If you are trying to boot Stalker 2 but are met with a crash or have managed to get into the game but it keeps crashing, my guide on how to fix Stalker 2 crashing on startup issue will come in handy.
Stalker 2 is a next-gen post-apocalyptic survival game developed in Unreal Engine 5.
While that is the reason why many of you might blame the countless technical issues the game faces, I will confirm that even the old games had similar problems.
A Stalker game without a messy launch is not a Stalker game!
As for Stalker 2, while the game is riddled with crashes, low FPS, and significant performance issues, bugs, and glitches, we should not forget that the developers managed to deliver this game during an ongoing war.
Now, before I talk about some general fixes that can help you with the Stalker 2 crashing issue, let me explain the problem.
What is Stalker 2 crashing on startup?
After you manage to install Stalker 2 (155.2 GB), when you try to run the game, it would just not open.
It keeps crashing, and most players cannot even get into the main menu.
Some who manage to get through the menu still often find the game crashing.
How to fix the Stalker 2 crashing issue
You can fix the Stalker 2 crashing issue by running the game as an administrator.
To do that, just right-click on the game shortcut, and you will find the option to run the game as an administrator.
If you don’t see it, it is because the game shortcut was created through the Gamepass or Steam app.
In that case, if you are running the game through Gamepass, right-click on the game and select the ‘Manage’ option.
Afterward, head to the ‘Files’ tab and click ‘Browse.’
Doing so will open the game directory, where you can find the actual game’s exe file, which you can run as an administrator.
You can also set the game to always run as an administrator by right-clicking on the game’s exe file and selecting the Properties > Compatibility option.
For Steam users, open the app and head to ‘Library.’
Right-click and select the ‘Properties’ option.
Go to Installed Files > Browse and repeat the same steps.
If running the game as administrator doesn’t fix the issue, try the below troubleshooting one by one:
Check system requirements
While it is straightforward, many players don’t check system requirements and try to run the game.
Ensure the device you are running the game meets the minimum system requirements.
Update Graphics Driver
Did you know Nvidia launched a driver just for Stalker 2?
Well! To handle the biggest releases, mostly Nvidia but AMD, new graphics drivers are released.
These drivers ensure there is no compatibility issue and that the hardware is better utilized.
So, make sure you have installed the latest graphics driver.
Check game files’ integrity
The Stalker 2 download process is slow. I can’t explain how slow it is even if you have a high speed internet connection.
During the download process, there is a high chance of game files getting broken.
So, verify the game files whether you are on Steam or Gamepass.
Stalker 2 Steam verifying game file integrity
- Open Steam
- Head to the ‘Library‘ section
- Search for ‘Stalker 2‘
- Right-click on it and select the ‘Properties’ option
- Head to the ‘Installed Files’ section
- Click on the ‘Verify integrity of game files’ to start the verification
Stalker 2 Gamepass verifying game file integrity
- Click on ‘Verify and Repair‘
- Open Xbox app
- Right-click on Stalker 2
- Go to ‘Manage,’ then the ‘Files‘ tab
- Click on ‘Verify and Repair‘
Make sure the game is up to date
The developers often release patches to fix some of the most common game-breaking issues.
So, make sure you have the latest patch installed.
Turning off Steam Overlay
Try turning off the Steam Overlay, as it also causes crashes.
A good example is Space Marine 2 crashing during the opening cinematic caused by Steam Overlay and other overlays.
How to turn off Steam Overlay
- Open Steam
- Click on the ‘Steam’ tab at the top right
- Select the ‘Settings’ option
- Head to ‘In-game’ tab
- Disable Steam Overlay
That is all I have to share on fixing the Stalker 2 crashing issue. If the article helped, please consider buying me a Coffee to help me create more content. You can also share the article with your friends or leave a comment.
