10 Ways to Troubleshoot Red Dead Redemption 2 Crashes on PC

If Red Dead Redemption 2 keeps crashing on PC, start with your graphics driver, Rockstar Games Launcher, and Windows updates, then use the fix that matches the exact error message. Try one change at a time and relaunch the game to check the result; Rockstar’s guidance covers common launch and crash issues, not a guaranteed fix for every PC.

Start with the error message

Different errors call for different checks. Note whether the game shows ERR_GFX_STATE, Red Dead Redemption 2 Exited Unexpectedly, or Unknown error FFFFFFFF. If there is no named error, or the game crashes during play, begin with the general software and driver checks below. Rockstar’s support articles do not identify one cause that explains every mid-session crash.

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Make one change, then relaunch before trying the next. That makes it easier to tell whether a step helped and to report useful details if you contact support.

10 troubleshooting actions to try

1. Update your graphics driver

Identify your graphics card and download its matching driver from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. Rockstar says outdated graphics drivers are the most common cause of the specific “Exited Unexpectedly” launch error; that statement does not establish the cause of other crashes. Driver versions change, so use the manufacturer’s current download rather than relying on an old version number. Rockstar’s general launch and crash guidance and its Exited Unexpectedly guidance.

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2. If you have an AMD graphics card, follow Rockstar’s cleanup guidance

This is an AMD-specific option, not a routine step for every PC. Rockstar’s general troubleshooting article points AMD users to the AMD Cleanup Utility, followed by installing an updated graphics driver. Follow AMD’s instructions for the utility and obtain the replacement driver from AMD. See Rockstar’s AMD driver guidance.

3. Let the Rockstar Games Launcher update

Exit Red Dead Redemption 2 and other Rockstar games, then quit the launcher completely, including its taskbar notification-area icon. Reopen it and allow any available update to install before starting the game. Rockstar’s launcher troubleshooting steps.

4. Install available Windows updates

Open Windows Update in Settings and check for available updates. The precise menu labels can vary by Windows version, so use Settings’ Windows Update destination rather than expecting identical screens on every PC. Restart if Windows requests it, then test the game again. Rockstar’s general troubleshooting article.

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5. Briefly test whether antivirus is interfering

Rockstar recommends temporarily disabling antivirus as a diagnostic test. Keep the test brief: restore protection afterward, and do not leave antivirus disabled as a workaround. For product-specific steps, use the antivirus vendor’s instructions. If you are not comfortable temporarily changing protection, skip this test. Rockstar’s antivirus guidance.

6. Reset the Rockstar Launcher’s local profile if other checks fail

Rockstar’s general troubleshooting steps include deleting the launcher’s local profile. You will need to sign in again afterward; Rockstar says this does not delete your Rockstar account or saved games. Use the profile-reset instructions in Rockstar’s support article rather than deleting unrelated game or account files.

7. For ERR_GFX_STATE, switch from Vulkan to DirectX 12

Rockstar documents changing the Graphics API in the game’s Advanced Settings. Unlock Advanced Settings if necessary, select DirectX 12 instead of Vulkan, and save. If prompted to restart immediately, decline; return to the main menu, exit the game, and relaunch it so the change takes effect. Rockstar’s ERR_GFX_STATE instructions.

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8. For FFFFFFFF, test the other API and clear shader-cache files

This is an error-specific diagnostic. In Documents/Rockstar Games/Red Dead Redemption 2/Settings/system.xml, change the graphics API from Vulkan to DirectX 12, following Rockstar’s directions for editing the file. In that same Settings folder, delete files whose names begin with sga_, if present. Change only the cited setting; avoid editing other values in the file. Rockstar’s FFFFFFFF troubleshooting steps.

9. For documented launch errors, disable fullscreen optimization and run as administrator

Rockstar lists these checks for ERR_GFX_STATE and “Exited Unexpectedly.” The navigation differs depending on whether you launch through Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, or Epic Games Store. Use the storefront-specific instructions in the relevant ERR_GFX_STATE article or Exited Unexpectedly article; do not assume this setting is necessary for every crash.

10. For FFFFFFFF, connect existing headphones or speakers after the game boots

Rockstar includes external audio devices among the possible factors for this error and suggests connecting headphones or speakers after booting the game. Try an audio device you already own; the guidance is not a reason to purchase new equipment. Rockstar’s FFFFFFFF article.

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Check whether your PC meets Rockstar’s listed requirements

Before considering a hardware upgrade, compare your system with Rockstar’s published requirements. Rockstar’s requirements page was last updated April 30, 2024. These figures are the official listed baseline, not a promise that a PC meeting them will be free of crashes; Rockstar also notes that downloadable content and programming changes can affect requirements and that unlisted specifications may not be supported. Rockstar’s PC system requirements.

If your system falls below a listed minimum, investigate that specific shortfall before deciding whether an upgrade is warranted. Rockstar’s troubleshooting guidance does not identify a particular product as a general crash fix.

If the crashes continue, contact Rockstar Support

Submit a support request through Rockstar Support and include the exact error text, whether you use Rockstar Games Launcher, Steam, or Epic Games Store, your graphics card model and driver version, your Windows version, and the steps you have already tried. These details help describe the problem; a support request is not a guarantee of a fix. Use the support links in the relevant general troubleshooting, ERR_GFX_STATE, Exited Unexpectedly, or FFFFFFF article.

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