MMany PC players are reporting that ARC Raiders Playtest is crashing, freezing, or suffering from stuttering issues during gameplay. Sometimes the game suddenly closes to the desktop, while other times, frame rates drop drastically, making it hard to play smoothly.
These problems often appear due to outdated graphics drivers, corrupted game files, or background apps consuming system resources. Fortunately, there are several effective ways to fix these issues and improve performance.
โ๏ธ Common Causes of Crashing & Stuttering
Before applying fixes, itโs important to understand why the game is unstable. The following are the most common causes:
- Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers
- Corrupted or missing game files
- Overheating or CPU throttling
- Incorrect graphics settings
- Background software conflicts
- Outdated Windows or DirectX components
Knowing these causes will make troubleshooting more effective.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 1: Update Your Graphics Drivers
Outdated drivers are the number one reason for crashes and frame drops. Therefore, keeping your GPU driver up to date is essential.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X โ Device Manager
- Expand Display Adapters
- Right-click your GPU โ Update Driver
- Or manually download from official sites:
- NVIDIA: www.nvidia.com/Download
- AMD: www.amd.com/en/support
- Intel: www.intel.com/download-center
โ Result: Updated drivers improve stability and eliminate GPU-related crashes.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 2: Verify Game Files
Sometimes, game data becomes corrupted during installation or updates. In that case, verifying the integrity of files can automatically restore missing or damaged content.
Steps (Steam):
- Open Steam Library
- Right-click ARC Raiders Playtest โ Properties โ Installed Files
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files
โ Result: Steam will re-download missing or corrupted files automatically.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 3: Adjust Graphics Settings
If your PC hardware is struggling, high-end graphics settings may cause stuttering. Therefore, lowering these settings can balance performance and visuals.
Recommended Changes:
- Set Graphics Quality to Medium or Low
- Turn off V-Sync and Motion Blur
- Disable Ray Tracing (if available)
- Cap FPS to your monitorโs refresh rate
โ Result: Youโll experience smoother frame rates and reduced lag.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 4: Close Background Applications
Meanwhile, applications running in the background can use valuable memory and processing power.
Steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Go to the Processes tab
- Right-click and End Task on non-essential apps (like Discord, Chrome, OBS, or MSI Afterburner)
โ Result: Frees up system resources for better game performance.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 5: Monitor & Prevent Overheating
High temperatures can cause ARC Raiders Playtest to freeze or shut down unexpectedly. To prevent this, monitor your systemโs temperature regularly.
Tips:
- Use MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to check temps
- Ensure proper airflow inside your PC case
- Clean fans and remove dust buildup
โ Result: Prevents thermal throttling and improves long-term stability.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 6: Update Windows & DirectX
An outdated Windows version can limit system compatibility with new games. Hence, updating Windows ensures all required libraries are available.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I โ Settings โ Windows Update
- Click Check for Updates
- Install all pending updates
โ Result: Updates DirectX, game services, and enhances system performance.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 7: Disable Overclocking
While overclocking boosts performance, it can also cause instability. As a result, disabling it can help eliminate crashes during playtests.
Steps:
- Reset GPU/CPU to default speeds via BIOS or software
- Restart your PC afterward
โ Result: Restores stable operation and prevents overheating crashes.
๐ ๏ธ Fix 8: Reinstall the Game
If all else fails, reinstalling ensures a clean and error-free setup. Although time-consuming, it often resolves deep-rooted issues.
Steps:
- Uninstall ARC Raiders Playtest from Steam
- Restart your PC
- Reinstall the game on an SSD for faster loading
โ Result: Eliminates corrupted data and ensures fresh installation files.
๐งฉ Additional Optimization Tips
- Make sure your PC meets minimum requirements
- Avoid using mods or third-party injectors
- Disable Windows Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar
- Enable High-Performance Power Plan in Windows
Moreover, try running the game in fullscreen mode instead of borderless windowed for better performance.
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why does ARC Raiders crash after loading?
A: Usually due to missing or corrupted files. Verify game integrity and update your drivers.
Q2. How do I fix constant stuttering?
A: Lower graphics settings, close background apps, and ensure your GPU isnโt overheating.
Q3. Should I reinstall if nothing works?
A: Yes. Reinstalling can completely resolve persistent freezing or lag issues.
๐ฏ Conclusion
To sum up, if ARC Raiders Playtest is crashing, freezing, or stuttering on PC, start with easy fixes like updating GPU drivers, verifying files, and adjusting graphics settings. Afterward, move on to more advanced steps such as reinstalling DirectX, disabling overclocking, or reinstalling the game entirely.
By following these methods step-by-step, youโll greatly improve performance and enjoy smoother gameplay in ARC Raiders Playtest โ without those frustrating crashes and frame drops. ๐