How to Fix The Sims 4 Stuck on Loading Screen Issue?

The Sims 4 Stuck on Loading Screen issue occurs after downloading mods or custom content, resulting in long load times upon game launch. Others experience the game freezing on the loading screen when selecting the household after updating the game.

It appears that the issue mainly occurs during game launch, suggesting a potential corruption in the game installation or incompatibility with recently downloaded mods or custom content. After investigation, we identified other possible factors contributing to the Sims 4 freezing on the loading screen. Below is a list of causes paired with troubleshooting solutions to resolve the error.

• Damaged Game Files – Damage to game files during installation can cause issues like a stuck loading screen. Reinstalling the game may resolve this issue.
• Incompatible or Corrupted Mods – Mods can sometimes be the reason behind launching problems. Outdated or incompatible mods may prevent the game from functioning properly. Removing these mods may help solve the issue.
• Outdated Windows – Failing to update your Windows system or having automatic updates disabled can lead to compatibility issues with Sims 4. Ensuring that you have the latest Windows updates may resolve the issue.
• Programs Running in the Background – Third-party programs consuming system resources can interfere with the game. Disabling non-essential third-party programs may improve performance resulting in faster loading times.
• Corrupted Origin Cache – Corrupted or outdated Origin cache files can lead to the Sims 4 loading screen problem. Clearing the Origin cache may be a suitable fix.

Next, we will explore effective solutions that have helped various players resolve the problem and return to smooth gameplay.

Basic Troubleshooting

Before getting into more advanced fixes, it may be beneficial to try some basic workarounds as they can clear up common glitches and bugs that prevent the game from running.

1. Reload the Game – If you encounter the error, simply save the game, quit, and then reload it. Check to see if the problem has been resolved.
2. Check the Internet Connection – A weak or unstable internet connection can affect Sims 4’s loading process. If you suspect network issues, try switching to a wired connection or a different network to determine if the loading problem is internet-related.

1. Repair the Game Files

After identifying potential causes of the stuck loading screen issue in The Sims 4, one possible solution is to repair the game files. This process involves Origin verifying the game files for any corrupt or missing data and then replacing or repairing them.

By doing so, it can resolve any issues caused by damaged configurations or corrupted files, potentially resolving the loading problem and other related errors. This step makes sure that the game’s installation is in a proper state for smooth game-play.

1. Launch Origin and navigate to My Games.
2. Locate Sims 4, right-click on it, and select the Repair option.

   

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair process.

Wait for the repairing process to finish. Afterwards, reboot your system and check if the issue has been resolved.

2. Remove the Origin Cache Files

One effective way to resolve the Sims 4 loading screen issue is to remove the Origin cache files. These files store important game data for faster loading, but when they become corrupted, they can cause various game problems. Clearing the cache will remove any corrupted data, potentially resolving the loading screen problem and improving overall game performance.

Navigate to the following locations on your Windows system:

%localappdata%
%appdata%

If you cannot locate the Origin cache files at these locations, un-hide the files using the following steps:

1. Open Search bar, type in Folder, and press Enter.
2. In File Explorer Options, switch to the View tab.

   

3. Select the Show hidden files, folders, and drives option and tick the box next to it.

   

4. Click Apply, then OK to save the changes.

Try launching Sims 4 again and see if the problem persists.

3. Remove the Mods/Custom Content in Sims 4

If you have installed mods for Sims 4, they might be causing loading issues. Mods alter game behaviour and override default settings, but since they are not developed by the official game developers, they can cause problems.

1. Navigate to the Sims 4 installation directory.
2. Proceed to the following sub-directory: Electronic Arts > Sims 4 > Mods

   

3. Copy the mods folder and paste it onto your desktop. Launch the game.
4. If you can launch the game, copy one mod at a time from the desktop folder to the new Mods folder created by Sims 4.
5. After adding each mod, attempt to run Sims 4 to ensure it loads correctly and can be launched without issue.
6. Continue this process until you identify the problematic mod. Once the issue reoccurs, remove the particular problematic mod.

4. Add the Sims 4 to your AV’s Exclusion List

Antivirus programs play a crucial role in safeguarding data but can sometimes interfere with game files. If you’re running a third-party antivirus program, try disabling it temporarily to check if Sims 4 launches without issues.

If the game runs smoothly after disabling the antivirus, consider adding Sims 4 to the exception list of your antivirus program.

Note: The procedure for adding exceptions may vary depending on the antivirus software you are using.

1. Click on the Home tab and choose Settings.
2. Under the General tab, click the Exclusions option to add Sims 4 to the exception list.

   

3. Save the settings and reboot your system for the changes to take effect.

After disabling Avast antivirus, check if the problem is resolved.

5. End the Unnecessary Third-Party Programs

Third-party applications operating in the background may consume system resources, potentially causing problems such as block Sims 4’s launch. It is advisable to close any non-essential programs running in the background through Task Manager.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + ESC keys simultaneously to launch Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager, navigate to the Processes tab.

   

3. Look for programs running in the background that are not necessary and if there are multiple instances of Sims 4 running.
4. Right-click on the process you wish to end and select End task.

   

After closing the unnecessary programs, relaunch Sims 4 and check if the issue is resolved.