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

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.
   
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.
   
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.
   
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.
   
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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