Frequent crashes in Fallout 76 can be frustrating. Often, a simple computer reboot and verifying game file integrity through Steam or the Microsoft Store fixes the problem. Corrupted game files are a common cause. If that doesn’t work, this guide will walk you through other troubleshooting steps to pinpoint the source of your Fallout 76 crashes and hopefully resolve them.

Common Causes and Solutions for Fallout 76 Crashes

The following sections detail the most prevalent causes of Fallout 76 crashes and provide actionable solutions.

Hardware and Driver Issues

Fallout 76 is a demanding game, and insufficient or outdated hardware is a frequent culprit.

1. Insufficient System Requirements

Fallout 76 has minimum and recommended system specifications. If your PC doesn’t meet at least the minimum requirements, crashes are highly likely. Consider upgrading your CPU, GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), or RAM (Random Access Memory). Specific error messages, though rare in Fallout 76 crashes, might point to memory allocation issues, suggesting RAM as the possible bottleneck.

  • Check your specifications: Compare your CPU, GPU (manufacturer, model number), and RAM to the official Fallout 76 system requirements. Bethesda’s support website contains the most up-to-date information.
  • Resource Monitor: Use Windows Resource Monitor (search for it in the Start Menu) while playing to observe CPU, memory, and disk usage. If any resource is consistently hitting 100%, it’s likely a bottleneck.

2. Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible graphics drivers are a common cause of game crashes. The GPU, from manufacturers like NVIDIA (GeForce series) and AMD (Radeon series), is responsible for rendering the game’s graphics, and issues with its drivers can lead to instability.

  • Update your drivers: Download the latest drivers from the NVIDIA or AMD website. Avoid using generic drivers from Windows Update; opt for the manufacturer-provided drivers. Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience or AMD Adrenalin software for easy driver management.
  • Clean install: When updating, choose the “Clean Installation” option (if available) to remove all traces of the old driver, preventing potential conflicts.
  • Roll back drivers: If the crashes started after updating your graphics drivers, try rolling back to a previous version that was known to be stable. Use Device Manager to find the “Display adapters” section, right-click your GPU, and select “Properties.” Go to the “Driver” tab and click “Roll Back Driver” if the option is available.

3. Overheating

Overheating of the CPU or GPU can lead to system instability and crashes. Monitor your hardware temperatures while playing.

  • Monitoring software: Use monitoring software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check your CPU and GPU temperatures. Aim for temperatures below 80°C (176°F) for both.
  • Improve cooling: Ensure adequate airflow in your PC case. Clean dust from fans and heatsinks. Consider upgrading your CPU cooler or adding more case fans if overheating persists.

Software Conflicts and Game Issues

Conflicts with other software or inherent problems within the game itself can also trigger crashes.

1. Antivirus Interference

Antivirus software can sometimes incorrectly flag Fallout 76 files as malicious, leading to crashes or preventing the game from running properly.

  • Temporarily disable antivirus: As a test, temporarily disable your antivirus software (e.g., Windows Defender, McAfee, Norton). If the game stops crashing, add Fallout 76’s game directory (and any executables like Fallout76.exe and Fallout76Launcher.exe) to your antivirus’s exception list.
  • Firewall exceptions: Ensure that Fallout 76 is allowed through your firewall.

2. Overlay Software Conflicts

Overlays from programs like Discord, Steam Overlay, or third-party graphics monitoring tools (like MSI Afterburner’s Rivatuner Statistics Server) can sometimes conflict with Fallout 76, causing crashes.

  • Disable overlays: Disable these overlays one by one to identify the culprit. In Steam, right-click on Fallout 76 in your library, go to “Properties,” and uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.” Disable overlays in other applications’ settings menus.

3. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes. Both Steam and the Microsoft Store provide tools to verify the integrity of your game files.

  • Steam: Right-click on Fallout 76 in your Steam library, go to “Properties,” then “Local Files,” and click “Verify integrity of game files…”
  • Microsoft Store: This process is less direct on the Microsoft Store/Game Pass, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling the game to be certain of a clean installation.

4. Windows Updates

Ensure your operating system is up-to-date. Windows Updates often include critical bug fixes and performance improvements that can resolve game crashes.

  • Check for updates: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”

5. Reinstall Fallout 76

As a last resort, try uninstalling and reinstalling Fallout 76. This ensures a clean installation and can resolve persistent issues.

Server-Side Issues

Sometimes, the problem isn’t on your end at all. Server instability or maintenance can also cause crashes. Check the official Fallout 76 forums or social media channels for announcements regarding server status. Unfortunately, in these cases, you’ll simply have to wait for Bethesda to resolve the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Fallout 76 keep crashing on my PC?

Fallout 76 crashes can be caused by various factors including outdated graphics drivers, insufficient system requirements, software conflicts, corrupted game files, or even server-side issues. This guide provides troubleshooting steps for each.

How do I check if my PC meets the minimum requirements for Fallout 76?

Compare your CPU, GPU (manufacturer, model number), and RAM to the official Fallout 76 system requirements listed on Bethesda’s support website. Also, use Windows Resource Monitor while playing to identify any hardware bottlenecks.

What are overlays and how do they cause Fallout 76 to crash?

Overlays are interfaces from programs like Discord or Steam that appear on top of the game. They can sometimes conflict with Fallout 76, causing crashes. Try disabling these overlays one by one to see if it resolves the issue.