Directive 8020 Crashing or Fatal Error?

Update First — the Latest Patch Fixes Most Crash & Save Bugs

Before trying anything else: make sure you're on the June 2026 patch. Supermassive Games fixed the most-reported crash and save issues in it, including:

• The “Fatal Error” crash when returning to the Main Menu from exploration areas
• Infinite loading screens when resuming a save after using Turning Points
• Save corruption on PS5 (PlayGo install and DualSense Touch Pad triggers)
• The infamous “Missing Legs” character model bug on console

Fatal Error Crash on PC — Fixed, but Here's What to Do If It Persists

The June 2026 patch fixed the “Fatal Error” crash that occurred when returning to the Main Menu from exploration areas. If you still see Fatal Error crashes:

• Verify game files on Steam (Library → Directive 8020 → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity)
• Update GPU drivers — NVIDIA (GeForce Experience) or AMD (Adrenalin)
• Disable overlay apps: Discord overlay, GeForce Experience overlay, Steam overlay
• Set DirectX version to DX11 in Steam launch options: -dx11

Save Bug & Infinite Loading Screens

Two save-related bugs were officially fixed in the June 2026 patch: an infinite loading screen when resuming a save after specific interactions and Turning Point rewinds, and PS5 save corruption triggered by the PlayGo install feature or by interacting with secrets using the DualSense Touch Pad.

If your save is still acting up:

• Confirm the latest patch is installed (the fix is patch-side, not save-side)
• On PS5: enable auto-upload to PS Plus cloud (Settings → Saved Data → Auto-Upload)
• Keep at least 2 save slots and rotate between them
• For unrecoverable saves, use Turning Points via chapter select to jump back without losing all progress

Game Crashes or Won't Launch

• Install or repair Visual C++ Redistributable (download from Microsoft)
• Temporarily disable antivirus — some AVs flag the game executable as a false positive
• Run the game as administrator (right-click → Run as Administrator)
• Clear Steam download cache (Steam → Settings → Downloads → Clear Download Cache)
• Restart your PC and try launching before opening other applications

Black Screen on Launch

• Update GPU drivers first — this fixes most black screen cases
• Verify game files (see above)
• Disable overlays: Discord, GeForce Experience, Steam
• Try -dx11 in Steam launch options

Stuttering & Low FPS

The May 2026 patch optimized ray tracing and path tracing performance. The June 2026 patch also fixed an FPS drop when switching screen aspect ratio with Frame Generation ‘On’.

• Lower shadow quality first — this has the biggest performance impact
• Disable motion blur in graphics settings
• If you use Frame Generation, avoid switching aspect ratio mid-session
• Cap framerate to 60fps for stability (in-game or via GPU control panel)
• Close background applications (Chrome, Discord, etc.)

PS5 & Xbox Issues

The “Missing Legs” / missing body parts bug (caused by PlayGo/FastStart partial installs) is fixed in the June 2026 patch. If you still see it, finish the full install or reinstall the game.

PS5 — Crashing to Dashboard

• Rebuild PS5 database: Boot into Safe Mode (hold power button for 7 seconds) → select Option 5: Rebuild Database
• Check for game update: highlight game tile → Options → Check for Update
• Ensure system software is up to date

Xbox

• Try both Performance mode (60fps target) and Quality mode (4K/30fps) to see which is more stable
• Game Pass install issues: fully uninstall the game, clear Xbox cache (hold power button for 10 seconds), and reinstall
• Check for game updates in My Games & Apps → Manage → Updates

Official Patch History

• June 15, 2026 — Bug Fixes to Improve Player Experience — Fatal Error crash, save corruption, infinite loading, Missing Legs, and more fixed
• May 26, 2026 — Ray Tracing, DLSS, UI Fixes and Steam Deck Improvements — ray/path tracing performance, DLSS fixes, HDR settings, Steam Deck UI

Still stuck? Report it on the official Supermassive Games support portal.

Official System Requirements