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Ready or Not Keeps Crashing on PC? Fixes

Guide 10-9026 · Updated · Step by step

If Ready or Not keeps crashing on your PC, the fix usually involves updating your graphics drivers, verifying game files, and adjusting in-game graphics settings. Below are the most effective solutions, ordered from simplest to most involved.

Why Does Ready or Not Crash?

Ready or Not is a demanding tactical shooter built on Unreal Engine 4. Crashes can stem from several sources: outdated GPU drivers, corrupted game files, overheating components, insufficient RAM or VRAM, or conflicts with background software like overlays. The game is also sensitive to certain graphics settings, particularly those that push VRAM usage to its limit.

Quick Fixes to Try First

Start with these basic steps—they resolve a large percentage of crashes without needing deeper troubleshooting.

  • Restart your PC – This clears temporary glitches and frees memory.
  • Update your GPU drivers – Go to NVIDIA or AMD’s website, download the latest driver for your card, and do a clean installation (select “Customâ€� then “Clean Installationâ€� in NVIDIA’s installer).
  • Verify game files – In Steam, right-click Ready or Not > Properties > Local Files > “Verify integrity of game files.â€� This replaces any corrupted or missing files.
  • Close background apps – Exit Discord, Chrome, or any overlay (GeForce Experience, MSI Afterburner, etc.) before launching the game.

Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

If the game crashes during gameplay (especially in intense firefights), your settings may be too high for your hardware. Lower these specific options:

  • Texture Quality – Set to “Mediumâ€� or “Lowâ€� if you have 4GB or less VRAM.
  • Shadow Quality – Lower to “Mediumâ€� – shadows are a common crash trigger.
  • Anti-Aliasing – Turn off or use “FXAAâ€� instead of “MSAAâ€� or “TAA.â€�
  • Effects Quality – Reduce to “Mediumâ€� – this affects explosions and smoke.
  • View Distance – If you have an older CPU, set to “Medium.â€�

Also, disable “V-Sync� if you have a high refresh rate monitor, and make sure your Windows power plan is set to “High Performance� (Control Panel > Power Options).

Check for Overheating and Power Issues

Overheating can cause instant crashes, especially in a CPU/GPU-intensive game. Monitor your temperatures using free tools like MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor. If your CPU exceeds 90°C or GPU exceeds 85°C, improve cooling:

  • Clean dust from fans and heatsinks.
  • Ensure all case fans are spinning.
  • Consider re-applying thermal paste (if comfortable).
  • Check that your power supply unit (PSU) meets the game’s recommended wattage (typically 650W for mid-range builds).

Update Windows and DirectX

Outdated Windows or DirectX versions can cause crashes. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and install all pending updates. Also, download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft’s website (it’s a small installer that adds missing components).

Disable Overlays and Third-Party Software

Overlays from Discord, GeForce Experience, or Steam can interfere with Unreal Engine games. Disable them temporarily:

  • Discord: Settings > Overlay > turn off “Enable in-game overlay.â€�
  • GeForce Experience: Settings > General > turn off “In-Game Overlay.â€�
  • Steam: Settings > In Game > uncheck “Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.â€�

Also, some RGB software (like iCUE or Razer Synapse) can cause issues; close them if crashes persist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Ready or Not crash on the main menu?

This often indicates corrupted game files or an outdated GPU driver. Verify the game files through Steam, update your graphics driver, and try disabling the Steam overlay.

Will lowering graphics settings reduce crashes?

Yes, especially if your GPU has limited VRAM (4GB or less). Lowering texture quality and shadows reduces VRAM usage and can prevent out-of-memory crashes.

What if the game crashes only in multiplayer?

Multiplayer crashes can be caused by network instability or a host with a weak connection. Try joining a different server, or if you’re hosting, ensure your firewall allows the game through.

Can mods cause crashes?

Yes, mods that are outdated or incompatible with the current game version can cause crashes. Disable all mods and see if the issue persists, then re-enable them one by one.

Is there a known fix for the “Out of Video Memory� error?

This error occurs when your GPU runs out of VRAM. Lower the texture quality, close background apps, and ensure your page file is set to “System managed� size (Windows automatically handles this).

Should I reinstall the game?

Reinstalling is a last resort, but it can fix crashes caused by corrupted installation files. Uninstall the game through Steam, then reinstall to a different drive if possible.

If none of these steps work, check the official Ready or Not Steam community hub or the Void Interactive support forums for the latest patches and known issues. Developers frequently release hotfixes that address crash reports.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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