Crusader Kings 3 crashing? Solve it! The most common fixes are updating graphics drivers, ensuring your PC meets the game’s requirements, and resolving mod conflicts. This guide walks you through each potential cause.

Troubleshooting Crusader Kings 3 Crashes

Experiencing frequent crashes in Crusader Kings 3 (CK3) can be frustrating. Let’s explore the common culprits and how to address them:

  • Outdated or Corrupted Graphics Drivers
  • Insufficient System Resources
  • Mod Conflicts or Corruption
  • Corrupted Game Files
  • Operating System Issues
  • Overheating

Graphics Driver Issues

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a primary suspect when dealing with CK3 crashes.

Updating Your Graphics Drivers

  • Identify Your Graphics Card: Press Windows Key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter. Under the “Display” tab, you’ll find your graphics card information.
  • Download the Latest Drivers: Visit the official websites for NVIDIA or AMD and download the latest drivers for your specific card and operating system.
  • Clean Installation: During installation, opt for a “clean installation” to remove remnants of previous drivers.

Rolling Back Your Graphics Drivers

If crashes started after a recent driver update, roll back to a previous version using Device Manager.

System Resource Constraints

CK3, especially with DLC and mods, can be resource-intensive. Check your system specifications against the recommended requirements.

Checking Your System Specifications

  • Processor (CPU): Intel Core i5-750 or AMD Phenom II X4 955 (minimum), Intel Core i5-4670K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600X (recommended).
  • Memory (RAM): 8 GB (minimum), 16 GB (recommended). Insufficient RAM causes freezes and crashes.
  • Graphics Card (GPU): NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) (minimum), NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 570 (4GB) (recommended).
  • Storage: A fast SSD (Solid State Drive) is highly recommended.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit or later is required.

Optimizing System Performance

  • Close Unnecessary Programs: Close background applications.
  • Adjust Graphics Settings: Reduce the graphics settings within CK3.
  • Monitor Resource Usage: Use the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to monitor CPU, RAM, and GPU usage.
  • Increase Virtual Memory (Page File): If you have limited RAM, increasing the size of the virtual memory (page file) can help.

Mod Conflicts and Corruption

Mods can introduce conflicts or stability issues.

Identifying Problematic Mods

  • Disable All Mods: Disable all mods in the CK3 launcher. Re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.
  • Check Mod Compatibility: Ensure mods are compatible with the current CK3 version.
  • Look for Mod Conflicts: Some mods may directly conflict. Use a mod manager to identify potential conflicts.

Cleaning Mod Files

  • Unsubscribe and Re-subscribe: In the Steam Workshop, unsubscribe and re-subscribe to suspect mods.
  • Manually Delete Mod Files: Navigate to the CK3 mod directory (usually located in Documents\Paradox Interactive\Crusader Kings III\mod) and manually delete folders for problematic mods.

Corrupted Game Files

Verifying Game File Integrity

  • Steam: In Steam, right-click on Crusader Kings III, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

Operating System Issues

Less commonly, OS issues can cause crashes.

Checking System Files

  • System File Checker (SFC): Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow.

Overheating

Extreme system temperatures can lead to crashes.

Monitoring Temperatures

  • Use Hardware Monitoring Software: Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to monitor CPU and GPU temperatures while playing CK3.
  • Acceptable Temperature Ranges: CPU temperatures should stay below 80-85°C, and GPU temperatures should stay below 85-90°C.
  • Improving Cooling: If temperatures are consistently too high, improve your cooling solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the minimum PC specs for Crusader Kings 3?

The minimum specs include an Intel Core i5-750 or AMD Phenom II X4 955 CPU, 8 GB of RAM, and an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 660 (2GB) or AMD Radeon HD 7870 (2GB) GPU. A 64-bit version of Windows 10 or later is also required.

How do I update my graphics drivers for Crusader Kings 3?

Identify your graphics card using ‘dxdiag’ (Windows Key + R). Then, visit the NVIDIA or AMD website to download the latest drivers. Choose the ‘clean installation’ option during the installation process.

How do I disable mods in Crusader Kings 3 to troubleshoot crashes?

Open the Crusader Kings 3 launcher. Go to the ‘Mods’ section and disable all mods. Re-enable them one by one to identify the mod causing the crashes.