Why Does My Game Keep Crashing? Troubleshooting Helldivers 2

Helldivers 2 is an exhilarating, action-packed game, but frequent crashes can quickly diminish the fun. Several factors can cause these crashes, ranging from hardware limitations and software glitches to server issues and corrupted game files. This article will walk you through common causes and detailed troubleshooting steps to get you back into the fight for Super Earth.

Understanding the Common Culprits

Before diving into specific fixes, it’s important to understand the most frequent reasons behind Helldivers 2 crashes:

  • Hardware limitations: Your PC might not meet the minimum or recommended system requirements.
  • Outdated drivers: Especially graphics drivers, which are crucial for game stability.
  • Software conflicts: Other programs running in the background might interfere with the game.
  • Corrupted game files: Installation errors or disk issues can lead to corrupted files.
  • Overheating: Excessive heat can cause your components to malfunction.
  • Server issues: Problems on the Helldivers 2 servers can result in disconnections and crashes.
  • Game bugs: Sometimes, the game itself has bugs that cause crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps

Here’s a comprehensive guide to troubleshoot and fix Helldivers 2 crashes:

1. Verify System Requirements

Ensure your PC meets the minimum and recommended specifications for Helldivers 2. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 or later (64-bit)
  • Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K or AMD Ryzen 5 1500X
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon RX 470
  • Storage: 100 GB available space

If your system barely meets the minimum requirements, consider upgrading components or lowering in-game graphics settings.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a major cause of game crashes. Update them to the latest versions:

  • NVIDIA: Download drivers from the NVIDIA GeForce Experience app or the NVIDIA website.
  • AMD: Download drivers from the AMD Radeon Software or the AMD website.

After updating, restart your computer to apply the changes.

3. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes. Use the game platform’s built-in tool to verify the integrity of the game files:

  • Steam:
    • Right-click on Helldivers 2 in your Steam library.
    • Select “Properties.”
    • Go to the “Local Files” tab.
    • Click “Verify integrity of game files…”
  • PlayStation:
    • From the PlayStation home screen, navigate to the Helldivers 2 game icon.
    • Press the Options button on your controller.
    • Select “Check for Update”. If there is a problem, it will attempt to fix.

This process will identify and replace any corrupted or missing files.

4. Close Background Applications

Background applications can conflict with the game, leading to crashes. Close unnecessary programs before launching Helldivers 2:

  • Close resource-intensive applications like web browsers, video editing software, and other games.
  • Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to identify and close programs consuming significant resources.

5. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

High graphics settings can strain your system, leading to crashes. Lowering the settings can improve stability:

  • Reduce resolution.
  • Lower texture quality.
  • Disable or reduce anti-aliasing.
  • Turn off or reduce shadow quality.
  • Disable VSync (if it’s causing issues).

Experiment with different settings to find a balance between visual quality and stability.

6. Check for Overheating

Overheating can cause system instability and crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures:

  • Use monitoring software like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temperatures during gameplay.
  • Ensure your cooling system (fans, liquid cooler) is functioning correctly.
  • Clean dust from your computer case and components.
  • Consider reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU if necessary.

7. Update Windows

Ensure your operating system is up to date. Windows updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can enhance game stability:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click “Check for updates” and install any available updates.

8. Run the Game as Administrator

Running the game with administrator privileges can resolve permission-related issues:

  • Right-click on the Helldivers 2 executable file (usually located in the game’s installation folder).
  • Select “Properties.”
  • Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
  • Check the box next to “Run this program as an administrator.”
  • Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

9. Check Server Status

Sometimes, crashes are due to server-side issues. Check the Helldivers 2 official channels (Twitter, Discord, forums) for server status updates.

10. Reinstall the Game

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling Helldivers 2. This can resolve issues caused by corrupted installation files.

  • Uninstall the game through Steam or the PlayStation menu.
  • Delete any remaining game files from the installation directory.
  • Reinstall the game.

11. Contact Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing crashes, contact Helldivers 2 support for further assistance. Provide them with detailed information about your system, the steps you’ve tried, and any error messages you’ve encountered.

Conclusion

Game crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting potential causes, you can often resolve the issue and get back to enjoying Helldivers 2. Remember to keep your drivers updated, monitor your system’s performance, and verify the integrity of your game files. Good luck, Helldiver!