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Why Is Doom: The Dark Ages Crashing on PC? Proven Solutions for a Smooth Experience
Doom: The Dark Ages, released in 2025, is a first-person shooter available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. As the latest entry in the iconic Doom series, some players have reported issues with the game crashing or failing to launch on Windows PCs. Here are clear, actionable steps to resolve these problems and enhance your gaming experience.
Solution 1: Confirm System Requirements
Before troubleshooting, ensure your PC meets the minimum requirements to prevent crashes, black screens, or poor performance.
- Operating System: Windows 10 64-Bit or Windows 11 64-Bit
- Processor: AMD Zen 2 or Intel 10th Gen CPU @3.2GHz, 8 cores/16 threads (e.g., Ryzen 7 3700X, Core i7 10700K)
- Memory: 16 GB RAM
- Graphics: Raytracing-capable GPU with 8GB VRAM (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 2060 SUPER, AMD RX 6600)
- Storage: 100 GB free space on an NVMe SSD
- Additional: 1080p/60 FPS at low settings
If your system falls short, consider upgrading hardware components.
Solution 2: Restart the Game or Your PC
Background processes or temporary files can conflict with the game. Restarting the game or your PC helps clear these conflicts and reloads necessary resources.
- Close Doom: The Dark Ages completely.
- Restart your computer.
- Launch the game again to check for improvements.
Solution 3: Update Your GPU Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers are a common cause of crashes. Update your GPU drivers to the latest version:
- Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your graphics card and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.
Alternatively, download the latest drivers directly from NVIDIA or AMD’s official websites.
Solution 4: Verify Integrity of Game Files on Steam
Corrupted or missing files can prevent the game from launching. Use Steam’s built-in tool to repair your installation:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Doom: The Dark Ages and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Installed Files tab.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
Steam will scan and fix any issues with your game files.
Solution 5: Adjust Game Launch Options
Tweaking launch options can bypass compatibility issues and optimize performance:
- In Steam, right-click Doom: The Dark Ages and select Properties.
- Under the General tab, find Launch Options.
- Enter -dx11 to force DirectX 11 mode. If issues persist, try -dx12 or -windowed.
- Close the properties window and relaunch the game.
Applying these methods can resolve most startup and crashing issues with Doom: The Dark Ages on PC. Ensuring your hardware is up to date, your drivers are current, and your game files are intact will help you enjoy a stable and immersive experience. If problems continue, consider reaching out to the game’s official support channels for further assistance.