Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Keeps Crashing on Startup on PC: “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 has officially launched on PC, and the excitement among fans is palpable! However, some users are encountering a frustrating problem where the game crashes either at startup or during gameplay. If you find yourself in this situation, rest assured you’re not the only one.
There are multiple factors that could be contributing to this issue, but the positive news is that there are straightforward troubleshooting steps you can take to resolve it. Let’s explore some solutions!”
Why is Spider-Man 2 Crashing on PC?
Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand the primary reasons behind the crashing problems experienced in Spider-Man 2 on PC:
- Outdated GPU Drivers – Using an old graphics driver can create compatibility problems.
- Corrupt or Missing Game Files – The absence of essential game files can prevent the game from functioning correctly.
- Conflicts from Overlay Applications – Programs such as Steam Overlay, Discord, and NVIDIA GeForce Experience may interfere with gameplay.
- Background Processes Consuming Resources – High CPU usage from other applications can lead to performance issues.
- Outdated Windows or DirectX – Running obsolete system software can provoke crashes.
- Antivirus or Firewall Interference – Certain security software might incorrectly identify the game as a potential threat.
With this understanding of the issues at hand, let’s move on to resolving the crashing problems in Spider-Man 2 effectively!
Fix: Spider-Man 2 Keeps Crashing on PC
Follow these troubleshooting steps one by one until your issue is resolved.
1. Check System Requirements
Before anything else, ensure your PC meets the minimum or recommended system requirements to run Spider-Man 2 smoothly.
Minimum Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1650 / AMD RX 5500 XT
Recommended Requirements:
- OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit)
- Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
- Memory: 16GB RAM
- Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3060 / AMD RX 5700
If your PC falls short, consider lowering the graphics settings or upgrading your hardware.
2. Run the Game as an Administrator
In the event that Spider-Man 2 fails to launch or experiences immediate crashes, it may require elevated permissions to operate correctly.
To run the game with administrator privileges, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Spider-Man 2 shortcut icon.
- Choose ‘Properties’ from the context menu, then navigate to the ‘Compatibility’ tab.
- Find and tick the option labeled ‘Run this program as an administrator.’
- Click ‘Apply,’ then ‘OK’ to save your changes. Afterward, try launching the game again.
3. Verify Integrity of Game Files (Steam & Epic Games)
Issues with game files, such as corruption or missing components, can lead to crashes during startup. To resolve this, you can check the integrity of the game files using your game launcher.
Instructions for Steam Users:
Launch Steam and navigate to your Library.
Right-click on Spider-Man 2 and choose ‘Properties.’
Select the ‘Local Files’ tab.
Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files.’
Allow the process to finish, then restart Steam.
Instructions for Epic Games Users:
Open the Epic Games Launcher and go to your Library.
Click on the three-dot menu next to Spider-Man 2.
Select ‘Verify’ and wait for the verification process to complete.
Once done, relaunch the game.
4. Update Your GPU Drivers
One of the primary reasons games may unexpectedly crash is due to outdated or incompatible graphics drivers.
For those using NVIDIA graphics cards:
Launch GeForce Experience, then navigate to the Drivers section. Click on “Check for updates” and proceed to install any updates that are available.
For AMD graphics card users:
Open the AMD Radeon Software and head to the Updates tab. Select “Check for updates” and make sure to install the latest version available.
If the crashes continue, consider using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to completely remove any previous driver installations before attempting to install the new ones.
5. Disable Overlay Apps (Steam, Discord, NVIDIA)
Background overlay applications can disrupt the performance of Spider-Man 2, potentially leading to crashes. To enhance stability, consider disabling these overlays.
How to Disable the Steam Overlay:
Launch Steam and navigate to your Library.
Find Spider-Man 2, right-click on it, and select Properties.
In the Properties window, uncheck the option that says “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
How to Disable the Discord Overlay:
Open Discord and click on the Settings icon (⚙️).
Locate the Game Overlay section and toggle it off.
How to Disable the GeForce Experience Overlay:
Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience.
Click on Settings, then select the General tab.
Disable the In-Game Overlay feature.
After completing these steps, restart Spider-Man 2 and see if the game runs more smoothly.
6. Update Windows & DirectX
Older versions of Windows or DirectX could prevent Spider-Man 2 from working correctly.
Updating Windows:
Open the Settings menu by pressing Win + I.
Navigate to Update & Security, then select Windows Update.
Click on “Check for updates” and proceed to install any updates that appear.
Updating DirectX:
Visit Microsoft’s website to download the DirectX End-User Runtime Web Installer.
Run the installer and restart your computer to complete the update.
7. Disable Antivirus & Windows Firewall
Occasionally, security software can interfere with game files, leading to crashes. To resolve this issue, you may want to consider disabling these programs temporarily. Here’s how to do it:
Disabling Windows Defender:
Navigate to Windows Security and select “Virus & Threat Protection.”
Click on “Manage Settings” and toggle off “Real-Time Protection.”
Disabling Windows Firewall:
Open the Control Panel and go to “Windows Defender Firewall.”
Click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall On or Off.”
Choose the option to disable the firewall for both private and public networks.
By following these steps, you may alleviate the crashes you are experiencing while gaming. Remember to re-enable your security settings once you’re finished to ensure your system remains protected.
8. Reinstall Spider-Man 2 (Last Resort)
Should all other options fail, performing a fresh installation may be required.
- Remove Spider-Man 2 from either Steam or Epic Games.
- Reboot your computer.
- Proceed to install the game again.
Conclusion
If you’re experiencing persistent crashes while playing Spider-Man 2 on your PC, one of the following solutions may resolve the issue. Begin with the fundamental troubleshooting methods and proceed through each option systematically.
If problems continue, please leave a comment below, and we can work through the troubleshooting process together.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Stuttering, Lags, or Freezing on PC: How to FIX