Crash help
Star Citizen crash fix checklist
Use this when the game closes, freezes, or crashes to desktop and you want the safest fix order first. Rule out storage, drivers, overlays, and bad stability variables before you start guessing.
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Quick answer
What usually fixes it
Crash fixes work best in a clean order: remove the common causes first, then retest in the same situation. Most people waste time because they stack random tweaks before they rule out the obvious.
- If the crash disappears after one change, stop there and play before changing three more things.
- Crash fixes work best in a clean order: remove the common causes first (storage, drivers, overlays), then retest.
- Don’t apply 20 tweaks. Do 3–5 high-confidence steps and verify.
- This checklist avoids patch-specific advice and focuses on repeatable stability wins.
Try these first
- Ensure SSD + free space (low space can trigger corruption and instability).
- Update GPU drivers and reboot once.
- Disable overlays (Discord, GPU overlay, capture tools) for a test session.
- Verify game files via launcher if crashes persist.
- Retest in the same scenario for 10–15 minutes.
Crash-fix mistakes to avoid
| Mistake | What happens | Fix (exact) |
|---|---|---|
| Changing too many variables | You never learn what fixed it. | Change 1 cluster, retest, then continue. |
| Running with unstable background apps | Overlays/hooks can crash games. | Disable overlays for stability tests. |
| Assuming crashes are ‘normal’ forever | You stop troubleshooting too early. | Run the safe checklist and retest. |
FAQ
Do crashes mean my PC can’t run it?
Not necessarily. Many crashes are fixable with storage/driver/overlay checks.
Should I reinstall immediately?
Usually no. Try verify files + storage/driver steps first.
Are overlays really a problem?
They can be. Disable them as a quick test.
What if it only crashes in one place?
Retest another scene; if it persists, continue the checklist.
Where’s the broader performance baseline?
Use the full performance guide to stabilize FPS and stutter too.