So ok i have $40 on steam and i was looking to buy some Sims 3 expansion packs on steam. However the DLC's say it will only work with the steam version so my question is if i buy a sims expansion do i have to use the steam version of sims if i have the Base game on a disc cause i don't want to have to rebuy my expansions.

"DLC's say it will only work with the steam version"

 

I think you just answered your own question. 

I bought arma2 oa from steam and had Arma 2 base game (non steam) and it worked, however it was a digital download from amazon not a disc like the sims 3. I wouldn't try it if u don't feel comfortable doing so. 

Those are 2 seperate games.....

yes they are but you need arma 2 to run arma 2 OA thats the only reason why I thought it would be the same idea. 

They are seperate games, and thus won't work the same. They're not even made by the same company. 

I did realize that sorry :(, but im pretty sure it was bohemia that made it as well anyway we dont have to keep going on now this wont help him anymore anyway sorry. 

Sadly no it wont work. The sims 3 launcher via steam is entirely different to that of the retail copy (disk). As a result the DLC will not link correctly to your sims 3 copy.

The warning issued via steam is there for this reason.

 

Use your money on something else is my advice, and wait until the sims 4 comes out. (Or go buy all of the sims 2 off eBay because 3 was shocking)

Sadly no it wont work. The sims 3 launcher via steam is entirely different to that of the retail copy (disk). As a result the DLC will not link correctly to your sims 3 copy.

The warning issued via steam is there for this reason.

 

Use your money on something else is my advice, and wait until the sims 4 comes out. (Or go buy all of the sims 2 off eBay because 3 was shocking)

But does steam give a serial key with each expansion? Cause if so can't i just enter the key in origin and download the game in origin?

But does steam give a serial key with each expansion? Cause if so can't i just enter the key in origin and download the game in origin?

No because steam using a different unique key to origin. It also self registers the key when you buy a game through the steam client.

Simply put, there is no way that you can use DLC for The Sims 3 purchased through Steam on a non-Steam copy. 

Simply put, there is no way that you can use DLC for The Sims 3 purchased through Steam on a non-Steam copy. 

Hmm....It sure is a good think Sherlock Homes is in the house.

Hmm....It sure is a good think Sherlock Homes is in the house.