Fix “Dying Light: The Beast Crashing on Startup on PC” – 2025 Guide

Dying Light: The Beast is one of the most immersive action-survival games on PC, featuring a vast open world, parkour mechanics, and intense combat. Despite its popularity, many players experience the frustrating issue of the game crashing immediately on startup. This can result in a black screen, abrupt closure, or an error message that prevents you from accessing the game at all.

If you are facing startup crashes, don’t worry. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to identify the causes of crashes and apply effective solutions. By following these methods, you can get your game running smoothly and enjoy uninterrupted gameplay.

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Common Causes of Startup Crashes

Understanding the reasons behind startup crashes will help you apply the correct fixes:

1. Corrupted Game Files
   Missing or damaged files from incomplete installation or failed updates often lead to crashes.
2. Outdated or Incompatible GPU Drivers
   Graphics drivers that are outdated or incompatible with your GPU can trigger crashes on launch.
3. DirectX, Visual C++, or .NET Framework Issues
   Missing or outdated dependencies can prevent the game from initializing properly.
4. Conflicting Software
   Antivirus, firewall, overlay programs, or system optimizers may interfere with the game.
5. Insufficient System Resources
   Low RAM, GPU memory, or storage can cause crashes immediately after launch.
6. Corrupted Windows System Files
   Damaged system files can prevent games from accessing necessary resources.
7. Incorrect In-Game or Config Settings
   Settings saved from previous versions or improper configuration can make the game unstable.

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Fix 1: Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing files are the most common cause of crashes:

• Steam Version:
  1. Open Steam → Library.
  2. Right-click Dying Light: The Beast → Properties → Local Files.
  3. Click Verify integrity of game files.
  4. Wait for Steam to check and repair missing or corrupted files.
• Epic Games Version:
  1. Open Epic Games Launcher → Library.
  2. Click the three dots on the game → Verify.
  3. Allow the launcher to repair files.

💡 Tip: Always verify files after updating drivers or Windows.

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Fix 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are a frequent cause of startup crashes:

1. Identify your GPU (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) → Visit the official website.
2. Download and install the latest drivers compatible with your GPU.
3. Perform a clean installation if possible to remove old driver conflicts.
4. Restart your PC → Launch the game.

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Fix 3: Install or Update Required Dependencies

Missing DirectX, Visual C++, or .NET Framework components can cause crashes:

1. Press Win + R → Type dxdiag → Verify your DirectX version.
2. Install the DirectX End-User Runtime from Microsoft’s website.
3. Download and install Visual C++ Redistributables (2015, 2017, 2019, 2022).
4. Ensure the .NET Framework is updated.
5. Restart your PC → Launch the game.

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Fix 4: Run the Game as Administrator

Some game files require elevated permissions:

1. Navigate to the game installation folder.
2. Right-click game executable (.exe) → Properties → Compatibility.
3. Enable Run this program as an administrator → Apply → OK.
4. Start the game.

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Fix 5: Disable Antivirus, Firewall, or Overlay Programs

Security or overlay software may block the game from starting:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall.
2. Add the game folder to exceptions or allowed apps.
3. Disable overlays like Discord, Steam, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience temporarily.
4. Launch the game → If it works, configure exceptions rather than keeping protections off.

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Fix 6: Update Windows

Outdated Windows builds can conflict with modern games:

1. Press Win + I → Update & Security → Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates → Install all available updates.
3. Restart your PC → Retry launching the game.

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Fix 7: Adjust or Delete Config Files

Corrupted configuration files can crash the game:

1. Navigate to Documents\DyingLight or C:\Users\[YourName]\Saved Games\DyingLight.
2. Rename the configuration files (e.g., user.cfg) → The game will recreate them on launch.
3. Launch the game → Test if it starts successfully.

💡 Tip: Resetting config files may revert settings to default.

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Fix 8: Close Background Applications

Background processes can conflict with the game:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Task Manager.
2. Close unnecessary apps such as browsers, chat apps, and resource-heavy programs.
3. Launch the game.

💡 Tip: If crashes persist, boot Windows in Clean Boot mode and try starting the game.

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Fix 9: Check System Requirements

Make sure your PC meets minimum requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 / AMD FX-8350 or better
• RAM: 8 GB
• GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 / AMD Radeon R9 390 or better
• Storage: 30 GB free space

💡 Tip: If you meet only minimum specs, try launching in low graphics mode to reduce startup stress.

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Fix 10: Reinstall the Game

As a last resort, a fresh installation can resolve persistent crashes:

1. Backup saved games (Documents/DyingLight or Saved Games\DyingLight).
2. Uninstall the game completely → Delete leftover files in the installation directory.
3. Reinstall via Steam or Epic Games Launcher.
4. Launch the game → Verify it runs correctly.

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Additional Tips

• Disable Windows Game Mode and Xbox Game Bar temporarily.
• Ensure sufficient system cooling; overheating can cause immediate crashes.
• Avoid running multiple intensive programs while launching the game.
• Keep GPU drivers, Windows, and the game updated regularly.
• Check official forums for patch notes or known startup issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why does Dying Light: The Beast crash on startup?
Crashes are usually caused by corrupted game files, outdated drivers, missing dependencies, conflicting software, or insufficient system resources.

2. Will verifying game files fix startup crashes?
Yes, this repairs missing or corrupted files that often prevent the game from launching.

3. Can antivirus software cause crashes?
Yes. Some antivirus programs may block game files. Temporarily disabling them or adding exceptions usually resolves the issue.

4. Do I need a powerful PC to run the game?
Meeting minimum requirements allows the game to run, but better performance and fewer crashes come with recommended specs.

5. Can I use Clean Boot to troubleshoot crashes?
Yes. Clean Boot disables non-essential services, helping identify software conflicts that may cause startup crashes.

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Conclusion

Startup crashes in Dying Light: The Beast are a common issue for PC players, but most problems can be fixed by addressing corrupted game files, updating GPU drivers, installing necessary dependencies, and managing conflicting software. Running the game as administrator, adjusting config files, and ensuring system compatibility further improves stability.

By following this comprehensive, step-by-step guide, you can troubleshoot and fix startup crashes efficiently, ensuring a smooth and immersive gaming experience in Dying Light: The Beast.