Tears of Metal Crashing or Not Launching: PC Fixes

If Tears of Metal is crashing or will not launch, update to the current build before trying launch-week workarounds. Version 0.11.57863 fixes multiple crash-related problems and improves performance in Acts 1 and 2. Paper Cult says Act 3 optimization and multiplayer networking work are still ongoing.

Fix order for most PCs

1. Restart Windows.
2. Update Tears of Metal.
3. Verify the game files.
4. Update the graphics driver.
5. Close overlays and recording tools for one test.
6. Launch with a 60 FPS cap and lower graphics settings.
7. Test solo if the crash normally happens in co-op.
8. Collect the logs immediately after the next crash.

Update the game first

Several launch-week issues were addressed in versions 0.8.57278, 0.9.57408, 0.10.57598, and 0.11.57863. The latest update also reduces or adjusts some textures and includes targeted optimization for Acts 1 and 2.

On Steam, open the game’s Properties and check Updates and Betas. Use the standard branch for the newest fixes. The optional Crossplay branch is older and should be used only when you need cross-store multiplayer.

Verify Tears of Metal files on Steam

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Tears of Metal.
3. Select Properties.
4. Open Installed Files.
5. Select Verify integrity of game files.
6. Wait for Steam to complete the check before launching.

Verification replaces missing or damaged game files without asking you to delete the save folder.

Update or clean-install the GPU driver

Map-loading crashes have been reported on outdated GPU drivers, and one affected player reported that a clean driver installation stopped the crashes.

Download the current stable driver directly from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel. If a normal update fails or the installer reports an error, use the vendor’s clean-install option. Restart Windows after installation before testing the game.

Do not install an unrelated driver version from an unofficial download site.

Reduce load during large battles

If the game launches but crashes when a map fills with enemies:

1. Keep the frame-rate cap at 60 for the first test.
2. Lower resolution, shadows, effects, or other high-cost settings.
3. Close browser video, streaming software, and GPU-heavy background applications.
4. Disable third-party overlays and injectors temporarily.
5. Retest the same Act in solo play.

The current patch focuses on Acts 1 and 2. A crash that appears only in Act 3 may still be affected by the optimization work Paper Cult says is ongoing.

Crash happens only in co-op

Many current multiplayer freezes and crashes are connected to networking rather than local graphics load. If solo play is stable:

1. Make sure every player uses the same version.
2. Let the player with the most stable connection host.
3. Prefer a host near the other players.
4. Stop downloads and VPN traffic during the test.
5. Recreate the lobby after switching versions or hosts.

Continue with the co-op not-working guide if players also desync or lose lobby visibility.

Game closes immediately after pressing Play

For a crash before the main menu:

1. Verify the installed files.
2. Update Windows and the GPU driver.
3. Restart the Steam or Xbox app.
4. Close overlays, hardware-monitoring tools, and controller remappers.
5. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices for one test.
6. Launch the game directly from its normal storefront button.

Some players have reported that disabling Windows Hardware-Accelerated GPU Scheduling allowed the game to start. Treat this as a last test for an immediate startup crash, not a general performance recommendation: change it only if the steps above fail, restart Windows after changing it, and restore the setting if it makes no difference.

Do not delete your save to fix a crash

The game has received save-recovery and corruption-prevention work. Deleting the save folder before collecting logs can remove both progression and useful crash information. Copy the entire folder first if support asks you to test save-related steps.

Find and send the crash logs

On Windows, open:

C:\Users\YOUR_USERNAME\AppData\LocalLow\Paper Cult\Tears of Metal

Copy these files immediately after the crash:

• Player.log
• Player-prev.log

On Steam Deck or Steam Machine, Paper Cult gives this location:

/home/deck/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/compatdata/1913120/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/LocalLow/Paper Cult/Tears of Metal

Include the Act and map, whether the game was solo or co-op, the host, the game version, GPU and driver version, and what appeared immediately before the crash.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tears of Metal crashing a known Early Access problem?

Yes. Paper Cult has fixed several crashes and says crash work is ongoing, especially where multiplayer networking or Act 3 performance is involved.

Should I reinstall the entire game first?

No. Verify the installed files before reinstalling; it is faster and preserves more diagnostic context.

Why does only the host crash?

Host-only crashes can still be related to networking or local load. Test another host and compare one solo run before assuming a single cause.

Where are the crash logs?

On Windows they are in AppData\LocalLow\Paper Cult\Tears of Metal under your user profile.

Last updated August 2, 2026