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Frequently Asked Questions

 

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Click on any of the questions below to see their answer.

 How do I unzip the downloads for SV2020?

 How do I unzip the downloads for SV2020?

To unzip a file, right-click file and select Extract All.

Unzip a File - Click image to enlarge, then click outside the photo to close


If you'd like to read more on zipping/unzipping a file, you can refer to this page to get instructions in Windows.

 

 I can't seem to find the right folder for the Sunset Valley.world file - where is it?

 I can't seem to find the right folder for the Sunset Valley.world file - where is it?

If Windows Search isn't working for some reason, you can find the default install folder for The Sims 3 under these paths:

- C:\Program Files (x86)\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\GameData\Shared\NonPackaged\Worlds - for the Disc Version

- C:\Program Files (x86)\Origin Games\The Sims 3\GameData\Shared\NonPackaged\Worlds - for the Origin Version

Sunset Valley.world file path - Click image to enlarge, then click outside the photo to close

** Default install is different than the path shown in image, as my install is customized. However it's mostly the same.

 

 I loaded the SV2020 save but is crashing or lagging my game.

 I loaded the SV2020 save but is crashing or lagging my game.

If this is happening, check that you have downloaded and installed Ella's fixed world file. It's required to play the SV2020 saves, due to them being built with Ella's fixed world file.

Instructions on how to install it are on the Installation Instructions page.

It is also recommended to clear the game cache when installing new worlds. Read more details in this article.

 

 What do I do if the game tells me some objects could not be loaded?

 What do I do if the game tells me some objects could not be loaded?

If you get a message about the game not loading objects when starting the worlds (and are sure you have all EPs installed), you can safely ignore it. We (and other authors) used some content from Stuff Packs, which the game will replace with regular items if they aren’t installed.

 

 I don’t see the SV2020 save game in the load menu - what do I do?

 I don’t see the SV2020 save game in the load menu - what do I do?

Make sure that the unzipped world folder you downloaded is in your \Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves folder, is named the same as the download (without the .zip extension), and has files directly inside the folder (not in a sub-folder).

 

 Will using EllaCharmed's .world file (required for SV2020) harm my older Sunset Valley saves?

 Will using EllaCharmed's .world file (required for SV2020) harm my older Sunset Valley saves?

Using a regular Sunset Valley save game (started before installing EllaCharmed's .world file) is perfectly fine, but you may notice some visual artifacts with lot placement and roads. If you are going to be switching between older SV saves and newer SV2020 saves, you may want to replace the .world file each time you change.

 

 Are the Travel Worlds still available with SV2020?

 Are the Travel Worlds still available with SV2020?

Yes! China, Egypt, France, The Future, and so on can still be visited from either version of SV2020

 

 I found a stuck sim that NRaas had to reset!

 I found a stuck sim that NRaas had to reset!

If you find a spot in the world or in a lot that came with SV2020 (either version) that still experiences problems, please let us know via a PM here (or using the Contact Us form) and we’ll try to investigate. If you’ve made changes to a lot a sim gets stuck on, we can’t guarantee that pathing and object placement will continue to be optimal on that lot.

 

 Can I remove existing families or homes to place my own?

 Can I remove existing families or homes to place my own?

Yes! SV 2020’s worlds are just like any other world - you can move families, remove them entirely if you want, or even bulldoze their homes to make space for your own. If you bulldoze community lots without moving them elsewhere, you may lose access to certain content from different Expansion Packs (like the ability to complete Bar challenges from Late Night).

 

 Will my custom content work with SV2020?

 Will my custom content work with SV2020?

Yes! Vanilla and Chocolate contain no Custom Content themselves, but you are free to add it in after starting a game using them. Items will work as they normally do in any other saved game.

 

 Can I use these worlds on a Mac?

 Can I use these worlds on a Mac?

Yes, you should be able to. Simply place the extracted save game into your Saves folder, and be sure to place the Sunset Valley.world file where your original was, after backing up the original .world file by moving it to a different folder on your computer.

 

 Why aren't there any houseboats or docks?

 Why aren't there any houseboats or docks?

We’ve intentionally omitted houseboats from SV2020 due to the fact they typically generate more lag in the game than desired. If you want to add docks for them and then the houseboats, you are more than welcome to modify the worlds to suit your needs.

 

 Can I upgrade the Resort Towers in The Royal Paradise Hotel?

 Can I upgrade the Resort Towers in The Royal Paradise Hotel?

Yes! You can upgrade them exactly one time each. If you upgrade them more, they will start to "poke through" the floors above them. To get a larger resort capacity without doing that, you can use the Island Paradise Rabbit Hole Rugs mod, which allows you to simulate another Resort Tower in the form of a rug. Simply drop one down on the floor by the existing towers, and upgrade it as much as you like.

 

 How can I improve performance for Resort lots?

 How can I improve performance for Resort lots?

Due to the streamlined performance of SV 2020, you may find many more sims showing up at lots your sim visits. With the IP expansion and sims choosing to lie out in the sun, this means more choices for things to do on Beach & Resort lots, and more sims doing them. To improve Resort lot and Beach lot performance significantly, follow these short instructions:

  • Download and extract/install NRaas Retuner to your Mods\Packages folder
  • Start up the game, and load your save
  • Go to Map view, then click on the Town Hall icon. Choose NRaas -> Retuner
  • From the menu that opens, click "Show Object Menu" to toggle it to True, then click the large Checkmark in the lower right.
  • Zoom into any lot, and click on a patch of open ground. Choose NRaas -> Retuner -> General, this will open a list.
  • Find "Relax Here" in the list and click it. A new menu will open. Turn all items in the list from True to False by clicking on them, except User Directed. When done, click the large check mark to exit.

This setting is saved when you save your game. If you start a new game with either Vanilla or Chocolate, you will have to re-do this change.

 

You may also want to disable "Play in the sand" autonomous actions for NPC sims (other than children) using NRaas Retuner:

  • Make sure Show Object Menu is turned on for Retuner (first set of steps in above list)
  • Zoom into any lot, and click on a patch of open ground. Choose NRaas -> Retuner -> General, this will open a list.
  • Find "Play in Sand" and click it. A new menu will open. Find "Allow Age Species" and click it, and another menu will open.
  • The only entry in the list you want set to 'True' is for 'Human Child'. If any of the others are True, click them to toggle them to 'False'. When done and the only entry with True is Human Child, click the large Check mark.

 

These changes to available sim interactions can significantly improve the game's performance on large Resort and Beach lots.

 

 Are all the original Sims from Sunset Valley present in these saves?

 Are all the original Sims from Sunset Valley present in these saves?

No, some beloved Sims aren't in either versions of SV2020. We had to make some tough choices in that regard. We're sorry about that!!

** As a friendly reminder to all, if it's found a favorite Sim is missing they can be saved to the library and placed in either version of SV2020.

 

 SV2020 is missing a community lot?

 SV2020 is missing a community lot?

All community lots from the original Sunset Valley should be there, with exception of Hogan’s Deep-Fried Diner. It was removed and replaced with Brunton's Boxcar Diner located behind the Supermarket in Mirabello Plaza.

Click image to enlarge, then click outside the photo to close

 

 The seasonal festivals aren't being held at Central Park? Was the lot moved?

 The seasonal festivals aren't being held at Central Park? Was the lot moved?

Yes the lot was moved to Summer Hills Springs - 25 Summer Hill Court. Next Door to the Altos.

Click image to enlarge, then click outside the photo to close

 

 I don't have this or that expansion pack will either save still work?

 I don't have this or that expansion pack will either save still work?

Both saves were tested while disabling different expansion packs. The saves loaded fine, and all community lots still show up but won't work as designed. For example, Seasons festival lot will show up, but won't function as such.

 

 Which Sims 3 version (1.67 or 1.69) do I need to play the saves?

 Which Sims 3 version (1.67 or 1.69) do I need to play the saves?

It doesn't matter which version (1.67 or 1.69) the SV2020 saves play fine on either one.

 

 Can I move my existing families into SV2020?

 Can I move my existing families into SV2020?

Yes, you can move your existing families by going into your current save and saving them to the library. You can do the same with their house and any community lots they may own.

 

FAQ Comments

Arethysa Hi! I was wondering about the spawners. Are the spawners still the same as the ones from vanilla Sunset Valley, or were there added the spawners for the expansions (like the ones from Late Night)? I'd like to know if I would or not need to add them manually.
rainaelf i don't have katy perry's sweet treats. how will that affect the ice cream shop lot?
MrsGoodWrench I don't think it does. SV2020 doesn't have any KP Sweet Treat lots or items installed.
estherp Hi there, my game has a missing grass texture in the town. I think it's because I lack a few expansion packs (I lack Showtime, Island Paradise, Supernatural, and World Adventures). What game is the main grass texture from by chance? I'm wondering if it will be fixed if I get the expansion pack I need.
Jaga Were you able to figure out where the missing texture was coming from estherp? There weren't any custom textures used around the town. Some lots that were expansion-specific may have used that expansion's default textures, but otherwise there is no Custom Content in the worlds in any way.
AAB Hi, I'm wondering if there's a way that I could move one of my existing families into this new town (So I don't have to restart all their objectives, career history, skills, etc.) ? I can only see how to create a new family with it; is it possible?
Jaga Hey AAB - yes you can, simply go into Edit Town mode and place them wherever you want them. You can evict or move any existing family in either world without worrying about it hurting gameplay (unless you overstuff a home for example).
YavorPlayz Which Sims 3 version do I need to play it, 1.67 or 1.69?
Jaga Either will work fine YavorPlayz. I personally use 1.67, and we've had people test/play on 1.69 without problems.