Forum Discussion
Minor issues: Graphics/installation
(jump to Minor issues: Gameplay)
Game has worked, but Origin now says Finalizing instead of Play
Click on the gear under the Finalizing/Play button and select Repair, then the Play button should come back. If that alone doesn't help, run the Origin reset tool for macOS and try again.
I see a strange error in the launcher's Game Updates tab
Update: This should be gone now.
This is irrelevant and unrelated to other issues, and it can be ignored. If there are any updates for this game, they'll be delivered directly through Origin, not through the launcher.
The game runs slowly/with low fps
Try reducing the in-game resolution. If you're using fullscreen mode, make sure to pick a resolution scaled to the native resolution of your monitor. To find its native resolution, click the Apple icon in the upper left corner of your screen, select About This Mac, then Displays. Choose a scaled resolution in-game, for example if your native resolution is 2880x1800, choose a lower resolution with a 16:10 aspect ratio (e.g. 1440x900 or 1280x800.)
It's also (still) a good idea to reduce the graphics settings for water and high-detail lots, no matter how powerful your graphics card is. "Mirrors only" and 2, respectively, should work; higher settings can be difficult for the game engine to handle.
Red flashing game window
Please use this thread for reports:
Include screenshots or a video, and also attach your deviceconfig.log, in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3. You can delete your user and computer names, about 25 lines down, but there's nothing else in that file that can identify you.
Bulky eyelashes/shiny or grainy hair
Please use this thread for reports:
Include a couple screenshots, and also attach your deviceconfig.log, in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 3. You can delete your user and computer names, about 25 lines down, but there's nothing else in that file that can identify you.
Sculpture blocks not rendered properly
Please use this thread for reports:
Windows flash with snow on ground
If you're not sure what I mean, here's an example:
Please click Me Too and post in this thread:
Graphics performance issues
Please see this collection thread:
If the suggestions don't help, please click Me Too and add your information to the thread.
Store content doesn't work
EA-made content from the Sims 3 Store does need to be redownloaded and installed fresh; content originally installed in the 32-bit version of Sims 3 won't work. All your existing content should still show up in your Purchase History: click Store > My Store Account > Purchase History to view it.
If you click Install in the launcher's Downloads tab but nothing happens, close the launcher and open it, then try again.
If you get a critical error, please try these steps, in this exact order:
- Run the Origin reset tool for macOS, and restart your computer.
- With Origin closed, open a Finder window, hold the optn/alt key, click Go at the top of your screen, and select Library. Open Application Support > Origin, and create a folder called Installer Data (exactly that, no variation).
- Open Origin, right-click (or hold down crtl and click) on the Sims 3 icon, and select Repair.
- Open the launcher and try to download one item.
- If it works, you can continue downloading your content in small batches.
Please keep in mind that the splash screen and installer window may be completely covered by the launcher. If you have two plumbobs in your dock, click the second one to bring up the hidden window.
The cheat console won't open
Use cmd-shift-C. Yes, it's always been crtl-shift-C, but not anymore.
Keyboard commands stick or don't release
Please click Me Too and post in this thread:
Glitchy camera controls
Please click Me Too in this thread, and add any additional details you have:
All open water options missing
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Terrain paint doesn't apply
Please click Me Too in this thread, and post any additional details you have:
Insects and nanites can't be collected
Please click Me Too and post in this thread: