Why Does Dead by Daylight Keep Crashing? Troubleshooting & Solutions

Dead by Daylight (DBD) is a thrilling asymmetrical horror game enjoyed by millions. However, frequent crashes can ruin the experience. This article explores the common reasons behind DBD crashes and provides effective troubleshooting steps to get you back into the game.

Common Causes of Dead by Daylight Crashes

Several factors can contribute to DBD crashes, ranging from hardware limitations to software glitches. Understanding these causes is the first step to finding a solution.

  • Insufficient System Requirements: Your computer might not meet the minimum or recommended specifications for the game.
  • Outdated Graphics Drivers: Old or corrupted drivers can cause instability and crashes.
  • Corrupted Game Files: Damaged game files can lead to errors and crashes during gameplay.
  • Overheating: Excessive heat can cause your system to become unstable and crash.
  • Software Conflicts: Conflicts with other programs running in the background can interfere with DBD.
  • Network Issues: Unstable internet connections can sometimes trigger crashes, especially during online multiplayer.
  • Game Bugs: Occasionally, bugs within the game itself can cause crashes, particularly after updates.
  • Hardware Issues: Problems with your RAM, CPU, or GPU can lead to game crashes.

Troubleshooting Steps to Fix DBD Crashes

Here’s a breakdown of troubleshooting steps, progressing from the easiest solutions to more complex ones.

1. Verify System Requirements

Ensure your computer meets the minimum and recommended specifications for Dead by Daylight. These specifications are readily available on the Steam store page for the game or on the official Dead by Daylight website. Pay close attention to the following:

  • Operating System: Windows 10 64-bit is generally recommended.
  • Processor: Check if your CPU meets the minimum requirements (e.g., Intel Core i3-4170 or AMD FX-8120).
  • Memory: Ensure you have enough RAM (typically 8 GB or more).
  • Graphics Card: Verify your GPU meets the minimum requirements (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or AMD HD 6850).
  • DirectX: Make sure you have the latest version of DirectX installed.
  • Storage: Ensure you have enough free space on your hard drive or SSD.

If your system barely meets the minimum requirements, consider upgrading your hardware for a smoother experience.

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a frequent cause of game crashes. Updating them is a crucial step.

  • NVIDIA: Go to the NVIDIA website or use the GeForce Experience application to download and install the latest drivers.
  • AMD: Visit the AMD website or use the AMD Radeon Software to update your drivers.
  • Intel: If you have an Intel integrated GPU, download the latest drivers from the Intel website.

After updating, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

3. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted game files can lead to crashes. Steam has a built-in tool to verify and repair game files.

  1. Open Steam.
  2. Go to your Library.
  3. Right-click on Dead by Daylight.
  4. Select Properties.
  5. Click on the Local Files tab.
  6. Click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.

Steam will check for and replace any corrupted or missing files. This process may take some time.

4. Close Background Applications

Conflicting software can interfere with Dead by Daylight. Close unnecessary applications running in the background.

  • Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and close any programs that are consuming significant resources, especially those you don’t need while gaming. Examples include resource intensive programs, multiple browser windows, or other games.

5. Adjust Graphics Settings

Lowering your in-game graphics settings can reduce the load on your system and prevent crashes.

  • Resolution: Reduce the game’s resolution.
  • Graphics Quality: Lower the overall graphics quality (e.g., from Ultra to High, Medium, or Low).
  • Shadows: Disable or reduce shadow quality.
  • Anti-Aliasing: Turn off or lower anti-aliasing.
  • V-Sync: Experiment with turning V-Sync on or off.

Apply these changes and see if the crashes persist.

6. Check for Overheating

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

  • Monitoring Software: Use monitoring software like MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or Core Temp to check your temperatures.
  • Acceptable Temperatures: Keep your CPU and GPU temperatures within acceptable ranges (usually below 80-90°C under load).

If you notice high temperatures, consider the following:

  • Clean your computer: Remove dust from your fans and heatsinks.
  • Improve airflow: Ensure proper ventilation in your case.
  • Reapply thermal paste: Consider reapplying thermal paste to your CPU and GPU.
  • Upgrade cooling: Invest in a better CPU cooler or GPU cooler.

7. Update Windows

Ensure your Windows operating system is up to date. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements.

  • Windows Update: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.

8. Reinstall Dead by Daylight

If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the game. This will ensure that you have a fresh installation without any corrupted files.

  1. Uninstall Dead by Daylight through Steam.
  2. Delete any remaining Dead by Daylight files in your Steam directory.
  3. Reinstall the game from Steam.

9. Contact Dead by Daylight Support

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting steps and the crashes persist, contact Dead by Daylight support for further assistance. They may be able to provide specific solutions based on your system configuration and crash logs.

Conclusion

Dead by Daylight 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 simplest solutions, such as updating drivers and verifying game files, and then move on to more complex steps if necessary. Good luck, and happy hunting (or surviving)!