Raft Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to FIX

Raft Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: In 2018, Redbeet Interactive and Axolot Games launched an engaging open-world survival multiplayer game named “Raft,” designed for Windows and Linux platforms.

While the game has garnered favorable reviews on Steam for its PC version, many players are currently facing challenges with the “Raft Keep Crashing” issue at startup on Windows PCs. If you find yourself among those affected, this guide will provide steps to help you resolve the problem.

It’s not uncommon for PC games to experience a variety of bugs and stability concerns, including startup crashes and failure to launch. Regardless of whether your game is newly released or has been around for some time, the likelihood of encountering crashing issues in different situations is significant.

Various factors, including conflicts with your computer’s hardware or software, can lead to these problems. However, not all games will consistently face startup crashes; the potential for such conflicts can vary widely.

Why Does Raft Keep Crashing?

It’s important to note that although Raft was officially launched in 2018, it remains in the early access phase. This prolonged status is a significant factor contributing to issues such as crashes and difficulties in launching the game.

It would be beneficial for the developers to expedite the release of a stable public version.

There are also several other potential causes for these problems that players should be aware of. Fortunately, we have compiled some helpful workarounds that may alleviate these issues.

Crashes can often be attributed to various factors, including outdated system software, an obsolete version of the game, missing or corrupted game files, or issues with graphics drivers that are either outdated or damaged.

Additionally, background processes, startup applications, an outdated game client, and more can also be culprits.

Other potential triggers for crashes include conflicts with security software, an outdated version of DirectX, issues related to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables, problems with overlay applications, overclocking of the CPU or GPU, compatibility issues with your PC, and more.

Raft Keep Crashing on Startup on PC: How to FIX

“We suggest that you systematically implement each of the recommended methods until the issue is resolved. Often, a straightforward troubleshooting technique can effectively address these types of problems. Therefore, we encourage you to explore these options. Now, let’s proceed with the details.”

1. Check System Requirements

To start, it’s important to verify that your PC meets the system requirements for the game to avoid any compatibility issues. Incompatibilities can often arise from using older hardware or lower specifications.

If you’re uncertain about your PC’s ability to run Raft, please refer to the game’s specified system requirements listed below. Should your system fall short, consider upgrading the necessary components to enhance compatibility.

Minimum System Requirements:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7 or later
• Processor: 2.6 GHz Dual Core or similar
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: GeForce GTX 500 series or similar
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Additional Notes: 64-bit operating system is required

Recommended System Requirements:

• Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
• OS: Windows 7 or later
• Processor: Intel Core i5 2.6GHz or similar
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: GeForce GTX 700 series or similar
• DirectX: Version 11
• Network: Broadband Internet connection
• Storage: 6 GB available space
• Additional Notes: 64-bit operating system is required

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Keeping your graphics drivers up to date is essential for ensuring that all applications on your Windows system run smoothly. Here’s how you can update your drivers:

• 1. Start by right-clicking the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.
• 2. From the menu, select Device Manager.
• 3. Locate the Display adapters category and double-click it to reveal the list of devices.
• 4. Right-click on your dedicated graphics card’s name.
• 5. Choose the option to Update driver, then select Search automatically for drivers.
• 6. If an update is found, it will be downloaded and installed automatically.
• 7. After the installation is complete, be sure to reboot your computer to apply the changes.

Alternatively, you can opt for a manual update by downloading the latest graphics driver directly from the official website of your graphics card manufacturer.

For those using Nvidia graphics cards, you can update through the GeForce Experience application available on Nvidia’s official site. Users with AMD graphics cards can find the latest drivers on the AMD website.

3. Update Windows

Regularly updating your Windows operating system is crucial for both general PC users and gamers, as it helps minimize system errors, compatibility problems, and crashes. Additionally, the latest updates often introduce new features, enhancements, and crucial security patches. To update your OS, follow these steps:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Settings menu.
• 2. Navigate to the “Update & Security” section, then click on “Check for updates” within the Windows Update subsection.
• 3. If an available feature update is found, click on “Download and install.”
• 4. The update process may take some time to finish.
• 5. Once the update is complete, restart your computer to apply the changes.

4. Run the game as an Administrator

To prevent user account control issues related to privileges, it’s important to launch the game executable file as an administrator. Additionally, you should also run the Steam client with administrator privileges on your computer. Here’s how to do that:

• 1. Locate the Raft executable shortcut on your desktop or in your file directory.
• 2. Right-click on the shortcut and select ‘Properties.’
• 3. Navigate to the ‘Compatibility‘ tab.
• 4. Check the box next to ‘Run this program as an administrator‘ to enable it.
• 5. Click ‘Apply,’ then ‘OK‘ to confirm your changes.

Repeat these steps for the Steam client as well. This process should help resolve any issues you may be experiencing with Raft on your PC.

5. Close Background Running Tasks

Background tasks and programs that are not essential can significantly consume system resources such as CPU and memory, which can lead to a decrease in overall system performance. This often results in issues like crashes, lags, and failure to load applications. To improve performance, it is advisable to terminate any unnecessary background processes. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Launch the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• 2. Navigate to the Processes tab.
• 3. Identify and select the tasks that are running in the background and using excessive resources.
• 4. Click on “End Task” for each of these processes to close them individually.
• 5. After you’ve finished, restart your computer.

Once your system has rebooted, check if the crashing issue in Raft has been resolved. If the problem persists, consider exploring additional troubleshooting methods.

6. Set High Priority in Task Manager

To ensure that your game runs smoothly on your Windows system, you can adjust its priority in the Task Manager. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Right-click the Start Menu and choose Task Manager from the list.
• 2. In the Task Manager window, navigate to the Processes tab.
• 3. Locate the Raft game in the list, right-click on it, and select “Set Priority,” then choose “High.”
• 4. Close the Task Manager.

After making this adjustment, launch the Raft game and see if the crashing issue on your PC persists.

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7. Reinstall DirectX (Latest)

To ensure optimal performance of the Raft game, it is advisable to download and install the most recent version of DirectX from the official Microsoft website on your computer or laptop. Simply obtain the DirectX installer package and follow the installation instructions. Please note that DirectX version 11 or higher is necessary for the game to function correctly.

8. Force Run the Game in DirectX 11

To optimize your gaming experience, it is advisable to force the Raft game to run using DirectX 10. If your computer is currently operating on DirectX 9 or an earlier version, you should attempt to launch the game with this setting. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Open your Steam client and navigate to your LIBRARY.
• 2. Find Raft in your game list, right-click on it, and select Properties.
• 3. In the Properties window, click on the GENERAL tab located in the left sidebar.
• 4. In the Launch Options field, enter -dx11.
• 5. After entering this command, you can close the window and start the game. If prompted, ensure you select the radio button next to the Play option for Raft.

This method helps enhance compatibility and performance for your gameplay.

9. Disable Windows Firewall or Antivirus Program

It’s possible that your default Windows Defender Firewall or a third-party antivirus software is interfering with your game’s connections or preventing it from running correctly. To address this, consider temporarily disabling the real-time protection and firewall settings. Here’s how you can do that:

• 1. Open the Start Menu and type “firewall.”
• 2. From the search results, choose “Windows Defender Firewall.”
• 3. Click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” located in the left sidebar.
• 4. A new window will appear. Here, select the option to “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” for both Private and Public Network Settings.
• 5. After making your selections, click “OK” to apply the changes.
• 6. Finally, restart your computer.

After rebooting, try launching the game again to see if the crashing issue with Raft on your PC has been resolved.

To disable Windows Security protection, follow these instructions:

• 1. Open the Windows Settings menu by pressing the Windows key and the I key simultaneously.
• 2. Navigate to the Update & Security section, then select Windows Security from the menu on the left.
• 3. Click on the “Open Windows Security” button to access the security features.
• 4. In the Windows Security interface, go to the “Virus & threat protection” section, then click on “Manage settings.”
• 5. Locate the toggle for Real-time protection and switch it off.
• 6. If a confirmation prompt appears, select Yes to continue.
• 7. If desired, you can also disable additional features such as cloud-delivered protection and Tamper protection.

Following these steps will help you successfully turn off Windows Security protection.

10. Set High Performance in Power Options

If your Windows system is currently set to Balanced mode in Power Options, switching to High-Performance mode may enhance your system’s performance. Keep in mind that this setting will increase power consumption, which can affect battery life. Here’s how to make the switch:

• 1. Open the Start Menu and type “Control Panel,” then select it from the search results.
• 2. Navigate to “Hardware and Sound,” then click on “Power Options.”
• 3. Choose the “High Performance” plan to activate it.
• 4. After making this change, close the window and ensure you shut down your computer completely. To do this, go to the Start Menu, select “Power,” and then click on “Shut Down.”
• 5. Once your computer is off, turn it back on.

This adjustment should resolve the Raft crashing issue on your PC in most instances. If the problem persists, consider trying the next solution.

11. Close the game from Background Apps

If you are still encountering issues with the Raft game, consider disabling it in the Background Apps settings on your PC. Here’s how you can do that:

• 1. Press the Windows + I keys simultaneously to access the Settings menu.
• 2. Navigate to the Privacy section and then select Background apps from the left-hand menu.
• 3. Scroll through the list until you find the Raft game.
• 4. Toggle the switch next to the game off.

After completing these steps, close the Settings window and restart your computer. This approach may resolve your problems. However, if the issue persists, you can explore additional troubleshooting methods.

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12. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime

To effectively resolve various gaming problems or errors, it is essential to reinstall the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime on your computer. Here’s how you can do this:

• 1. Open the Start Menu by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard.
• 2. In the search bar, type “Apps & Features” and select it from the results.
• 3. Look through the list to find the Microsoft Visual C++ programs installed on your system.
• 4. Click on each program you find and select the Uninstall option.
• 5. After removing the programs, head over to the Oficial Microsoft website to download the latest version of the Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime.
• 6. Once the download is complete, proceed to install it on your computer. Finally, restart your system to apply the changes.

By following these steps, you can help ensure a smoother gaming experience.

13. Perform a Clean Boot

Certain applications and their associated services may initiate automatically during system startup, which can lead to excessive internet usage and strain on system resources. If you’re experiencing similar issues, consider performing a clean boot to diagnose the problem. Here’s how to do it:

• 1. Press the Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run dialog.
• 2. Enter “msconfig” and press Enter to launch the System Configuration window.
• 3. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box labeled “Hide all Microsoft services.”
• 4. Click on “Disable all,” then select Apply followed by OK to confirm your changes.
• 5. Next, switch to the Startup tab and click on “Open Task Manager.”
• 6. In the Task Manager window, go to the Startup tab.
• 7. Identify any tasks that show a high startup impact, select them, and click on “Disable” to prevent them from launching at startup.
• 8. Repeat this process for each application that has a significant impact on startup performance.
• 9. Finally, restart your computer to implement the changes.

This procedure should help improve your system’s performance and reduce any unwanted resource usage.

14. Try Disabling Overlay Apps

Certain widely-used applications feature an overlay function that may operate in the background, potentially leading to problems with game performance or even hindering the launch process. To resolve these issues, it’s advisable to disable the overlay by following the instructions provided below:

Disable Discord Overlay:

• To start, open the Discord application and locate the gear icon situated at the bottom of the interface.
• Next, navigate to the App Settings section and select the Overlay option.
• You’ll want to activate the “Enable in-game overlay” feature at this point.
• After that, head over to the Games tab and choose Raft from the list provided.
• Once you’ve selected Raft, disable the “Enable in-game overlay” setting. Don’t forget to restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.

Disable Xbox Game Bar:

• To access the Windows Settings, simply press the Windows key and the ‘I’ key simultaneously.
• Once you’re in the settings menu, navigate to the Gaming section, then select Game Bar.
• Here, you can disable the option for recording game clips, taking screenshots, and broadcasting via the Game Bar

If you have trouble locating the Game Bar setting, you can easily search for it using the search function within the Windows Settings.

Disable Nvidia GeForce Experience Overlay:

• To begin, open the Nvidia GeForce Experience application and navigate to the Settings section.
• Within the Settings menu, select the General tab and turn off the In-Game Overlay feature.
• After making this adjustment, it is advisable to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect before launching your game once more.

Additionally, remember to disable any other overlay applications you may have running, such as MSI Afterburner, Rivatuner, RGB control software, or any other third-party overlays that operate in the background. This will help to prevent potential conflicts during your gaming experience.

15. Verify Integrity of Game Files

In the event that you encounter issues with the game files, such as corruption or missing data, follow these steps to quickly identify and resolve the problem.

• 1. Open the Steam application and navigate to your Library.
• 2. Locate Raft in your list of installed games and right-click on it.
• 3. Select Properties from the context menu, then head over to the Local Files tab.
• 4. Click on the option to Verify Integrity of Game Files.
• 5. Allow the verification process to complete; this may take some time.
• 6. Once finished, restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

This method will help ensure your game files are intact and functioning properly.

16. Disable CPU or GPU Overclocking

It is important to note that if you are experiencing frequent crashes or stuttering while playing games, you should avoid enabling CPU or GPU overclocking on your computer.

While overclocking can significantly enhance gaming performance, it can also lead to potential bottlenecks or compatibility issues. For the best gaming experience, consider reverting your settings to their default frequencies.

17. Update Raft

Should you find that your Raft game has not been updated recently, it’s important to follow the steps outlined below to verify and install any available updates. Here’s how to proceed:

For Steam:

To update Raft through the Steam client, follow these steps:

• 1. Launch the Steam client on your computer.
• 2. Navigate to your Library and select Raft from the list on the left side.
• 3. The client will automatically check for any available updates. If an update is found, be sure to click the “Update” button.
• 4. The installation process may take some time, so please be patient.
• 5. Once the update has been successfully installed, close the Steam client.
• 6. Finally, restart your PC to ensure that all changes take effect, and then you can relaunch the game.

We hope you found this guide useful. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to leave a comment below.

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