Difference between revisions of "The Sims 3"
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{{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|the-sims-3|83}} | {{Infobox game/row/reception|IGDB|the-sims-3|83}} | ||
|taxonomy = | |taxonomy = | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Sponsored, DLC, Expansion pack }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/monetization | One-time game purchase, Sponsored, DLC, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | Currency, Cosmetic, Finite spend }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/microtransactions | Currency, Cosmetic, Finite spend }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/modes | Singleplayer }} | ||
Line 22: | Line 22: | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Free-roaming camera, Bird's-eye view }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/perspectives | Free-roaming camera, Bird's-eye view }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select, Multiple select }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/controls | Point and select, Multiple select }} | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | Life sim, Sandbox, Building }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/genres | Life sim, Sandbox, Building, Farming }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | Fishing, American football, Water sports, Horse, Table tennis, Football (Soccer) }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/sports | Fishing, American football, Water sports, Horse, Table tennis, Football (Soccer) }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | Robot }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/vehicles | Robot }} | ||
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles | Stylized }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/art styles | Stylized }} | ||
− | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Zombies }} | + | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/themes | Contemporary, Zombies }} |
{{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | The Sims }} | {{Infobox game/row/taxonomy/series | The Sims }} | ||
|steam appid = 47890 | |steam appid = 47890 | ||
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|release history = After a pre-release beta was leaked in May 2009,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/05/sims-3-leaked-to-torrent-sites-weeks-before-retail-release/|title=Sims 3 leaked to torrent sites weeks before retail release|date=2021-11-15}}</ref> the game was released in June 2009, after which it received expansion packs and frequent fix patches until 2014. Afterwards only functionality-critical patches have been released, such as one for adding [[Store:Origin|Origin]] support in 2015, and a 64-bit [[macOS]] update in 2020. | |release history = After a pre-release beta was leaked in May 2009,<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2009/05/sims-3-leaked-to-torrent-sites-weeks-before-retail-release/|title=Sims 3 leaked to torrent sites weeks before retail release|date=2021-11-15}}</ref> the game was released in June 2009, after which it received expansion packs and frequent fix patches until 2014. Afterwards only functionality-critical patches have been released, such as one for adding [[Store:Origin|Origin]] support in 2015, and a 64-bit [[macOS]] update in 2020. | ||
− | |current state = The game has few or no compatibility issues on [[Windows]] 11 as of | + | |current state = The game has few or no compatibility issues on [[Windows]] 11 as of May 2023,<ref name="Dandelion Sprout 15Oct2021">{{Refcheck|user=Dandelion Sprout|date=2021-11-15}}</ref> and the modding scene remains active. |
}} | }} | ||
'''General information''' | '''General information''' | ||
− | {{mm}} [ | + | {{mm}} [https://forums.thesims.com/en_US/categories/general-discussion The Sims 3 Official Forums] |
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3 Answer HQ for The Sims 3 at EA.com] | {{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/Technical-Issues-PC/bd-p/the-sims-3 Answer HQ for The Sims 3 at EA.com] | ||
{{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/bd-p/The-Sims-Mac Answer HQ for The Sims series at EA.com] (OS X) | {{mm}} [https://answers.ea.com/t5/The-Sims-Mac/bd-p/The-Sims-Mac Answer HQ for The Sims series at EA.com] (OS X) | ||
Line 56: | Line 56: | ||
==Availability== | ==Availability== | ||
{{Availability| | {{Availability| | ||
− | {{Availability/row| Retail | | key, actlimit | + | {{Availability/row| Retail | | disc, key, activation, actlimit, Origin | Early copies have {{DRM|SecuROM|7}}. Post-2011 copies and expansions have {{DRM|SecuROM PA}} with a 5 machine limit and {{DRM|Origin}}. A [https://activate.ea.com/deauthorize/ De-Authorization Tool] is available. | Origin | Windows, OS X }} |
{{Availability/row| Amazon.co.uk | B00SLWLDSC | Origin | Includes ''Late Night'' and ''High-End Loft Stuff''. | | Windows, OS X }} | {{Availability/row| Amazon.co.uk | B00SLWLDSC | Origin | Includes ''Late Night'' and ''High-End Loft Stuff''. | | Windows, OS X }} | ||
+ | {{Availability/row| Microsoft Store | / | Microsoft Store, Origin | Starter Pack. Included exclusively with {{Store feature|Xbox Game Pass}} as part of its version of EA Play. | | Windows }} | ||
{{Availability/row| Origin | the-sims/the-sims-3 | Origin | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}. | | Windows, OS X }} | {{Availability/row| Origin | the-sims/the-sims-3 | Origin | Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}. | | Windows, OS X }} | ||
{{Availability/row| Steam | 47890 | DRM-free | Included with {{store feature|EA Play}}. | Origin | Windows }} | {{Availability/row| Steam | 47890 | DRM-free | Included with {{store feature|EA Play}}. | Origin | Windows }} | ||
Line 73: | Line 74: | ||
|freeware = | |freeware = | ||
|free-to-play = | |free-to-play = | ||
− | |sponsored = Certain Stuff packs feature products from real-life companies and celebrities.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814084839/http://www.diesel.com/sims|title=Diesel's Sims website on Wayback Machine|date=2022-02-08}}</ref> | + | |one-time game purchase = The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
+ | |sponsored = Certain Stuff packs and Store items feature products from real-life companies and celebrities.<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814084839/http://www.diesel.com/sims|title=Diesel's Sims website on Wayback Machine|date=2022-02-08}}</ref> | ||
|subscription = | |subscription = | ||
+ | |subscription gaming service = Available via [[EA Play]]. | ||
}} | }} | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Microtransactions=== | ||
+ | {{Microtransactions | ||
+ | |boost = | ||
+ | |cosmetic = SimPoints are spent on additional clothing and furniture. | ||
+ | |currency = Real money is exchanged for '''SimPoints''' which are spent in the Sims 3 Store. SimPoints are not available to be earned in-game. | ||
+ | |finite spend = Once all Sims 3 Store items have been bought, the limit has been reached. | ||
+ | |infinite spend = | ||
+ | |free-to-grind = | ||
+ | |loot box = | ||
+ | |none = | ||
+ | |player trading = | ||
+ | |time-limited = | ||
+ | |unlock = '''Stuff Packs''' are sold which consist of additional clothing and furniture. Additionally, other maps and gameplay elements are sold piecemeal on the Sims 3 store. | ||
+ | }} | ||
+ | |||
{{DLC| | {{DLC| | ||
{{DLC/row| World Adventures | Expansion 1 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| World Adventures | Expansion 1 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
Line 88: | Line 107: | ||
{{DLC/row| Island Paradise | Expansion 10 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| Island Paradise | Expansion 10 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
{{DLC/row| Into the Future | Expansion 11 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| Into the Future | Expansion 11 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
− | |||
{{DLC/row| High-End Loft Stuff | Stuff pack 1. Also known as Design and Hi-Tech Stuff in Europe<br/>Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}. | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| High-End Loft Stuff | Stuff pack 1. Also known as Design and Hi-Tech Stuff in Europe<br/>Included with {{Store feature|Origin Access Basic}}. | Windows, OS X }} | ||
{{DLC/row| Fast Lane Stuff | Stuff pack 2 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| Fast Lane Stuff | Stuff pack 2 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
Line 98: | Line 116: | ||
{{DLC/row| 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff | Stuff pack 8 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| 70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff | Stuff pack 8 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
{{DLC/row| Movie Stuff | Stuff pack 9 | Windows, OS X }} | {{DLC/row| Movie Stuff | Stuff pack 9 | Windows, OS X }} | ||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
− | |||
}} | }} | ||
==Essential improvements== | ==Essential improvements== | ||
− | |||
===Patches=== | ===Patches=== | ||
{{ii}} The following are the latest patch versions for each edition of the game. | {{ii}} The following are the latest patch versions for each edition of the game. | ||
Line 165: | Line 167: | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
{{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\Sims3.ini|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\GraphicsRules.sgr|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\Default.ini}} | {{Game data/config|Windows|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\Sims3.ini|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\GraphicsRules.sgr|{{p|game}}\Game\Bin\Default.ini}} | ||
+ | {{Game data/config|Microsoft Store|}} | ||
{{Game data/config|OS X|}} | {{Game data/config|OS X|}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 171: | Line 174: | ||
{{Game data| | {{Game data| | ||
{{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves}} | {{Game data/saves|Windows|{{p|userprofile\Documents}}\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves}} | ||
− | {{Game data/saves|OS X| | + | {{Game data/saves|Microsoft Store|}} |
+ | {{Game data/saves|OS X|{{p|osxhome}}/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3/Saves}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 188: | Line 192: | ||
|ubisoft connect = | |ubisoft connect = | ||
|ubisoft connect notes = | |ubisoft connect notes = | ||
− | |xbox cloud = | + | |xbox cloud = unknown |
|xbox cloud notes = | |xbox cloud notes = | ||
}} | }} | ||
Line 217: | Line 221: | ||
|anisotropic notes = Applied an unknown amount when '''Texture Quality''' settings set to High. For better aniso. filtering quality, force it via GPU driver control panel/utilities.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Fudgesiclesxd|date=2022-09-07|comment=Found the string <code>EnableAniso</code> within {{file|GraphicsRules.sgr}} inside game's installation folder.}}</ref> | |anisotropic notes = Applied an unknown amount when '''Texture Quality''' settings set to High. For better aniso. filtering quality, force it via GPU driver control panel/utilities.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=Fudgesiclesxd|date=2022-09-07|comment=Found the string <code>EnableAniso</code> within {{file|GraphicsRules.sgr}} inside game's installation folder.}}</ref> | ||
|antialiasing = true | |antialiasing = true | ||
− | |antialiasing notes = [[MSAA]], labelled as '''Edge Smoothing'''. <br/> '''Off''', '''Low''' (2x), '''Medium''' (4x), '''High''' (8x) options available.<ref>{{Refcheck|user= | + | |antialiasing notes = [[MSAA]], labelled as '''Edge Smoothing'''. <br/> '''Off''', '''Low''' (2x), '''Medium''' (4x), '''High''' (8x) options available.<ref>{{Refcheck|user=SargeCassidy|date=2022-07-17|comment=Checked using [[Special K]]'s Framebuffer Setup.}}</ref> |
|vsync = false | |vsync = false | ||
|vsync notes = No vertical sync present at all; forcing vertical sync and/or triple buffering via graphics card's control panel or D3DOverrider is highly recommended. | |vsync notes = No vertical sync present at all; forcing vertical sync and/or triple buffering via graphics card's control panel or D3DOverrider is highly recommended. | ||
Line 223: | Line 227: | ||
|60 fps notes = | |60 fps notes = | ||
|120 fps = true | |120 fps = true | ||
− | |120 fps notes = Some physics effects are tied to the monitor's hertz setting. On ≥120 Hz monitors, elevator shafts are harder to snap in place, item previews spin faster (Compare <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Nq_jKfh1nA|title=Sims 3 2021 11 15 20 51 14 01|date=2021-11-16}}</ref> at 60 Hz, to <ref>{{Refurl|url=https://1drv.ms/v/s!AkYd_oBx19VjhbpuUS0ju6Notm_vFw|title=Sims 3 160Hz monitor item spin|date=2021-11-16}}</ref> at 160 Hz), and Buy/Build Mode scrolling may be janky.<ref name="Dandelion Sprout 31Oct2021" /> | + | |120 fps notes = Some physics effects are tied to the monitor's hertz setting. On ≥120 Hz monitors, elevator shafts are harder to snap in place, item previews spin faster (Compare<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Nq_jKfh1nA|title=Sims 3 2021 11 15 20 51 14 01|date=2021-11-16}}</ref> at 60 Hz, to<ref>{{Refurl|url=https://1drv.ms/v/s!AkYd_oBx19VjhbpuUS0ju6Notm_vFw|title=Sims 3 160Hz monitor item spin|date=2021-11-16}}</ref> at 160 Hz), and Buy/Build Mode scrolling may be janky.<ref name="Dandelion Sprout 31Oct2021" /> |
|hdr = false | |hdr = false | ||
|hdr notes = | |hdr notes = | ||
Line 326: | Line 330: | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Traditional Chinese |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = n/a | |audio = n/a | ||
Line 334: | Line 338: | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{L10n/switch | {{L10n/switch | ||
− | |language = | + | |language = Czech |
|interface = true | |interface = true | ||
|audio = n/a | |audio = n/a | ||
Line 522: | Line 526: | ||
{{ii}} Various fixes can be found in this [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350 Steam Community Guide]. | {{ii}} Various fixes can be found in this [https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350 Steam Community Guide]. | ||
{{ii}} Many performance issues can be fixed with mods. These include [[#Mods|Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Traveler, Mastercontroller and DebugEnabler]] | {{ii}} Many performance issues can be fixed with mods. These include [[#Mods|Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Traveler, Mastercontroller and DebugEnabler]] | ||
+ | {{ii}} Tips for better game performance and fixes for various bugs(for advanced users) [https://www.nraas.net/community/TIPS-FOR-BETTER-GAME-PERFORMANCE NRAAS-Better Game Performance]. | ||
===Game won't launch on Intel Alder Lake processors=== | ===Game won't launch on Intel Alder Lake processors=== | ||
Line 652: | Line 657: | ||
===Better performance=== | ===Better performance=== | ||
{{mm}} [https://modthesims.info/d/652440/regul-save-cleaner-updated-29-03-2021.html SaveCleaner] | {{mm}} [https://modthesims.info/d/652440/regul-save-cleaner-updated-29-03-2021.html SaveCleaner] | ||
+ | |||
+ | ===Automatic removal of junk and cache files=== | ||
+ | {{mm}} [https://modthesims.info/d/623008/ts3-clean-start-for-steam-and-origin-pc-only.html CleanStart The Sims 3] | ||
===Recommended mods=== | ===Recommended mods=== |
Latest revision as of 01:56, 9 April 2024
Developers | |
---|---|
The Sims Studio | |
Expansions | EA Salt Lake |
macOS (OS X) | TransGaming Inc. |
Publishers | |
Electronic Arts | |
Engines | |
The Sims 3 Engine | |
Release dates | |
Windows | June 2, 2009 |
macOS (OS X) (Cider) | June 2, 2009 |
Reception | |
Metacritic | 86 |
IGDB | 83 |
Taxonomy | |
Monetization | One-time game purchase, Sponsored, DLC, Expansion pack, Subscription gaming service |
Microtransactions | Currency, Cosmetic, Finite spend |
Modes | Singleplayer |
Pacing | Real-time |
Perspectives | Free-roaming camera, Bird's-eye view |
Controls | Point and select, Multiple select |
Genres | Life sim, Sandbox, Building, Farming |
Sports | Fishing, American football, Water sports, Horse, Table tennis, Football (Soccer) |
Vehicles | Robot |
Art styles | Stylized |
Themes | Contemporary, Zombies |
Series | The Sims |
The Sims | |
---|---|
Subseries of Sim | |
The Sims | 2000 |
The Sims Online | 2002 |
The Sims 2 | 2004 |
The Sims Stories (series) | |
MySims | 2008 |
The Sims 3 | 2009 |
The Sims Medieval | 2011 |
The Sims 4 | 2014 |
The Sims 3 is a life simulator game, with aspects of town management and adventure. It is noteworthy for having the other households age alongside the active household, the high ability to interact with the entire neighborhood without loading screens, and the extensive character trait and Create-a-Style systems.
After a pre-release beta was leaked in May 2009,[1] the game was released in June 2009, after which it received expansion packs and frequent fix patches until 2014. Afterwards only functionality-critical patches have been released, such as one for adding Origin support in 2015, and a 64-bit macOS update in 2020.
The game has few or no compatibility issues on Windows 11 as of May 2023,[2] and the modding scene remains active.
General information
- The Sims 3 Official Forums
- Answer HQ for The Sims 3 at EA.com
- Answer HQ for The Sims series at EA.com (OS X)
- Steam Community Discussions
Availability
Source | DRM | Notes | Keys | OS |
---|---|---|---|---|
Retail | Early copies have SecuROM 7 DRM. Post-2011 copies and expansions have SecuROM PA DRM with a 5 machine limit and Origin DRM. A De-Authorization Tool is available. | |||
Amazon.co.uk | Includes Late Night and High-End Loft Stuff. | |||
Microsoft Store | Starter Pack. Included exclusively with Xbox Game Pass for PC as part of its version of EA Play. | |||
Origin | Included with EA Play. | |||
Steam | Included with EA Play (Steam). | |||
Games for Windows Marketplace (unavailable) | [3] |
- The 64-bit macOS version is separate from the Windows and 32-bit macOS version. Contact the EA Support if the 64-bit version is missing from the Origin library.
Version differences
- List of all different versions and regions can be found on Wikipedia.
Monetization
Type | Notes |
---|---|
DLC | Stuff packs contain sizeable additions to content already available in the base game. |
Expansion pack | Expansions contain major gameplay additions not present in the base game. |
One-time game purchase | The game requires an upfront purchase to access. |
Sponsored | Certain Stuff packs and Store items feature products from real-life companies and celebrities.[4] |
Subscription gaming service | Available via EA Play. |
Microtransactions
Type | Notes |
---|---|
Cosmetic | SimPoints are spent on additional clothing and furniture. |
Currency | Real money is exchanged for SimPoints which are spent in the Sims 3 Store. SimPoints are not available to be earned in-game. |
Finite spend | Once all Sims 3 Store items have been bought, the limit has been reached. |
Unlock | Stuff Packs are sold which consist of additional clothing and furniture. Additionally, other maps and gameplay elements are sold piecemeal on the Sims 3 store. |
DLC and expansion packs
Name | Notes | |
---|---|---|
World Adventures | Expansion 1 | |
Ambitions | Expansion 2 | |
Late Night | Expansion 3 Included with EA Play. | |
Generations | Expansion 4 | |
Pets | Expansion 5 | |
Showtime | Expansion 6 | |
Supernatural | Expansion 7 | |
Seasons | Expansion 8 | |
University Life | Expansion 9 | |
Island Paradise | Expansion 10 | |
Into the Future | Expansion 11 | |
High-End Loft Stuff | Stuff pack 1. Also known as Design and Hi-Tech Stuff in Europe Included with EA Play. |
|
Fast Lane Stuff | Stuff pack 2 | |
Outdoor Living Stuff | Stuff pack 3 | |
Town Life Stuff | Stuff pack 4 | |
Master Suite Stuff | Stuff pack 5 | |
Katy Perry's Sweet Treats | Stuff pack 6. Not available digitally anymore, presumably due to license expiration. | |
Diesel Stuff | Stuff pack 7 | |
70s, 80s, & 90s Stuff | Stuff pack 8 | |
Movie Stuff | Stuff pack 9 |
Essential improvements
Patches
- The following are the latest patch versions for each edition of the game.
- Retail/DVD, Steam and macOS 32-bit - 1.67.2. The link provided is for the Windows retail version. Steam version is already patched. Patches for each region of the macOS version can be found here.
- Origin (Windows) - 1.69.43
- Origin (macOS 64-bit) - 1.70.305
- The patch notes can be found here here.
Utilities
Smooth Patch 2.0
- ASI mod by LazyDuchess. This mod adds FPS limiter, borderless windowed support and alters the speed at which the game's processing threads 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.
- This mod alone will not improve the performance issues with the game and recommends using NRaas and other mods for improved performance.
SMAA injector 1.2 (direct download)
SMAA injector 1.2 (original source)
- Universal fix for most D3D9 and later games. Should provide better anti-aliasing especially with objects that use alpha effects e.g. hair and foliage; the default FSAA implementation unfortunately does not cover such effects.
Miscellaneous
Skip intro videos[5] |
---|
Download and install No Intro mod |
Bypass the launcher[6] |
---|
Rename the executable.
|
Increase VRAM allocation limit
- The game can only use up to 2 GB of VRAM by default. However, it's possible to make the game utilise the VRAM the graphics card has.
Edit GraphicsRules.sgr [7][8]
|
---|
|
Increase how much CPU power the game will actively use
Edit GraphicsRules.sgr [7][8]
|
---|
|
Game data
Configuration file(s) location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | <path-to-game>\Game\Bin\Sims3.ini[Note 1] <path-to-game>\Game\Bin\GraphicsRules.sgr[Note 1] <path-to-game>\Game\Bin\Default.ini[Note 1] |
Microsoft Store | |
macOS (OS X) | |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/47890/pfx/[Note 2] |
Save game data location
System | Location |
---|---|
Windows | %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves |
Microsoft Store | |
macOS (OS X) | $HOME/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3/Saves |
Steam Play (Linux) | <SteamLibrary-folder>/steamapps/compatdata/47890/pfx/[Note 2] |
Save game cloud syncing
System | Native | Notes |
---|---|---|
Origin | ||
OneDrive | Requires enabling backup of the Documents folder in OneDrive on all computers. | |
Steam Cloud | ||
Xbox Cloud |
Video
Graphics feature | State | WSGF | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Widescreen resolution | |||
Multi-monitor | Use The Sims 3 FOV tool. HUD Position Affects Gameplay. | ||
Ultra-widescreen | Vert- scaling.[9] | ||
4K Ultra HD | UI does not scale with resolution, and thus will be extremely small at 4K. | ||
Field of view (FOV) | Use The Sims 3 FOV tool. | ||
Windowed | |||
Borderless fullscreen windowed | The Sims 3 Smooth Patch gives the option to enable borderless windowed mode. | ||
Anisotropic filtering (AF) | Applied an unknown amount when Texture Quality settings set to High. For better aniso. filtering quality, force it via GPU driver control panel/utilities.[10] | ||
Anti-aliasing (AA) | MSAA, labelled as Edge Smoothing. Off, Low (2x), Medium (4x), High (8x) options available.[11] |
||
Vertical sync (Vsync) | No vertical sync present at all; forcing vertical sync and/or triple buffering via graphics card's control panel or D3DOverrider is highly recommended. | ||
60 FPS and 120+ FPS | Some physics effects are tied to the monitor's hertz setting. On ≥120 Hz monitors, elevator shafts are harder to snap in place, item previews spin faster (Compare[12] at 60 Hz, to[13] at 160 Hz), and Buy/Build Mode scrolling may be janky.[8] | ||
High dynamic range display (HDR) | See the glossary page for potential alternatives. | ||
Ray tracing (RT) |
Input
Keyboard and mouse | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Remapping | See the glossary page for potential workarounds. | |
Mouse acceleration | No mouse acceleration. | |
Mouse sensitivity | ||
Mouse input in menus | ||
Mouse Y-axis inversion | ||
Touchscreen optimised | Moving the camera around in the neighborhood, would require either mouse cursor emulation, or right mouseclick emulation. Entering household/lot names and cheat codes requires a keyboard (An on-screen virtual keyboard would likely suffice). | |
Controller | ||
Controller support |
Controller types |
---|
Audio
Audio feature | State | Notes |
---|---|---|
Separate volume controls | Voices, Sound effects, Music, Background noises, Sound quality | |
Surround sound | 4.0 and 5.1 can be chosen for when zoomed in. Tries to force sound through individual speakers that have been set in the Windows sound settings as being non-present.[14] | |
Subtitles | No intelligible dialog. All in-game dialog uses the fictional Simlish language. | |
Closed captions | Sound effects accompanied by visual effects. | |
Mute on focus lost | Can be turned off | |
Royalty free audio | Parts of the OST is listed on streaming services, but have not been known to trigger auto-DMCA systems. The rarely encountered "Custom" speaker genre uses commercial songs by default, but its songs can be replaced or removed manually. |
Localizations
- After the initial installation, further language changes must be done in the Windows registry at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Wow6432Node\Sims\The Sims 3
→Locale
. The process is explained at Crinrict's Sims 3 Help Blog, although its listing ofen-GB
is not a valid code.[15]
Language | UI | Audio | Sub | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
English | Free choice between 12- and 24-hour clock. If Seasons is installed, there is also a free choice between Celsius and Fahrenheit in the settings. | |||
Traditional Chinese | ||||
Czech | ||||
Danish | ||||
Dutch | ||||
Finnish | ||||
French | ||||
German | ||||
Greek | ||||
Hebrew | ||||
Hungarian | ||||
Italian | ||||
Japanese | ||||
Korean | ||||
Norwegian | ||||
Polish | ||||
Portuguese | ||||
Brazilian Portuguese | ||||
Russian | ||||
Spanish | ||||
Swedish | ||||
Thai |
Issues unresolved
Screenshots are overly dark
Screenshots taken with PrintScreen in fullscreen mode, have much darker color saturation than what they're supposed to have.[2] |
---|
Frequent framerate drops and stuttering
- Savefiles that have lasted for several generations, or which have many residents, can encounter problems like framerate drops, stuttering, slow response to camera movements, and slow 3x-tier time.[16] There is no single problem or fix for it, but it occurs most commonly when the game loads (or struggles to load) lots, textures, outfits, and notifications.
Error Code 16 while trying to save the game
Delete some or all lots where moveObjects on have been used[17]
|
---|
|
(Late Night) Error Code 12 when trying to save after a band gig
[18] |
---|
|
Issues fixed
- Various fixes can be found in this Steam Community Guide.
- Many performance issues can be fixed with mods. These include Overwatch, ErrorTrap, Traveler, Mastercontroller and DebugEnabler
- Tips for better game performance and fixes for various bugs(for advanced users) NRAAS-Better Game Performance.
Game won't launch on Intel Alder Lake processors
Patch the game with AlderLakePatch.[19] |
---|
|
Poor performance
Turn off online functionality[citation needed] |
---|
|
World Adventures Region Error
- Incorrect Region Codes can be fixed with a simple registry tweak.
World Adventures Region Error[citation needed] |
---|
Region Codes
|
When loading a savefile, the error message "A critical error occured when loading (…)" shows up
Load a different savefile first, then load the intended one[20][21] |
---|
|
(World Adventures) When going on vacation, the travel's loading gets stuck at 98% for more than 2 hours
Sell the private house that the household owns in that world[22] |
---|
|
Use the NRaas Traveler mod[23] |
---|
|
Very long loading times in excess of half an hour
Update, replace, or remove custom Buy/Build/Create-a-Sim .package files[24] |
---|
|
Other information
API
Technical specs | Supported | Notes |
---|---|---|
Direct3D | 9.0c | |
DirectDraw | A ddraw.dll file is present in the game's folders. |
|
Metal support | Requires macOS 10.13 (High Sierra). | |
Shader Model support | 2.0 |
Executable | 32-bit | 64-bit | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Windows | |||
macOS (OS X) |
Modifications
- The Sims 3 attracts a large modding community, allowing further customization features. Unfortunately, even properly designed mods could increase the chances of crashes and errors in the game. Mods have a major impact on loading time and stability, and should be used with discretion if you are having issues with the game.
- AwesomeMod - A large compilation of mods and small tweaks. More information can be found at The Sims Wikia and Matywikka (archived)
Mod resources
- The Sims 3 Exchange - The official website for sharing user-made content (sims, households, clothing, etc.). The website uses the Sims 3 launcher to download and install custom content. Both the exchange and Sims 3 launcher require the same account.
- Mod The Sims - Also hosts mods for The Sims 2 and The Sims 4.
Tools
Official
- These tools were created by EA and are hosted on the games official website.
- Create a World (Beta) (direct link) (for patch 1.67)
- Create a World (Beta) (direct link) (for patch 1.69)
- Create a World (Beta) (more info)
- Create a Pattern (direct link)
- Create a Pattern (guide)
Unofficial
- More tools can be found on ModTheSims.
Better performance
Automatic removal of junk and cache files
Recommended mods
- Contains bugfixes for Sims that have walked into spots without outside path routing, empty cars that stand still in the road, superfluous/corrupt caches, NPCs stuck in-between life ages, and a bug involving a police station mission that can't be won, among other things.
- Replaces Sims 3 Supernatural's moon cycle with a more detailed one.
- The mod will show in-game notifications when it has taken action to resolve the tasks above.
System requirements
Windows | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 7 | 10 |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz AMD Athlon XP 2400+ | |
System memory (RAM) | 1.5 GB | |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 7.1 GB | 32 GB (with all DLC) |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce FX 5900 series ATI Radeon 9500 series Intel GMA 3000 series 128 MB of VRAM DirectX 9.0c compatible Shader model 2.0 support |
- For computers using built-in graphics the game requires an Intel Pentium D 805 2.66 GHz or a Core 2 Duo 1.8 GHz CPU, and 2 GB RAM.
- VRAM requirements do not apply to integrated GPUs.
- GeForce 6100 and 7100 cards are not supported.
macOS (OS X) | ||
---|---|---|
Minimum | Recommended | |
Operating system (OS) | 10.5.7 (Leopard) | 10.13 (High Sierra) |
Processor (CPU) | Intel Core Duo | Intel Core i5 |
System memory (RAM) | 2 GB | 8 GB |
Hard disk drive (HDD) | 7.1 GB | 18 GB |
Video card (GPU) | Nvidia GeForce 7300 GT ATI Radeon X1600 Pro Intel GMA X3100 128 MB of VRAM | Nvidia GeForce GTX 680 AMD Radeon RX 560 Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 |
- VRAM requirements do not apply to integrated GPUs.
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 When running this game without elevated privileges (Run as administrator option), write operations against a location below
%PROGRAMFILES%
,%PROGRAMDATA%
, or%WINDIR%
might be redirected to%LOCALAPPDATA%\VirtualStore
on Windows Vista and later (more details). - ↑ 2.0 2.1 Notes regarding Steam Play (Linux) data:
- File/folder structure within this directory reflects the path(s) listed for Windows and/or Steam game data.
- Use Wine's registry editor to access any Windows registry paths.
- The app ID (47890) may differ in some cases.
- Treat backslashes as forward slashes.
- See the glossary page for details on Windows data paths.
References
- ↑ Sims 3 leaked to torrent sites weeks before retail release - last accessed on 2021-11-15
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 2021-11-15
- ↑ Welcome to Games for Windows Marketplace - Games for Windows - last accessed on 19 August 2022
- ↑ Diesel's Sims website on Wayback Machine - last accessed on 2022-02-08
- ↑ Verified by User:Aaronth07 on 2019-10-10
- ↑ https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1697342394
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=1131162350
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 2021-10-31
- ↑ Anyone here playing Sims 3 on 3440x1440 ? - last accessed on 2020-05-30
- ↑ Verified by User:Fudgesiclesxd on 2022-09-07
- Found the string
EnableAniso
withinGraphicsRules.sgr
inside game's installation folder.
- Found the string
- ↑ Verified by User:SargeCassidy on 2022-07-17
- Checked using Special K's Framebuffer Setup.
- ↑ Sims 3 2021 11 15 20 51 14 01 - last accessed on 2021-11-16
- ↑ Sims 3 160Hz monitor item spin - last accessed on 2021-11-16
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 2021-11-13
- Tested by using the AUX twin-pair speaker guide I added to Glossary:Surround sound#Discrete surround sound.
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 2021-11-14
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 8 July 2022
- I think my savefile had run for 1,150 in-game days and had 140 housed residents.
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 7 December 2022
- I spent several weeks researching this, and I hope I'm even close to having found the cause of it.
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 22 December 2022
- The band career is wildly broken even with NRaas Master Controller manual opportunities. Quite possibly the most broken career in Sims history.
- ↑ Re: Sims 3 won't open: Alder Lake (Intel 12th-gen) CPU - last accessed on 2022-07-16
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 5 October 2022
- ↑ Patched, then most saves don't load. - last accessed on 5 October 2022
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 12 October 2022
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 13 October 2022
- ↑ Verified by User:Dandelion Sprout on 12 December 2022
- Windows
- OS X
- One-time game purchase
- Sponsored
- DLC
- Expansion pack
- Subscription gaming service
- Currency
- Cosmetic
- Finite spend
- Singleplayer
- Real-time
- Free-roaming camera
- Bird's-eye view
- Point and select
- Multiple select
- Life sim
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- Pages needing references