The Sims 3 Update in January 2025

The Sims 3 is a classic in the Sims franchise and it's still enjoyed by many players. Earlier today the game received a surprise update. The patch was released over 15 years after TS3 was launched. This patch, while minor, is something you might want to keep in mind, as it could potentially cause issues with mods. Here's everything you need to know.

The Sims 3 Update 1.69.47 

Technology has evolved a lot in the past years. Chances are, you're not playing TS3 on the computer you used back when you first ran the game. The update brings the game to version 1.69.47 and addresses a specific technical issue related to Intel's Alder Lake processors.

• Players using newer Intel CPUs had been experiencing problems launching the game, which necessitated the use of a community-created fix by a modder. 
• This new patch integrates that fix officially, eliminating the need for external modifications.

A Long Time Coming

Prior to this update, the last official Sims 3 patch for Windows was released in 2015, with a Mac-specific patch arriving in 2020.

For many in the community, this update is a reminder of the game’s age and EA’s sporadic support. However, the inclusion of Alder Lake support in this patch simplifies the process for new players and those on modern systems.

Modding Concerns

A word of caution accompanies this TS3 update. Players who use mods should proceed carefully, as the patch could break older modifications. Given the lack of activity among many Sims 3 mod creators in recent years, replacing broken mods may not always be possible. As you might know, TS4 modders update their mods after each update.

Backing up game files, particularly the “bin” folder, is highly recommended. This precaution allows players to revert to the previous version if the update causes issues.

"This patch could break all CORE mods (such as NRaas ErrorTrap and Simler's Core Mod), but all script and tuning mods will work fine because nothing in the code was actually changed."

Final Thoughts

While it’s surprising to see a new patch for The Sims 3 in 2025, it’s a welcome improvement for those affected by compatibility problems. This update means EA cares about legacy titles and we'd love to see The Sims 2 (arguably the best TS game) get the same treatment!