is there a way to safely delete save files but not to delete my whole game?

Hi @animedoglover

These are your cache files you can safely delete: http://sims4.crinrict.com/en/2014/09/delete-cache-files/

Always backup your files to a different location before deleting anything though in case you delete the wrong things by accident.

Hi @animedoglover

I find it helps my game, as I had heaps of games / save files...

carls-sims-4-guide has more information and guides on 'saving and finding games'  The below is showing how to rename and find previous saves... which will give you a place to start.  I copied the following information from that website, as it helps understanding the 'save files' altogether, baring in mind he is describing how to 'replace a previous save though'  

First find the games / files that you want to keep and then you'll be ok to delete the games / save files you don't.. (I usually put them in a separate folder away from Sims 4, just in case I need them in the future..) 

*****

Rename (and find) a Saved-Game File in the Saves Folder:

Go to: C:\Users\<Username>\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\saves
Sort by Date Modified. 
[The game assigns the next slot when you do a Save As.]

If you accidentally delete a saved game, there is still hope to restore it.  If you open your saves folder, you will see a list of save files. The game creates 5 backup files of your game save.  (the 'time stamp in the folder, will also help you locate the file you need)

For example:
Slot_00000002.save (Main Save)
Slot_00000002.save.ver0 (Backup 0) - Newest backup to the main save.
Slot_00000002.save.ver1 (Backup 1)
Slot_00000002.save.ver2 (Backup 2)
Slot_00000002.save.ver3 (Backup 3)
Slot_00000002.save.ver4 (Backup 4) - Oldest backup

Here's an example of what you would see in your Saves folder: 



Slot_00000001.save is the auto save. If you still have this in your Saves folder, it's safe to delete or rename. Deleting it won't harm the game or any other save file.

The file that is listed for loading is one that ends in .save, this is your main save. The others are the backup files the game automatically creates. 0 being the most recent, and the higher the number the older the save. 

The 'slots' are where that file appeared in the list of games that you can load in-game. 

For example, if you accidentally deleted the second file down, which may have been named My Saved Game 4 by default in-game, unless you give it a name. The rest of the files will now be moved up in the list, but the file that you deleted would now be called '"Slot_00000002.save.ver0" as it was the most recent file to be deleted from the second slot down.

To restore this file, all you need to do is remove the ".ver0" from the end of the file, so that it is now called "Slot_00000002.save" and the game will add it back to the list of games that you can load. You do not have to quit the game for this to work. 

Hope this helps,

Let me know if you're still having trouble.

Sasha

So if I understand that correctly as long as I don't delete the main save file my game will be fine?

Hi @animedoglover

there's other folders you shouldn't delete

• Tray folder: All your Sims and houses in your library. They'll be gone if you delete that folder
• Screenshots: All your screenshots. They'll be gone if you delete
• Recorded Video: All videos you made. They'll be gone if you delete
• Custom Music and others

Here's a detailed explanation of what folder does what: http://sims4.crinrict.com/en/2014/09/user-files-explained/