Simulation lag, freezing, and crashing have long been pain points for Sims 4 players, but the latest update introduces a Memory Boost feature designed to mitigate some of these issues. Available in early access for Windows users, the feature aims to optimize memory usage, reduce frame drops, and help prevent crashes on long-running saves or cluttered lots.

How to Enable Memory Boost

To activate Memory Boost:

  1. Open Game Options.
  2. Navigate to the Other tab.
  3. Select Enable from the Memory Boost dropdown.
  4. Restart the game to apply changes.

When recovering previous saves, any save played with Memory Boost enabled will be labeled accordingly.

Player Testing Results

Community testers have reported mixed but generally positive results:

  • Load Times: Reduced by approximately 5 seconds on the load menu and 11 seconds when resuming gameplay.
  • Simulation Stability: No freezing occurred during interactions that typically caused lag, such as clocks stopping while Sims slept on the highest speed.
  • Cluttered Lots: On heavily decorated lots like the Hobby Center from the gallery, the Memory Boost feature allowed the lot to load in around 20 seconds with no noticeable frame drops.
  • Small Business Lots: Performance was slightly slower (~20 FPS), but still significantly improved compared to pre-boost gameplay.
  • Build Mode: Some users noted smoother performance and reduced lag when navigating build mode menus.

Community Feedback

Twitter users and forums indicate that while Memory Boost improves performance, it is not a miracle fix. Some testers still experience lag with heavily modded games or complex household setups. Early reports suggest improvements are most noticeable for users with cluttered lots or slower PCs.

It’s important to note: Mac and console players do not currently have access to this feature, limiting its impact across all platforms.

Key Takeaways

  • Memory Boost helps reduce lag, frame drops, and load times, especially for large or heavily decorated lots.
  • Experiences vary depending on mods, save files, and PC specifications.
  • The feature does not replace proper save management, game optimization, or the potential need for a fresh save for heavily used households.
  • While promising, Memory Boost should be considered a performance enhancement, not a complete solution for simulation lag.

For now, Windows players can experiment with Memory Boost in early access to see if it improves their gameplay experience, while Mac and console users will need to wait for potential equivalents.

Source: Simmer Erin – YouTube