Yes, but only if you own the game digitally.
While Patch 1.70 does not add new content (no worlds, no objects, no traits), it dramatically improves stability on modern hardware. The reduction in Error Code 12 and the ability to recognize RTX 30-series and 40-series graphics cards breathe new life into a 15-year-old game.
However, be prepared to spend 30 minutes tweaking your GraphicsRules.sgr file and reinstalling your Nraas mods. A vanilla install of Patch 1.70 is still buggy; a modded install of Patch 1.70 is a masterpiece.
Final Download Link (Official EA CDN):
http://akamai.cdn.ea.com/eadownloads/u/f/sims/sims3/patches/TS3_1_70_Install_Update.exe The Sims 3 Patch 1.70 Download
Checksum (for safety): Always verify the file size is roughly 1.4 GB. If the file you downloaded is 10 MB, it is a virus. Delete it immediately.
Don't sweat Patch 1.70. It is a necessary evil for EA App users, but it changes nothing inside the actual game world. If you are on 1.67 and your game works perfectly, lock that version down and disable automatic updates.
Download safely and happy simming!
This is the eternal debate in The Sims 3 community.
| Feature | Patch 1.70 (EA/Steam) | Patch 1.67 (Disc/Manual) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Launcher Requirement | Requires EA App or Steam | No launcher required (Can use TS3.exe directly) | | Mac 64-bit Support | Yes | No | | NoCD Mod Support | No (Game checks for disc/DRM) | Yes | | Store Content Fix | Yes (Fixed) | Yes (Fixed) | | Windows 11 Support | Official | Unofficial (Works but risky) |
Our advice: If you use a Mac, you must use Patch 1.70. If you use Windows and hate the EA App, stick with Patch 1.67. If you use Steam, you have no choice but to use 1.70. Yes, but only if you own the game digitally
Navigate to Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims 3/DeviceConfig.log. Open it with Notepad.
Warning: EA removed the official 1.70 manual patch from their servers, but the community has archived it. Use the 1.67 patch unless you absolutely need 1.70.
If you must have 1.70 manually (for a clean reinstall without the EA App downloading it): Don't sweat Patch 1
Many players prefer 1.67 because it allows for "offline mode" without the EA App handshake. To revert: