The Sims 3/Patch

EA number their The Sims 3 patches with three integers. The first represents the games' chronological release, the second is the order the patches have been released in and the third is the version of the patch, only used internally by EA. The Sims Wiki has chosen to name the patches after their second integer to avoid confusion.

The game version displayed with each patch in the table blow is the version the game has been updated to after applying the patch. If a new expansion pack is released on the same day as a patch (Which has been the case with HELS and Ambitions) the original game version will be added to the table even though the patch doesn't technically update it. They are easy to identify as the second integer in the game version will be zero.

The most recent patch or release will always be at the top.

Patches 1.5.x & WA patch 2.1.x seem to have never been released.

Installation
Before installing an Update for The Sims 3, an Expansion Pack, or a Stuff Pack, it is a good idea to run through the following checklist to ensure your game continues to work smoothly. If you have any questions about the below steps, please visit the Technical Support forum on the official Sims 3 community found at this URL: http://forum.thesims3.com/jforum/forums/show/10.page

Step 1: Disable Custom Content: Custom Content is all Sims content that did not come from an official The Sims 3 Update, The Sims 3 Store, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack. Custom Content is created by 3rd Party Developers that are not regulated by Electronic Arts or The Sims 3 Development Team and may not work with new updates. Custom Content may cause the game to behave unexpectedly or not function entirely. To disable your custom content, undo whatever you did to install this content to get your game back into an unmodified state. If you placed it in a Sims 3 directory folder, move it to a new folder that is outside your Sims 3 file directory. Your Sims 3 file directory can be found using the paths listed below:
 * Windows Vista File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
 * Windows 7 File Directory: C:\Users\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3
 * Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/

Once you have installed the official update you may re-enable your custom content. If you experience problems, disable it again until the 3rd party developer updates their content to work with the official Update, Expansion Pack, or Stuff Pack.

Step 2: Back Up your Save Files: It’s always a good precaution to back up your save files before installing an Expansion Pack, Update, or Stuff Pack. To do this, copy the “.sims3” folders found in the Saves folder onto your desktop or another file directory. Your Sims 3 Saves folder can be found using the paths listed below: After the Update is installed, run the game to verify your saves still function correctly.
 * Windows Vista File Directory: C:\Documents and Settings\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
 * Windows 7 File Directory: C:\Users\USER\My Documents\Electronic Arts\The Sims 3\Saves
 * Mac File Directory: User/Documents/Electronic Arts/The Sims/Saves

Step 3: Let the Update Complete Entirely: Updates can sometimes be rather large and may take a while to download and install completely. Cancelling the update before it has completed may cause unexpected problems, so it is always best to let it finish entirely. Do not close the Launcher until you have confirmed the update is completely installed, as this will cancel the update.