Marvel Rivals Crashing After Update: How To Fix It
Hey Marvel fans, are you experiencing the frustrating issue of Marvel Rivals crashing after the latest update? Don't worry, you're not alone! It's a common problem that many players are facing, and the good news is, there are several troubleshooting steps you can take to try and fix it. In this article, we'll dive deep into the potential causes of these crashes and provide you with actionable solutions to get you back in the game. We'll explore everything from verifying your game files to updating your drivers and even adjusting your in-game settings. So, let's get started and get those heroes back in action!
Understanding the Marvel Rivals Crashing Problem
Before we jump into the fixes, let's try to understand why Marvel Rivals might be crashing after an update. The root causes can vary, but here are some of the most common culprits: corrupted game files, outdated or incompatible drivers, insufficient system resources, and conflicting software. Sometimes, a new update can introduce bugs or compatibility issues that affect certain hardware configurations. Additionally, the game itself might have issues with its servers or have temporary problems that affect player access. It's essential to consider all these factors to diagnose the problem effectively. For example, a crash might occur because of a corrupted file during the update process, or perhaps the new update requires a more powerful graphics card driver version. The first step in troubleshooting is to identify what triggered the crashes. Did it start immediately after the update? Did the crash occur at a specific point in the game, such as during a particular match or while accessing a specific menu? The more information you can gather about the crashes, the easier it will be to isolate the issue and find a solution. Keep an eye on the community forums and social media, too. You might find that other players are experiencing similar problems, which can give you more clues about the potential cause and whether it's a known issue.
Let's not forget the importance of keeping your operating system up-to-date. Outdated operating systems can sometimes cause compatibility issues with newly updated games. Make sure your Windows or other operating system is up-to-date. In addition to these points, another aspect is the game's requirements. Marvel Rivals has specific system requirements to run optimally. Ensure your system meets or exceeds the minimum requirements. If your hardware falls short, you might need to adjust the in-game graphics settings to improve performance and reduce the likelihood of crashes. Remember to check the official game forums and support pages for any known issues or specific troubleshooting steps recommended by the game developers. They often release hotfixes or provide detailed guides to address common problems reported by the players. By gathering all the available information, you'll be able to tackle the crashing issue more efficiently and enjoy your gameplay experience.
Potential Causes of Crashes
- Corrupted Game Files: During the update, there could be issues with file transfer or installation, leading to corrupted game files. These corrupted files can cause the game to crash when it tries to access them. Verification of game files is always a good starting point to address this.
- Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible graphics card drivers are a significant source of crashes. New game updates often require updated drivers to work correctly. Even if your drivers are up-to-date, there could be compatibility problems with the latest game updates.
- System Resource Constraints: The game might be demanding more resources than your system can provide, especially after an update that introduces new graphical elements or features. Insufficient RAM or a slow hard drive can significantly affect game performance and lead to crashes.
- Software Conflicts: Other software running in the background, such as antivirus programs or overlay applications (like Discord or Nvidia GeForce Experience), can sometimes conflict with the game and cause crashes. These conflicts can interfere with the game's processes.
- Server-Side Issues: While less common, the game server itself might be experiencing issues, such as high traffic or temporary outages, which can lead to instability and crashes. Server issues can be tricky to diagnose, but checking the game's official social media accounts or community forums for announcements is always a good idea.
Troubleshooting Steps for Marvel Rivals Crashes
If you're experiencing crashes after the Marvel Rivals update, here's a step-by-step guide to help you troubleshoot and resolve the issue. We'll start with the most basic fixes and work our way up to more advanced solutions.
1. Verify Game Files
This is often the first and most straightforward step to take. Corrupted game files are a frequent cause of crashes, and verifying the integrity of your game files can fix this. Here's how to do it, depending on where you got the game:
- Steam: Right-click on Marvel Rivals in your Steam library, select "Properties," go to the "Installed Files" tab, and click on "Verify integrity of game files." Steam will then scan the game files and automatically redownload any corrupted or missing files.
- Epic Games Store: In the Epic Games Launcher, find Marvel Rivals in your library. Click the three dots next to the game title and select "Manage." Then, click the "Verify" button. The Epic Games Launcher will perform a similar check and repair process as Steam.
2. Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers are another major culprit behind game crashes. To ensure your drivers are up-to-date:
- Nvidia: Go to the Nvidia GeForce Experience application or visit the Nvidia website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card model. Choose the "Game Ready Driver" for optimal performance and compatibility with the latest games.
- AMD: Visit the AMD support website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card model. The AMD Adrenalin software provides similar functionality and can help you update your drivers easily.
After updating your drivers, restart your computer and launch the game to see if the crashes have been resolved. If you're still experiencing problems, try rolling back your drivers to a previous version. Sometimes, the latest drivers can cause issues until they are fully optimized.
3. Check System Requirements
Ensure your PC meets the minimum and recommended system requirements for Marvel Rivals. You can usually find these requirements on the game's official website or on the store page where you purchased the game. If your system doesn't meet the requirements, consider upgrading your hardware or adjusting in-game graphics settings.
4. Close Background Applications
Some background applications can interfere with the game and cause crashes. Before launching Marvel Rivals, close any unnecessary programs. This includes:
- Web browsers with multiple tabs open.
- Streaming software (Twitch, OBS, etc.).
- Overlay applications (Discord, Nvidia GeForce Experience, etc.).
- Antivirus software (temporarily disable it for testing, but be careful).
5. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings
If you have a lower-end PC or are still experiencing crashes, try adjusting the in-game graphics settings to improve performance. Here are some settings to consider:
- Lower the graphics quality (e.g., from High to Medium or Low).
- Disable or lower shadows, reflections, and other resource-intensive effects.
- Reduce the resolution to improve performance, especially if you're using a high-resolution monitor.
- Limit the frame rate to prevent your graphics card from being overloaded.
6. Reinstall the Game
If none of the above steps work, try reinstalling the game. This can resolve issues related to corrupted installation files that the verification process might have missed. Before reinstalling, make sure to uninstall the game properly and delete any residual files. Then, download and install the game again from your game library.
7. Update Windows
Make sure your Windows operating system is up-to-date. Windows updates often include fixes for compatibility and performance improvements, which can help resolve crashing issues. Go to the Windows Update settings and install any pending updates.
8. Monitor System Resources
While playing Marvel Rivals, monitor your system's resources, such as CPU, RAM, and GPU usage. You can use the Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to do this. If your system is consistently hitting 100% usage on any of these resources, it may cause crashes. Consider upgrading your hardware or reducing the in-game graphics settings to alleviate this.
9. Check for Overclocking Issues
If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, it might be causing instability and crashes. Try reverting to the default clock speeds to see if it resolves the issue. Overclocking can sometimes push your hardware beyond its limits, leading to crashes in demanding games.
10. Contact Support
If you've tried all the troubleshooting steps and the game is still crashing, it's time to contact the official Marvel Rivals support team. Provide them with as much detail as possible about the issue, including your system specifications, the troubleshooting steps you've already taken, and any error messages you've encountered. The support team can provide further assistance and potentially escalate the issue to the developers.
Advanced Troubleshooting Techniques
If the basic troubleshooting steps don't fix the crashing issue, you may need to delve into more advanced techniques. These can be more complex, but they might be necessary to resolve the problem. These steps may require more technical knowledge and careful execution.
1. Clean Boot Your System
A clean boot starts your Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help you determine if a background program is causing the crashes. To perform a clean boot:
- Press the Windows key + R, type "msconfig," and press Enter.
- In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab and check "Hide all Microsoft services." Then, click "Disable all."
- Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." Disable all startup items in Task Manager.
- Close Task Manager and click "OK" in the System Configuration window. Restart your computer.
If the game runs without crashing after a clean boot, it indicates that one of the disabled programs or services was causing the problem. You can then re-enable the programs and services one by one to identify the culprit. This process of elimination can be time-consuming, but it can pinpoint the exact cause of the crashes.
2. Check Your Hard Drive
If you're playing the game from an old or failing hard drive, this can lead to crashes. Here's how to check your hard drive's health:
- Check for errors: Use Windows' built-in disk check tool or a third-party utility like CrystalDiskInfo to check for errors. Windows Disk Check can be accessed through the drive properties or by typing "chkdsk" in the search bar. This tool scans the drive for errors and attempts to repair them.
- Defragment (if using an HDD): If you're using a traditional hard disk drive (HDD), defragmenting it can help improve performance. This is generally not needed for solid-state drives (SSDs). Defragmentation organizes your hard drive's files, making it easier for the game to access them.
If your hard drive is failing, consider replacing it, or consider moving the game to a different drive. Failing hard drives can cause a variety of issues, including crashes, slow loading times, and even data loss.
3. Monitor Temperatures
Overheating can cause your graphics card or CPU to crash. Use monitoring software like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to keep an eye on temperatures. If your CPU or GPU is consistently reaching high temperatures (above 85°C for the CPU or 80°C for the GPU), there might be a problem with your cooling system. You may need to clean your computer's fans, apply new thermal paste, or upgrade your cooling system.
4. Compatibility Mode
Sometimes, running the game in compatibility mode for an older version of Windows can resolve crashing issues. Right-click the game's executable file, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and try different compatibility settings. This can sometimes resolve issues that arise from compatibility issues with the latest versions of Windows. Test each setting carefully and monitor the game's performance.
5. Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
Marvel Rivals, like many games, relies on Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages. These packages contain runtime components required for running applications developed with Visual C++. Corrupted or missing redistributables can cause crashes. You can reinstall them by:
- Go to the Microsoft website and download the latest versions of the Visual C++ Redistributable packages.
- Uninstall the existing packages from your computer.
- Install the downloaded packages.
- Restart your computer.
6. Memory Diagnostics
If you suspect memory issues, run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. Search for "Windows Memory Diagnostic" in the Windows search bar and run the tool. The tool will restart your computer and perform a memory test to identify any problems. Corrupted or faulty RAM can lead to crashes and other system instability issues.
Preventing Future Crashes in Marvel Rivals
Once you've fixed the crashing issue, it's essential to take steps to prevent it from happening again. This involves maintaining your system and staying informed about game updates. This will help provide a stable and enjoyable gaming experience.
1. Keep Your System Updated
Regularly update your operating system, drivers, and other software. This includes installing the latest Windows updates, graphics card drivers, and game patches. This can help to ensure compatibility and stability.
2. Monitor Your Hardware
Use monitoring software to keep an eye on your CPU and GPU temperatures, as well as their usage. This can help you identify potential problems before they lead to crashes or other performance issues.
3. Read Patch Notes
Pay attention to the patch notes and update announcements from the game developers. These often include information about fixes, new features, and potential issues. Being informed about these changes can help you prepare for and prevent problems. Also, check to see if the patch notes contain specific recommendations or troubleshooting steps. Keeping up with this information is important to enjoying a stable gameplay experience.
4. Clean Your PC Regularly
Keep your computer clean and free of dust. Dust can accumulate in your computer's components, leading to overheating and performance issues. Cleaning your computer regularly can help ensure optimal cooling and prevent crashes.
5. Consider Hardware Upgrades
If you're consistently experiencing performance issues or crashes, consider upgrading your hardware. This includes upgrading your CPU, GPU, RAM, or storage drive. This is especially relevant if your hardware is below the recommended game specifications. Upgrading your hardware can significantly improve your gaming experience.
6. Join the Community
Participate in the Marvel Rivals community forums, social media groups, and Discord servers. You can learn from other players, share your experiences, and stay informed about potential issues and solutions. The community is often a valuable resource for troubleshooting and getting helpful tips. Also, you may discover a workaround before the developers release an official fix.
7. Back up Your System
Regularly back up your system files and game saves. This ensures that you can recover from potential data loss caused by crashes or other system issues. This is especially helpful if you ever have to reinstall the game. This step can save a lot of frustration if the game's files become corrupted. Consider using cloud storage or an external hard drive.
Conclusion: Getting Back to the Action
Dealing with crashes in Marvel Rivals can be frustrating, but by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to identify and resolve the issue. Remember to start with the simple fixes, like verifying game files and updating your drivers, and then move on to more advanced techniques if needed. Don't hesitate to reach out to the game's support team or community for assistance if you're still experiencing problems. Hopefully, these steps can get you back into the game, ready to battle with your favorite Marvel heroes and villains. Remember to stay updated with the latest patch notes and maintain a stable and well-maintained system. Happy gaming, and we'll see you in the Marvel Rivals universe! Remember, by being proactive and taking the necessary steps, you can greatly improve your gaming experience and keep enjoying the game.