Elden Ring Crash: 5 Fixes

Elden Ring, the highly anticipated open-world action RPG from FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm since its release in February 2022. The game's vast and immersive world, challenging combat, and intricate lore have captivated players and critics alike. However, alongside the acclaim, players have encountered a persistent issue that has marred their experience - frequent crashes.

While FromSoftware has released patches to address some of these stability issues, many players continue to face frustrating crashes that disrupt their progress and immersion. In this article, we aim to delve into the world of Elden Ring and provide a comprehensive guide to help players overcome these crashes. By understanding the causes and implementing effective solutions, players can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey through the Lands Between.

Understanding the Causes of Elden Ring Crashes

Before we delve into the fixes, it’s essential to grasp the underlying causes of Elden Ring crashes. Identifying the root of the problem is crucial in determining the most appropriate solution.

Hardware Compatibility and System Requirements

One of the primary causes of crashes in Elden Ring can be attributed to hardware compatibility and meeting the game’s system requirements. Elden Ring is a demanding game, requiring a powerful machine to run smoothly. Insufficient hardware specifications can lead to frequent crashes, especially on lower-end systems.

FromSoftware recommends the following minimum and recommended system requirements for Elden Ring:

If your system falls short of these requirements, you may experience frequent crashes. Upgrading your hardware, such as your CPU, GPU, or RAM, can significantly improve stability.

Outdated or Incompatible Drivers

Another common cause of crashes is outdated or incompatible drivers, particularly your graphics card drivers. These drivers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between your game and your hardware. If they are not up-to-date, they may not support the necessary features or optimizations required by Elden Ring.

It is essential to regularly update your drivers, especially when playing newly released games like Elden Ring. Developers often work closely with hardware manufacturers to optimize their games for the latest driver versions.

Game Files Corruption

Corruption in game files can also lead to crashes. This can occur due to various reasons, such as incomplete downloads, file system errors, or even malicious software. Corrupted files can disrupt the game’s functionality, resulting in crashes or other stability issues.

Software Conflicts

Conflicts between different software installed on your system can cause Elden Ring to crash. This includes background applications, antivirus software, and even other games. Certain programs may interfere with Elden Ring’s execution, leading to unexpected behavior and crashes.

Online Connection Issues

While Elden Ring is primarily a single-player experience, it does have online features, such as the ability to summon or invade other players. Connection issues or unstable internet can disrupt these online functions and cause the game to crash. Additionally, if your network has high ping or latency, it may affect the game’s stability.

Fixing Elden Ring Crashes: A Comprehensive Guide

Now that we have identified some of the potential causes of Elden Ring crashes, let’s explore effective solutions to resolve these issues and ensure a smoother gameplay experience.

Update Your Hardware and Software

As mentioned earlier, ensuring your system meets the recommended hardware specifications is crucial. If you have an older machine or components that fall below the recommended requirements, consider upgrading them to minimize crashes.

Additionally, keeping your software up-to-date is essential. This includes your operating system, drivers (especially graphics card drivers), and any other relevant software. Regularly check for updates and install them to ensure your system is optimized for Elden Ring.

Verify and Repair Game Files

If you suspect that your game files might be corrupted, you can verify and repair them using the Steam client. Steam provides a built-in tool to check the integrity of your game files and fix any issues it finds.

1. Open your Steam client and locate Elden Ring in your library.
2. Right-click on the game and select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
4. Steam will scan your game files and repair any missing or corrupted files.
5. Once the verification process is complete, launch Elden Ring and check if the crashes persist.

Disable or Adjust Background Applications

Certain background applications, such as streaming software, antivirus programs, or even system utilities, can interfere with Elden Ring’s performance. Try disabling or adjusting the settings of these applications to see if it improves the game’s stability.

If you use streaming software, ensure that it is optimized for gaming and does not cause excessive CPU or GPU usage. Some streaming software allows you to set specific game modes or reduce resource usage during gameplay.

Antivirus software can sometimes flag game files as suspicious, leading to false positives and potential crashes. Consider adding Elden Ring's installation folder to your antivirus software's exception list to prevent any interference.

Optimize Your Internet Connection

If you experience crashes related to online features or connectivity issues, optimizing your internet connection can help. Here are a few steps you can take:

• Ensure your router is up-to-date and configured properly. Check for firmware updates and consider resetting your router if needed.
• Use an Ethernet cable instead of a wireless connection to reduce latency and improve stability.
• Close any unnecessary applications or downloads that may be consuming bandwidth.
• If you have a modem with a separate router, try connecting your PC directly to the modem to rule out any router-related issues.
• If you're using a VPN, temporarily disable it to see if it improves your connection stability.

Modify Game Settings and Compatibility Options

Sometimes, adjusting Elden Ring’s in-game settings or compatibility options can help improve stability. Here are a few suggestions:

• Lower your graphics settings, especially if you have a lower-end system. Reducing the visual quality can alleviate some of the strain on your hardware, potentially reducing crashes.
• Disable any unnecessary game features, such as motion blur or depth of field effects. These settings can consume additional resources and may contribute to crashes.
• Try running Elden Ring in compatibility mode. Right-click on the game's executable file, select Properties, and navigate to the Compatibility tab. Check the Run this program in compatibility mode for option and select an older version of Windows, such as Windows 7 or Windows 8.

Seek Community Support and Report Issues

If you have exhausted all the solutions mentioned above and are still experiencing crashes, it’s worth seeking help from the Elden Ring community. Online forums, such as Reddit or official community platforms, can provide valuable insights and potential solutions.

Additionally, reporting your crashes and providing detailed information to FromSoftware can help them identify and address these issues. The more information they receive, the better equipped they are to develop patches and updates to improve the game's stability.

Advanced Troubleshooting and Performance Optimization

For those who have tried the basic fixes and are still encountering crashes, here are some advanced troubleshooting steps and performance optimization techniques to consider:

Clean Boot Your System

A clean boot starts your system with minimal drivers and startup programs, allowing you to identify and isolate any potential conflicts. Here’s how to perform a clean boot in Windows 10:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services box.
4. Click Disable all to disable all non-Microsoft services.
5. Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
6. In Task Manager, disable all startup programs except essential ones like your antivirus software.
7. Apply the changes and restart your system.
8. Test Elden Ring to see if the crashes persist. If not, gradually re-enable services and startup programs until you identify the conflicting application.

Adjust Power Settings

Your power settings can impact your system’s performance and stability. Consider adjusting them to prioritize performance over power savings.

1. Right-click on the battery or power icon in your taskbar and select Power Options.
2. Choose Create a power plan and select High performance or customize your plan to prioritize performance.
3. Ensure that your system is set to use the high-performance plan when running Elden Ring.

Overclocking and Undervolting

If you have an overclocked CPU or GPU, consider resetting the overclock settings to their default values. Overclocking can push your hardware beyond its safe limits, leading to instability and crashes.

Additionally, undervolting your CPU or GPU can help improve stability and reduce the chances of crashes. Undervolting involves reducing the voltage supplied to your hardware components, which can result in lower temperatures and more stable performance.

Use Third-Party Tools and Optimizers

There are various third-party tools and optimizers available that can help improve your system’s performance and stability when running games like Elden Ring. These tools can optimize your system settings, manage resources, and enhance your gaming experience.

Some popular options include:

• MSI Afterburner: A powerful tool for monitoring and controlling your GPU's performance, including overclocking and undervolting.
• Game Booster: Software that optimizes your system by temporarily shutting down unnecessary processes and services, freeing up resources for gaming.
• CPU-Z and GPU-Z: Useful utilities for monitoring and analyzing your CPU and GPU's performance, providing detailed information about your hardware.

Always research and choose reputable tools and ensure you follow proper usage guidelines to avoid any potential issues.

Future Outlook and Developer Support

Since its release, FromSoftware has been actively working on addressing stability issues and optimizing Elden Ring’s performance. They have released multiple patches and updates, focusing on improving the game’s stability and fixing various bugs.

As the game's popularity continues to grow, FromSoftware is likely to prioritize stability and performance enhancements. Players can expect further updates and patches to address any lingering issues and improve the overall experience.

Additionally, the developer has been actively engaging with the community, listening to feedback, and incorporating player suggestions into future updates. This community-centric approach ensures that Elden Ring evolves and improves based on player experiences and preferences.

Conclusion

Elden Ring’s crashes can be a frustrating obstacle, but with the right knowledge and solutions, players can overcome these challenges and enjoy the game’s immersive world without disruptions. By understanding the causes and implementing the comprehensive fixes outlined in this guide, players can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey through the Lands Between.

Remember to regularly update your hardware and software, verify your game files, optimize your internet connection, and seek community support when needed. With these steps, you'll be well on your way to conquering Elden Ring and its notorious crashes.