The Sims 4 Error Code 102: How to Fix It Safely

The Sims 4 Error Code 102 can appear when the game fails to load or process part of a save correctly. EA lists 102 among error codes that can be related to game scripts, which means an outdated script mod is one important cause to rule out.

The Sims 4 Error Code 102 should be troubleshot without repeatedly saving the affected household. Back up the save, test with Mods removed, clear the cache and then decide whether the problem follows the save or disappears in a clean game.

The Sims 4 Error Code 102: fix order

Image credit: Electronic Arts

The Sims 4 Error Code 102 is easiest to troubleshoot when you make one change at a time and test the same symptom again. The steps below are ordered from reversible checks to deeper repair work, so you can stop as soon as the problem is gone.

1. Back up the Saves folder before changing anything.
2. Move Mods out and delete localthumbcache.package.
3. Launch a new save to confirm the clean game works.
4. Try the affected save without mods and exit without saving if CC is missing.
5. Repair the game if the error survives a completely clean test.

Why mods are high on the list

EA’s official Sims 4 mod error guide groups Error Code 102 with several codes that can appear when there is a script problem. That does not prove every 102 is a mod issue, but it makes script mods a sensible first test.

Prioritise mods that change careers, traits, interactions, venues, UI systems or other scripted behaviour.

Clear cache after removing mods

Delete localthumbcache.package before testing. The game regenerates it automatically, and doing this helps prevent old mod data from carrying into the clean session.

Do not delete random cache-looking folders from the installation directory. Work only inside the Sims 4 user folder unless an official troubleshooting step tells you otherwise.

Compare a new save with the affected save

If a new clean save works but one existing save still produces The Sims 4 Error Code 102, focus on save recovery rather than reinstalling everything.

Use EA’s Recover Save feature to test a version from before the error began.

Repair when the clean game also fails

If The Sims 4 Error Code 102 appears in clean new saves, use the EA app Repair option documented in EA’s loading troubleshooting guide.

Restart after Repair and test again before returning any Mods folder.

Return mods slowly after the error disappears

Add current, creator-approved script mods back in small batches. When the code returns, the last group added becomes the group to split and inspect more closely.

Keep the known-good backup untouched until the game has remained stable through several saves and reloads.

What your troubleshooting result means

If The Sims 4 Error Code 102 disappears in a clean test, you have narrowed the problem to something in the normal user setup rather than the untouched base game. Restore files in small groups, retest after each change and stop as soon as the symptom returns. That is much safer than putting the full Mods, Tray and settings collection back at once.

If The Sims 4 Error Code 102 still happens in a brand-new save with no Mods folder after Repair, keep the clean test intact and record the game version, platform and exact reproduction steps. At that point the evidence is much stronger for a game, installation or platform issue, and those details are useful for an EA support case or bug report.

Fix The Sims 4 Error Code 102 without sacrificing the save

The Sims 4 Error Code 102 has enough connection to script problems that a clean mod test should come before drastic steps. Back up, remove mods, clear cache, compare saves and recover an earlier version when necessary. Repair the game only if the code survives a clean baseline.