Helldivers 2, the sequel to the cult classic cooperative shooter, has arrived. While the game promises an even more explosive experience, some players are facing a frustrating hurdle: crashes.
Whether it’s during launch, gameplay, or seemingly at random, these crashes can disrupt the flow and enjoyment of the game.
Fear not, fellow Helldivers! This guide provides a comprehensive toolkit to combat these crashes and get you back in the thick of the action. We’ll explore various solutions, from basic troubleshooting to advanced fixes, to help you achieve a stable and crash-free experience.
Helldivers 2 Basic Troubleshooting
Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s address some common issues that might be causing your game to crash. These steps are quick and easy to perform and can often resolve the problem without needing further intervention.
- Restart your computer: A simple restart can clear temporary glitches and conflicts that might be interfering with the game.
- Run Helldivers 2 as administrator: This grants the game the necessary permissions to run smoothly. Right-click on the Helldivers 2 executable file, select “Properties,” go to the “Compatibility” tab, and check the “Run this program as an administrator” box.
- Verify the integrity of game files: Steam can sometimes download corrupted files during updates. To ensure everything is in order, right-click on Helldivers 2 in your Steam library, select “Properties,” go to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files.” Steam will automatically download and replace any missing or corrupted files.
Advanced Solutions: For Persistent Crashes
If the basic steps didn’t resolve the issue, here are some advanced solutions to try:
- Update your graphics drivers: Outdated graphics drivers can lead to compatibility issues and crashes. Visit your graphics card manufacturer’s website (Nvidia, AMD, or Intel) and download the latest drivers for your specific card.
- Configure your antivirus and firewall: Sometimes, antivirus and firewall software can mistakenly flag Helldivers 2 as a threat and block it. Add Helldivers 2 to the exception list in your security software settings.
- Disable third-party overlays: Overlays from software like Discord, GeForce Experience, or MSI Afterburner can sometimes conflict with the game and cause crashes. Try disabling these overlays before launching Helldivers 2.
- Repair Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables: Corrupted C++ files can lead to various crashes. Download and install (or repair) the latest versions of both x86 and x64 versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables from the official Microsoft website.
- Reset the GameGuard folder: Some players have reported success, by resetting the GameGuard folder, which can sometimes contain corrupted files. Navigate to your Helldivers 2 installation directory, locate the “GameGuard” folder, and delete it. Run the game again, and it will automatically re-download and reinstall GameGuard.
Important Note: Before attempting any advanced solutions, it’s recommended to create a backup of your saved files located in the game’s directory.
Resolve Planet Selection Crashes
After a recent update on February 17th, some players encountered crashes when selecting a planet within Helldivers 2. While there isn’t a singular solution, there are several methods to try:
- Restart the Game: Try logging off and on Steam before restarting the game.
- Disable Crossplay: In the gameplay settings of Helldivers 2, try disabling the crossplay option.
- Turn off Steam Overlay: Steam overlay might also contribute to the issue, so disabling it could help mitigate crashes.
Additional Tips
- Lower in-game graphics settings: If your system struggles to handle the game’s visuals, try lowering graphics settings like resolution, texture quality, and anti-aliasing. This can reduce the strain on your hardware and potentially prevent crashes.
- Check for system requirements: Ensure your system meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for Helldivers 2. If your system falls below the minimum requirements, the game might be inherently unstable.
- Report the issue: If none of the above solutions work, consider reporting the issue to the game’s developers. Provide detailed information about the crash, including any error messages you encounter, your system specifications, and the steps you’ve already tried. This helps the developers identify and address the issue in future updates.
Conclusion
By following these steps and exploring different solutions, you should be able to tackle those pesky crashes and return to the strategic chaos of Helldivers 2. Remember, if the issue persists, don’t hesitate to report it to the developers and seek help from the game’s community forums. With a little troubleshooting, you can be back in the fight, dropping bombs and liberating planets with your fellow Helldivers!
Also Read This: Helldivers 2: Tips For Beginners to Surviving the Bugpocalypse
Q&A Section
Q: What are some common causes of crashes in Helldivers 2?
A: There are several possible causes, including outdated graphics drivers, conflicts with antivirus software, corrupted game files, and issues with the GameGuard anti-cheat system.
Q: I’m experiencing crashes only during specific missions/maps. What can I do?
A: This could be caused by temporary server issues or map-specific bugs. Try restarting your game and joining a different mission. If the issue persists, report it to the developers through the official channels.
Q: My game crashes when I try to join online multiplayer. How do I fix it?
A: Verify your internet connection is stable. Check for server outages on the official game website or forums. Ensure you’re using the correct ports for online play (consult the game documentation).
Q: Are there any specific hardware/software requirements to avoid crashes?
A: Ensure your system meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for Helldivers 2, as listed on the game’s store page or official website.
Q: Should I report crashes to the developers even if I find a solution myself?
A: Yes! Reporting crashes, even if you find a fix, helps developers identify and address widespread issues for a smoother experience for everyone.