The long-awaited Skate. (2025) has arrived, and players across the globe are eager to grind rails, land tricks, and explore the new open-world skateboarding experience. However, some PC players are facing a frustrating issue: DirectX errors that cause the game to crash, freeze, or display messages like “GPU not supported” or “DirectX function error.”
If you’re unable to play Skate. because of DirectX crashes, GPU compatibility problems, or graphical errors, don’t worry. This detailed guide covers the causes, fixes, and best troubleshooting steps to get you back skating smoothly.
Why Does Skate. Show DirectX Errors?
DirectX is the graphics API that most modern PC games, including Skate., rely on. Errors occur when something goes wrong with the graphics pipeline. Common causes include:
- Outdated or corrupted graphics card drivers
- GPU not meeting minimum system requirements
- Running an unsupported DirectX version (Skate. requires DirectX 12)
- Corrupted or missing game files
- Incompatible or outdated Windows version
- Overclocking instability on GPU/CPU
- Missing Visual C++ Redistributables or DirectX runtime files
Fix 1: Check System Requirements
Before troubleshooting, make sure your PC meets the minimum GPU requirements for Skate.
Minimum (Expected) Requirements for Skate. (2025):
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- DirectX: Version 12
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 580 / Intel Arc A380
- Memory: 8GB RAM
- Storage: SSD with at least 50GB free
If your GPU only supports DirectX 11, the game will not run. You may need to upgrade to a newer GPU.
Fix 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or broken drivers are the most common cause of DirectX crashes.
- NVIDIA:
- Download latest drivers from GeForce Experience.
- AMD:
- Intel Arc / iGPU:
- Install updates via Intel Driver & Support Assistant.
After updating, restart your PC and try launching Skate. again.
Fix 3: Install the Latest DirectX Runtime
Even if Windows is updated, some DirectX runtime files may be missing or corrupted.
- Download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer from Microsoft.
- Install and restart your PC.
- Launch the game again.
Fix 4: Verify & Repair Game Files
Corrupted or missing files can trigger DirectX errors and crashes.
- On Steam:
- Right-click Skate. → Properties.
- Go to Installed Files → Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- On EA App:
- Go to My Collection.
- Right-click Skate. → Select Repair.
This process will re-download missing/corrupted files.
Fix 5: Update Windows
Skate. requires the latest Windows 10/11 updates for proper DirectX 12 support.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update → Install all updates.
- Restart your system after updating.
Fix 6: Disable Overlays & Background Apps
Overlays (Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar) can cause DirectX conflicts.
- Disable Steam Overlay (Steam > Settings > In-Game).
- Turn off Discord Overlay.
- Disable Xbox Game Bar in Windows Settings > Gaming.
- Close unnecessary apps via Task Manager.
Fix 7: Reset GPU Overclocking
If you’ve overclocked your GPU, it may be causing instability.
- Use MSI Afterburner or your GPU software to reset to default clock speeds.
- Try running Skate. again.
Fix 8: Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributables
Skate. depends on Visual C++ runtime libraries. Corruption here can cause crashes.
- Go to Microsoft’s official site.
- Download and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022).
- Restart your PC.
Fix 9: Run the Game with DX12 Settings
Skate. may crash if it tries to launch with the wrong DirectX mode.
- Add a launch option (Steam or EA App):
-dx12 - This forces the game to run with DirectX 12, improving stability.
Fix 10: Reinstall Skate.
If nothing works, a clean reinstall may help.
- Uninstall Skate. from Steam or EA App.
- Delete leftover files in
Documents > Skate.and installation directory. - Reinstall the game on an SSD for faster performance.
Additional Tips
- Check GPU Temperature: Overheating may cause crashes. Use HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to check temps.
- Disable Ray Tracing: If enabled, turn it off in settings to reduce load.
- Lower Graphics Settings: Start on low settings, then gradually increase.
- Use Fullscreen Mode: Helps reduce DirectX crashes compared to borderless/windowed.
- Switch Render Scaling: Some players fixed crashes by lowering resolution scaling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why does Skate. crash with a DirectX error on startup?
It usually happens due to outdated GPU drivers or missing DirectX files. Updating both fixes it for most players.
2. My GPU supports DirectX 12, but Skate. still says “GPU not supported.” Why?
This may be due to outdated drivers or a conflict with integrated graphics. Ensure your dedicated GPU is selected.
3. Can I run Skate. on DirectX 11?
No. Skate. requires DirectX 12. GPUs limited to DirectX 11 cannot run the game.
4. Will lowering graphics help with DirectX errors?
Yes, reducing GPU load (resolution, shadows, ray tracing) can prevent crashes.
5. Do I need Visual C++ packages for Skate.?
Yes. Missing or corrupted Visual C++ redistributables can cause DirectX crashes.
Conclusion
DirectX errors in Skate. (2025) can be frustrating, but they are usually fixable with the right steps. Start by updating your GPU drivers and Windows, install the latest DirectX runtime, and verify your game files. If that doesn’t work, disable overlays, reset GPU overclocking, or reinstall the game.
If your GPU doesn’t support DirectX 12, you may need a hardware upgrade to play Skate. smoothly.
By applying these fixes, you’ll be back on your board, landing kickflips and grinding rails without crashes. 🛹
