[WORKAROUND FOUND] Sims 2 Legacy Collection - "The application has crashed."

After reading some other posts with a similar issue, I attempted to verify the install files via right clicking the game in my Steam library > clicking Properties > Installed Files > Verify.

After the process was complete, I received the message "5 files failed to validate and will be reacquired." (See screenshot.) This mirrors the experience others had when they followed these same steps, down to exactly 5 files that failed to validate. Just wanted to mention this in case this gives any clues into the root issue(s).

I have the same problem but by using the EA app not origin. Any fixes?

I tried repairing the game as well

I have exactly the same issue (also using the crappy EA app) and this issue only started for me AFTER the new patches... it is such a joke honestly.

Same thing is happening in my game as well. I can go into live mode for 5 min max and then the game crashes. Didn't have any crashes before update, so it's very frustrating. Deleting neighborhoods, turning off shadows does not help. Hope they fix it, because the game is currently unplayable. 

Exact same issue. Just had another go after repair. Still crashes when loading a household. 

I have the exact issue - I had the game through the EA app. I used to not be able to load a household seemingly due to the "Direct3D returned an error: D3DERR_INVALIDCALL! The application will now end." error, but since the newest patch, it now reads "The application has crashed. The application will now terminate." I cannot find a solution anywhere

Same! I have the exact same issue, really sucks! I messaged the help service and apparently they aren't even looking into this as they consider the issue as fixed?! So not great news, might need to get refunds.

Same issue here

Good news everyone! 😀

I learned a workaround that allows me to play! I was able to load a household, and in my short testing the gameplay was working fine. Here's the steps you can try:

1. Open the game and go to any world.
2. Open the "Lots & Houses" mode (you can click on the button or press the F2 button).
3. Click on any unoccupied, empty lot and then click "Enter Lot."
4. Once you've loaded into the lot, click on the Options button (F5 button), then click "Graphics/Performance Options."
5. For the "Shadows" options (top left corner), click the "Off" setting.
6. Click "Apply Changes" at the bottom of this menu.
7. Click the button that returns you to the neighborhood view, then click "Yes" when you're asked if you want to save.
8. Try to play a household. At this point, I was able to load a family without crashing.
9. If you're able to load in to the family and everything appears to be working OK, save your game.
10. If you close and re-open the game, you shouldn't have to repeat these steps anymore.

(See attached images. The last one shows me playing a family, and I was able to keep all other graphics settings high as well as 2K resolution.)

In short, the issue seems to be something involving shadows. This is a bandaid solution rather than a proper fix, but at least it allows you to play the game! (Not the end of the world to be missing shadows 😁) I highly recommend saving very often as you play, just in case.

(Fix was originally found here.)

EA team / EA_Cade  - I hope a proper solution will be able to be implemented regarding shadows and whatever conflicts are causing this hard crash. In the meantime, hopefully the steps above will work for everyone experiencing this issue.

You can see below how I'm playing a family, and with the other graphics settings being on high.