Why Does Brawlhalla Keep Crashing? Troubleshooting Guide

Brawlhalla, the popular free-to-play platform fighter, can sometimes be plagued by frustrating crashes. If you’re experiencing frequent crashes, you’re not alone. Several factors can contribute to these issues, ranging from hardware limitations to software conflicts. This comprehensive guide will explore the common reasons why Brawlhalla crashes and provide step-by-step solutions to get you back into the action.

Common Causes of Brawlhalla Crashes

Before diving into specific solutions, it’s essential to understand the potential culprits behind Brawlhalla crashes. Here are some of the most frequent causes:

  • Insufficient Hardware: Your computer might not meet the minimum system requirements to run the game smoothly.
  • Outdated Graphics Drivers: Old or corrupted graphics drivers can cause instability and crashes.
  • Software Conflicts: Other programs running in the background might interfere with Brawlhalla.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Damaged or incomplete game files can lead to crashes.
  • Internet Connection Issues: Although Brawlhalla isn’t incredibly demanding, a unstable connection can cause problems.
  • Overheating: If your system is overheating, it can trigger crashes to prevent hardware damage.
  • Operating System Issues: Problems with your operating system can manifest as game crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps: Fixing Brawlhalla Crashes

Now that we’ve identified the potential causes, let’s move on to the solutions. Follow these steps in order to diagnose and resolve your Brawlhalla crashing issues:

1. Verify System Requirements

Make sure your computer meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for Brawlhalla. These specifications are typically found on the Steam store page or the official Brawlhalla website. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Operating System: Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.9 or later, or a compatible Linux distribution.
  • Processor: Intel Core i3 or AMD equivalent.
  • Memory: 4 GB RAM.
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or AMD Radeon HD 3850.
  • DirectX: Version 9.0c.
  • Storage: 2 GB available space.

If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, you may need to upgrade your hardware to play Brawlhalla without crashing.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of game crashes. Update your drivers to the latest version from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website, depending on your graphics card. Here’s how:

  • NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  • AMD: Visit the AMD website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.
  • Intel: Go to the Intel website and download the latest drivers for your integrated graphics.

After downloading the drivers, follow the installation instructions provided.

3. Verify Integrity of Game Files

Corrupted game files can cause Brawlhalla to crash. Use the Steam client to verify the integrity of the game files:

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to your Library.
  3. Right-click on Brawlhalla.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Go to the Local Files tab.
  6. Click on Verify integrity of game files.

Steam will then check and repair any corrupted or missing files.

4. Close Background Applications

Other applications running in the background can sometimes interfere with Brawlhalla. Close any unnecessary programs before launching the game. This includes:

  • Web browsers
  • Music players
  • Video editing software
  • Antivirus programs (temporarily, but be cautious)

Closing these applications can free up system resources and prevent conflicts.

5. Check Internet Connection

Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection. Even though Brawlhalla isn’t extremely bandwidth-intensive, connection problems can still cause crashes. Try restarting your router or modem, or contact your internet service provider if you’re experiencing frequent connection issues.

6. Adjust Graphics Settings

If your system is struggling to run Brawlhalla smoothly, try lowering the graphics settings within the game. This can reduce the load on your hardware and prevent crashes. Go to the game’s settings menu and adjust the following:

  • Resolution
  • Texture quality
  • Shadow quality
  • Anti-aliasing

7. Update Operating System

Make sure your operating system is up to date. Install any pending updates for Windows, macOS, or Linux.

8. Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause system instability and crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures while playing Brawlhalla. If they’re consistently high (above 80°C), you may need to improve your system’s cooling. Consider:

  • Cleaning the dust from your computer’s fans and vents.
  • Reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU.
  • Adding additional case fans.

9. Reinstall Brawlhalla

As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling Brawlhalla. This can fix any persistent issues that weren’t resolved by the previous steps.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic steps don’t work, consider these advanced techniques:

  • Run a Memory Test: Memory issues can cause crashes. Run a memory test using Memtest86+.
  • Check Event Viewer (Windows): The Windows Event Viewer can provide clues about the cause of the crashes.
  • Disable Overclocking: If you’ve overclocked your CPU or GPU, revert to the default settings.

Conclusion

Brawlhalla crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the potential causes, you can often resolve the issue and get back to enjoying the game. Start with the basic steps, such as updating drivers and verifying game files, and then move on to more advanced techniques if necessary. With a little patience and effort, you can eliminate those crashes and dominate the arena!