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I updated my game with the latest patch to version 1.26. All my content updated. Everything seemed to be working fine, except…

The game keeps lagging or whatever it is. I just play the game as usual, but when I do something “unexpected”, like click on something or try a new interaction, it “freezes” for a while. If it were 10 seconds, I wouldn’t mind that much, but 2 minutes?

So, my playgame looks like this: I’m playing for 4 minutes, then 2 minutes of freezing, 5 minutes of playing, 1,5 minute of freezing, 3 minutes of playing, 2 minutes of freezing… Honestly, I’m not surprised something like this popped up. For once I’m not even angry. And I think I know what I’ll be doing this weekend. *shrugs*

Is anyone else experiencing this? Any possible solution(s)?

UPDATE: Thank you guys for your advice! You’re always so helpful when I need your help.

So, I first tried to play my game without any custom content, but the game kept freezing anyway. This issue was not content-related. Then I updated Sunset Valley with the world fix from Mod the Sims, but there was so difference, either. It is still helpful when you have Pets, though.

What helped me was the NRaas OverWatch hack, which many of you have mentioned. I played around with it and it has deleted almost 100 cars from the ‘hood. Ever since that everything runs really smooth. I’m saved from all that reinstalling. I think I’ll be playing the game this weekend (my copy of Pets is unfortunatelly still on the way).

… is there anything special I should know? I managed to update all my custom content for The Sims 3 Pets / Patch 1.26 yesterday. The game is still on the way, but I want to patch as soon as possible–in case something doesn’t work, I still have time to fix it before my copy arrives.

So, besides the usual, anything special I should know before I patch the game? How does your game and custom content work with the new patch?

HOW TO: Share Collections + Grandma’s House Collection | Missionaire Collection | Pool Collection

Only a few days have passed after the release of The Sims 3 Pets and it seems like EA Games have not thought of one major thing: our beloved custom content has stopped working after installing the game and/or updating to version 1.26 (1.27 for Mac). Here’s what you can do with it.

What does installing of The Sims 3 Pets and patch 1.26 do to my custom content?

Your custom content will not work, it will be broken. The reason is that EA Games have changed the format of the _RIG resource, which all files have (. Affected are mainly objects that require animations or are interactive, e.g. sofa, chair, fridge etc. Decorative objects, skintones, hairs and clothes should remain fully functional, but technically they’re also broken, because every file uses the _RIG resource.

What should I do first?

Before installing the new patch or The Sims 3 Pets, make a backup of your custom content and your Saved Games. If something bad happens, you have at least all backed up.

How do I fix my custom content?

Mod the Sims has made two awesome tutorials for updating your old custom content with S3PE or S3OP. Here is the full version for dummies, and here the short version for more technically skilled. If you’re looking for more related info or need to ask something yourself about the patch, you can do so in this MTS thread.

The Sims Resource has released a tool TSR Pets CC Bug Fixer. The link will lead you to full tutorial where you can also find the program itself.

Sims 3 Stuff n Things has made a new program that will allow you to automatically update and fix your custom content. It works only for .package files, including merged .package files. You will just need to drag a .package file onto the program and it will be converted.

Another program can be found at Simological. New format RIGs will update the _RIG resource and fix custom content.

Also don’t forget that content from The Sims 3 Store is affected as long as you have converted it to .package files. Read more on MATY.

So, are you getting The Sims 3 Pets tomorrow? Does your country sell the limited edition, too? I had to pre-order mine from the USA, because game.co.uk nor Amazon UK have the limited edition. It will take a few more days to ship it, but I couldn’t be left out with the “ordinary” edition (yeah yeah feel free to punch me).

Are you exiced? Are you getting it? I just can’t wait for that email from Amazon: “Your order has been shipped.” It always reads well, but now I’m drowning with excitement.

You can download it here!

An interesting article on how sounds and pets’ voices were made.

When a Sim dog barks, what is he or she trying to tell you? A lot if it’s a Sim animal from the new The Sims 3 Pets. Melding together voice actors with real animal sounds, The Sims Studio set out to craft a new experience for The Sims 3 player. It would be an experience that would give their gameplay an emotional context from the bark of a dog, the meow of cat to the whinny of the horse and so much more. Find out more about The Sims 3 Pets and the sounds that bring the animals to life.

Read the whole article at Infinite Sims!

I don’t think I need to write anything more about The Sims 3 Pets. Now you can get all information right here! There’s a lot of awesome stuff to know, so make sure you read it. Are you excited for Pets? Only month away!

Guys, I’m sure you’ve noticed the ice-truck in the last The Sims 3 Pets trailer, but can you see that cute pink bunny? It’s just too cute to be an ice-cream!

Two side notes: The novel I’ve written a few weeks ago (now I’m editing) is about a girl who, besides other things, eats ice-cream for breakfast every day. For some reason, it made me smile–I should create her in the game and give her a little treat, don’t you think?

Also, this reminds me I had ice-cream only twice this summer. I’ve been trying to eat healthy for the past few months, but I think it’s time to shake things up at least once. I can already see that tiramisu Carte d’Or in my hands!

Oh, and I found this game preview at Platinum Simmers. What else do we get? Good and bad unicorns, carrots as a new seed / vegetable (yay, cute!) and random name generator in Create a Pet (not available for CAS, why?). BTW will there be bunnies in the game, too? Because I would really love to have them included between those 12 new small animals like lizards… we’ll see.