[PC] How to Resolve GPU Crashes in Darktide

If your PC does not meet the minimum requirements for Darktide, this can result in an unstable experience. Please ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements listed below: 

Requires a 64‑bit processor and operating system
OS: Windows 10 (64 bit) / Windows 11 (64 bit)
Processor: Intel i5‑6600 (3.30GHz) OR AMD Ryzen 5 2600 (3.4 GHz)
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 OR AMD Radeon RX 570
DirectX: Version 12
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 50 GB available space

If you aren’t sure whether a component meets the minimum requirements, you can use a comparison website such as UserBenchmark.

We have identified that 'Portrait Rendering' is a primary cause for many GPU‑related crashes in Darktide. Due to this, we have implemented the option to disable it which we recommend trying in the event you encounter repeated GPU‑related crashes:

1. Open 'Settings'
2. Navigate to 'Interface'
3. Scroll down to 'Enable Portrait Rendering'
4. Select 'Off'

Broken or outdated GPU drivers may cause Darktide to crash. When updating your drivers, please perform a clean installation which will ensure all previous versions have been removed. This is particularly important if the GPU has been changed at any point.

[PC] How to Perform a Clean Re-Installation of Your NVIDIA GPU Drivers

[PC] How to Perform a Clean Re-Installation of Your AMD GPU Drivers

Step 1: Disable Steam Cloud Saving

If Steam Cloud saving is enabled for Darktide, this may automatically restore the AppData and consequently cause the issue to resurface. 

1. Navigate to your Steam library
2. Right-click Darktide
3. Select 'Properties'
4. On the 'General' tab, scroll down to  'Steam Cloud'
5. Disable 'Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud for Warhammer 40,000: Darktide'

Step 2: Delete AppData

NOTE: By deleting your AppData, operative loadouts and custom keybindings will be reset. You may wish to make a back-up of the directory in the event deleting your AppData does not work to resolve the issue. 

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Enter %appdata% within the search input and select 'OK'
3. Navigate to: AppData\Roaming\Fatshark
4. Delete the entire 'Darktide' directory

Step 3: Verify Integrity of Game Files

You will then need to use the 'Verify Integrity of Game Files' option, which is accessible via the Steam client and will ensure the installation is complete.

1. Right-click Darktide in your Steam library sidebar
2. Select 'Properties'
3. Select the 'Local Files' tab
4. Select the 'Verify Integrity of Game Files' button
5. When complete, close and reopen Steam

NOTE: By deleting your AppData, operative loadouts and custom keybindings will be reset. You may wish to make a back-up of the directory in the event deleting your AppData does not work to resolve the issue. 

1. Press the Windows key + R
2. Enter %appdata% within the search input and select 'OK'
3. Navigate to: AppData\Roaming\Fatshark\MicrosoftStore
4. Delete the entire 'Darktide' directory

Then use the 'Verify and Repair' option via the Xbox App to ensure the installation is complete.

Please check if the Overwolf overlay is enabled on your PC, and disable it prior to starting Darktide.

NOTE: Overwolf are working with us to address the underlying issue. If your crashes no longer occur after disabling the Overwolf overlay, please let them know here.

Some players have had success in avoiding crashes by lowering their 'Worker Thread' count within the launcher's 'Settings' menu.

Background applications — commonly overlays or hooks such as RivaTuner, ShadowPlay, Fraps, ReShade and AMD Chill — can interfere with Darktide.

A Selective Startup can help identify whether a background application is the cause of your crashes:
1. Press the Windows key, type msconfig, and select 'System Configuration'
2. On the 'General' tab, select 'Selective Startup'
3. Deselect 'Load startup Items'
4. Reboot your PC

If the crashes no longer occur after performing the Selective Startup, try re‑introducing your programs one‑by‑one to determine which is causing your crashes. 

Unstable overclocks can result in Darktide crashing or becoming unresponsive. If any of your components are overclocked, we recommend reverting the component to its original clock. 

Occasionally, overheating may present as a loss of performance or crashes‑to‑desktop. To check whether any of your components are overheating, please see:

 [PC] How to Check If Your PC Components Are Overheating 

We have been made aware of an issue impacting those with some NVIDIA GPUs and G‑Sync Ultrawide monitors that may cause repeated GPU‑related crashes. NVIDIA have outlined the solutions below:

• Reduce your GPU’s Clock Speed by 200 MHz (e.g., using a tool such as MSI Afterburner)
OR
1. Right‑click on the desktop → select 'NVIDIA Control Panel' → select 'Help' → enable 'Debug Mode' → then navigate to Display → Change Resolution → Lower your resolution

If crashes persist, please contact NVIDIA Support.