[CURRENT ISSUE] Codes instead of text/ Blank text and bubbles

Update 2023/07/20

There currently seems to be issues for Horse Ranch and Steam. Please head over to this post if you are on Steam: [STEAM] [HR] Missing Text Strings

Update 19.6.2022

This issue can also be caused by BBB (Better Build Buy). If you are using this mod, make sure to head over to TwistedMexis Patron and get the newest version. For more information see this: [MOD RELATED] Werewolf text not showing up on aspiration, other pack errors

Problem

My game is either full of codes instead of texts or text bubbles are just empty

Cause

This issue is caused by a missing string file (Installation Folder). For some odd reason Origin/EA app refuses to download the needed Language String file for the pack. Each pack has a folder in the Installation folder (Standard: c:\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 4 and each of the pack folder should contain a language file (for example: Strings_ENG_US.package) for the language you have switched to. This doesn't seem to be the case for everyone resulting in empty Strings for *Debug" strings in the game.

There's also a folder called Delta that has a folder for each pack as well. That folder also contains the language files and it looks like the files are always getting downloaded there with no problems. Problem is that unless there was a patch after the pack release, there's no folder in Detla for that specific pack (which is normal)

So this problem should fix itself once a patch is released cause the game then starts looking for the string file in the delta folder and not the initial one. This is of course very undesirable if you want to play the game when it comes out. 

I'm still looking for reliable solutions but meanwhile you can try the ones outlined below. They seem to be less and less efficient.

Solutions

If you just have them missing on notifications, it's most likely an incompatible mod. Make sure your mods are updated, especially if you use any UI Mods.

Before trying the methods below, try repairing the game. To do so, right click on the game in Origin and hit repair game.

Make sure to set EA app to the same language as you want the game to be in.

EDIT: Some languages are missing strings for cheats. If it's an issue of missing strings for cheats only, then that's a bug. Please post in the thread for your language (for unlisted languages, create a new thread in the englisch bug forum: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Bug-Reports/bd-p/The-Sims-4-Bugs:

English, Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish

Edit: None of the solutions work with EA Desktop currently. EA Desktop is BETA software and it's not a problem to have both Origin and EA Desktop alongside. You can't run them at the same time but if you need to do something that EA Desktop is not able to do yet, just start Origin instead. 

Method 1

• Repair the game through EA app/Origin (Mac)
• Change the language to something other than what it's now and let the game repair itself --> This will currently only work for Mac as EA app doesn't let you change the language.
• Change the language back to your Original one

Method 2

• Backup your user files
• Delete the following file from your hard drive:
• <game_install_location>\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\TS4_x64.exe or just TS4_x64 if you have your extension hidden for known types (see pic below)
  By default on 64 bit Windows this will be located in: c:\Program Files\EA Games\The Sims 4\The Sims 4\Game\Bin\TS4_64.exe)
  There's also an exe file in Bin_LE that I also recommend to delete. That one is called TS4 or TS4.exe
  
• Delete TS4_DX9_x64.exe if you are using DX9
• Go to the Origin “My Games” library
  The Sims 4 game tile will change from “Play” to “Download”
• Start the Download
  Origin may prompt you for what language to install in, if it does make sure to choose the same language you originally installed The Sims 4 in.

Important Notes

• These steps are for PC only.
• Make sure your Origin client is set to the same language that it was set to when you originally installed The Sims 4.
• Make sure your Origin client “Downloaded Games” location (set via Advanced panel in Application Settings) is the same as when you originally installed The Sims 4.
• If these steps fail, it is recommended that you fully uninstall and reinstall The Sims 4 via Origin (see spoiler box below)
• Remove any mods you are using. This issue can also be caused by mods.

Mac equivalent of TS4.exe

1. In your Applications folder right click on the Sims 4 app and select Show Package Contents.
2. Navigate to Contents > Mac OS.
3. Right click on The Sims 4 and select Move to Trash. Don't drag the file as it will only move an alias and leave the original in place.
4. Now open Origin, right click on The Sims 4 in your Games Library and click Repair Game.

Feedback if this method works is appreciated!!

Source: EA

Method 3

• If you have another windows or mac computer in your household (doesn't matter if it matches the specs), download the game on that computer oder download them from the link provided by SimQARobo in this post: https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/CURRENT-ISSUE-Codes-instead-of-text-Blank-text-and-bubbles/m-p/10042760#M207471
• Navigate to the installation folder and the pack which strings you are missing
• Check if the string file got downloaded. If so, copy it to a memory stick
• Copy the file from the memory stick to the correct folder on your usual computer

Language files can be found here (the files can differ in name, depending on your language)

• Base Game:   C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4\Data\Client\Strings_ENG_US.package
• Get To Work:  C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4\Delta\EP01\ Strings_ENG_US.package
• Outdoor Retreat:  C:\ProgramFiles(x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4\Delta\GP01\ Strings_ENG_US.package
• ..