Game health/save file tips when traveling?

[peach]

Hello!

I was wondering if anyone has tips for keeping saves running well even after sending Sims abroad. I know traveling at all can seriously bloat a file, especially without mods to keep things in check, and opens the door to any number of potential bugs in long games (broken family trees, disappearing Sims, etc).

For reference, I’m attempting an Immortal Dynasty, and generation three was just born. Back when I started the challenge, I told myself I would be fine without using pollinators (too much work!) or UL (annoying social groups!). Famous last words. I seriously overestimated my tolerance for “pudding face” Sims. My original plan was to abstain from traveling entirely for file health; however, I’m kind of backed into a corner here. My only hope is that quick trips to WA destinations will allow me to snag some unique-looking spouses for future heirs.

Is there anything I should do—or avoid doing—to minimize the strain on the game? I’m trying to assess how risky it is to travel, and if it might just be a better plan to tough it out with the pudding faces.

Thanks!

[MrsFlynn]

I don't have any safe traveling tips. However, I very much suggest before traveling to use Save As and give the file a new or similar name. So that way if you do have any problems you can go back to a previous save.

[peach]

Thanks for the tip, MrsFlynn! I will be sure to heed your advice if I decide to send my Sims on a trip.

[deedee_828]

Sorry for the delayed reply but I was out of town and just got back today!

My recommendation would be to use NRaas Traveler, then you can travel on vacation to any worlds you have installed, not just to the three WA worlds.

But if you really want some interesting sims without having to travel, to limit file bloat, you could always check out sims wiki for each town and pick out the ones you like.
Then start a game in that town for the sole purpose of saving some of your favorites to the bin and then using them in your Immortal Dynasty game for each gen.
If that's allowed.

Midnight Hollow, Dragon Valley, and the greenies of Hidden Springs, can add interesting hair, skin, and eye colors to your family tree.
And some of the NPC sims in each town can have colorful genetics too, especially in Dragon Valley.

As far as keeping your saves stable, I would definitely recommend NRaas Overwatch and Error Trap, and cleaning out your cache files on a regular basis.

I've never attempted an Immortal Dynasty, but I am on town #13 in my Town Jump game, and I know I would have never made it this far without NRaas mods!

Someone on the NRaas site might be able to give you even more concrete advice on keeping file bloat down and your game in a playable state even with traveling.