What can I do if Avowed is crashing for me?
If you are experiencing crashes with Avowed, please try the following things:
- Verify your PC Specs
- Update Graphics Card Drivers
- Verify the integrity of the files
- Check for Operating System Updates
- Check for Overheating
- Do you have a 13th or 14th generation Intel CPU?
- Disable Certain Graphical Features
1. Verify Your PC Specs
First, let’s verify your system meets the game’s minimum requirements. If your hardware falls below these standards, you may experience sluggish performance or more severe issues while playing.
If your hardware meets or exceeds our system requirements, let’s continue to the next suggestions.
2. Update Graphics Card Drivers
If your system meets the game’s minimum requirements, we recommend updating your graphics card drivers to the latest version.
If you’re still experiencing issues that may be graphics-related, try updating your drivers again, this time using the “clean install” option (if available, depending on the manufacturer). This ensures old driver files are removed, preventing potential conflicts.
Finally, restart your PC after installing new drivers before starting the game again.
3. Verify File Integrity
On rare occasion, files can get corrupted or become missing during or after the installation process which can cause issues like crashes. Each of the platforms the game is supported on allows you to verify your game files to make sure everything is there and working as expected.
Battle.net
Steam
Xbox
- Open the Xbox app for Windows
- In My Library, select the game
- Click the more options ( ⋯ ) button
- Click Manage > Files tab > Check for updates
- If no updates are found or available, click Verify and Repair to repair the game. Then try to launch it again.
4. Check for Operating System Updates
Let’s verify you’re running the latest Windows Updates.
How to Install Windows Updates on Windows 11
How to Install Windows Updates on Windows 10
If any updates are installed, please be sure to restart your PC before starting the game again.
5. Check for Overheating
Random crashes and unexpected behavior can occur if your PC components, especially your CPU or graphics card, overheat.
Check for Overclocking
Are you overclocking your PC? Overclocking can push components beyond their limits, leading to instability. Try disabling overclocking while playing the game using system tools like MSI Afterburner, Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, AMD EXPO, or AMD Ryzen Master. If you’re unsure whether your system is overclocked, check the software that came with your motherboard or PC.
Ensure Proper Airflow
Is your PC getting enough airflow? Ensure that fans have unobstructed intake and exhaust areas, typically along the back, side, or top of the case. Even slightly repositioning your PC can improve ventilation and cooling performance, reducing the risk of crashes.
Check for Dust and Debris
Do you have pets or smoke near your PC? Has it been a while since you cleaned it? Over time, dust, pet hair, and debris can clog fans and heatsinks, leading to overheating and reducing system stability.
Cleaning your PC, especially the fans, vents, and filters, can improve cooling efficiency and lead to better stability.
6. Do you have a 13th or 14th generation Intel CPU?
If you’re using a 13th or 14th generation Intel CPU, ensure your BIOS is up to date to help prevent system stability issues while playing.
For Prebuilt Gaming PCs (Alienware, Lenovo, MSI, etc.)
Check your manufacturer’s support site or use their system update tools (e.g., Alienware Update) to install the latest BIOS.
For Custom-Built PCs
Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest BIOS for your specific model or motherboard.
⚠️ Why This Matters: An outdated BIOS can cause crashes and instability, especially on these CPUs.
Advanced Users: Verify that your BIOS includes the Intel microcode version 0x12B or later. This information is usually available in your system or motherboard manufacturer’s support articles.
How do I know what CPU I have?
- Select Start > Settings > About your PC.
- Under the Device specifications section, look at Processor.
If you have a processor that starts with "13th Gen Intel" or "14th Gen Intel", please update your BIOS to the latest version.
How you can test your CPU
You can test your Intel CPU to make sure everything is running well by downloading and installing the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool. If you have any issues with your PC while running this tool, you may need to request service from your manufacturer.
7. Disable Certain Graphical Features
Disabling the following graphics features may help with stability and/or performance if you are experiencing issues:
Disable Ray Tracing
If you're not able to start the game:
- Add
-noraytracing
to your startup parameters when running the game.
If you are able to start the game, disable ray tracing in the Settings.
- Run the game and open Settings. Under the Graphics tab, toggle Ray Tracing to Off. Apply changes, exit the game, and restart to see if things improve.
Disable Upscaling
Run the game and open Settings. Under the Graphics tab, switch Upscaling to Off. Apply changes, exit the game, and restart to see if things improve.
Disable NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency
Run the game and open Settings. Under the Graphics tab, switch NVIDIA Reflex Low Latency to Off. Apply changes, exit the game, and restart to see if things improve.
Still having problems?
- Visit the Avowed forums and Obsidian Discord for support from other community members
- Visit the Avowed Known Issues page for more up-to-date information