Restarting Your Sims 4 After an Update: A Comprehensive Guide
The Sims 4 is a constantly evolving game, and updates are a crucial part of that evolution. Whether it’s adding new features, fixing bugs, or introducing exciting new content, updates keep the game fresh and engaging. However, sometimes, after an update, the game might act a little wonky. Don’t panic! Restarting The Sims 4 after an update is usually a simple process. Generally, all you need to do is completely exit the game and relaunch it. This ensures that all the new files and changes are properly loaded. If you’re still encountering issues, a few extra steps can help smooth things out. This article will guide you through the process and address some common concerns.
Simple Steps to Restart Sims 4 After an Update
The most straightforward way to restart your game after an update is this:
- Save Your Game: Before doing anything else, make sure you save your current game to avoid losing any progress.
- Exit The Sims 4: Close the game entirely. Don’t just minimize it to your taskbar. Go to the main menu (usually by pressing Esc), and select “Exit Game.”
- Relaunch The Sims 4: Open your game through the EA App (formerly Origin), Steam, or directly from the desktop shortcut. The game will load with the updated files.
If simply restarting the game doesn’t solve your problems, there might be a few other things you can try.
Troubleshooting After an Update
Sometimes, updates can introduce compatibility issues, especially with mods. Here are some additional steps you can take if you’re still having problems:
- Restart Your Computer: A simple reboot can often resolve minor software glitches.
- Restart the EA App: Close the EA App completely (check the system tray to ensure it’s not running in the background) and then relaunch it.
- Repair the Game: The EA App has a built-in repair tool. To use it, right-click on The Sims 4 in your game library and select “Repair.” This will check for and fix any corrupted game files.
- Update Your Mods: If you use mods, they’re often the culprit. Visit the mod creators’ websites to see if they’ve released updated versions compatible with the latest game patch.
- Clear the Game Cache: The game cache stores temporary data that can sometimes become corrupted. Deleting it can help resolve issues. The localthumbcache.package file is the main one to delete. It’s located in your The Sims 4 folder inside Documents/Electronic Arts.
- Test Without Mods: Temporarily move your entire Mods folder to your desktop. Start the game and see if the issue persists. If the game runs smoothly without mods, then one or more of your mods are causing the problem.
- Update Your Graphics Drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can cause performance issues. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) to download and install the latest drivers.
Diving Deeper: Mod Management and the Games Learning Society
Updates to Sims 4 can sometimes cause problems with your mods. It’s always a good idea to keep your mods organized and up-to-date. Consider using a mod manager to help you keep track of your mods and their compatibility with the latest game version.
The broader impact of games and learning is constantly being explored by organizations like the Games Learning Society, which explores the intersection of education and gaming. The GamesLearningSociety.org website provides valuable resources and research on how games can be used to enhance learning and development.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about restarting The Sims 4 after an update:
1. Why does Sims 4 need to be restarted after an update?
Updates often change core game files and introduce new content. Restarting the game ensures that all these changes are properly loaded and integrated, preventing glitches and errors.
2. Will restarting Sims 4 delete my saved games?
No, restarting The Sims 4 will not delete your saved games. Your save files are stored separately from the game’s core files. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your save files regularly just in case.
3. How do I back up my Sims 4 saves?
Your Sims 4 save files are located in the Saves folder within the The Sims 4 folder inside Documents/Electronic Arts. Simply copy this folder to another location on your computer or an external drive.
4. What if Sims 4 still doesn’t work after restarting?
If a simple restart doesn’t work, try the troubleshooting steps mentioned earlier, such as repairing the game, updating mods, and clearing the game cache.
5. How do I repair Sims 4?
In the EA App, right-click on The Sims 4 in your game library and select “Repair.” The app will then check for and fix any corrupted game files.
6. Why are my mods not working after the update?
Game updates can often break mods, especially if the update changes core game mechanics or file structures. You’ll need to check for updated versions of your mods or remove them temporarily.
7. Where do I find the Mods folder?
The Mods folder is located inside The Sims 4 folder within Documents/Electronic Arts.
8. Can I revert to a previous version of Sims 4 after an update?
Unfortunately, no. EA generally does not allow players to revert to previous versions of The Sims 4.
9. How often does Sims 4 get updated?
The frequency of updates varies. Major updates with new content are less frequent than smaller updates that address bug fixes and performance improvements.
10. What is the localthumbcache.package file?
The localthumbcache.package file stores cached data related to images and thumbnails in the game. Deleting it can help resolve graphical glitches and performance issues.
11. Will uninstalling and reinstalling Sims 4 delete my saves?
No, uninstalling and reinstalling The Sims 4 will not delete your saved games, as long as you don’t delete the The Sims 4 folder in Documents/Electronic Arts. However, it’s still recommended to back up your saves before uninstalling.
12. Where do I report bugs after an update?
You can report bugs on the official The Sims 4 forums or through the EA Help website.
13. How can I prevent mods from breaking after an update?
Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to prevent mods from breaking. However, regularly checking for mod updates and staying informed about upcoming game patches can help.
14. What if I get an error message after updating Sims 4?
Take note of the error message and search online for solutions specific to that error. The Sims 4 community is very active, and there’s a good chance someone else has encountered the same issue and found a fix.
15. Does custom content cause problems after updates?
Yes, like mods, custom content can sometimes cause issues after updates. Try removing your custom content temporarily to see if it resolves the problem.
The Sims 4 updates can sometimes lead to unexpected hiccups, but understanding how to properly restart the game and troubleshoot common issues can ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. Remember to keep your game and mods up-to-date, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the community if you encounter any problems! Have fun simming!