Fixes When Civilization 6 Crashing

2 min read 09-12-2024

Civilization VI, a sprawling and complex strategy game, can unfortunately be prone to crashing. Frustrating as this is, several solutions can often resolve the issue. Before diving into troubleshooting, it's crucial to note the context of the crash – does it happen consistently at a specific point in the game, or is it random? Does a specific error message appear? This information is invaluable in pinpointing the problem.

Common Causes and Solutions

Here's a breakdown of frequent causes for Civilization VI crashes and how to address them:

1. Outdated Drivers

Outdated graphics drivers are a major culprit. Ensuring your graphics card drivers are up-to-date is paramount for optimal game performance and stability. Visit the websites of NVIDIA or AMD (depending on your graphics card) to download and install the latest drivers for your specific model.

2. Overclocking Issues

If you've overclocked your CPU or GPU, reverting to default clock speeds might resolve crashes. Overclocking pushes your hardware beyond its factory settings, potentially causing instability. Try running the game with default clock speeds to see if the crashes cease.

3. Mod Conflicts

Mods, while enhancing the Civilization VI experience, can also be a source of crashes. If you're using any mods, try disabling them temporarily to see if that resolves the problem. If the game runs smoothly without mods, gradually re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit.

4. Insufficient RAM

Insufficient RAM (Random Access Memory) can lead to crashes, especially in a game as demanding as Civilization VI. Check your system's RAM usage while playing the game using Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS). If RAM usage is consistently high (close to capacity), consider upgrading your system's RAM.

5. Corrupted Game Files

Corrupted game files are another potential reason. Verifying the integrity of the game files through your game client (Steam, Epic Games Store, etc.) can often resolve this. Most platforms offer a built-in function to do this; check your game's settings or support pages for instructions.

6. Background Processes

Resource-intensive background processes can compete for system resources, potentially causing crashes. Close unnecessary applications and programs running in the background before launching Civilization VI.

7. DirectX Issues

Problems with DirectX can also cause crashes. Ensure your DirectX version is up-to-date. You can usually check your DirectX version through the DirectX Diagnostic Tool (run dxdiag in the Windows search bar).

8. Hardware Problems

In some cases, the crash might stem from underlying hardware problems. If you've tried all the above solutions and the crashes persist, consider checking your system's hardware for any potential issues.

Taking Action

If you've exhausted these solutions and Civilization VI continues to crash, consider these steps:

Search for Specific Error Messages: If you receive an error message when the game crashes, search online for solutions related to that specific message.
Contact Support: Reach out to the game's developers or your platform's support for assistance.
Reinstall the Game: As a last resort, reinstalling the game can sometimes resolve issues caused by corrupted files.

By systematically addressing these potential issues, you have a much better chance of resolving your Civilization VI crashing problems and returning to your empire-building endeavors. Remember to restart your computer after making significant changes.