How To Fix Returnal That Keeps Crashing On PC (Steam)

Returnal is a popular third-person shooter video game developed by Housemarque and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. While the game has received critical acclaim for its unique gameplay and impressive graphics, many PC and Steam users have reported experiencing crashes while playing the game. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the possible causes for Returnal crashing on PC and Steam and provide troubleshooting procedures to help fix the issue.

Possible Causes

Some players have reported experiencing crashes while playing the game on PC and Steam, which can be frustrating and disrupt the overall gaming experience. If you are one of these players, there are several potential causes of the issue that you should be aware of. 

In this article, we will delve into some of the most common causes on why Returnal keeps crashing and provide you with troubleshooting procedures to help you fix the problem.

Here are the possible causes:

• Incompatible hardware: Returnal requires a powerful PC to run smoothly. If your computer’s hardware is not compatible with the game’s requirements, it can cause the game to crash.
• Outdated drivers: If your computer’s drivers are outdated, it can cause compatibility issues with the game, resulting in crashes.
• Corrupted game files: If the game files have been corrupted or damaged, it can cause the game to crash.
• Overheating: Playing games for long periods can cause your computer to overheat, which can result in the game crashing.
• Graphics settings: The graphics settings on your PC may be set too high, causing the game to crash.

Troubleshooting Procedures

If you are experiencing crashes while playing Returnal on PC or Steam, there are several troubleshooting procedures that you can follow to fix the issue. In this section, we will outline some of the most effective troubleshooting procedures that can help you get back to playing the game without any interruptions.

Check for hardware compatibility

Checking for hardware compatibility is necessary because Returnal is a demanding game that requires a powerful computer to run smoothly. If your computer’s hardware is not compatible with the game’s requirements, it can cause the game to crash.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to check for hardware compatibility to run Returnal:

1. Visit the official Returnal system requirements page on the game’s website or Steam store page.
2. Compare the game’s minimum and recommended requirements with your computer’s hardware specifications, including your CPU, graphics card, and RAM.
3. If your computer meets or exceeds the minimum requirements, you should be able to run the game. However, if it falls short of the requirements, you may need to upgrade your hardware or consider playing the game on a different platform.
4. If you are unsure about your computer’s hardware specifications, you can check them by accessing your computer’s system information. On Windows, press the Windows key + R, type “dxdiag” in the Run dialog box, and press Enter. On macOS, click the Apple menu and select “About This Mac.”

By following these steps, you can check your computer’s hardware compatibility with Returnal and determine whether you need to upgrade your hardware or play the game on a different platform.

Update drivers on your PC

Updating drivers is important because outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues with Returnal and lead to crashes. Graphics card drivers, in particular, are critical for running graphics-intensive games like Returnal smoothly.

Updating drivers is a straightforward process that can be done in a few simple steps. By updating your drivers, you can ensure that your computer’s hardware is up-to-date and compatible with the game, reducing the likelihood of crashes while playing.

Here’s how to update your drivers:

1. Determine the make and model of your graphics card by accessing the Device Manager on Windows or the System Information on macOS.
2. Visit the website of your graphics card manufacturer and download the latest driver for your graphics card model.
3. Install the driver software by following the on-screen instructions.
4. Restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

By following these steps, you can update your graphics card driver and ensure that your computer is up-to-date and compatible with Returnal.

Verify game files

Verifying game files is important because it can help identify and fix corrupted or missing files that may be causing Returnal to crash. If there are issues with the game’s files, it can lead to crashes and other issues while playing.

To verify game files on Steam, follow these steps:

1. Open Steam and navigate to your library.
2. Right-click on Returnal and select “Properties.”
3. Click on the “Local Files” tab and select “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
4. Steam will then verify the game files and download any missing or corrupted files.
5. Once the process is complete, restart Steam and try launching the game again.

By following these steps, you can verify the integrity of the game files and ensure that any missing or corrupted files are replaced. This can help fix any issues that may be causing Returnal to crash.

Monitor temperature

Monitoring temperature is important because overheating can cause hardware damage and lead to crashes while playing Returnal. Graphics-intensive games like Returnal can put a significant strain on your computer’s hardware, which can cause it to heat up quickly.

To monitor your computer’s temperature, you can use third-party software like MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or Core Temp. These programs allow you to monitor your computer’s temperature in real-time and adjust the fan speed to prevent overheating.

Here’s how to monitor your computer’s temperature:

1. Download and install a temperature monitoring software of your choice.
2. Launch the software and select the temperature sensor for your graphics card.
3. Monitor the temperature while playing Returnal and ensure that it stays within safe limits.
4. If the temperature starts to rise, consider adjusting the fan speed to cool down your computer.

By following these steps, you can monitor your computer’s temperature while playing Returnal and prevent overheating that can cause crashes and hardware damage.

Adjust graphics settings

Adjusting graphics settings is important because it can help improve game performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes. If the graphics settings are set too high for your computer’s hardware, it can cause the game to lag, freeze or crash.

Here’s how to adjust the graphics settings in Returnal:

1. Launch the game and select “Options” from the main menu.
2. Select “Graphics” and review the available options.
3. Set the resolution to match your screen’s native resolution.
4. Adjust the graphics quality to a level that your computer can handle. Start with the lowest settings and gradually increase until you find a level that provides a good balance between performance and visual quality.
5. You can also adjust other settings like VSync, anti-aliasing, and texture quality to further optimize the game’s performance.
6. Once you have adjusted the settings, click “Apply” and restart the game.

By following these steps, you can adjust the graphics settings in Returnal to ensure that the game runs smoothly and does not crash due to excessive hardware strain.

The Bottom Line

Returnal crashing on PC can be frustrating, but there are several possible causes and troubleshooting procedures that can help resolve the issue. By checking for hardware compatibility, updating drivers, verifying game files, monitoring temperature, and adjusting graphics settings, you can optimize your computer’s performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes while playing the game.

It’s essential to keep in mind that different systems may require different solutions, and some of these procedures may not solve the problem entirely. If you have exhausted all of the troubleshooting procedures and are still experiencing issues, it may be best to seek help from the game’s developer or support team. With patience and persistence, you can get back to enjoying Returnal on PC and Steam without worrying about crashes.

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