The Sims 4 Error Code 136: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
136
Brand
Popular Games
Product Type
game
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
The Sims 4 Error Code 136 appears when the game detects a corrupted or unreadable save file, preventing your household or world from loading properly. This can happen due to an interrupted save, a game update conflict, or a damaged file on your hard drive. The good news is that most cases can be resolved without losing your entire game progress by using backup saves and a few in-game or system-level fixes.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 136

  1. Restart the Game and Try Again

  2. Load an Automatic Backup Save

    Before renaming or moving any files, copy the entire saves folder to a separate location on your desktop or an external drive as a precaution. This ensures you always have a fallback.

  3. Repair the Game Files

  4. Remove or Disable Mods and Custom Content

    Never run mods downloaded from untrusted sources. Always verify mod compatibility with your current game version before reinstalling.

  5. Delete the localthumbcache File

  6. Clear the Game Cache Folder

  7. Start a New Save to Test Game Integrity

  8. Reinstall The Sims 4

    Back up your saves folder before uninstalling. Uninstalling the game on PC typically does not delete your saves automatically, but this can vary. Do not skip the backup step.
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When to Call a Professional

Error Code 136 is a software issue and does not typically require professional help. However, if your hard drive is frequently corrupting files across multiple programs — not just The Sims 4 — this may indicate a failing storage drive. In that case, consult a computer technician to run a disk health diagnostic and potentially replace the drive before you lose additional data. If you purchased the game and cannot get it working after a clean reinstall, contact EA Help support directly at help.ea.com for account-level assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose all my Sims 4 progress if I get Error Code 136?
Not necessarily. The Sims 4 automatically saves backup versions of your save files each time you manually save. By renaming the .ver0 or .ver1 backup files in your saves folder, you can often restore a recent version of your game without losing much progress. The key is to act before overwriting those backups.
Why does Sims 4 Error 136 keep happening after I fix it?
If Error 136 keeps returning, the most common cause is an outdated or incompatible mod. Even a single broken mod file can repeatedly corrupt saves. Remove all mods from your Mods folder and re-add them one group at a time to find the culprit. Also make sure your game is fully updated, as patches sometimes break older mods.
Can mods cause Sims 4 Error Code 136?
Yes, mods and Custom Content are one of the most frequent causes of Error 136. When the game updates, mods that haven't been updated by their creators can conflict with new game code and corrupt save files. Always check that your mods are compatible with the current game version, and remove any that haven't been updated recently.
Does Error Code 136 happen on console versions of Sims 4?
Yes, Error Code 136 can appear on PlayStation and Xbox versions of The Sims 4 as well. On consoles, you should check your cloud save backups through the console's storage settings, delete and re-download corrupted game data files, and ensure the game is fully updated via your platform's game library.
How do I prevent Sims 4 save corruption in the future?
Save your game regularly and manually using the in-game save option rather than relying solely on auto-save. Always save before exiting the game — never force-close during a save. Keep your mods updated after every game patch. Periodically back up your entire Documents > Electronic Arts > The Sims 4 > saves folder to an external drive or cloud storage so you always have a clean copy to fall back on.

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