This crash is frequently reported when launching the game, entering high-detail environments, or loading heavy sequences like the prologue battle. The most confirmed causes include corrupted Expedition 33 files, outdated or unsupported GPU drivers, and unstable overclocks on mid-range hardware. Before proceeding with the fixes, ensure your PC meets the official system requirements for Expedition 33. Let’s now go through verified solutions specifically tailored to this title.
1. Run with Administrator Privileges
Running the game’s executable as an administrator helps resolve launch crashes in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. Without elevated permissions, the engine may fail to access system-level resources required for stable execution.
2. Force DirectX 11 Mode for Better Stability
By default, the game runs on DirectX 12. However, systems with older or mid-tier GPUs may struggle with DX12 compatibility. Switching to DirectX 11 has resolved crashes for many users, especially during combat and cinematic sequences.
3. Cap the FPS to 60 to Prevent Overload
Systems with high refresh rates or unlocked framerates may experience crashes due to excessive GPU or CPU load. Locking the FPS to 60 can stabilize engine behavior during heavy combat or open-world rendering, and reduce overheating or stutter-related crashes.
4. Free Up Storage on the Installation Drive
The game streams textures and assets in real-time. If the drive where the game is installed is nearly full, Windows may be unable to allocate sufficient virtual memory or process shader caching smoothly. This can result in crashes, especially during cutscenes or large area transitions. Expedition 33 also writes runtime logs and shader data during gameplay. Keeping at least 15–20 GB of free space ensures smoother performance and fewer crashes.
Clean Junk Files via Disk Cleanup:
Delete Manual Temp Files:
5. Enable Power Saver Mode to Prevent GPU Instability
On laptops or compact desktops, thermal throttling can trigger game crashes during extended sessions. Power Saver Mode slightly lowers system performance, which can reduce temperature spikes and prevent instability in high-load scenes like boss fights or environment transitions. This is not a performance boost but a thermal management step to avoid crashes due to overheating.
