@gabiwooby2 This can happen sometimes when Origin isn't working properly, or when it's in offline mode. I'm not sure exactly what the cause is, but the simplest fix is to get Origin to load properly. Please try clearing its cache (Windows) or running the Origin reset tool (macOS).
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/origin/origin/how-to-reset-origin-on-mac/
If this doesn't help, let me know what OS you have, both Windows/Mac and the version.
@Kovu321 Are you getting any error messages? If so, please post a screenshot. Does your computer run Windows or macOS, and do you have the standard version of Sims 4 or the Legacy Edition? Which packs are missing?
I had this exact same problem. I loaded the game while Origin was offline and it didn't include any of my stuff or expansion pack content. My internet is severely throttled right now so it was timing out when trying to connect and Origin wanted to update again-- it usually takes over an hour for Origin to update but this time it took about 6 hours to update. Once it updated, all I got was gray boxes and it's icon shows it is still trying to load-- which it has been doing for over an hour now. I even tried to see if I could launch the game via Steam but that didn't work.
I tried the troubleshooting methods of clearing the cache by deleting the files (both in %AppData% and %ProgramData%- excluding the LocalContent folder) and rebooting several times to no avail. Origin just refuses to load.
I really miss being able to play my Sims games offline and wish they would restore that ability. I shouldn't have to login to play a game I paid for to play offline- especially when the main point was because my internet sucks and I wanted something I could use when it goes out.
I'm hoping they fix whatever this is soon or allow some sort of bypass so the game works without Origin & without connecting to the internet.
As an update, the green bar on the icon finally loaded all the way and I got a popup saying "Sims 4 is ready to play" but it is not anywhere in my task bar or screen and then the loading on Origin reset. As of now, Sims4 will not launch at all no matter what I do.
I am having a similar problem. I just downloaded cats and dogs and it has been about an hour since I downloaded it and I was wondering how long is it supposed to take and if I should re buy it to make sure?
@BananaBluey09 Definitely don't buy the pack a second time. Instead, try restarting your computer and launching the game again. Sometimes packs don't load properly the first time they're installed, for whatever reason, but rebooting and reloading usually fixes the issue.
If Cats & Dogs still doesn't show up, please go into the game files, located by default in Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 4. Look for a folder labeled EP04 (C&D is the fourth expansion pack released). If you don't see the folder, you'll need to redownload it from Origin: open your game library, click on the Sims 4 icon, select More > Expansion Packs, find C&D on the list, and click Download.
If Origin thinks the pack is installed but it isn't, clear its cache, restart your computer, and look again.
https://help.ea.com/en-us/help/faq/clear-cache-to-fix-problems-with-your-games/
Legacy seems like a virus for me. No matter which expansion I click or even the base game, legacy loads. And once I'm in legacy, I still can't access expansions, because when I click them it says offline and can't connect
Community ManagerHi all,
As this thread is older now, it's been locked to prevent any necro-posting.
If you're needing further help on this topic, please go ahead and create a new thread so we can look into the issue with you 🙂
Community Manager
