Why Does Undertale Keep Crashing? Troubleshooting Guide

Undertale, the beloved indie RPG, can sometimes be plagued by crashes, disrupting the immersive experience. Several factors can contribute to these crashes, ranging from compatibility issues to corrupted game files. Let’s explore the common causes and how to fix them.

Common Causes of Undertale Crashes

  • Outdated Drivers: Incompatible or outdated graphics drivers are a frequent culprit.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Incomplete or corrupted files can lead to instability.
  • System Incompatibility: Older systems or those not meeting minimum specs might struggle.
  • Background Processes: Conflicting applications running in the background can interfere.
  • Mod Conflicts: If you’re using mods, they might be incompatible with each other or the game version.
  • DirectX Issues: Problems with DirectX can cause graphical errors and crashes.
  • Overheating: Insufficient cooling can lead to hardware instability and crashes.
  • Antivirus Interference: Overly aggressive antivirus software can sometimes flag game files.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix Undertale Crashes

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers are a primary cause of game crashes. Follow these steps to update them:

  • Nvidia: Go to the Nvidia website, download the latest drivers for your graphics card, and install them.
  • AMD: Go to the AMD website, download the latest drivers for your graphics card, and install them.
  • Intel: Go to the Intel website, download the latest drivers for your integrated graphics, and install them.

After updating, restart your computer and try running Undertale again.

2. Verify Game File Integrity

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

  • Steam: Right-click on Undertale in your Steam library.
  • Select Properties.
  • Go to the Local Files tab.
  • Click Verify integrity of game files…

Steam will check for and replace any corrupted or missing files.

3. Run Undertale as Administrator

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

  • Right-click on the Undertale executable file (Undertale.exe).
  • Select Properties.
  • Go to the Compatibility tab.
  • Check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator.
  • Click Apply and then OK.

4. Close Background Applications

Conflicting applications can interfere with the game. Close unnecessary programs running in the background:

  • Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
  • Go to the Processes tab.
  • Identify and close any non-essential applications, especially those that consume a lot of CPU or memory.

5. Check System Requirements

Ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Undertale:

  • OS: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10
  • Memory: 2 GB RAM
  • Graphics: 128 MB
  • Storage: 200 MB available space

If your system doesn’t meet these requirements, consider upgrading your hardware or adjusting the game’s settings.

6. Reinstall Undertale

If other methods fail, reinstalling the game can fix persistent issues:

  • Steam: Right-click on Undertale in your Steam library.
  • Select Manage.
  • Click Uninstall.
  • After uninstalling, reinstall the game.

7. Check for Mod Conflicts

If you have mods installed, disable them to see if they are causing the crashes.

  • Disable all mods.
  • Restart the game to see if the crashes stop.
  • If the game runs without crashes, re-enable mods one by one to identify the problematic mod.

8. Update DirectX

Outdated DirectX versions can cause compatibility issues:

  • Download the latest version of DirectX from the Microsoft website.
  • Install it and restart your computer.

9. Monitor System Temperature

Overheating can lead to crashes. Monitor your CPU and GPU temperatures:

  • Use monitoring software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor.
  • Ensure your cooling system is functioning correctly.
  • Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.

10. Check Antivirus Software

Sometimes, antivirus software can mistakenly flag game files. Add Undertale to your antivirus exception list:

  • Open your antivirus software.
  • Go to the settings or exceptions section.
  • Add Undertale.exe to the list of exceptions.

Conclusion

Undertale crashes can be frustrating, but by systematically troubleshooting the common causes, you can often resolve the issue. Start with updating drivers and verifying game files, then move on to more advanced solutions like checking background processes and system temperatures. With a bit of effort, you can get back to enjoying the world of Undertale without interruption.