Path of Exile 2 Guide: Fixing Frequent Game Crashes on Windows 11

path of exile 2
  • Written by: John Alia - Professional Content Writer, Content Creator
  • Reviewed by: Hassan Baig - Professional Reviewer
  • Last modified on: December 11, 2024

If you experiencing frequent crashes or performance issues while playing Path of Exile 2 on your PC with Windows 11 installed, you don’t need to worry. You aren’t alone as many other players worldwide have experienced the same issue. Here’s a guide to help you fix Path of Exile 2 crashing issues on Windows 11 with Intel processors and NVIDIA graphics:

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1: Clear the Shader Cache

  • Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type %Appdata% and click OK.
  • Find the ‘Path of Exile 2’ folder in the File Explorer window that appears.
  • Inside the ‘Path of Exile 2’ folder, locate the ShaderCache folder.
  • Delete the contents of the following folders: D3D11, D3D12, Vulkan.

Note: Leave the folders themselves intact, but remove everything inside them. These files are re-generated the next time you launch the game.

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2: Adjust NVIDIA Graphics Settings

  • Right-click on your desktop and select NVIDIA Control Panel.
  • Navigate to Manage 3D Settings under the 3D Settings section.
  • Click on the Global Settings tab.

3: Disable Engine Multithreading

  • Launch Path of Exile 2.
  • Open the Options menu and navigate to Graphics settings.
  • Find the Engine Multithreading option and uncheck it.
  • Apply the settings and restart the game.

4: Update Your System

  • Check for Windows Updates: Install any available patches
  • Update PoE2: Ensure you have the latest game patch

5: Switch Graphics Renderer

  • Launch PoE2.
  • Go to Options > Graphics.
  • Switch the renderer from DirectX 12 to Vulkan (or vice versa).
  • Apply the changes and restart the game.

Why this works: Some players have reported that switching to Vulkan reduces crashes, especially on higher-end hardware.

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Additional Tips

  • Disable Overclocking Software: Such as MSI Afterburner
  • Consider Using Windows 10: Reportedly fewer crashes on high-performance hardware
  • Rebuild Shader Cache: Launch the game again after clearing the cache

User Suggestions & Insights

Natali Otsosuki: Switched to Windows 10 and resolved crashes.

Leadcrows: Reports fewer crashes on Windows 10.

Final Thoughts

Following these steps can help reduce crashes and improve performance. If issues persist, check the PoE2 forums or the Steam Community for additional tips. Always report persistent problems to the developers for further assistance.