How to Prevent Helldivers 2 from Crashing on Your PC

Crashes in Helldivers 2 can result from various issues such as interference from Steam controller input, the blocking of GameGuard anti-cheat software by your security program, corrupt user configuration files, outdated graphics drivers, and other factors.

Such issues can cause the game to crash at random moments, creating a less than ideal gaming experience. Below, we’ll outline several solutions you can attempt to eliminate these crashes on your computer.

1. Run Steam as an Admin

Giving the Steam client administrative privileges is the first step you should take. Elevated permissions may resolve any potential permission conflicts within your Windows environment that could contribute to the game’s crashing.

1. Completely exit the Steam client.
2. Open the Start Menu and search for Steam.
3. Right-click on Steam and select Run as administrator.

   

4. Confirm your action in the User Account Control prompt.
5. Launch the game to test for crashes.

2. Disable Steam Controller Input

Steam’s controller input feature allows the use of a controller with any Steam game, but it can lead to crashes due to conflicts or inconsistencies. Disabling this feature might solve the problem:

1. Open your Steam client.
2. Navigate to the Library section, right-click on Helldivers 2, and select Properties.

   

3. In the Controller tab, choose to Disable Steam Input.

   

3. Run Helldivers 2 in Compatibility Mode

Running Helldivers 2 in compatibility mode can address issues on older hardware by deactivating certain more recent features:

1. Launch the Steam client.
2. In the Library, right-click Helldivers 2 and navigate to Manage > Browse local files.

   

3. Locate the helldivers2.exe file within the bin folder, right-click it, and navigate to the Compatibility tab.
4. Select the Run this program in compatibility mode for option, choose an operating system, then click Apply and OK.
5. Test the game for crashes.

4. Reinstall GameGuard

Helldivers 2 utilizes the nProtect GameGuard anti-cheat software, which, if malfunctioning, may be the cause of your game crashing.

1. Within the Steam client in the Library, right-click Helldivers 2 and choose Manage > Browse local files once more.

   

2. In the bin directory, find and delete the GameGuard folder.
3. Right-click the helldivers2.exe and select Run as administrator. This will prompt Steam to re-download GameGuard.

   

4. Launch the game to see if the crashes persist.

5. Delete Corrupted User Config

A corrupted local config file can cause crashes as it’s loaded at the game’s startup. Deleting the damaged file will force the game to recreate a fresh one, albeit at the expense of resetting your user settings:

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Win key + R and input %appdata%, then hit Enter.

   

2. Find your way to the Arrowhead > Helldivers 2 directory.

   

3. Eradicate the user-settings.config file or move it to a different location. This action will trigger the game to generate a new config file.
4. Test the game for further crashes.

6. Whitelist Helldivers 2

Security software might block game files, leading to crashes, especially concerning the anti-cheat GameGuard program. To mitigate this, whitelist Helldivers 2 and its components in your antivirus software. After adding the exemptions, observe if the crashes continue.

Each antivirus have a different exception process, but you can check our detailed guide on “How to add exceptions in Avast antivirus?“.

7. Update AMD Chipset Driver (if applicable)

Outdated chipset drivers can cause compatibility issues that may lead to crashes. To avoid this, update your chipset driver following these steps:

1. Download the latest chipset drivers for your system from the official AMD website.

   

2. Execute the downloaded chipset driver installer and allow it to complete its task.
3. Subsequently, your computer will restart. Determine if this rectifies the crashing issue with Helldivers 2.

8. Repair Helldivers 2 Game Files

Damaged or missing game files could also be the reason for crashes. To ensure that the game files are in good order, make use of the “verify integrity of game files” feature on Steam.

1. Access the Library section of your Steam client.
2. Right-click Helldivers 2, then select Properties.

   

3. Head to the Local Files tab and click on the Verify integrity of game files… button.

   

4. Wait until the verification process is done, and afterward check if the game still experiences crashes.

9. Update Graphics Drivers

Out-of-date graphics drivers can be another cause behind frequent crashes in Helldivers 2. Updating these drivers could provide needed fixes for issues encountered with newer games.

1. Initially, download the Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) tool from its official website and extract it to your computer.
2. Open the Display Driver Uninstaller.exe file, then click Continue on the Options screen.

   

3. Select GPU from the Select device type menu.

   

4. Pick your graphics card’s brand from the Select device dropdown.

   

5. Proceed with the Clean and restart option.

   

6. After your computer restarts, go to the graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your card.
7. Install the newly downloaded drivers and check if Helldivers 2 crashes have been resolved.

10. Update BIOS

BIOS updates are essential for the seamless operation of your system and can enhance stability, potentially reducing game crashes.

1. Press Win key + R, type in msinfo32, and press Enter to access system information.

   

2. Note the BaseBoard Manufacturer and BaseBoard Product to determine your motherboard’s make and model.

   

Using these details, visit the support page for your motherboard and download the most recent BIOS version. You can find instructions for updating your BIOS on your motherboard manufacturer’s website.

11. Remove Overclocking

Last but not least, should none of the previous solutions work, consider removing any overclock settings applied to your hardware. This includes memory profiles such as XMP/DOCP in BIOS and any CPU overclocks like Precision Boost Overdrive for AMD processors.

These overclock settings might cause system instability, leading to game crashes. Check if deactivating the overclock resolves the issue.

The methods listed above should significantly reduce the likelihood of Helldivers 2 crashes. If you continue to face problems, it’s advisable to contact the Helldivers 2 support team for further assistance.