Causes of Crashes and Freezing
Phasmophobia, an award-winning investigative horror game, encounters issues with crashing or freezing on Windows PCs due to various reasons:
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Unupdated Windows OS
- Damaged game files
- Excessive in-game graphics settings
- Overclocked CPU or GPU
- In-game overlay features
- Software conflicts
- Fullscreen optimizations
Troubleshooting Solutions
1. Update Graphics Drivers and Windows OS
Ensure that both your graphics drivers and Windows OS are updated to their latest versions. This can be done through the Windows Update or device manager.
2. Verify Game File Integrity
Damaged game files can lead to crashes. Use the Steam game launcher’s “Verify the Integrity of Game Files” feature to repair corrupted files.
3. Lower In-Game Graphics Settings
Excessive graphics settings can strain your system, causing crashes. Adjust the in-game graphics options to lower settings.
4. Disable Overclocking
Overclocking can destabilize your system, leading to game crashes. Disable any overclocked components (CPU/GPU).
5. Launch Phasmophobia with DirectX 10
Try launching the game with DirectX 10 by adding “-force-feature-level-10-1” in the Steam launch options.
6. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations
Fullscreen optimizations can interfere with game performance. Disable this option for Phasmophobia in its executable’s properties.
7. Opt for Phasmophobia Beta Version
The beta version may contain fixes for crashing issues. Try opting into the beta version in Steam’s Properties menu.
8. Close Overlay Apps
In-game overlay apps can cause conflicts. Disable overlay features in Steam, Discord, or Nvidia GeForce Experience.
9. Allow Phasmophobia through Firewall
Firewall and antivirus software may block Phasmophobia. Add an exception for the game in your security settings.
10. Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot State
Third-party software conflicts can cause crashes. Perform a clean boot to start Windows with only essential services and drivers.
Additional Considerations
Why are my games crashing and freezing?
Game crashes can be caused by corrupted game files, insufficient access permissions, outdated graphics drivers, or hardware limitations.
What to do if a game keeps crashing on PC?
Update drivers, verify game file integrity, disable overclocking, close overlay apps, and troubleshoot in a clean boot state. Firewall or antivirus interference may also be a factor.
FAQ
Why is Phasmophobia crashing or freezing on my PC?
Phasmophobia may crash or freeze due to outdated drivers, corrupted game files, excessive graphics settings, overclocking, software conflicts, or firewall interference.
How do I fix Phasmophobia crashes and freezing?
Update your graphics drivers and Windows OS, verify the integrity of game files, lower in-game graphics settings, disable overclocking, launch the game with DirectX 10, disable fullscreen optimizations, opt for the Phasmophobia beta version, close overlay apps, allow the game through your firewall, or troubleshoot in a clean boot state.
What are some common causes of game crashes in general?
Game crashes can be caused by corrupted game files, insufficient access permissions, outdated graphics drivers, hardware limitations, or software conflicts.
What should I do if a game keeps crashing on my PC?
If a game keeps crashing, try updating drivers, verifying game file integrity, disabling overclocking, closing overlay apps, and troubleshooting in a clean boot state. Firewall or antivirus interference may also be a factor.
How can I prevent Phasmophobia from crashing or freezing in the future?
Keep your graphics drivers and Windows OS updated, avoid overclocking, close unnecessary software while playing, and ensure that your PC meets the minimum system requirements for the game.