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Troubleshooting Crashing

Updated

Why is my game crashing?

Game crashes can occur due to various factors, including file issues, third-party applications, outdated drivers, or even in-game bugs. Here are some steps you can take to fix the issue.

Minimum Specs

Confirm your PC meets the minimum specifications to run EMPULSE. If your PC is below the minimum requirements, then you may experience performance issues and even crashing. You may also be completely unable to launch the game. You can find our minimum specifications here.

Troubleshooting Steps

Try these basic troubleshooting steps first to see if they help resolve the issue.

Restart Your Computer

Sometimes the simplest solution is to see if restarting your computer resolves the issue as it could be a one-off technical issue. To restart you computer follow these steps:

  1. Open the Windows start menu
  2. Right-click the Windows icon and hover over Shut down or sign out
  3. Click Restart
Verify Game Files
Verifying local game files can help resolve file corruption issues that could be causing crashes.

 

For Steam follow these steps:

  1. Right click on EMPULSE in your Steam library and click Properties
  2. Click on Installed Files on the left hand side
  3. Click Verify integrity of game files
  4. Restart the game after verification is complete

 

Update Windows
Windows updates can help fix bugs, compatibility issues, and other issues that may cause trouble while playing the game. Check to see if your Windows is completely up-to-date by following this Windows Update Guide
Update DirectX
Missing DirectX runtime versions may cause crashing and you can get the latest version from the Microsoft website.
Reinstall Game
Sometimes reinstalling the game can resolving crashing issues.

 

For Steam follow these steps:

  1. Right click on EMPULSE in your Steam library and click Manage
  2. Click on Uninstall and click Uninstall again when prompted
  3. Return to your Steam library and locate EMPULSE.
  4. Click Install and go through the prompts to reinstall

 

Disable Third-Party Applications

Third-party applications can sometimes interfere with the game in unexpected ways. By preforming a Clean Boot in Windows this will disable third party applications which can help with isolating the issue. Microsoft has a support guide on how to do this on both Windows 10 and 11.

How to perform a clean boot
  1. On the Clean Boot guide click on the tab for your Windows version.
  2. On step 3 make sure to check Hide all Microsoft Services - Necessary Microsoft services will be disabled if this isn't checked.
  3. Make sure to restart your computer once you've completed all of the steps and then open EMPULSE to  see if the issue persists.
  4. If that resolves the issue, then you may consider following the section on the Clean Boot guide titled How to determine what is causing the problem after you do a clean boot - This will help you determine what specific application or driver was causing the issue.

Graphics Driver Update

Graphics driver updates often provide important bug fixes, improved performance, and additional graphics driver features. You can find the latest graphics drivers from your graphics card manufacturer's website.

AMD Graphics Cards

Nvidia Graphics Cards

Intel Graphics Cards

Intel 13th & 14th Gen CPUs

Some players may encounter issues with their game crashing when playing on Intel 13th or 14th Gen CPUs. Intel has made an official statement here with additional information.

System File Check

Corrupt or missing Operating system files can also cause crashes. Follow this Microsoft guide on how to preform a System File check.

How to complete a system file check

  1. Open the Windows start menu and type cmd - right-click command prompt and click Run as Administrator
  2. Click Yes on the User Accounts Control popup
  3. Copy paste the following and press enter: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
  4. Once that is complete copy and paste the following and press enter: sfc /scannow
  5. Wait for the verification to complete, this process may take a a bit of time to finish

Overheating

Overheating occurs when your PC is running much hotter than the internal components can handle. If your PC is overheating you may notice your FPS falling lower and lower as a match progresses. In extreme cases your PC might unexpectedly shutdown entirely.

If the above description matches what you're experiencing when your game crashes, then your system may be overheating. Try the steps below to help prevent your system from overheating:

Troubleshooting Overheating

  1. Lowering your FPS by going to Settings > Video > Try setting your FPS to 60 or lower
  2. Make sure your PC's internal fans are spinning
  3. Remove dust and any other debris that might be blocking airflow
  4. Keep your computer in a cool environment, away from sunlight and heating vents
  5. Take breaks between games to give your PC time to cool down

 

Your PC shouldn't be overheating under normal circumstances. If the above steps don't resolve the issue then you may need to reach out to a computer repair professional for further assistance.