If you specifically need a free city-builder, consider these legal and safe options:
For classic titles like SimCity 2000 , some enthusiasts use archival sites, though these are not official EA platforms. Top Places to Find SimCity Deals
The primary and most secure method to download the game is through EA's own platform.
SimCity is often included in the EA Play library, allowing subscribers to play the game as part of their monthly membership. Minimum System Requirements
While there is no legal way to download the full version of SimCity (2013) —often referred to as —completely for free on PC
Once you have downloaded and installed the game, you'll need to master the basics to ensure your city thrives.