Experiencing a fatal error while playing Returnal can be frustrating, but worry not! In this guide, we will walk you through some simple steps to help resolve the issue. Remember, these solutions have worked for many gamers, so let's dive in and get your game back on track!
Disable the Steam Overlay
The Steam overlay feature can sometimes interfere with game performance and cause crashes. Disabling it may help resolve the "Fatal Error: Crashed" issue in Returnal. Here are the steps to disable the Steam overlay:
1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
2. Click on the "Steam" tab in the top-left corner of the window.
3. Select "Settings" from the drop-down menu.
4. In the Settings window, click on the "In-Game" tab.
5. Uncheck the box next to "Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game."
6. Click on the "OK" button to save the changes.
Use DirectX 11 for Compatibility
Switching to DirectX 11 can help resolve any compatibility issues that may be causing the "Fatal Error: Crashed" problem in Returnal. Follow these steps to change the graphics API to DirectX 11:
1. Open the Returnal game launcher.
2. Click on "Settings" or "Options" in the menu.
3. Look for the "Graphics" or "Display" settings.
4. Find the option to change the graphics API and select DirectX 11.
5. Save the changes and exit the settings menu.
Deactivate Ray Tracing
Ray Tracing is a graphics feature that enhances realism in games. However, it can also put a strain on your system and potentially cause crashes. Disabling Ray Tracing in Returnal may help improve game stability. Here's how you can do it:
1. Launch Returnal and navigate to the settings menu.
2. Look for the "Graphics" or "Display" options.
3. Find the setting for Ray Tracing and turn it off.
4. Save the changes and exit the settings menu.
Reset GPU Overclocking Settings
Overclocking your GPU can provide a performance boost in games, but it can also lead to instability and crashes. Resetting your GPU overclocking settings to their default values may help resolve the "Fatal Error: Crashed" issue in Returnal. Follow these instructions:
1. Open your GPU control panel (e.g., NVIDIA Control Panel or AMD Radeon Settings).
2. Look for the option to reset your GPU settings or revert to default.
3. Click on the reset button and confirm the action.
4. Exit the GPU control panel.
Lower Graphics Settings
If your GPU is struggling to handle the graphics settings in Returnal, lowering them can help alleviate the strain and prevent crashes. Here are some tips for adjusting the graphics settings:
1. Launch Returnal and go to the settings menu.
2. Look for the "Graphics" or "Display" options.
3. Begin by lowering the overall graphics quality or preset.
4. If the crashes persist, start reducing individual settings such as resolution, texture quality, shadows, and effects.
5. Test the game after each adjustment to see if the crashes are resolved.
Sync FPS with Monitor Refresh Rate
When the frame rate of a game is not synchronized with the refresh rate of your monitor, it can cause screen tearing and potentially lead to crashes. Syncing the FPS with the monitor refresh rate can help prevent these issues. Follow these steps:
1. Open Returnal and access the settings menu.
2. Look for the "Graphics" or "Display" options.
3. Enable V-Sync (Vertical Sync) or Adaptive Sync/G-Sync, depending on your monitor capabilities.
4. Save the changes and exit the settings menu.
Move Game to SSD
The speed of your storage device can impact game performance. Moving Returnal to a solid-state drive (SSD) can significantly improve read/write speeds and reduce potential crashes. Here's how you can transfer the game files to an SSD:
1. Close Returnal and exit the game launcher.
2. Locate the installation folder of Returnal on your current storage device.
3. Copy the entire folder and paste it in the desired location on your SSD.
4. Open the Returnal game launcher and check if the game is now running from the SSD.
Verify Game Files
File corruption can sometimes be the cause of the "Fatal Error: Crashed" issue. Verifying the game files in Returnal can help identify and fix any corrupted files. Follow these steps:
1. Open the game launcher for Returnal.
2. Navigate to the game's properties or settings.
3. Look for an option to verify the integrity or integrity check of game files.
4. Initiate the verification process and wait for it to complete.
Following these friendly guidelines should help you resolve the "Fatal Error: Crashed" issue in Returnal. Remember, many gamers have found success with these solutions, so don't lose hope! However, if the problem persists, you might consider reinstalling the game or keeping an eye out for updates from the developers. Some Reddit users have also suggested waiting for an update from the developers to address this issue. Happy gaming!