Why Helldivers 2 Keeps Crashing And How To Fix It - Lawod (2025)

If you’ve been jumping into Helldivers 2 only to have it crash mid-mission, mid-loading screen, or—worse—right as you’re calling down an orbital strike, then yeah, we feel your pain. You’re not the only one shouting into the void, “Why does Helldivers 2 keep crashing?” Whether you’re on PC or PlayStation 5, this issue has been messing with countless players and turning galactic liberation into a game of tech roulette. In this guide, we’re diving into the most common reasons Helldivers 2 crashes, from system compatibility issues and GPU driver drama to corrupted files, background software conflicts, and even problematic game patches. We’ll break down fixes step-by-step, offer pro tips, and help you figure out what’s nuking your game—without nuking your patience.

Common Reasons Why Helldivers 2 Keeps Crashing

Before diving into solutions, let’s understand what’s causing the chaos. Here are the top culprits:

• Outdated GPU drivers (especially on NVIDIA and AMD cards)
• Corrupted or missing game files
• Conflicts with overlays like Discord, Steam, or GeForce Experience
• RAM/memory overloads from background apps
• Unoptimized game patches or updates
• DirectX or Visual C++ runtime issues
• Hardware limitations or thermals (CPU/GPU overheating)

Fixes for PC Players (Steam)

1. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or buggy GPU drivers are a major crash trigger.

• Visit the NVIDIA or AMD website
• Download the latest driver for your card
• Clean install if necessary (using DDU if needed)

2. Verify Game Files on Steam

Corrupted files = instant crash.

• Right-click Helldivers 2 > Properties > Installed Files > “Verify integrity of game files”

3. Turn Off Overlays

Overlays can mess with performance.

• Disable Steam overlay (Steam > Settings > In-Game)
• Disable Discord overlay (User Settings > Game Overlay)
• Exit GeForce Experience while gaming

4. Close Background Apps

Apps like Chrome, OBS, or VPNs eat up RAM and can cause stutters or crashes.
Use Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to kill unused programs.

5. Run the Game as Administrator

Sometimes permission issues block processes.

• Right-click game exe > Properties > Compatibility > “Run as administrator”

6. Reinstall Visual C++ and DirectX Runtimes

Outdated or corrupted runtimes are sneaky culprits.

• Download and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables
• Update DirectX via Microsoft’s official site

Fixes for PS5 Players

1. Rebuild Database

PS5’s Safe Mode option helps clean up system junk.

• Turn off PS5 completely
• Hold power until second beep (enters Safe Mode)
• Select “Rebuild Database”

2. Check for Game & System Updates

Outdated firmware can cause game-breaking bugs.

• Settings > System > System Software > Update
• Game tile > Options > Check for Update

3. Delete and Reinstall the Game

Corrupted installation = constant crashing.

• Delete Helldivers 2
• Reinstall from your library or disc

Optional: Lower Your In-Game Settings (PC)

Sometimes the game’s trying to do too much with too little.
Try dialing these down:

• Texture Quality: Medium or Low
• Shadow Quality: Low
• V-Sync: Off
• Disable Ray Tracing

This is especially important if your rig is older or running hot.

🔍 Pro Tips to Stay Crash-Free

• Monitor Temps – Overheating GPUs or CPUs = instant shutdowns. Use tools like HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner
• Avoid Beta Drivers – Stick to WHQL-certified versions
• Join the Community – Check Reddit or the official Discord for community-reported fixes and dev updates
• Backup Saves – Just in case you need to reinstall or reset
• Report Bugs – Devs can’t fix what they don’t know. Use the official support channels