The Sims 4 error code 3: game failed to load [Safe Fix]

Gaming

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by Matthew Adams 

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Key notes

  • The Sims 4 error code 3 is an issue that numerous players have discussed on EA's forum.
  • This article tells you about some of the more probable fixes for Sims 4 error code 3.
  • To fix other Sims 4 game issues, check our The Sims 4 section.
  • Our Gaming Hub is the place to go to find troubleshooting guides for lots of other games.

The Sims 4 error code 3 is an issue some players have posted about on EA’s support forum. When those players launch The Sims 4, an error message pops up that states: The game failed to load. Error Code 3. Players can’t play the game when that error arises.

How can I fix The Sims 4 error code 3?

Select the Repair option for Sims 4 in Origin

  1. A few players have confirmed that Origin’s Repair option can fix The Sims 4’s error code 3. Open the Origin software.
  2. Click My Games in Origin.
    Repair Game option sims 4 error code 3
  3. Right-click The Sims 4 to select a Repair Game option for it.

Remove Sims 4 mods

  1. Removing Sims 4‘s mod items is another potential fix for error code 3. To do that, open your The Sims 4 folder within File Explorer.
  2. Next, select the Mods subfolder in The Sims 4 folder.
  3. Click the Move to button on Explorer’s Home tab.
    Move to button sims 4 error code 3
  4. Then select a folder, such as Desktop, to move the Mods folder to.
  5. Restart Windows before launching Sims 4 again.

Rename the Sims 4 folder to reset files

  1. Resetting Sims 4 user files, by renaming the game’s folder, might also resolve error code 3. To do that, open Documents > Electronic Arts in File Explorer.
  2. Back up the Sims 4 folder in the Electronic Arts directory. You can do that by saving it to a USB stick or another HDD folder.
  3. Next, right-click the Sims 4 folder and select Rename.
    Rename option sims 4 error code 3
  4. Enter Sims4_Backup as the new title for the folder.
  5. Then launch The Sims 4 again.

Move the Sims 4 folder to the desktop

  1. Alternatively, try moving the Sims 4 folder to the desktop to generate a new one. To do that, open File Explorer’s window.
  2. Open Documents > Electronic Arts.
  3. Select your Sims 4 folder within the Electronic Arts directory.
  4. Click the Move To button, and select Desktop on the drop-down menu.
  5. Next, start your game, and then immediately exit it.
  6. Thereafter, move the saves, screenshots, tray, and custom music folders from the Sims 4 folder on the desktop into the new Sims 4 subfolder in the Electronic Arts directory.
  7. Select the Replace the files option when moving content.
    Replace or Skip Files window sims 4 error code 3
  8. In addition, move the options.ini file from Sims 4 desktop folder into the new Sims 4 directory within the Electronic Arts folder.

These are some of the most likely fixes for The Sims 4 error code 3.

You can also get further potential resolutions for error code 3 by sending a Sims 4 support case to EA from its Contact Us page.

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Matthew Adams

Matthew Adams Shield

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it. He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes. In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.