As a first step, please follow all the instructions below. These cover the most common causes of crashes and performance issues, and in many cases will resolve the problem:

1. Update your Windows and GPU drivers
2. Verify the integrity of the game files or reinstall the game
3. Temporarily deactivate DLSS/FSR and see if that helps
4. Increase your Windows Page File to at least 16GB
5. Try running the game using DirectX11 instead of 12
6. Temporarily disable overlays such as Nvidia App, Discord, etc.
7. If you’re overclocking, keep in mind this can cause instability and overheating. Revert to standard clock speeds if issues occur.
8. Confirm your PC meets the minimum hardware requirements:
   • OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
   • Processor: Intel Core i5 10600 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
   • Memory: 16 GB RAM
   • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 / AMD Radeon RX 5700 XT
   • Storage: 45 GB available space
   • Additional Notes: SSD required

⚠️ With patch 1.06, we’ve introduced the first wave of memory optimizations. Static models have been optimized, reducing their memory usage by 30–50% without visual downgrade, and excess “dead” character pose data is now properly cleaned from save files to prevent save bloat and long-term instability. We’ve also improved inventory logic, allowing identical items to stack correctly, which has had a positive impact on overall stability.

Further memory improvements are already in progress, including optimization of character assets and additional city performance work. Microstutters and some edge-case memory leaks (such as merchants holding extremely large inventories) are still being addressed.

In the meantime, if you’re still experiencing crashes, we recommend increasing your Windows page file to 16 GB or more and lowering your graphics settings (especially Shader Quality) as a temporary workaround.

If the problem persists after following all above steps, please reach out to our support team. Remember to share your PC specifications, potential steps to reproduce the issue, and any related files under %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\ofAshAndSteelGame\Saved\.

Also, please keep in mind that anything you submit through the Unreal Engine 4 crash reporter is extremely helpful and is actively reviewed by the dev team.