Are you experiencing Sims 4 crashes while playing Sims 4? There are effective strategies to fix these problems. In this guide, we learn about the easiest fix for Sims 4 crashing on loading screen or startup, a guide that will walk you through a series of steps designed to fix Sims 4 crash, ensuring a smoother Sims 4 game.
Why is my Sims 4 crashing?
Common reasons include Sims 4 corrupted game files, problematic mods, and insufficient system resources. By identifying the root cause, you can apply the most effective fix for Sims 4 crashing on loading screen or crashing at startup.
Common Causes of Crashing
- Corrupted Game Files: Sometimes, files can become corrupted, preventing the game from loading correctly.
- Problematic Mods: Certain mods can conflict with the game, especially if they are outdated or incompatible with the latest updates.
- Insufficient System Resources: If your PC does not meet the game's requirements, it may struggle to run smoothly.
Steps for Fixing Sims 4 Crashes
When your Sims 4 game crashes, the first step is to perform some basic troubleshooting. This process can help identify whether the issue stems from your game files or external factors like mods.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Before making any changes, it's crucial to back up your game data. This ensures that you can restore your progress if something goes wrong during the troubleshooting process. To do this:
- Navigate to your Documents folder.
- Locate the Electronic Arts folder.
- Right-click on the folder and rename it to EA Backup or EA Old.
Step 2: Launch the Game
After backing up your data, try launching Sims 4 again. A new Electronic Arts folder should be created automatically. This clean folder will not contain any corrupted saves or mods, allowing you to check if the game runs smoothly.
Step 3: Restore Your Saves
Once you've confirmed that the game launches without crashing, it's time to restore your saves:
- Go back to your EA Backup folder.
- Access the The Sims 4 folder, then go to Saves.
- Select all your save files, right-click, and cut them.
- Navigate to the new Electronic Arts folder, access The Sims 4, then Saves, and paste your save files there.
Step 4: Restore Your Tray Files
Similar to restoring your save files, you will want to restore your tray files, which contain your custom lots and houses:
- Go to the EA Backup folder.
- Open The Sims 4, then Tray.
- Select and cut all files, then paste them into the new tray folder in the newly created Electronic Arts folder.
Step 5: Manage Your Mods
While mods can enhance your gameplay, they can also lead to crashes if they are outdated or conflict with each other. Here’s how to manage them:
- If you have custom content that is purely aesthetic (like clothes or furniture), you can copy those over.
- For script mods (like UI cheats or MCC), it's best to download the latest versions from their respective sources.
- Consider removing mods that are known to cause issues or that haven’t been updated recently.
Final Steps to Ensure That The Sims 4 Won't Crash Anymore
After restoring your saves, tray files, and managing your mods, it's essential to perform a few more checks to ensure your game runs smoothly.
Step 1: Check for Game Updates
Ensure that your game is updated to the latest version. EA frequently releases patches that fix bugs and improve stability. To check for updates:
- Open the EA app.
- Navigate to your library and check for any available updates for Sims 4.
Step 2: Clear Cache Files
Clearing cache files can help eliminate any temporary data that may be causing issues. Here’s how:
- Go to your Documents folder.
- Open the Electronic Arts folder and locate the Cache folder.
- Delete the contents of the Cache folder. Don't worry; the game will generate new cache files when you launch it again.
Step 3: Adjust Graphics Settings
If your Sims 4 game is crashing still, it may be due to graphics settings that are too demanding for your system. Lowering these settings can lead to improved stability:
- Open Sims 4 and go to Options.
- Select Graphics and adjust the settings to lower values.
- Test the game to see if it runs more smoothly.
Step 4: Check your Sims 4 Game Files
If you are still experiencing issues, verifying the integrity of your game files can help. This process checks for corrupted or missing files and replaces them:
- Open the EA app and go to your library.
- Right-click on Sims 4 and select Repair.
- Allow the process to complete and then try launching the Sims 4 game again.
Conclusion
Sims 4 crashing can be frustrating, but by following these steps, you can fix any issue related to Sims 4 crash after update or not. Remember to back up your data regularly and keep your Sims 4 mods up to date.