Why Does Arma Reforger Keep Crashing

Frequent crashes in Arma Reforger can often be fixed by updating your graphics drivers, verifying the integrity of game files through Steam, and lowering in-game graphics settings. Conflicts with other software or overheating hardware can also cause crashes. This guide will walk you through these and other troubleshooting steps to help you get back to playing.

Understanding Crash Causes

Arma Reforger crashes usually fall into these categories:

Hardware Limitations: Your PC might not meet the game’s system requirements.
Software Conflicts: Driver issues, OS glitches, or conflicting applications.
Game-Specific Issues: Bugs, corrupted files, or problematic settings.
Overheating: High CPU or GPU temperatures.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Check System Requirements

Arma Reforger is demanding. Compare your PC specs to the official requirements on the Arma Reforger website or Steam page. Pay attention to:

CPU: (e.g., Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen equivalent)
GPU: (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX or AMD Radeon equivalent)
RAM: System memory.
Storage: SSD/HDD space. An SSD is highly recommended.

Consider upgrading if your hardware is below the recommended specs.

2. Update Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers, especially graphics drivers, are common culprits.

Update Graphics Drivers: Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA (GeForce Experience) or AMD (AMD Adrenalin).
Clean Installation: Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in Safe Mode to remove old drivers before installing new ones. This prevents conflicts.
Update Other Drivers: Check for updates to chipset, audio, and network drivers on your motherboard manufacturer’s website.

3. Resolve Game-Specific Issues

Verify Game Files: In Steam, right-click Arma Reforger, go to “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
Check for Updates: Ensure Arma Reforger is up to date in Steam.
Adjust Graphics Settings: Lower graphics presets, especially:
- Resolution:
- Texture Quality:
- Shadow Quality:
- AA (Anti-Aliasing):
Disable Overlays: Temporarily disable overlays from Discord, Steam, and other third-party apps.
Reinstall the Game: As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall Arma Reforger.

4. Identify Software Conflicts

Close Unnecessary Programs: Close resource-intensive background apps.
Perform a Clean Boot: Search for “msconfig” in Windows, go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.” Then, go to the “Startup” tab and disable all startup items. Reboot.
Antivirus Interference: Temporarily disable your antivirus software (at your own risk) to see if it’s interfering. If it is, add Arma Reforger to its exception list.

5. Monitor Temperatures and Overclocking

Safety First: High temperatures can damage your hardware. Proceed with caution.
Monitor Temperatures: Use MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or Core Temp to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures. High temps (above 80-85°C) indicate a cooling problem.
Disable Overclocking: Revert to default clock speeds if you’ve overclocked your CPU or GPU.

6. Analyze Crash Dumps

Locate Crash Dumps: Check the game’s installation directory or the Windows temporary files folder.
Interpret the Dumps (Advanced): Use tools like WinDbg or share the files with the Arma Reforger community for assistance. Error codes can provide clues.

Frequently Asked Questions