If Civilization VI crashes with “Exception Access Violation,” the error label alone does not identify the cause. Start by checking whether the crash depends on your DirectX launch option, verifying the game files on Steam, and testing without mods if you use them. Change one variable at a time and retest; none of these checks is a guaranteed fix.
What the error tells you—and what it doesn’t
“Exception Access Violation” is the wording players may see when Civilization VI crashes, but the available reports describe different circumstances, including crashes after launch scenes and crashes associated with particular setups. Those accounts are anecdotal; they do not establish one root cause or a universal repair. A graphics driver update, for example, did not resolve the issue in one Microsoft Q&A account.
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Note when the crash happens before changing settings: at startup, after a cinematic, while loading a save, or only with particular mods. That context will help you tell whether a test changed anything.
Compare DirectX 11 and DirectX 12
2K documents different launch flows for Steam and Epic. It does not say that either DirectX mode is universally more stable for this particular crash. Test the available alternative for your platform and record whether the symptom changes.
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- EXPANSIVE EMPIRES: See the marvels of your empire spread across the map like never before.
- ACTIVE RESEARCH: Unlock boosts that speed your civilization's progress through history.
- DYNAMIC DIPLOMACY: Interactions with other civilizations change over the course of the game.
- COMBINED ARMS: Expanding on the “one unit per tile” design, support units can now be embedded with other units.
| Platform | Documented launch behavior | How to test the other mode |
|---|---|---|
| Steam | 2K says Steam players can select DirectX 11 or DirectX 12 in the launch flow. | Start the game from the Steam client and deliberately select the option you want to test. A Steam desktop shortcut uses the default/top option, so it may not select the alternative you intended. 2K’s launcher guidance describes the platform’s launch options. |
| Epic Games Store | 2K says the Epic version launches with DirectX 11 by default. | To test DirectX 12, add -dx12 in Epic launch options, as described in 2K’s launcher guidance. |
- Record your current platform, launch option, and crash timing.
- Change only the DirectX option using the platform-specific method above.
- Repeat the action that triggered the crash and note whether it still occurs.
- If the result is unclear, return to the original option before testing another variable.
Verify game files on Steam
2K lists file verification among its general Steam troubleshooting steps. It is a reasonable check for damaged or missing files, but 2K’s general guidance does not promise that verification will repair this specific exception.
- In Steam, open your Library.
- Right-click Sid Meier’s Civilization VI and choose Properties.
- Open Installed Files and select Verify integrity of game files.
- Let Steam finish, then launch the game and retest the same scenario. See 2K’s Steam troubleshooting guidance for its general recommendations.
Check whether mods are involved
Some player discussions mention crashes around mods, but those reports do not prove that a mod caused the error. If you use mods, disable them for a test and try to reproduce the same crash with an unmodified setup.
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- The package includes the Sid Meier’s Civilization VI game, six DLC packs*, the Rise and Fall and Gathering Storm expansions, and the full New Frontier Pass content pack.
- Save vs buying DLC packs a la carte. Individual DLC and Expansions may be sold separately. If you already own any Civilization VI standalone content, do not buy this product or you will be double-charged for content.
- Record which mods are enabled and, if relevant, which save or game setup you are testing.
- Disable the mods and try the same action that previously crashed.
- If the crash stops, re-enable mods in a controlled way to see whether a particular mod or combination changes the result.
- If it continues with mods disabled, note that result and move to the next diagnostic check rather than assuming a mod was responsible.
When to examine drivers
A driver update may be one possible variable to check if you have a separate reason to suspect outdated graphics drivers, but the player reports do not establish drivers as the cause of this error. Updating a driver did not fix the issue in one Microsoft Q&A account. If you do update, record the driver version and retest without changing several other settings at the same time.
What to record if the crash continues
Collect the details that distinguish one crash case from another before contacting support or seeking further help. The cited sources do not provide a current 2K escalation workflow specifically for this exception, so check 2K’s support site for the applicable contact route.
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- See the marvels of your empire spread across the map
- Unlock boosts that speed your civilization's progress through history
- Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) Content Description: Drug reference, language, mild violence, suggestive themes
- Supported play modes: TV Mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode
- Platform and storefront: Steam or Epic.
- Operating system and Civilization VI version.
- Selected DirectX launch mode and how you launched the game.
- When the crash occurs and the action that reproduces it.
- Whether mods are active, and the result of testing without them.
- Any crash log or error address shown by the game or system.
- Any recent driver change and its result.
Avoid unsupported fixes and purchases
The error name alone is not evidence that RAM, a graphics card, or another component is failing. The available sources do not justify buying hardware or a repair utility for this crash without separate diagnostic evidence. They also do not verify compatibility-mode changes, disabling security software, registry edits, or downloading replacement DLL files as fixes for this issue. Prefer reversible tests, changing one variable at a time.
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Best Value
- Civilization VI: Rise and Fall introduces eight new civilizations and nine new leaders.
- This content requires the base game Sid Meier’s Civilization VI in order to play.
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