Summary
What was fixed (high level)
Download and installation experience
Performance impact
Compatibility and mods
User impact and verdict
Quick tips
The latest official "Patch 1.70" for The Sims 3 is a unique update released specifically to modernize the game for macOS, though Windows users recently received their own major compatibility update as well. Patch 1.70: The macOS 64-Bit Update
Released originally in late 2020, version 1.70 (specifically 1.70.305) was designed for the transition to 64-bit systems and Apple's Metal graphics API. The Sims 3 Patch 1.70 Download
Purpose: Makes The Sims 3 compatible with macOS Catalina and later, which no longer support 32-bit applications.
Key Fixes: Addresses game hanging issues, UI sluggishness when minimized, and removes the non-functional "Updates" button from the launcher.
How to Download: This version is typically exclusive to Origin (now the EA App for Mac). If you own the base game, this "64-bit & Metal" version should appear as a separate entry in your library for download. Recent Windows Update: Version 1.69.47 (Jan 2025)
While 1.70 is Mac-exclusive, Windows players received their first major update in nearly a decade on January 13, 2025.
The "Alder Lake" Fix: This patch (version 1.69.47) allows the game to launch on modern Intel processors (12th Gen and newer) without needing third-party workarounds.
Availability: This update is currently only available for the EA App version of the game on Windows. Essential Performance Mod: "The Smooth Patch"
The Sims 3 Patch 1.70 Download: A Lifesaver for Glitchy Sims Fans
It was a typical Tuesday evening for Sims enthusiast, Emily. She had spent hours creating the perfect Sim, building her dream home, and guiding her virtual family through life's ups and downs. But as she booted up The Sims 3, her excitement quickly turned to frustration. Glitches and bugs had been plaguing her game for weeks, and she was on the verge of giving up. Summary
The Sims 3, released in 2009, had been a game-changer for fans of the Sims series. With its open-world concept and Create-a-Sim tools, players could create and control their Sims like never before. However, as with any complex game, bugs and glitches had started to creep in. Emily had tried everything to fix the issues: restarting her computer, re-installing the game, even performing intricate rituals to appease the Sims gods. But nothing seemed to work.
That was when she stumbled upon a post on a Sims forum about Patch 1.70. Apparently, this update had been released by EA Games, the game's developer, to address some of the most pressing issues plaguing The Sims 3. Emily's heart skipped a beat as she read about the fixes: improved stability, reduced loading times, and (most importantly) resolved glitches.
Without hesitation, Emily clicked on the link to download Patch 1.70. The file was relatively small, and she waited patiently as it downloaded. Once the installation process began, she held her breath, hoping that this patch would finally breathe new life into her Sims experience.
The installation completed, Emily restarted her game and cautiously opened her saved file. The Sims 3 loaded without a hitch, and she was thrilled to see that the glitches had vanished. Her Sims moved smoothly, interacted without freezing, and their world seemed more vibrant than ever.
Overjoyed, Emily spent the rest of the evening playing The Sims 3, experimenting with new Sims, and exploring the updated features. Patch 1.70 had worked its magic, and she was grateful to EA Games for releasing it. As she drifted off to sleep that night, Emily smiled, knowing that she could once again immerse herself in the world of Sims, free from the frustrations of glitches and bugs.
The next day, Emily shared her experience on the Sims forum, encouraging fellow players to download Patch 1.70. The response was overwhelming, with many players thanking her for the tip. As the patch spread throughout the Sims community, players rejoiced at the renewed stability and smoothness of the game.
Patch 1.70 had become a lifesaver for Sims fans like Emily, and it demonstrated EA Games' commitment to supporting their game long after its initial release. With the patch installed, Emily and her fellow players could continue to create, explore, and enjoy the Sims 3 experience, free from the annoyances that had threatened to derail their fun.
Patch 1.70: Key Features and Fixes
Downloading Patch 1.70: A Step-by-Step Guide
Navigate to Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3/DeviceConfig.log. Open it with Notepad.
Even with an official download, Patch 1.70 can be finicky. Here are the most frequent issues.
| If you have… | Your latest patch | Should you download 1.70? | |--------------------------------------|----------------------|--------------------------------| | EA App (formerly Origin) – All packs | 1.70 | Already auto-updated. | | Steam version | 1.67 | No – 1.70 is not for you. | | Disc install (pre-2012) | 1.67 (manual) | No – stick with 1.67. | | A no-CD/modded setup | 1.67 | Avoid 1.70 – it breaks many mods. |
Patch 1.70 does NOT add new gameplay. It only:
Since the EA App auto-updates, you cannot “choose” to download 1.70 separately. Follow these steps to ensure you have it (or force an update).
If you are launching The Sims 3 through the EA App (formerly Origin) on Windows, you have likely noticed your game version now reads 1.70. This patch can be confusing because the last major "super patch" was 1.67. So, what is 1.70, and do you need it?
Here is everything you need to know about downloading and installing Patch 1.70. What was fixed (high level)