17.

1. Sign up for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate here.
2. Go to www.xbox.com/play using Chrome (or any other browser).
3. Click on Sign In and enter your credentials.
4. In the Search games box, enter “The Sims 4” and hit enter.
5. Select The Sims 4 EA Play Edition.
6. Hit Play, and get gaming!

Both NVIDIA GeForce Now and Boosteroid claim they don’t support The Sims 4. That said, I have been able to play Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Boosteroid, even though it’s not officially supported. Both of these connect to Steam, so you can give them a try if you wish. Boosteroid’s price is lower at €7.49 per month. In the case of GeForce Now, it can be used for free with some limitations.

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