Why Does Sims 4 Keep Crashing on Mac? Troubleshooting Guide

Is your Sims 4 game constantly crashing on your Mac? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many players experience this frustrating issue. This guide will walk you through the common causes and provide practical solutions to get your Sims living their best lives again, without the interruptions.

Common Causes of Sims 4 Crashing on Mac

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why The Sims 4 might be crashing on your Mac. Here are some of the most frequent culprits:

  • Insufficient System Resources: The Sims 4, while not the most demanding game, still requires a certain amount of RAM, processing power, and storage space to run smoothly. If your Mac is struggling to meet these requirements, crashes are likely.
  • Outdated macOS: Running an older version of macOS can lead to compatibility issues with newer games like The Sims 4.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Sometimes, game files can become corrupted during installation, updates, or even from unexpected shutdowns. These corrupted files can trigger crashes.
  • Mod Conflicts or Outdated Mods: Mods are a popular way to enhance gameplay, but incompatible or outdated mods are a frequent cause of crashes. Mods that conflict with each other can also cause issues.
  • Cache Issues: Accumulated cache data can sometimes become corrupted, leading to performance problems and crashes.
  • Graphics Card Issues: Problems with your graphics card driver, or an underpowered graphics card, can lead to display errors and crashes, especially during graphically intense scenes.
  • Overheating: Over time, Macs can accumulate dust and lose thermal paste effectiveness, leading to the system overheating. When the system overheats it can cause the sims to crash.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Sims 4 Crashing

Now that we’ve covered the common causes, let’s explore practical solutions to fix Sims 4 crashing on your Mac:

1. Check System Requirements

First, ensure your Mac meets the minimum (or preferably recommended) system requirements for The Sims 4. You can find these specifications on the game’s official website or on the Origin/EA app store page.

Key requirements include:

  • Operating System: macOS X 10.11 (El Capitan) or later
  • Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2.4GHz Processor or better
  • Memory: At least 4 GB RAM
  • Graphics Card: NVIDIA GeForce 9600M GT, ATI Radeon HD 2600 Pro or better
  • Storage: At least 15 GB of free space

If your system falls short, you may need to upgrade your hardware.

2. Update macOS

Keeping your operating system up-to-date is essential for compatibility and stability. To update macOS:

  1. Go to System Preferences from the Apple menu.
  2. Click on Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Repair Game Files via Origin/EA app

The Origin/EA app has a built-in tool to repair game files. This can fix corrupted files that may be causing crashes:

  1. Open the Origin/EA app.
  2. Go to your Game Library.
  3. Right-click on The Sims 4.
  4. Select Repair and wait for the process to complete.

4. Manage and Update Mods

If you use mods, outdated or conflicting ones may be the cause of your problems.

  • Update Mods: Visit the websites where you downloaded your mods and check for updates. Make sure your mods are compatible with the current version of The Sims 4.
  • Disable Mods: Try disabling all mods by moving your “Mods” folder to your desktop. Then launch The Sims 4. If the crashing stops, it indicates a mod issue. Reintroduce mods one by one (or in small groups) to identify the problematic mod.
  • Remove Conflicting Mods: Use mod conflict detector programs to find any mods that are conflicting with each other.

5. Clear the Game Cache

Clearing the game cache can resolve issues caused by corrupted or outdated cache data. Here’s how:

  1. Close The Sims 4.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Press Command + Shift + G to open the “Go to Folder” dialog box.
  4. Enter ~/Library/Caches/The Sims 4 and press Go.
  5. Delete the contents of this folder. (It’s safe to delete the entire folder, it will be re-created).

Note: There is also a game cache file within the game files. To clear that file, navigate to Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4, then delete the ‘cache’ file.

6. Update Graphics Drivers

Ensure your graphics drivers are up-to-date. While macOS handles most driver updates automatically, sometimes a manual check is helpful:

  1. Click the Apple menu and select About This Mac.
  2. Click System Report.
  3. Select Graphics/Displays in the sidebar to view your graphics card information. Check the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA or AMD) for the latest drivers, if applicable for your card. Note that many macs utilize integrated graphics, and drivers are delivered through OS updates.

7. Close Background Applications

Other applications running in the background can consume system resources and cause The Sims 4 to crash. Close any unnecessary applications before launching the game.

8. Lower Graphics Settings

If your Mac is struggling to handle the game’s graphics, try lowering the settings:

  1. Launch The Sims 4.
  2. Go to Options > Graphics.
  3. Reduce the settings for Graphics Quality, Texture Quality, and Lighting.

9. Monitor Temperature and Improve Cooling

Download a temperature monitoring app (like TG Pro or iStat Menus) to check your Mac’s internal temperature. If it’s consistently high while playing, consider cleaning the vents and fan with compressed air, or using a laptop cooling pad. Replacing the thermal paste on the CPU/GPU can also provide huge gains.

Final Thoughts

Sims 4 crashes on Mac can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting using the steps outlined above, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to keep your system updated, manage your mods carefully, and monitor your Mac’s performance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience.