Table of Contents

What If My Game Keeps Crashing? A Comprehensive Guide to Solving Game Crashes

Quick answer

This page answers What if my game keeps crashing? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

So, your game keeps crashing, huh? Don’t throw your controller (or keyboard and mouse) just yet! Game crashes are frustrating, but almost always solvable. The solution, however, requires a bit of detective work. Think of yourself as a digital Sherlock Holmes, hunting down the culprit that’s ruining your gaming experience. This guide is your magnifying glass, offering a comprehensive look at why games crash and, more importantly, how to fix them. We will delve into common causes, offer troubleshooting steps, and answer frequently asked questions to get you back in the game, crash-free.

Understanding Why Games Crash

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to understand why games crash in the first place. There’s rarely a single, universal answer. Instead, crashes are often the result of a complex interplay of factors related to your hardware, software, and the game itself. Here’s a breakdown of the most common culprits:

Hardware Issues: Your computer or console’s hardware might not be up to the task. This could be due to an outdated graphics card, insufficient RAM, or a failing hard drive. Overheating can also cause crashes, especially in systems with inadequate cooling.
Software Conflicts: Issues with your operating system, drivers (especially video drivers), or other installed software can interfere with a game’s ability to run smoothly. Corrupted system files are also frequent causes of crashes.
Game Bugs: Sometimes, the problem lies within the game itself. Bugs or glitches in the game’s code can lead to unexpected crashes. This is especially common in new releases or games that haven’t been thoroughly tested.
Resource Overload: Running too many programs at once can overwhelm your system’s resources, leading to game crashes. Games are resource intensive; therefore, keeping the number of background processes down as possible will help the game run.
Network Issues: For online games, a poor internet connection or server-side problems can cause crashes. Packet loss and high latency can disrupt the game’s communication with the server, leading to disconnections and crashes.
Malware or Viruses: Although less common, viruses and malware can corrupt game files or interfere with system processes, causing games to crash. Make sure your anti-virus software is updated and scanning regularly.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Practical Guide

Now that we know the potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these troubleshooting steps in order, starting with the simplest and most common fixes:

1. Update Your Drivers

Outdated drivers, particularly video drivers, are a frequent cause of game crashes.

How to Update: Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific card.
Clean Installation: When installing new drivers, consider performing a clean installation to remove any remnants of previous drivers that might be causing conflicts.

2. Update the Game

Game developers regularly release patches and updates to fix bugs and improve performance.

Check for Updates: Ensure your game is updated to the latest version through its platform (e.g., Steam, Epic Games Store, PlayStation Network, Xbox Live).
Beta Programs: If you’re participating in a beta program or using a modified version of the game, be aware that these versions are more prone to crashes.

3. Close Unnecessary Programs

Running too many programs simultaneously can strain your system’s resources.

Task Manager: Open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and close any unnecessary programs or processes that are consuming significant CPU or memory.
Startup Programs: Disable unnecessary startup programs that launch automatically when you start your computer.

4. Check System Requirements

Make sure your system meets the game’s minimum and recommended system requirements.

Compare Specs: Compare your hardware specifications (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage) to the game’s requirements.
Upgrade if Necessary: If your system doesn’t meet the requirements, consider upgrading your hardware.

5. Adjust Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can put a strain on your system, especially if your hardware is older or less powerful.

Lower Settings: Reduce the graphics settings in the game’s options menu, such as resolution, texture quality, and shadow effects.
Experiment: Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and performance.

6. Run a Memory Test

Faulty RAM can cause a variety of problems, including game crashes.

Windows Memory Diagnostic: Use the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check your RAM for errors.
Memtest86: For more thorough testing, consider using Memtest86, a free and open-source memory testing tool.

7. Check Your Hard Drive

A failing hard drive can lead to data corruption and game crashes.

Disk Check: Run the Disk Check utility to scan your hard drive for errors.
Defragment: Defragment your hard drive to improve performance (if you’re using a traditional HDD, not an SSD).

8. Monitor Temperatures

Overheating can cause your CPU or GPU to throttle performance or even crash.

Monitoring Software: Use monitoring software (e.g., HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner) to track your CPU and GPU temperatures while gaming.
Improve Cooling: If your components are overheating, consider improving your system’s cooling with better fans, a CPU cooler, or liquid cooling.

9. Check for Viruses and Malware

Scan your system for viruses and malware that could be interfering with the game.

Antivirus Software: Use a reputable antivirus program to perform a full system scan.
Malware Removal: Remove any detected threats and ensure your antivirus software is up to date.

10. Reinstall the Game

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the game.

Uninstall: Completely uninstall the game from your system.
Reinstall: Download and reinstall the game from its platform.

11. Verify Game Files (Steam)

If you are using Steam, you can use the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” to automatically repair corrupted files in your game.

Right Click: Right-click on your game in your Steam library.
Properties: Select “Properties.”
Local Files: In the new window, select “Local Files.”
Verify Integrity of Game Files: Click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

12. Check Event Viewer (Windows)

The Event Viewer can provide valuable information about system errors and crashes.

Open Event Viewer: Search for “Event Viewer” in the Windows search bar.
Check Logs: Look for errors or warnings related to the game or system components.

13. Update Your Operating System

Ensure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest patches and updates.

Windows Update: Check for updates in Windows Update settings.
Install Updates: Install any available updates to improve system stability and compatibility.

14. Clean Boot (Windows)

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify software conflicts.

System Configuration: Use the System Configuration utility (msconfig) to perform a clean boot.
Disable Services: Disable all non-Microsoft services and startup programs.
Reboot: Reboot your computer and test the game.

15. Contact Support

If you’ve tried all of the above steps and the game is still crashing, contact the game’s support team for assistance.

Provide Details: Provide them with detailed information about your system, the game, and the steps you’ve already taken.
Error Logs: If possible, provide error logs or crash reports to help them diagnose the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Game Crashes

1. Can a game crashing damage my console or PC?

In most cases, no. Consoles and PCs have built-in safeguards to prevent damage from software issues like game crashes. In extreme cases of overheating, the system will usually shut down to protect its components.

2. Is it normal for games to crash occasionally?

While it’s not ideal, occasional crashes can happen, especially in complex or newly released games. However, frequent crashes indicate a problem that needs to be addressed.

3. Can bad RAM cause game crashes?

Yes, faulty or incompatible RAM can definitely cause game crashes, along with other system instability issues.

4. Can a virus cause my games to crash?

Yes, viruses and malware can corrupt game files or interfere with system processes, leading to crashes.

5. How often should I update my video drivers?

It’s generally a good idea to update your video drivers whenever new versions are released, especially if you’re experiencing game crashes or performance issues.

6. What does it mean when an app crashes on my phone while gaming?

An app crash on your phone means the application unexpectedly exited due to an unhandled error, such as an interruption or a bug in the coding.

7. My game is crashing only on a specific level or during a particular event. What could be the reason?

This could indicate a bug or glitch specific to that level or event. Check online forums and communities to see if other players are experiencing the same issue.

8. I tried everything, but my game still crashes. What should I do?

Contact the game’s support team for assistance. They may be able to provide specific troubleshooting steps or identify a known issue with the game.

9. Will using older drivers solve my crashing issues?

Occasionally, yes. Newer drivers aren’t always better and could introduce incompatibilities. If you recently updated your drivers and started experiencing crashes, try reverting to an older version.

10. Can modding games cause crashes?

Yes, improperly installed or incompatible mods can definitely cause game crashes. Try disabling the mods and see if the crashes stop.

11. What’s the ideal app crash rate for an Android device?

The ideal app crash rate is less than 1% per user, less than 0.1% per session, and less than 0.01% per screen view.

12. Why does Fortnite keep crashing on my PC?

Fortnite is crashing due to outdated video card drivers. Go to either Nvidia’s or AMD’s website, and download the latest driver for your video card.

13. Is my computer being attacked by a virus?

If your computer is loading slowly, deleting files, running suspicious programs, or filled with annoying on-screen pop-ups, you might have a virus. If so, the best course of action is to install a reliable antivirus software solution, reboot your system, and run a full virus scan.

14. How do I close a full screen game that crashed?

Try pressing Alt + Tab to switch to another application. From there, you can close the crashed game window. If that doesn’t work, try Ctrl + Alt + Delete and select Task Manager to force the game to close.

15. How do I ensure the game is not the problem?

Check forums, subreddit groups, or other online communities regarding the game you are playing. Most likely, someone else has run into the same problem as you and posted a potential solution.

Conclusion: Getting Back in the Game

Game crashes are undoubtedly frustrating, but with a systematic approach, you can usually identify and resolve the underlying issue. Remember to be patient, follow the troubleshooting steps, and don’t hesitate to seek help from the game’s support team or online communities. And remember, gaming is about learning, too! Check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the educational power of games! With a little effort, you’ll be back in the game, enjoying a crash-free experience in no time. Good luck, and happy gaming!