Sims 4 Relaunch Required: Decoding the Error and Getting Back to Sim Life

The dreaded “Relaunch Required” message in The Sims 4 can stop your Simming session dead in its tracks. The most common culprit is a problem with your mods and custom content (CC). These additions, while enhancing the game, can sometimes conflict with game updates or become corrupted, triggering the relaunch prompt. Think of it like adding aftermarket parts to a car – sometimes they work perfectly, and other times they cause the engine to sputter and stall. A secondary cause can be corrupted game files that need repair. Less frequently, the issue may stem from problems with the Origin or EA app clients or even conflicts with other software on your computer. Let’s dive deep into troubleshooting this frustrating issue and get your Sims back on track.

Troubleshooting the Sims 4 Relaunch Error

Here’s a structured approach to diagnosing and resolving the “Relaunch Required” error:

1. The Mod Squad: Identifying and Isolating Problematic Mods/CC

This is your first and often most effective line of defense. Mods and CC are fantastic, but they require maintenance.

• Move Your Mods Folder: Locate your Mods folder (typically found at C:UsersUsernameDocumentsElectronic ArtsThe Sims 4). Move it to your Desktop. This effectively removes all custom content from the game.
• Delete the localthumbcache.package File: This file stores information about your CC. Deleting it forces the game to rebuild the cache, resolving potential conflicts. You’ll find it in the main Sims 4 folder (where the Mods folder was).
• Launch The Sims 4: Start a new save. This is crucial! Don’t load an existing save just yet. If the game launches without the “Relaunch Required” error, the problem lies within your mods/CC.
• The 50/50 Method: This time-consuming but highly effective technique involves adding your mods back in batches. Add a small group of mods back to the Mods folder. Launch the game and see if the error returns. If not, add another group. Repeat until the error appears. The last group you added contains the problematic mod(s). You can then repeat the process with that smaller group to pinpoint the exact file causing the issue.
• Outdated or Broken Mods: Ensure your mods are compatible with the latest Sims 4 patch. Check the mod creator’s website or forum for updates. Tools like Sims 4 Studio and Mod Conflict Detector can help identify broken or outdated CC files.
• Batch Fixes: Sims 4 Studio is very helpful for “batch fixing” large numbers of CC. This will automatically update many older CC items and can resolve some issues without you having to hunt down each individual piece.

2. Repairing the Game: Fixing Corrupted Files

If removing mods doesn’t solve the problem, the game files themselves may be corrupted.

• Repair via EA App/Origin: Open the EA App (formerly Origin). Go to your Game Library, right-click on The Sims 4, and select “Repair.” This process verifies the integrity of your game files and downloads any missing or corrupted ones.
• Run as Administrator: Right-click the EA App or Sims 4 shortcut and select “Run as administrator.” This grants the application necessary permissions to modify game files.

3. Clearing the Cache: Removing Temporary Files

Sometimes, cached files can become corrupted and cause issues. Clearing the cache can resolve these problems.

• Clear the EA App Cache: Within the EA App, go to Application Settings. Look for an option to clear the cache. The exact wording may vary depending on the version of the app.
• Clear the Origin Cache (if using Origin): Close Origin completely. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type %appdata% and press Enter. In the Roaming folder, delete the Origin folder. Then, go back to %appdata%, click on “AppData” in the address bar, and open the “Local” folder. Delete the Origin folder there as well. Restart your computer.

4. Conflicting Software: Identifying Interference

Other programs running on your computer might interfere with The Sims 4.

• Disable Overlays: Programs like Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, and MSI Afterburner have overlays that can sometimes conflict with games. Try disabling these overlays and relaunching The Sims 4.
• Antivirus Software: Temporarily disable your antivirus software to see if it’s interfering with the game. Be sure to re-enable it afterwards.
• Close Background Applications: Close any unnecessary programs running in the background. This frees up system resources and reduces the potential for conflicts.

5. Driver Updates: Ensuring Compatibility

Outdated graphics drivers can cause all sorts of problems with games.

• Update Graphics Drivers: Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest drivers for your card.
• DirectX: Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed.

6. Reinstalling The Sims 4: The Last Resort

If all else fails, reinstalling the game can often resolve the issue.

• Back Up Your Saves: Before uninstalling, back up your Sims 4 folder (containing your saves, screenshots, and other user data).
• Uninstall The Sims 4: Uninstall the game through the EA App or Origin.
• Reinstall The Sims 4: Reinstall the game.
• Restore Your Saves: After reinstalling, restore your backed-up Sims 4 folder to its original location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions related to the “Relaunch Required” error in The Sims 4:

1. Why does The Sims 4 keep crashing after the loading screen?

Crashes after the loading screen often stem from corrupted game files, outdated mods, or insufficient system resources. Try repairing the game, removing mods, and closing unnecessary background applications. Also, make sure your computer meets the minimum system requirements for the game.

2. How do I know if my Sims 4 mods are causing problems?

The easiest way is to remove all your mods and see if the game works. If it does, then one or more of your mods are causing the issue. Use the 50/50 method or a mod conflict detector to pinpoint the problematic mods.

3. What does repairing The Sims 4 do?

Repairing the game verifies the integrity of your game files. It checks for any missing or corrupted files and downloads replacements. This can resolve various issues, including crashes, errors, and performance problems.

4. Does reinstalling The Sims 4 delete my saves?

No, reinstalling The Sims 4 doesn’t automatically delete your saves, as they are stored in a separate folder in your Documents directory. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your saves before reinstalling as a precaution.

5. How long should The Sims 4 loading screen take?

Loading times can vary depending on your system specifications and the amount of custom content you have installed. Typically, loading times range from 2 to 5 minutes. If your game is taking much longer than that to load, it could indicate a problem.

6. Why is The Sims 4 so laggy?

Lag can be caused by several factors, including low system specs, too much custom content, outdated drivers, or conflicts with other software. Try lowering your graphics settings, removing some mods, updating your drivers, and closing unnecessary background applications.

7. What is the “resetSim” cheat and how do I use it?

The resetSim cheat is a command that resets a Sim to a neutral state. This can be helpful if a Sim is stuck, unresponsive, or glitching. To use it, open the cheat console (Ctrl + Shift + C) and type resetSim Firstname Lastname (e.g., resetSim Bella Goth).

8. Why does The Sims 4 say I need to update Origin?

This usually happens when your Origin client is outdated. Close Origin completely and restart it. It should automatically update to the latest version. If not, you may need to download the latest version from the Origin website (now EA App Website).

9. Can outdated mods break The Sims 4?

Yes, outdated mods can definitely break The Sims 4. Game updates often change the underlying code, which can make older mods incompatible. This can lead to crashes, errors, and other issues. Always check for updates to your mods after a game update.

10. How do I clear the cache in The Sims 4?

To clear the cache, delete the localthumbcache.package file in your main Sims 4 folder. You can also clear the cache in the EA App settings.

11. What are the minimum system requirements for The Sims 4?

As of my last update, the minimum system requirements for The Sims 4 are:

• OS: 64-bit Windows 7 (SP1), Windows 8, Windows 8.1 or Windows 10
• CPU: 1.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, AMD Athlon 64 Dual-Core 4000+ or equivalent
• RAM: 4 GB
• Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 6600, ATI Radeon X1300 or Intel GMA X4500
• DirectX: Version 9.0c
• Storage: 15 GB free space

12. Why is my Sims 4 game not saving?

A game that won’t save may indicate a problem with file permissions, storage space, or corrupted save files. Make sure you have enough free space on your hard drive, run the game as administrator, and try deleting older save files to free up space. You may also wish to look into making sure your antivirus isn’t blocking the application’s writing to your documents folder.

13. What is custom content (CC) in The Sims 4?

Custom content (CC) refers to user-created content that can be added to The Sims 4, such as clothing, hairstyles, furniture, and objects. CC can significantly enhance the game’s customization options, but it can also cause problems if it’s outdated or conflicting.

14. How do I install mods and CC in The Sims 4?

To install mods and CC, place the downloaded files (usually .package files) into the Mods folder in your main Sims 4 folder. You may also need to enable custom content in the game’s options menu. Be sure to check the instructions provided by the mod creator for specific installation instructions.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and development?

There are many resources available for learning about game design and development. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a great place to start, offering research, resources, and community for educators and researchers interested in games and learning.

By systematically troubleshooting these potential issues, you should be able to identify the cause of the “Relaunch Required” error and get back to enjoying your Sims 4 game! Happy Simming!