If Baldur’s Gate 3 keeps crashing, start by updating the game and graphics drivers, closing background software, checking the installation, and—on Windows—testing the other graphics API. Then narrow the issue by crash stage, mods, save, and repeatable trigger. The detailed steps below are Larian’s Windows PC guidance; console troubleshooting is different, and none of these checks guarantees a fix.
Start by identifying where and when it crashes
Before changing settings, note whether the crash happens at launch, during gameplay, or while loading or saving. Also check whether it occurs in a new game, only with one save, only while using mods, or only in multiplayer. A repeatable trigger—such as a particular action or scene—can point support toward a specific defect.
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- Record the platform and, on PC, whether you launch through Steam or GOG Galaxy.
- Write down the action immediately before the crash and whether it happens consistently.
- Note whether the session is single-player or multiplayer and whether mods are enabled.
- Change one thing at a time where practical, so you can tell whether the result changed.
Larian’s detailed startup and gameplay crash procedures are for Windows PC. Do not use Windows paths, DirectX/Vulkan instructions, or Windows diagnostic tools as console steps. Larian’s PC launch-crash guide and game-crash guide describe the applicable checks.
Seven troubleshooting steps for Windows PC
1. Update the game and graphics drivers
Install available Baldur’s Gate 3 updates before diagnosing the crash, since a problem may depend on the game version. Check for current graphics drivers as well; Larian recommends keeping them up to date. Its launch guidance also includes checking for Windows updates. These are compatibility checks, not a promise that an update will resolve every crash. See Larian’s launch troubleshooting steps.
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2. Close overlays and nonessential background software
Temporarily close programs that can interact with the game, including antivirus or firewall software, graphics monitoring or tuning overlays, and chat programs. If you use a clean-boot diagnostic, restore your usual startup programs afterward rather than leaving unrelated services disabled. Larian lists background software as a possible source of problems, not a confirmed cause in every case. Larian’s crash guide covers these checks.
3. Compare DirectX 11 and Vulkan
On Windows, BG3 offers DirectX 11 and Vulkan. Larian describes DirectX 11 as the default and recommends switching between the two APIs as a troubleshooting test for launch or gameplay crashes. Try the alternative, then see whether the same crash still occurs. Neither API is universally superior, and changing it is a diagnostic comparison rather than a guaranteed fix. Larian’s launch guide and game-crash guide explain the test.
4. Verify the game files
Use the check provided by the store where you installed the game:
- Steam: select “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”
- GOG Galaxy: select “Verify / Repair.”
This checks for installation problems; it does not identify every possible cause of a crash. Follow the current store interface if its wording or layout differs. Larian’s launch-crash instructions include these checks.
5. Test mod status and check for leftovers
Mods can contribute to crashes, particularly when they are outdated or left behind after a game update or multiplayer change. Larian’s Windows guidance points users to both game-installation and profile locations, including old files and modsettings.lsx. Do not assume a mod is responsible without testing, and preserve your saves before removing or changing a modded setup.
For multiplayer, every player needs the exact same mods at the same versions. A mismatch can make a session behave differently from a solo test. Larian’s crash guide covers mod-related troubleshooting, and its modded multiplayer guidance explains the matching requirement.
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6. For save or loading crashes, investigate cache and saves carefully
If the failure happens while loading or saving, Larian says a corrupt LevelCache file can cause problems. Its save-loading guidance also recommends testing a new game or profile and comparing older saves with a newer one that fails. That can help distinguish a save-specific problem from one affecting a broader profile or installation.
Back up or rename a profile rather than deleting it casually: the profile contains saves and configuration. If one particular save fails while a nearby earlier save works, include both files when contacting support. See Larian’s crash guide and save-loading FAQ.
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7. Reduce graphics load, then escalate with useful evidence
For gameplay crashes, Larian suggests lowering graphics settings and resolution, trying windowed or fake-fullscreen display, and testing a 60 FPS cap if the monitor’s refresh rate is above 60 Hz. Treat these as controlled tests: note the original setting and whether the same trigger still causes a crash. Larian’s game-crash guide lists these options.
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If basic checks do not resolve the problem, describe the trigger and your results to Larian. On Windows, useful materials include DxDiag, gold.log, and crash dumps. Follow Larian’s current instructions for the files relevant to your platform rather than sending Windows diagnostics for a console issue. Bug-report instructions explain how to report a problem, and save-file retrieval instructions cover retrieving saves.
What to do on PS5 or Xbox
PS5: use general game-start troubleshooting
Sony’s guidance for a PS5 game that will not start includes restarting the console, restoring licenses, reinstalling the game, updating system software, and using the relevant Safe Mode cache or database options. This is general PS5 startup advice, not a diagnosis specific to BG3 crashes. See Sony’s game-launch troubleshooting.
Xbox: distinguish crash troubleshooting from save recovery
Larian’s Xbox save-loss guidance says a fix is available and advises enabling cross-saves so the last five saves can be recovered in the situation it describes. Cross-saves are a safeguard for saves, not a remedy for crashes. Larian’s Xbox save guidance explains the recovery advice.
Larian’s Hotfix #34 notes document past, specific crash fixes: one involving the Slow condition in combat, one involving Find Familiar on Scratch or Boo during combat, and Xbox crashes when suspending and resuming during a cinematic or loading an Honour Mode save. Those historical fixes show that triggers can be narrow; they do not establish that the same bugs affect the current build. Check current patch notes and the installed game version before attributing a new crash to an older issue. Read the Hotfix #34 notes.
When hardware requirements matter—and what they do not prove
Larian’s system requirements specify an SSD and 150 GB of available SSD storage. They list 8 GB RAM and an Intel i5-4690 or AMD FX 8350 processor as minimum, and 16 GB RAM with an Intel i7 8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 processor as recommended. These are requirements, not evidence that buying or upgrading hardware will fix a particular crash. Larian also recommends current graphics drivers. The system-requirements page does not state a publication year; it was accessed October 8, 2026. Larian’s system requirements.
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