January 2019 - last edited March
Introduction
This forum is for bug reports on the Sims 4. It's main purpose is to report bugs which the devs need to fix, not to troubleshoot your game.
Bugs by nature don't really have a solution or an answer but often folks come up with workarounds or a modder fixes the issue. Workarounds are usually marked as solution and the thread tagged as Workaround. That does not mean the devs won't fix the bug. It's just marked as solution to increase visibility of the workaround. For mod solutions please refer to this thread: [INFORMATION] Common Game Fixing Mods - Hero Approved
If you need help in other form, please use the forums below.
For technical issues (including crashing), please post in the tech forum of your platform: Technical Issues – PC, Technical Issues – Mac, Technical Issues – Consoles
Feedback for stuff you want changed goes here: Game Feedback & Ideas
Please do not report just anything as a bug. It simply might be a misunderstanding. Bugs are only things that are NOT working as intended. Some stuff is random and some stuff is simply working a bit different than you might think. Read instructions carefully. If unsure, discuss with fellow simmers at your favorite forum and if you all come to the conclusion that it's a bug, report it here. Gives the devs and me less work and the ability to concentrate on the real bugs. Also always test without mods/cc installed
Also if you feel, I misunderstood you or you have wrongfully been moved or merged, please do step up but don't be rude about it. Just say that you think I misunderstood you and explain why. English is not my mother tongue (I'm Swiss German) and I do sometimes have issues understanding. Some times are more stressful then others, so please bear with me if you think my answers are too short or not very friendly. They are not meant to be rude in any way, they're just sometimes kept to the bare necessitates to save time and not drown in threads.
Keep in mind that I'm in a different time zone than most of you guys. Be patient.
If you want to discuss the laundry list or practices about bug fixes, please don't do this in the bug threads as it derails them. Use this dedicated thread instead: Laundry lists discussion; bug fixes and prioritization
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
2014-09-04 11:20 AM - last edited a week ago
The Bug Template/ Info to Provide
Before posting in the bug forum, please try the following things first
Good Practice on your bug report
Processing of threads
There are two aspects when it comes to processing stuff in the bug forum.
Both of these aspects help to ensure that your bug report will be seen even if you do not get an answer. As said before, if you need troubleshooting help, it's better to use the tech forums of your platform. The bug forum is mainly for reporting.
Status of a Bug
EA doesn't give out ETAs or information on status of bugs nor do they acknowledge every issue you see reported. This does not mean that they aren't legit bugs or that they won't get fixed somewhere down the line.
The tag on a thread can give you an indication on what the status is and if it's worth bumping a thread or not. If an issue didn't have an answer in > 3 month and you're still affected, it's always good to bump it.
Threads that are marked as By Design, Fixed, Archived or Mod/CC issue are closed issues. Make new threads (Fixed, Archived) or bump them (Mods/CC, By Design) if you still have issues or don't agree. Archived threads often already have a new thread so check the last post of the thread for links. By Design and Mods/CC are also often moved to feedback/mods.
Threads that are marked as solved (check mark) are still open issues unless they have one of the tag mentioned above. The solved mark is used to increase the visibility of a post within the thread. That post will show as second post in the thread so you don't have to read the whole thread for more information. Threads marked this way are mostly threads that either have a Workaround you can use until EA fixes the issue or to highlight a post of a Guru/CM that contains information. These threads are NOT considered fixed. They are open bugs.
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
2014-09-04 11:45 AM - last edited a week ago
The bug forum has a certain way it works. New threads are processed every day except when I'm taking a break which is communicated in this thread: [PLEASE READ] Information/Questions about the bug forum.
Below I will try to explain a bit, how the flow currently works.
It does all sound a bit complicated but it's just the way I work. This is purely informational. Adjustments may be made any time depending on issue.
New thread is created
Issue will be read and handled in the following manner:
Buy/Build/texture/lighting issues
I'm no longer handling those. I'm not a builder, I don't know how to help. There are also so many similar issues that aren't quite the same, so I keep merging/adding to the list to a minium.
If something is common enough for even me to understand, I will start merging and add it to the list.
Console
Any bugs that occur on all platforms will be merged with the PC/Mac threads.
Issues that are console only will either be handled by another hero or forwarded to a CM. I personally can't help with them.
Issues I'm no longer processing at all
These issues are mostly about symptoms about an underlying issue and are very hard to merge or handle. They are basically a standalone bug report each, hence I'm just leaving them. Exceptions always apply if a issue is very common and can be pinpointed to be the same
Existing Issue
New issue
Existing thread is bumped
Handling will depend on the tag as follow:
Open/Workaround
Those are issues that have been handled and added to the compiled list. I will not read or comment on those (exceptions apply) but any new information or voice you want to add is a good thing. It shows EA/Maxis how popular they are and what your concerns are. You can tag me if you think I need to read your post, you have found a workaround or if you find the issue fixed.
A thread needs to have a certain amount of me toos to make the list and be active (new posts, me toos) to stay on the list
I will be dropping the Needs Input tag as it only causes confusion and angers reporters. I won't change threads that already have a Needs input but there won't be any new ones.
As of Nov 4th 2024 I will also be dropping the Open tag. It's just been controversial and has no extra value. Thread treads that already have the tag will keep it unless I need to edit the title for something else. For Reasoning see his thread: [PLEASE READ] Information/Questions about the bug forum
Needs Info/Needs Saves
Maxis QV has asked for saves or more info in these threads. Best message or tag TheSimsDirect to get your saves to Maxis
Unsure
I'm not sure this is a bug.
Fixed
If a bug gets fixed in the patch notes, the thread will be locked accordingly. If you still have the issue, please create a new thread. Exceptions apply to part fixes or if totally unsure the notes are actually referring to that bug.
Mods/CC related/By Design
Will mostly not read. Those are related to mods or by design. Please refer to the solution post. If you feel something is not right, make sure to tag me or create a new thread. By Design threads will be moved to feedback.. Mods/CC will be moved to mods unless it's not 100% certain.
No Tag
There are several reasons why a thread has no tag. Untagged threads are usually not added to the compiled list.
The Compiled List
On an irregular basis I will add current stuff to my list. I will also check the list on a regular basis for threads that can be removed due to low traffic.
Patch Day
Patch Day is always the most exciting day for the bug forum. I will mark everything as fixed that is on the patch list and remove from the list after a few days of feedback.
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
2014-09-04 11:51 AM - last edited Friday
This post explains what each tag used means in detail.
If you have a report for the a stuff pack/game pack or expansion pack please put a abbreviation (see list below) in front in your title. I'll be editing thread titles if that info is missing.
Please be aware that my tag have nothing to do with the status a bug has with QA. It's always good to keep up with your bugs and check if it's still there after patches and let me know if something is fixed or not, especially if it wasn't in the patch notes.
Some threads are not tagged at all anymore. This doesn't mean they're not being handled. See above for more details.
Expansion Packs
[GTW]: Get To Work
[GT]: Get Together
Game Packs
[OR]: Outdoor Retreat
[SD]: Spa Day
Stuff Packs
[LSP]: Luxury Stuff Pack
[PPSP]: Perfect Patio Stuff Pack
[SSP]: Spooky Stuff Pack
Kits
Creator's Kits
Free Pack
Console
Other Tags
Please only add the Pack ones yourself as I'll be adding the others. This helps me keep track of what I've checked and the status.
The following tags are no longer in use but there might still be old threads with this
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
2014-09-04 12:18 PM - last edited May
The Bug Template
If you can't find the issue you want to report by checking the compiled list or using the search bar, you should create a new post. To do so, click on the New topic button (be aware that it sometimes takes a moment for the button to appear).
Please make sure you choose English in the top bar or you might have issues picking options.
After that you'll be asked to fill out a template. You need to fill out EVERY field, including the comment field at the bottom. Just adding a picture doesn't help, you need to add actual text.
One of the fields asks for your Game Version. If you're unsure how to get the info, check out this post: How to find your game version number
Once you fill out everything, a Submit button will appear at the bottom. To get an email if your threads gets an answer, you can also subscribe to it before submitting. This is a good way to keep up with progress on the issue. If the Submit button does not show up although you filled out all the fields, try add some spaces to the comment box, especially if you c/p something to the box.
You can also directly attach images (bit unsure if all ranks have this abilities) or add files to your post (not all extensions are supported).
If you still have issue posting, please either create a new thread in PC Tech instead. Fill out all the info needed as asked in this post here
Good info to add additionally can be the following
Lagging/Freezing or any other issues of more technical nature
--> Should be posted in your own thread in the technical forum
Graphical Issues
Additional Info
In addition there are some additional files/information that may be helpful to provide if you would like to report a bug. When uploading Last Exceptions, please always upload the game ones and not BE or MCCC.
These files will be located in documents\electronicarts\thesims4\
• lastCrash.txt (if it exists. If there is more than one, please include all of them.)
• lastException.txt (if it exists. If there is more than one, please include all of them.)
• lastUIException.txt (if it exists. If there is more than one, please include all of them.)
• Config.log
• the entire saves folder (you will not be able to add your saves folder to the post, please upload to some third party site and send a link)
To share those, please either use googleDrive or OneDrive to upload and share the link or upload them directly to your post. Files need to be < 20 MB to upload.
How to share files containing XML/HTML
There are several txt files that contain XML/HTML and hence aren't allowed for upload. There's several options how to provide those files.
Affected files: lastcrash, lastexception, lastUIException
Method 1: Create a rar file and upload that
Method 2: Copy/Paste the content to a post
Method 3: Upload the files to google or oneDrive
Method 4: Create a pdf or word file
If you have the means you can create a word file or a pdf and upload that. I believe both should be possible without editing the text.
Method 5: Edit the files to remove the XML/HTLM
(need to test if that works for all the files mentioned above still)
EA app Issues
If you encounter an EA app issue, please file an EA Error Report in the EA app client (In EA app > Help > EA Error Reporter). This can be very helpful in figuring out EA app problems.
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
May 2015 - last edited July 2021
Important Links
Origin
Make sure your Origin is up-to-date. It usually gets auto-updated if you have the setting on and I recommend to do that. The download link is here
Crashing Issues
Crashing issues are mainly technical and don't belong in this forum. Please make your own thread there, posting your DxDiag and info about custom content, when it crashes and other useful stuff.
Abbreviations used
CC = Custom Content: cloth, objects, hair, etc from third-parties you add to your game.
Mods = Modifications you put in your game. Changes game play
LE = LastException .. Errors occuring in the game that are written to a file called LastException.txt in your doc folder
LE = Legacy Edition = Version of Sims for for older computers
MTS = ModTheSims: CC Site
TSR = TheSimsResource: A CC Site
QA = Quality Assurance, Maxis Team responsible for fixing bugs
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
January 2019 - last edited July 2021
I encourage everyone to PM links instead of putting them at AHQ, especially if you're using a personal account that shows your real name. I will never give your information to anyone else without your permission. I will forward your save links to EA Staff/QA though unless you tell me not to.
This has two purposes: I want to try out on my game if I can reproduce the error and also to forward the save game to EA/Maxis so they can fix this. Be aware that I usually get no feedback from them so forwarding is a one way street. All you can do is hope that they fix it in an upcoming patch.
QA will sometimes ask for saves directly. Please follow their instructions to upload. Please do not PM saves to me if it was QA who asked.
There are no guarantees though that already affected save games can be recovered. Sometimes bugs are fixed but they only prevent the problem from happening again, not fixing old ones.
Instructions for Saves Folder
Instructions for a specific File
If you have a lot of saves, it's advisable that you only send the one that has the bug. To find out, which save you need to send, open the game and click on load.
Next to the save that has the issue, you will see a little folder. If you hover over this, you can find the path and name of the save file. Follow instructions above but only zip that one file,
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
February 2020 - last edited a week ago
Game Version
The game Version is vital information for QA to know on which build an issue first occurred and also to know if your game is up-to-date or if you might need to update first. Please do not report bugs on outdated game versions.
Since EA/Maxis introduced the Legacy Edition, it also provides information if you have the issue on the standard version or the legacy one.
Please don't put latest or current or something along these lines because:
The game version usually looks like this
PC/Mac
1.xx.yyy.zzzz
Console
2.xx
Please always provide the full number.
How can you find your Game Version For PC/Mac ?
There's several ways, the easiest is to either check in your files if you have troubles starting the game or on the main menu
As an alternative, navigate to the following file: Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 4\GameVersion.txt and open the file with a text editor. You will find the Version Number inside.
How can you find your Game Version For Console ?
You can also see the information on the Options Screen of the game
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads
April 2021 - last edited April 2021
If you absolutely can't fill out a bug report in the bug forum because the button does not appear, please copy/paste the form below the line to a new thread in PC Tech
Fill out the info for every question (one line, one question).
State that you wanted to post this in the bug forum but couldn't and make sure to tag me. I will then move your post to the bug forum and fill out the form for you but in order to do that, I need all the info.
Product: The Sims 4
Platform:
Which language are you playing the game in?
How often does the bug occur?
What is your current game version number?
What expansions, game packs, and stuff packs do you have installed?
Steps: How can we find the bug ourselves?
What happens when the bug occurs?
What do you expect to see?
Have you installed any customization with the game, e.g. Custom Content or Mods?
Did this issue appear after a specific patch or change you made to your system?
Good Luck
Crin
I don't work or have any association with EA. I give advice to the best of my knowledge and cannot be held responsible for any damage done to your computer/game.
Please only contact me via PM when asked to do so.
Important Threads