Getting into TS3; some questions

Hello and welcome back to TS3! :)

The last patch for TS3 was Patch 1.69, which is the version you'll get if you play on Origin. I play my game on Windows 10 also (via Origin), though I have to run the application (TS3.exe) in compatibility mode for Windows 8.

I second the need for the NRaas mods, especially ErrorTrap and Overwatch which are practically essential to keep your game running smoothly. MasterController adds a bunch of fun new options such as the ability to look into inactive Sims' homes, set relationships between two Sims (be they active or inactive), force-kill Sims or even completely erase them from existence :tongue: But anyway, I'll try not to repeat what others have already said. Here are a few non-NRaas mods I might recommend:

Kapaer's Children Can series of mods allows children to do lots of things they can't do in the base game, like play musical instruments, read skill books and sheet music, and help out in the garden.

If you're a family player, you might appreciate the Call to Meal mod by icarus_allsorts. Because you shouldn't have to herd cats to get everyone to sit together at the dinner table!

The Cook With Any Ingredient mod, also by icarus_allsorts, doesn't just allow you to do as the name says, it also allows you to cook any dish at any time of day :)

If you like creating Sims, I'd also recommend Shimrod101's Zoom In CAS mod. It gives you a great up-close view of your Sim!
https://i.imgur.com/XRSGBwv.jpg

If you like taking screenshots, I recommend this camera mod by aikea_guinea. It gives you better control of the camera by getting rid of the annoying drift, and also allows you to take pics from a lower angle than would be possible with the vanilla camera :>

And if you like watching your Sims paint pretty pictures (who doesn't?), let me point you to this painting replacement mod by Plum. Be warned though: it's a large file (110 MB)! Anyway, it seems the pictures on that site aren't working too well, so here's a little sampler of the paintings in this mod, from my own game:


As far as game guides go, I'd also recommend Carl's Sims 3 guide, but SimsVIP also boasts some really comprehensive guides that cover the expansion packs from Generations to Into the Future.

Hope you found this helpful, and happy Simming! :)

P.S.