[PC/MAC] Cannot Load Into Lots after Aug 19 Update

After the 19 August 2025 patch, my game is literally unplayable.

I am able to load as far as the main menu, and I can choose a save to load, but I cannot load any lots. When attempting to load a rental lot, I was getting an error that said something like "the game has reached a break point". When attempting to load any other lots, the game simply crashes and auto-quits. 

I have removed all mods and I still get the same result. 

A clean game gives the same result.

I am playing on Windows 11, using NVIDIA graphics and DX11

I'm currently in the process of repairing my game and I'm crossing my fingers that this will resolve the issue, but I'm not optimistic.

Edit by crinrict

Please create your own thread if you are on console. Make sure to describe in details what happens in your game. Map reloads and endless loading have multiple causes. This thread is currently for PC/Mac only.


It's unfortunately impossible to help if information is not provided. Everyone just says they have the same issue with no info. The problem with endless loading/map reload and crashing is that there isn't one cause that covers all. The causes range from game stuff to mod issues to mods-removed issues and without further info, Maxis (and we helpers) cannot determine what the cause is or help you get back in the game.

This thread is for PC/Mac users that do not use mods or did a proper folder rename (instructions below) and still have issues on their saves. Everyone else, please use this thread to get help figuring out what's causing the issue for you: When Loading Save, Game Returns to Neighborhood Select Screen | EA Forums - 12488560. Also read the compiled list of broken mods: Broken and Updated Sims 4 Mods and CC: 1.117, Aug 19, 2025 Game Update | EA Forums - 12473785 

Information Needed

• Which platform are you playing on ?
• Is a new save game affected or only existing ones ?
• Are all families in the save game affected or only certain ones ?
• Did you never use mods/cc or remove them ?
• Any LastException/LastUIException/LastCrash files you might have (see instructions below on how to provide these)

LastExceptions/LastUIException/LastCrash

These files can be found in Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4. Old ones are not useful so let the game create new ones and then provide them following these instructions. Deleting the file won't fix your issue. Posting the info is meant for troubleshooting.

• Delete the ones you have
• Trigger the error again
• Check if new ones are created
• If that is the case, please copy/paste the content here. You can open the file with any text editor. if you have multiple you can also upload them to oneDrive or Googledrive and provide a link (make sure that's public)

Instructions for folder rename

• Close the game
• Rename Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4 to Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4_Old
• Repair the game
• Start the game. All your content will be gone now as the game created a new folder. All your saves/.. is still in the old folder so not to worry.
• Start a new save game
• Check if you still have the error
• If you don't, copy JUST your save game from Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4_Old to the newly created Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4. 
• Check if it still works.
• Report back with the result.

Instructions how to get your stuff back

If everything works with your save on the fresh folder, you can start copying back the rest of your files.

You will need the following folders

• Tray (your households and lots you have saved to library)
• Custom Music (if you added any)
• Screenshots (if you've taken any)
• Videos (if you've taken any)
• ConfigOverride (if you made any although I recommend redoing those)
• Options(.ini) (although I recommend to just redo your settings in the game)
• Usersettings.ini

Now test again. If that still works, you can put back your mods. Put them back in groups and make sure they are still compatible with the game.

All other files are recreated and not needed.