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Cities Skylines 2 Crashing Issues: Easy Fixes

By Jack Johnson

Cities Skylines 2 players have reported frequent crashing, freezing and bugs across platforms like PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5 and cloud streaming services. This comprehensive guide covers potential workarounds and fixes for Cities Skylines 2 crashes and other performance problems.

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How to Fix Cities Skylines 2 Crashes

Try these general troubleshooting steps first to resolve any Cities Skylines 2 crashes or performance issues:

1. Update Graphics Drivers

    1. Go to the website of your graphics card manufacturer – Nvidia, AMD or Intel.
    2. Download the latest GPU drivers for your specific model.
    3. Use the GPU software like GeForce Experience to optimize and configure settings for Cities Skylines 2.
    4. Install the new graphics drivers and restart your computer.

2. Adjust In-Game Graphics Options

    1. Launch Cities Skylines 2.
    2. Open the graphics settings from the main menu or in-game options.
    3. Lower the display resolution if your system cannot handle native resolution smoothly.
    4. Disable resource intensive settings like motion blur.
    5. Cap the frame rate to your monitor’s maximum refresh rate.

3. Verify Integrity of Game Files

    1. Launch the Steam desktop client.
    2. Right click on Cities Skylines 2 and go to Properties.
    3. Go to Local Files tab and click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
    4. Steam will scan and replace any corrupted game files.

4. Close Background Apps and Processes

    1. Use Task Manager on Windows to view background processes.
    2. Right click and select Suspend Process on any unnecessary apps.
    3. This frees up vital RAM, CPU and disk resources for the game.

5. Check for Overheating

    1. Download and run HWInfo or HWMonitor while playing the game.
    2. Check the temperatures of your CPU and GPU.
    3. If temperatures are too high, improve cooling or reduce clock speeds.

6. Update Windows, BIOS, Firmware

    1. Go to Windows Update and install the latest updates and patches.
    2. Visit motherboard OEM website and update BIOS.
    3. Check SSD manufacturer website for the latest firmware updates.

7. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

    1. Add the Cities Skylines 2 installation folder as an exclusion in your antivirus.
    2. This prevents the antivirus from interfering with the game’s processes.
    3. You can optionally disable real-time scanning entirely before launching the game.

9. Reseat RAM and Hardware Connections

    1. Power down computer and physically remove and reinsert RAM sticks.
    2. Also disconnect and reconnect power cables, SATA cables etc to clear out any loose connections.

Cities Skylines 2 Xbox Series X|S Crash Fixes

For Xbox consoles, these additional steps may help:

  • Hard reboot Xbox by holding power button for 10 seconds
  • Clear persistent storage in Blu-ray settings
  • Factory reset keeping games and apps
  • Disable HDR10 and Dolby Vision
  • Disconnect external hard drives
  • Disable Quick Resume for Cities Skylines 2

Cities Skylines 2 PS5 Crash Fixes

PlayStation 5 owners can also try:

  • Rebuild PS5 database in safe mode
  • Disable HDCP in system settings
  • Disable game overlays and recording
  • Clean dust from PS5 vents and check for overheating
  • Disconnect and reconnect HDMI cable
  • Initialize PS5 system if corrupted data suspected

What Causes Frequent Crashes in Cities Skylines 2?

If crashes persist after trying the above fixes, here are some potential reasons:

  • Insufficient hardware– CPU, GPU, RAM below minimum requirements. Upgrade PC.
  • Too many assets and mods– Excessive mods and assets strain the engine. Disable and optimize.
  • Game bugs and glitches– Newly launched games have bugs. Wait for patches.
  • Corrupted Windows OS– Damaged system files, registry issues etc. Reinstall Windows.
  • Background conflicts– Some software like RGB tools conflict with games. Shut down before playing.
  • Hardware defects– Faulty components like GPUs can crash even on stock settings. Test hardware stability.

Conclusion – October 24, 2023

Cities Skylines 2 is one of the most expansive and detailed city builders pushing hardware to the limits. But constant crashing and instability ruin the experience.

Follow the step-by-step troubleshooting guide outlined above to identify and fix the specific factors causing crashes in your setup. This will help you get Cities Skylines 2 running smooth and stutter-free.

With some effort testing combinations of software and hardware configurations, you can isolate the issue and get back to enjoying this city planning masterpiece.

Cities Skylines 2 Crashing Issues: Easy Fixes
Cities Skylines 2 Crashing Issues: Easy Fixes