Not sure if you should use compressed or uncompressed textures in The Sims 4? Keep on reading this quick guide to learn how each option affects your graphics quality.
Differences between uncompressed and compressed Sim textures
Uncompressed Sim textures make your Sims look better. With this option enabled, you can enjoy crisp graphics.
Uncompressed textures make your Sim’s skin texture very smooth. Simply put, you’ll end up with really beautiful Sims.
If you disable uncompressed textures, The Sims 4 will use a compression algorithm to reduce the amount of memory that textures use.
If you zoom in, you’ll notice objects have jagged edges and your Sims’ faces are grainy as a result of the compression.
The downside is that uncompressed textures will make your computer work harder.
Performance-wise, compressed textures can help a slow GPU to some extent.
Uncompressed Sim textures will eat up more GPU memory. For example, if you’re running The Sims 4 on really high resolutions or multiple screens, you could run out of GPU memory when using uncompressed textures.
Should I use uncompressed Sim textures in The Sims 4?
If you’re using a low-specs computer, using uncompressed textures can result in severe game lag and overheating issues.
You should not use uncompressed Sim textures on a low-specs computer. If your device barely meets the minimum requirements to run The Sims 4, enabling uncompressed Sims textures may cause unexpected glitches.
If you don’t have a powerful gaming rig equipped with a good graphics card, you’ll experience a lot of lag in your game.
Why do Sims look better in CAS than in-game?
Sims look better in CAS than in-game because your GPU has fewer items to render. In Live mode, your computer has other things to render.
Your device may sometimes reduce the quality of certain graphics details, such as the smoothness of your Sim’s skin for the game to run smoothly.
Additionally, the lighting in the game is more dynamic whereas in CAS it’s pretty static. Your Sim’s skin may look bad in-game because the lighting is dark in some houses.
Check out this quick guide to learn what are the best graphics settings to use when playing The Sims 4 on low-spec machines.
Enjoy the game!