Hello!

Welcome to my guide for The Sims 3 and how to improve its performance on newer PC systems. Every step that I have listed are the steps I personally use to make my game run much more smoother on my PC system.

If a step has an "(Optional)" tag in the title means its up to you if you would like to add the tweaks to your game, If it has a "(Essential)" Tag in the title it is recommended that you use the step to get the best results with the game and its performance.

If you have any questions feel free to look at the F.A.Q Section for common questions that have been answered.

Happy Simming!!

This guide is intended to be used with game version 1.67 Steam on Windows 10 OS and Windows 11 OS, this guide was not made to be used with the game version 1.70 (64 bit Mac Update). Edit at your own risk if using game version 1.70.

1.69 EA App Is not supported but mods should work with that version.

Versions obtained without purchase are not supported at all!


LIKE ANY TYPE OF GAME GUIDE THAT MAKES YOU EDIT THE GAME FILES ALWAYS, ALWAYS BACK-UP YOUR FILES BEFORE STARTING!

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀My Other The Sims 3 Guides

https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2739156551
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2742216726
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3323606378
https://steamproxy.net/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3444689812

Removing certain scripting mods on an already existing save file can lead to corruption in the save file.

For new users to The Sims 3 Modding this will show you how to install the Mods Folder into your game so your game will be able to read and use ".Package" file mods.

The "Mods" Folder is for .package files, .sims3pack Files need to be installed through the games launcher. I recommend this depth video by @SimMattically for more information about the different package types can be found HERE!
　
Step 1 - Download the mods folder using the download button from ModTheSims HERE![modthesims.info]
　
Once on the download page scroll down a little until you see a "Download" button, once found click on this link and it will download the file.

After the download is complete place the file somewhere easy to find like the desktop.
　
Step 2 - Once downloaded go to...
　
"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3"
　
Once there, open up the downloaded mods folder file and extract its contents right into The Sims 3 documents folder.
　
Step 4 - Just to make sure open up the mods folder and make sure the contents inside looks like this image below!
Files that should be present and that are needed are...

• Resource.cfg File
  
• Packages Folder
  
• Overrides Folder

　
The two package files that come inside the packages folder called...

• NoBuildSparkles.package
  
• nointro.package

these files are for testing purposes only and can be safely deleted after launching the game to see if the mods folder is functioning correctly.

If the maxis logo is still showing up on startup even with the "nointro.package" present in the mods folder for testing this is normal since the "nointro.package" was made before that intro screen was added in a later patch and uses a different file path to the other intro videos.

　
　
If you want to keep "nointro.package" to disable the intros and want the Maxis Logo Intro gone as well, you can download a mod for it HERE[modthesims.info] to be used along side "nointro.package".
　

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

The Sims 3 GPU Add-on Support TOOL

With The Sims 3 releasing back in 2009 and finishing its run in 2014 newer models of GPUs have come out since then but since the game has not been updated by EA due to no more patch support the game will not recognise newer graphics card models and believe it or not make you game run slower.

Making the game recognise newer GPU models will benefit in less lag spikes in game-play performance since the game will use the newer cards benefits since its knows the cards model.

The Sims 3 by default can only recognise cards from GeForce 600 series and under if you have any of these cards currently installed into your PC from these Desktop series or if the game is installed on Steam Deck...

• GeForce 700 Series
  
• GeForce 800 Series
  
• GeForce 900 Series
  
• GeForce 1000 Series
  
• RTX 2000 Series
  
• RTX 3000 Series
  
• RTX 4000 Series
  
• RTX 5000 Series
  
• GTX Titan Series
  
• Steam Deck

You will need to use the tool!

It might work for AMD Cards if not check how to manually edit with the link down below.

Download Here The Sims 3 GPU Add-on Support Tool[www.nexusmods.com]

(Under the "Donations" tab on their mods download page)

Want to manually edit the files to get your graphics card recognised? Look at this guide on Carl Sims Guides HERE![www.carls-sims-4-guide.com]

Here are some essential mods made by Lazy Duchess, these are must have's and after installing them I can not play without them!

Smooth Patch by Lazyduchess alters the speed at which the game's processing runs, which improves the overall performance of the game and some loading times. Most noticeably in Create A Sim, Create A Style and Buy/Build.

Step 1: Download the mod from HERE[modthesims.info]

Step 2: Open the downloaded archive and locate you Sims 3 game directory. It should be under...
　
Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"

Step 3: Simply drag and drop these three files from the downloaded archive...

• TS3Patch.txt
  
• TS3Patch.asi
  
• wininet.dll

into the games "bin" Folder.
　

　
Step 5: Smooth Patch 2.0 Is installed!

　
If smooth patch does not feel smooth enough you can tweak the tps limit higher, its recommended that you only adjust the speed settings if you are on a gaming PC!
　
Step 1: Locate "TS3Patch.txt" in the games directory and then open the ".txt" file.
　
　
Step 2: Locate the line "TPS = 500" and change the "500" to "1000".
　














Step 3: Save the document and exit notepad.


Window Border-less is great for people who have multiple screen setups or just like alt + tab out of their games! Sims 3 by default has issues with multi screen and alt + tab. It can also fix the miss coloured/dark capturing of the game when screen recording or streaming!

Step 1: While "TS3Patch.txt" is still open go the to option "Borderless =" and change the "0" to a "1", next save the document!
　
　
Step 2: While in game make sure to go into setting and set the display-mode to windowed mode!







Once the settings is unchecked make sure to press accept at the bottom of the settings menu! The game is now in border-less windowed mode!
　　
　

Intel Alder Lake Patch by Lazyduchess is a very simple patch that attempts to workaround the crash on boot when trying to launch The Sims 3 on Intel alder lake CPU's (12th gen) or higher.

If you are using a 12th gen Intel Alder Lake CPU or higher you will need this patch so that The Sims 3 Will Launch on Start up! If you do not have this version of CPU you can skip this section!

Download the Intel Alder Lake Patch By Lazyduchess HERE[modthesims.info]!
　
Step 1: Once downloaded place the patcher into a file on your desktop for easy access.
　
Step 2: Once place into the folder run the program and press "OK" on the window popup.
　
A New window will open it should already be at your games bin folder but if it is not you can find them at the provided file path below.
　
Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"
　
Once the new window has opened select the .exe files called "TS3.exe" and "TS3W.exe patching one at a time"
　
Step 3: Once accepting the patching a new little popup should appear saying the patch has been applied and was a sucsess, press "OK" and you are done.
　
Once patched by the program close the program and your game is now ready to be used with Alder Lake CPU's. The program will also create a backup of the games .exe that was patched just in case!

Mono Patcher is a library that allows Script Modders to replace Sims 3 methods with as much compatibility as possible - No need to create core mods anymore to replace game functions.
　
Step 1: Download Mono Patcher Library from...

Mod The Sims - HERE![modthesims.info]

Github - HERE![github.com]
　
Step 2: Once downloaded go to your games mods folder located at...
　
"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3"
　
Once inside the Mods folder open up the "Packages" folder and create a new folder.
　
After creating the new folder place the "ld_MonoPatcher.package" file inside the newly created folder.
　
Step 3: Once that is done you will need to go to the games "Bin" Folder in the games install directory, it can be found at...
　
Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"
　
Once there place the files "wininet.dll" and "MonoPatcher.asi" into the "Bin" folder in the games directory. Overwrite files if necessary.
　
Step 4: Mono Patcher Library is now installed.

Nraas mods will help your game run smoother and less likely to crash.

These Mods will be installed into your games "Mods" folder found at...

"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\mods\Packages"


Here are the Nraas mods that are needed to make the game more stable...

• Nraas Error Trap[www.nraas.net] - Error Trap is a mod that detects and catches corrupted data and lets save games be loaded/played and preventing crashes, Error trap will also create logs within the games documents folders to help narrow down the error cause.
  
  
  Download using this button!
  
  
  Note: Only Error trap requires different download buttons for different game versions, all other Nraas mods use the same download button.
  　
  　
  
• Nraas Overwatch[www.nraas.net] - Overwatch resets stuck sims and puts them back to their home lot safely will also remove unused cars that slow down the game, turn off stereos that are not in use on non played sims homes ect.
  
  
• Nraas Master Controller [www.nraas.net]- Lets you become more of a god with option to set slider values edit any sims in CAS set skill levels and so on can also be used to reset lots and sims manually even an entire town to fix any issues.
  
  
• Nraas Register[www.nraas.net] - Allows the user to disable certain classes of npc's within town things such as paparazi's, strays, wild horses, unicorns and much more! This can help big with performance in worlds such as isla paradiso were horses cause lots of lag when spawned in by the game.

Simler90's Gameplay Core Mod fixes a long list of issue and bugs with the base game and many of the expansion packs.

Some of the bug fixes included are...

• Bonehilda will now take care of children and toddlers correctly!
  
• Child and Teen now can attend school while grounded, no more sneaking out to school!
  
• Butlers will now do their jobs correctly without interruption!
  
• Firefighter career job spawning has been fixed!
  
• Many vanilla story progression fixes!
  
• Pie selection menu sorting has been fixed and now should be instant.
  
• Fixed vacation world families from going bankrupt during long travel periods.
  
• Newly generated sims will not have the default "pudding face" when generated, other presets will be picked.
  
• Trait and hidden trait animations have been fixed and sims and occult sims will now perform them correctly!
  
• Fixes NPC Sims all using the "Sloppy Jalopy" as their travel car no matter their household funds. (This also includes letting NPC's drive stuff pack and expansion added cars)
  
• Fixes NPC Sims not being able to sneak into VIP sections at night clubs.

And many more listed on the mods page[modthesims.info]!
⠀⠀
　
⠀　⠀
Step 1: Download Simler90's Gameplay Core Mod HERE[modthesims.info] and place it in the folder at...
　
"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\mods\Packages".
　
　
　
　
Step 2: Next while in game you will need to change a setting for Nraas Overwatch so that some mod functions do not overlap while playing between Nraas overwatch and Simler90's Core Mod.

• While in game find the City hall rabbit hole in your save and click on it.
  　
  
• Once the city hall rabbit hole has been selected you will need to go to "Nraas > Overwatch > Settings > Set Alarm Hour".
  　
  
• A New window will popup with a defualt time of "3" this needs to be changed to "5", once changed press the check mark icon to accept the changes.
  
  Disclaimer: This will need on be done on every brand new save.

　

Limiting the game to only use your monitors refresh rate will increase game performance dramatically. The reason being is that the engine The Sims 3 runs on runs at an unlimited FPS with no built in frame limiter! This is why most PC's sound like they are taking flight from an airport runway when playing. Not limiting the games FPS can decrease the life of your graphics card fans!
　
　
Step 1: Right click the desktop and click on "Nvidia Control Panel".
　


　
　
Once the control panel opens click on the tab "Manage 3D settings"
　



































　
After clicking make sure that the application selected is "ts3w.exe"
　
　
　
　
Step 2 - Once confiming that ts3w.exe is selected find the option "Max Frame Limit". Once there click the option and select "on" once selected put in your monitors refresh rate and then press "Ok".
　
　
Step 5 - Next you will need to select the option "Vertical Sync", once slected click on the option "on".
　
⠀⠀⠀⠀
Step 6: Once all done make sure to press the "Apply" Button at the bottom of the window to accept and apply the changes!
　
　
　
　
　
Go to "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"
　
Then you will need to open "TS3Patch.txt" once open replace the "0" next to "FPSLimit =" with your monitors refresh rate then save the document!
　

　
　

If you are using a PC with a low end CPU or a PC that is not meant for gaming this step should be skipped!

Step 1 - Locate "GraphicsRules.sgr" at...

Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"
　
Once there open "GraphicsRules.sgr" in notepad (or notepad ++ makes things easier to edit and find)

Step 2 - When opened press "Crtl + f" a search bar will appear type in the search bar "seti cpuLevelUber" and press enter.

Step 3 - When located Change the numbers 3,2,1 all to the number 3

From This


To This


Step 4 - Save and exit the document.

Step 1 - Locate "GraphicsRules.sgr" at...

Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"

Once there open "GraphicsRules.sgr" in notepad (or notepad ++ makes things easier to edit and find)

Step 2 - When opened press "Crtl + f" a search bar will appear type in the search bar "seti textureMemory" and press enter.

Step 3 - When located Change the number that is next to "seti textureMemory" you will see the number "2048" (2gb) this can be changed to the number value of "4096" (4gb). If the number is already at "4096" no changes are needed, setting the value any higher may not take effect due to the games 32bit nature.

Step 4 - Save and exit the document.

Note - If your PC does not have a dedicated graphics card leave the value at "32"..

When installing things through the launcher the path to those files are saved in this file but of course there are a lot of files that are not needed and will slow down the game you can delete everything in this folder except for one file and it is called "ccmerged" this file is required the rest can be deleted without any trouble.

The folder should look like this after you are done.


(IF YOU INTEND TO UPLOAD SIMS/LOTS WITH CC TO THE EXCHANGE OR ANY OTHER SITE DO NOT DELETE THESE FILES OR THE SIM/LOTS WILL USE NON CC FILES WHEN EXPORTED!)

Regal Save Cleaner can help keep old and new saves from getting too bloated with data which can lead to the dreaded "error code: 12 and 16" error while trying to save or even worse... save game corruption!


Regal Save Cleaner can be downloaded HERE![modthesims.info]

Consider Supporting Onebeld for making this awesome tool? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]

When downloading make sure that...

• Windows users download the file called "RegulSaveCleaner-v4.0.2-win.zip"
  
  
• Linux users download the file called "RegulSaveCleaner-v4.0.2-linux.zip"

Step 1 - After downloading the Regal Save Cleaner, place it somewhere on your PC.
　
　
After being placed somewhere open up the program.
　
　
Step 2 - After the program has opened you will see your save games in a row near the top of the window.
　
　
Click on the save you wish to clean, or click on multiple saves to clean multiple at a time.
　
　
Once your have selected your saves make sure to turn on "Clean Cache" at the bottom of the program window!
　
　
Step 3 - Once Clean Cache is also checked click on the button at the bottom of the program called "Start Cleaning".
　
Once the Save(s) are done being cleaned a little window will appear telling you all the details on what was cleaned how how much space was gained.
　　

Step 4 - Your save(s) are now clean!

In this section you will find mods that will fix issues and bugs that were never patched out by EA and The Sims Team and some tweaks to minor gameplay.

These ".package" Mod files will be installed into your games "Mods" folder found at...

"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\mods"

There are two different folders present inside the mods folder for different types of mods...

• Mods with the "🟩" icon go into the "Packages" Folder.
  
  
• Mods with the "🟥" icon go into the "Overrides" Folder.

• 🟩 Sims need less Space[modthesims.info] - Lets sims do certain interactions without needing as much space to do them as before which can help with routing issues.
  
  
• 🟩 No (or fewer) automatic memories[modthesims.info] - Makes only important memories recorded, memories like getting married or having a baby. this will help prevent save file bloating on long played saves.
  
  
• 🟩 Tile-able Items Shader FIX[modthesims.info] - Fixes lighting shaders on certain tile-able items.
  
  Consider supporting Simsi45 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Interaction on sloped terrain enabler[modthesims.info] - This mod will allow sims to interact on sloped terrain and will fix sims getting stuck when trying to interact with objects or other sims on a slighty sloped terrain.
  
  
• 🟩 Base Game Halfwalls FIXED!!![modthesims.info] - Fixes the base game half walls meshes and collision
  
  
• 🟩 S-Club ts3 EA Eyeball UVFix - Fixes the UV lighting on the sims eyes so that its facing in the right direction for both eyes and not just a mirrored effect.
  Male Version - Will add a link when one is made?
  Female Version[www.thesimsresource.com]
  
  
• 🟥 EA Eyeshadow Texture Fix[linna.modthesims.info] - Fixes bad alpha mapping on the eye shadow textures done by EA.
  
  
• 🟩 Muscle Slider Fix for Teens and Elders[linna.modthesims.info] - Fixes the muscle tone sliders not working on teen and elder sims.
  
  
• 🟩 Get to Know Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes the "get to know" interaction and how often sims discover traits of other sims. Also has an option to discover hidden traits.
  
  Consider supporting simbouquet for all their amazing work? You can HERE![ko-fi.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Welcome Matt Deshined Rug[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue with a base game rug having the wrong specular mapping applied to it making it very shiny.
  
  
• 🟩 Horizontal Clapboard - Fixed[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue with wonky texture normals on the Horizontal Clapboard wall paint.
  
  
• 🟩 BG Altitute Quantizer Stair Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes a mesh issue when placing the set of stairs inside.
  
  
• 🟩 No Auto Placement of Community Lots[simsasylum.com] - Stops the game from placing expansion pack lots to EA worlds that don't have them when loading up a new save, this makes loading times way faster and you can still place the lots you want in edit town! (Requires an account to download)
  
  
• 🟥 TS3: Walk Cycle Edits[modthesims.info] - Fixes an oversight with young adult males, adult males and elder males having the "happy" expression baked into their walking animations. They will now show their correct mood when walking and not just smiling even when sad.
  
  Consider supporting simbouquet for all their amazing work? You can HERE![ko-fi.com]
  
  
• 🟥 TS3: Facial Expressions Converted From The Sims Medieval[modthesims.info] - changes 15 of the 20 base game facial animations with the ones from sims medieval. While not technically a bug fix it can fix clipping with certain facial animations like eye lashes going through sims brows when frowning and distorted facial features.
  
  Consider supporting simbouquet for all their amazing work? You can HERE![ko-fi.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Random Sim Fixes[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were in the base game the game would give every generated sim the same default value for face customisation, voice and fitness. Also fixes non future world sims wearing into the future clothing. Only sims in the future world will now wear the clothing from into the future. (Into the future is not require for this mod to function)
  
  Consider supporting Lazy Duchess for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 CAS Sim Bin Genetics as Presets[modthesims.info] - Adds in more CAS facial presets for the game to choose from when using mods that fix the pudding face bug. Use this mod along side Random Sim Fixes[modthesims.info] or simler90's Gameplay Systems Core Mod[modthesims.info].
  
  
• 🟩 Pick Up Toddler Fixes[modthesims.info] - Fixes some issues with how sims would approach their task of picking up toddler sims.
  
  Consider supporting TheSweetSimmer for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Sims 3 Hidden Stencils Unlocked + Fixed![modthesims.info] - Fixes various objects missing their extra select-able stencils, they will now be un-hidden and select-able again.
  
  Consider supporting simsi45 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Cross-Eye Bug Fix[www.patreon.com] - Fixes an issue were sims sometimes go cross-eyed after certain events like ageing up.
  
  Consider supporting Lazy Duchess for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Toddler Routing Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes toddlers routing being cancelled when the failing interaction is triggered but it does not properly play resulting in all of their actions being cancelled when the fall down animation is meant to trigger.
  
  Consider supporting TheSweetSimmer for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]

• 🟩 Pigtails Glitch Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were if a sim uses custom content hair and they age up they will no longer default to the pigtails hairstyle.
  
  
• 🟩 Watery Grave Plaque Edit[modthesims.info] - Fixes issues with the watery grave death type gravestone using the fire icon by default, Also fixes Into the Future Expansion Pack gravestones but that pack is not required for the mod to work. REQUIRES MONO PATCHER
  
  
• 🟩 Skill Certificate Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes skill certificate icons not being applied to the right skill certificates also adds in new icons for certificates that did not have a unique icon.
  
  
• 🟩 Late Night Townie Genetics as Presets For CAS[modthesims.info] - Adds in more CAS facial presets for the game to choose from when using mods that fix the pudding face bug. Use this mod along side Random Sim Fixes[modthesims.info] or simler90's Gameplay Systems Core Mod[modthesims.info]. The Late Night Expansion Pack is not required!
  
  
• 🟩 Chance To Learn Teen Hangout[modthesims.info] - Fixes an oversight by EA were the feature was disabled, it should now work and teen sims can find out what community lot is the current teen hangout spot.
  
  
• 🟩 Realistic Fish Mod[omedapixel.tumblr.com] - Fixes fish models not showing up as correct models when placing them outside of the inventory. Download using the link download link under the text "VERSION 2 NOW AVAILABLE!" at the bottom of the page. Monopatcher is required for the mod to function correctly also!
  
  Consider supporting omedapixel for all their amazing work? You can HERE![ko-fi.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Fishing Chest (collection page fixed)[modthesims.info] - Fixes the fishing chest you could catch from fishing not being able to be caught also fixes the collection page when the Fishing chest in re-enabled.
  

• 🟩 Spring Cleaning No Magic Clothesline[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue/oversight with the cloths on the clothesline drying even when being rained on during rainy weather. Download the "Gamefreak130_NoMagicClothesline.rar" File from the file section! Seasons is required!
  
  Consider supporting gamefreak130 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Harvester Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes various issues with the Harvester after a sim has used the object.
  
  
• 🟩 No More Non-Cases for Investigators[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were investigators could roll university and supernatural opportunities instead of the opportunities from the investigator career. University Life or Supernatural are required to also be installed otherwise the bug will not be present.

• 🟩 Champs les Sims Distant Terrain Tree Fix[potato-ballad-sims.tumblr.com] - Fixes the distant terrain tree models to have proper transparency.
  
  Consider Supporting Potato Ballad Sims for all of their amazing work? you can HERE![www.paypal.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Asian Window emits light[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue with a window from world adventures not emitting sunlight during day time when used.

• 🟩 Inventor's Workbench fix for Bridgeport[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were you could not make a sim bot in bridgeport using the inventors table (Ambitions is required!!)
  
  
• 🟩 Late Night Plant Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue so that some of the plant objects that came with this EP are in the right buy mode category.
  
  
• 🟩 LN Celeb Fridge Texture Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue with the specular mapping on a fridge that was added by Late Night the fridge now has the proper reflective texture applied.

• 🟩 Read Toddler to Sleep - Fixed Interaction[danjaley.tumblr.com] - Fixes the interaction to read a toddler to sleep interaction
  
  
• 🟩 Generations: Fixes For "Natural"*Family Portrait & Dream of the Windrunner Paintings[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were you could only use one of the texture variants of certain paintings.
  
  
• 🟩 Generations Shirt & Sweater Top - Channel Fix[sweetdevil-sims.tumblr.com] - Fixes some texture channelling issues on a shirt from generations.

• 🟩 Pets need less Space[modthesims.info] - Reduces the size of the area that all pets needs to interact with objects and sims reducing routing failures and unnecessary shuffling around.
  
  
• 🟩 Gallop Fastest Animation Fix[simsasylum.com] - Fixes an issue with horses were their their animation used for galloping would display/play wrong when they ran at full speed (Registration RequiredFor Download)
  
  
• 🟩 Pet Tombstone Shadow Fix [modthesims.info]- Fixes badly rendered shadows on the pet tombstones.
  
  
• 🟩 Fixed horse tails (no more shiny horses!)[modthesims.info] - Fixes issues with horses being shiny due to specular shininess being set wrong on horses tails.
  
  Consider supporting simsi45 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]

• 🟥 University Student Union / Library Shell Overrides[modthesims.info] - Fixes sims routing into the union building so they use both entrances on either side of the builing and not all try to use the front doors and get stuck which causes lag.
  
  Download these files ONLY!!
  
  • "UNI_ ReplacementShells(overrides).rar"
    
  • "UNI_SCRIPT_MoreShellEntries.rar"
  
  
• 🟩 No More University Life NPC Protests[modthesims.info] - This will fix sims trying to start protest in the ocean and other rondom places that would casue lag.
  
  
• 🟩 University Life Alpha Omega Door Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes a bug so the door can be changed to any color from the door frames color.
  
  
• 🟥 University Life Visual Fixes[modthesims.info] - Fixes several issues with university life and some icons and images associated with texting and speech bubbles.

None At This Time

• 🟩 A Proper Fix to the Proper Trait[modthesims.info] - Fixes some bugs and issues with the Proper Trait.
  
  
• 🟩 Money Tree Bug Fix (Gatherer Trait Bug Fix)[simsasylum.com] - there is a chance if sims have the "gatherer" trait that they can not harvest from the money tree if they have harvested other plants beforehand and it corrupting the money tree and sims will no longer be able to use the money tree. (Requires Registration to Download)
  
  
• 🟩 Restoration Spell Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes some interactions with objects with the restoration spell.
  
  
• 🟩 No More Zombies Generated At Full Moon[modthesims.info] - Makes it so the game does not spawn zombies at a full moon every lunar cycle lagging the game on nights with the full moon. Potions and elixirs can still transform people into zombies if you pick the mod version which keeps those methods in the game!
  
  
• 🟩 LLAMA Sound Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue were the LLAMA box would make sounds every time you go up a level or down a level on a lot.

• 🟩 Nraas Tempest[www.nraas.net] - Has a feature that fixes an issue were fallen leaves do not de-spawn after the fall season is over.
  
  
• 🟥 No more ugly snowprints[www.modthesims.info] - fixes the ugly miss match of snow textures around certain objects.
  
  Consider supporting Lyralei for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
  
• 🟩 Spring Cleaning Weather Forecast Tweaks[modthesims.info] - Fixes issues with the rain weather type appearing way too often in the summer season. The mod also makes the weather forecast more accurate and easy to read! Download the "Gamefreak130_WeatherForecastTweaks.rar" File from the downloads section!
  
  Consider supporting gamefreak130 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Spring Cleaning Truly Eclipsing Fog[modthesims.info] - Fixes issues with the weather stone vampire weather and how it was not applying the correct buffs to vampires. Download the "Gamefreak130_TrulyEclipsingFog.rar" file from the file section!
  
  Consider supporting gamefreak130 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]

• 🟩 Hanging Lantern Fix[www.modthesims.info] - Fixes an issue so sims can pass under the the object and not be blocked off by it.
  
  
• 🟩 Reduce/Remove Lag caused by Houseboats[modthesims.info] - Disables non active households being able to move their house boats autonomously which would result in micro stutters and lag while playing in worlds with house boats lived in my non player families. You will still be able to move your house boats if you currently live in one this mod just stops non played households from moving their house boats!
  
  
• 🟩 Autonomous Play In The Ocean Fix[modthesims.info] - Prevents sims from autonomously attempting to play in the ocean outside of beach and resort lots this will help with routing issues.

• 🟩 ITF Perigee Planter Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes the snow placement on the fence during winter (seasons expansion required)
  
  
• 🟩 Watch Laser Rhythm-a-Con FIX [modthesims.info]- fixes an issue were the object would not put up the fun meter for sims who were watching unlike other musical items in the game.

• 🟩 Amour Perfume Moodlet Typo Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes a type with the gain moodlets from the new objects.
  
  Consider Supporting gamefreak130 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]
  
  
• 🟩 Banquett Fan Routing Fix[modthesims.info] - Fixes routing issues with the Banquett Fan.
  
  
• 🟩 More Efficient Upgrade Name Fix[modthesims.info] - fixes an issue with the upgrade option on two store objects the The Legendary Wind Raker[store.thesims3.com] and the Day Star 3000[store.thesims3.com].
  
  
• 🟩 Haute Hacienda Fireplace Fixes[modthesims.info] - Fixes some issues with the Haute Hacienda Fireplace[au.store.thesims3.com] from the sims 3 store.
  
  
• 🟩 Now & Then Manor Curved Staircase FIXED![modthesims.info] - Fixes clipping issues when placing the objects next to stairs. Requires the Hang Left/Right Curved Colonial Stair Rail[store.thesims3.com] object from the sims 3 store.
  
  Consider Supporting simsi45 for all their amazing work? You can HERE![www.patreon.com]

The game has some options that are on by default that can slow down the game if turned on. You may turn the off if you like.

Turning the Refresh rate of the game to default setting is the best setting to go for since we have made the graphics card handle the refresh rate in the graphics cards control panel and with The Sims 3 engine the game has to be run at 60fps or under or the game physics engine will start to break resulting stuttering and broken physics.

⠀


Turning the options that I have circled in red to off will help the games performance greatly.

• Shop Mode option - if you followed the step earlier about restricting the ".jpegs" from generating then the shop mode is useless and can be turned off for a lot of extra performance.
  
  
• Interactive loading Screens Option - This was a good concept but the final product can actually make loading up your game even longer so disabling this option can make the game load your save file quicker.
  
  
• Disable Memories - This feature is really good for story telling and legacy save files but it can become very laggy with every sim in town getting constant memories all the time setting this to off will help the games performance greatly. If you like this feature turned on but still want performance I would recommend looking at the mod No (or fewer) automatic memories[modthesims.info] this mod makes it so only important events in your sims life is saved and not useless ones.
  ⠀
  ⠀
  
  Online/Social Options (7th tab - Antenna) (Essential)
  
  Turning off the options circled in red is highly recommend for performance since in game online stuff in the sims 3 was added poorly and results in a lot of lag on the games engine keeping the any online options off will improve performance greatly.
  
  ⠀
  
  Advanced Demographics Options (9th tab - Silhouette of Two Sims) - (OPTIONAL)
  
  Turning the options off that I have circled in red can improve performance greatly this just means that sims that are not any of these life states can not be turned into them, sims that are already that life state can not turn other sims into that life state. Do not worry sims that are already; say a vampire will not be turned to a human again if turning vampires off.
  
  
  
  
  
  

A: Yes! An older version of the OS had issues with 32bit programs but that has now since been fixed. If there are any problems with saving disabling the OneDrive app or uninstalling the OneDrive app should fix saving issues!

If you do not want to uninstall Onedrive or use Onedirve for other things refer to this video.

A: No! The game is a 32bit program and there is no way to make it use more. Unfortunately no edits or magic can change this, its limit is 3.7gb at most no more than that unfortunately. The game is also already large address aware from the late night patch (1.17.60).

A: The tool Sims 3 Crash Log Analyzer[modthesims.info] may be able to help, the tool reads your crash logs that the game generates when crashing and tries to narrow down the issue the crash logs for the tool to read are found at...

"Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3"

Once at that location the files will be called "xcpt-(numbers).txt" let the tool read these files.

A: Removing scripting mods from your game after the save is created will lead to the save files that relied on those removed mods to not function correctly or lead to save file corruption. This guide should be used with a fresh new save.

A: The GraphicsCards.sgr & GraphicsRules.sgr may have not been edited correctly there will be backups made after using the graphics card tool in "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin" with "_old" at the end of them. Simply delete the edited versions then remove the "_old" from the backup files names and it will restore those files to vanilla.

A: Check to see if your anti-virus software is not blocking the game due to smoothpatch by Lazyduchess, Since this script mod injects into the game it may be setting off a false flag and preventing the game from starting.

A: If you are using windows 11 and your PC user name has any Special Characters/Emoji's in it the game/mods folder will have issues loading up game files from the documents folder. This might be since the game can not read these types of characters in file path names.

A: A lot of the mods have an agreement section were you have to link to their sites to download and not redistribute. Respecting peoples work is the best thing to do for helping out the modding community for all their work. People put a lot if time into making mods so best to respect their wishes for their work!

A: Make sure to clear your games cache as some mod data stored in the games cache files. See more how to clean game cache in step 9! Also make sure that the mods folder has been placed into the games My Documents folder at "Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3"!

A: Under Step 11 in the University life Mods Section there is a mod called "University Student Union / Library Shell Overrides" if the file from that mod called "UNI_FIX_MissingScienceProfessor.rar" is installed all pre-made sims will be deleted from new and old saves. Deleting the mod file "University - FIX Missing Science Professor.package" will fix sims being missing. DISCLAIMER! : Save files saved after having the mod installed can not be reverted!

A: Some of the world fixes have corrupted data, they have a lot of good routing fixes but worlds with ghosts sims, mummies and simbots in them seems to have corrupted data. This is due to the Create a World Tool Having a bug were saving a world with ghosts, mummies or simbots in it will corrupt those sims data which can lead to save game corruption/errors, and these worlds were fixed using the CAW tool. More info can be read HERE[cawtool.fandom.com] under "A Warning about Ghosts & Mummies" and A Warning about Pets.

A: This happens when you update your graphics card drivers and the game resets the graphics settings to the default lowest settings. EA never fixed this bug before moving onto The Sims 4. To get around this issue making a copy of the "Options.ini" file from "Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3" and replacing the original with the copied version every you update your graphics drivers should get around the issue.

A: To know if you graphics card has been added successfully go to "Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3" and find a file called "deviceconfig.log" open it, there should be a line that looks like this...

• Name (database) "your graphics card name here" [found: 1, matched: 1]

If it does not look like that but looks like any of these...

• Name (database) "your graphics card name here" [found: 0, matched: 1]
  
• Name (database) "your graphics card name here" [found: 1, matched: 0]
  
• Name (database) "your graphics card name here" [found: 0, matched: 0]

your card has not been detected and will need to be added. Also note the game will need to be launched at least once for "deviceconfig.log" to be present.

Note: If you have used Regal Save Cleaner the file will be deleted, launching the game again will re-generate the file! Intel 12th gen CPU and above users on the steam version of the game also may need the Alder Lake Patch to be installed so the game can run and generate the file.

A: This is usually due to Onedrive interfering with the games save file location under the my documents folder. Disabling Onedrive or uninstalling Onedrive should fix this issue from occurring.

A: Unfortunately The Sims 3 will still have some micro stuttering occasionally as the game makes calculations while playing things like...

• story progression.
  
• spawning and culling of sims to keep the world population under the maximum amount.
  
• Simulating sims moving around town.
  
• objects spawning.
  
• collectable spawning.

If its happening constantly the game may be running out of memory or the high detailed lot setting may be too high. It could also be that your graphics card was not detected correctly or smooth patch has not initialised correctly either. The stuttering can also be due to hardware or the world you are currently in as some worlds really put a strain on the games engine.

A: To know if smooth patch is currently working you will need to locate Smooth patches settings file called ts3patch.txt it can be found at...

• Steam 1.67 - "Steam\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"

Once there open the file "ts3patch.txt" and inside there will be a line called "Debug = 0" set the setting value "0" to "1" and save the file. Once running the game you will be greeted by a small window saying if smooth patch is running or not running.

A: To bypass the launcher on steam first you need to...

• Step 1 - Find The Sims 3 in you steam library, right click on it and select "Properties".
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Step 2 - A new window will appear, under the general tab find the Advanced launch option settings section and put you games install location directing to TS3W.exe like this...
  
  

Use This Example For Default Installation Location
Use This Example For Custom Installation Location
Note: This file path will be different depending on your steam install location or where the game is installed! If your edit town library is empty reverting these changes will fix this issue!

Another Way to bypass the launcher is to rename "TS3W.exe" to "Sims3LauncherW.exe". Just make sure to back up the original Sims3LauncherW.exe and TS3W.exe by moving them somewhere safe for later use.

The .exe files are locted at...
"Steam\SteamLibrary\steamapps\common\The Sims 3\Game\Bin"

2017
• 09/10/2017 - Published The Sims 3 game guide.
  
  
• 09/10/2017 - 23/07/2021 - Various changes and fixes over the years.
  
  
  2021
  
  
• Made various changes through out the year.
  
  
  2022
  
  
• Made various changes through out the year.
  
  
  2023
• Made various changes through out the year.
  
  
  2024
• Made various changes through out the year.
  
  
  2025
  
  
• 01/01/2025 - Added a disclaimer to the mod "Realistic Fish Mod" Under "Step 11 Under Base Game Compatible Mods Part 1". Added some new information to the FAQ section.
  
  
• 14/01/2025 - Updated the title of "Intel Alder Lake Patch" Under Step 2 as EA recently updated the EA app version of The Sims 3 (1.69) to already include a fix for newer intel CPU's preventing the game from starting up, steam (1.67) users still require the patch however.
  
  
• 24/01/2025 - Added throughout the guide on how to get .ASI mods working on Linux / Steam Deck installs of the game.
  
  
• 05/02/2025 - Added the mod "Late Night Townie Genetics as Presets For CAS" to "Step 11 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under Base Game section. Also removed the "Windows Only" Title from mods that use "wininet.dll" loader as they also work on Linux and Steam Deck with a launch setting applied after testing on steam deck to confirm they all work. The launch setting can be found in the "Getting Started" Section of the guide.
  
  
• 27/02/2025 - Added the mod "Chance To Learn Teen Hangout" to "Step 11 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under Base Game section.
  
  
• 27/02/2025 - Removed the mod "Realistic Fish Mod" from Base Game section as it was causing infinite loading screens for some users when trying to load into Bridgeport and game crashes when trying to place the object "wall installed digital fishiness display" from the late night expansion pack. Its recommended to remove that mod for now until the problem is resolved.
  
  
• 07/03/2025 - Removed the step "Stopping Store Generated Jpgs (Optional)" as some users were reporting that it would lead to their game not closing on exit and being stuck open needing to be forced stopped by task manager. Using the game in smooth patch border-less window mode can get around this issue in most cases but the step has been removed. To revert these changes simply delete the blank "FeaturedItems" File that was made and the original folder will be regenerated on game startup.
  
  The file can be found at "Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3"
  
  
• 15/03/2025 - Re-added the mod "Realistic Fish Mod" to "Step 11 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under Base Game section. Crashing issues with mod have now been fixed in the latest version. Monopatcher is now required for the mod to function.
  
  
• 23/03/2025 - Updated the F.A.Q. section about graphics settings being reset with a new work around thanks to @Acumalaka.
  
  
• 04/04/2025 - Removed the mod "Faster/Slower Leaf Raking and No Leaves in other Seasons" and replaced it with "Nraas Tempest" under "Step 10 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under the Seasons expansion section. Removed Steam deck setup information as it now has its own guide on how to setup and install mods on the steam deck.
  
  
• 17/04/2025 - Removed the section "Vanilla vs Fixed Comparison" as it was comparing from a very old version of this guide.
  
  
• 29/06/2025 - Added the mod "No More Non-Cases for Investigators" to "Step 11 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under Ambitions section. Added a disclaimer to the Realistic Fish Mod about which link to download the mod from on the mods page.
  
  
• 28/09/2025 - Added a warning about the EA App version (1.69) of the game no longer working with smooth patch due to an update this means mods that need "wininet.dll" to load may no longer work on this version. Steam version of the game (1.67) is still working however as it did not receive this update.
  
  
• 21/10/2025 - Added the mod "Fishing Chest" to "Step 11 - Bug Fixes | Base Game & Expansions" under Base Game section. Thanks to @Sammy on steam for letting me know of the mod.
  
  
• 26/11/2025 - Removed support for the EA App Version of the game (1.69). I do not own that version of the game so I can not test if mods work for it or not.