Definitive Fix for Preventing Mass Effect LE From Freezing or Crashing: A Gamer’s Guide

The long-awaited Mass Effect Legendary Edition is finally here, but some issues have also emerged, and the most prominent one is theconstant crashes . If you’re facing the same issue, don’t worry. The solution might turn out easier than you think.

Try these fixes

We’ve prepared fixes for both PC and Xbox players. You might not need to try them all. Simply work your way down until you land on the one that does the trick.

1. Verify integrity of game files
2. Update your graphics driver
3. Disable hardware monitors
4. Disable all overlays
5. Turn off VSync
6. Disable extra peripherals at launch (Xbox)

Fix 1: Verify integrity of game files

First you need to verify the integrity of your game files. In some cases, your game will keep crashing when certain game files are corrupted or missing. This could happen due to network fluctuation.

You can use these steps to scan and repair your game:

1. Go to your steamLIBRARY . Right-clickMass Effect Legendary Edition and selectProperties .
   
2. In the left pane, selectLOCAL FILES . Then clickVerify integrity of game files and wait for the process to complete.
   
3. Once done, return to Mass Effect and test your gameplay.

If this doesn’t help, check out the next fix below.

Fix 2: Update your graphics driver

Game crashes tend to be graphics related, which means that you could be usinga broken or outdated graphics driver . The remastered Mass Effect is graphically demanding, and having the latest graphics driver definitely gives you a leg up.

You can update your graphics driver manually: Visit the manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA /AMD ) and search for your model, then find and download the latest correct installer. But if you don’t have the time, patience or computer skills to update your graphics driver manually, you can do that automatically withDriver Easy . It’s a tool that detects, downloads and installs any driver updates your computer needs.

1. Download and install Driver Easy.
2. Run Driver Easy and click the Scan Now button. Driver Easy will then scan your computer and detect any problem drivers.
   
3. Click Update All to automatically download and install the correct version of all the drivers that are missing or out of date on your system.(This requires the Pro version – you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you click Update All. If you don’t want to pay for the Pro version, you can still download and install all the drivers you need with the free version; you just have to download them one at a time, and manually install them, the normal Windows way.)
   

The Pro version of Driver Easy comes with full technical support . If you need assistance, please contact Driver Easy’s support team at [email protected] .

After updating your graphics driver, restart your computer and check if Mass Effect crashes again.

If the latest graphics driver doesn’t give you luck, you can continue to the next solution.

Fix 3: Disable hardware monitors

Some gamers suggested that hardware monitoring software could be interfering with the game and hence the crashes. When troubleshooting crashing issues, we recommend closing other programs so as to minimize the risk. In other words, if you’re using hardware monitors such asMSI Afterburner ,NVIDIA GeForce Experience andAIDA64 , make sure they’re turned off before launching Mass Effect.

Also make sure you’re not overclocking your hardware using apps or BIOS settings.

If you’re not running any monitors nor overclocking, simply check out the next tips below.

Fix 4: Disable all overlays

Overlays is a feature that allows you to record in-game achievements or interact with friends. Convenient as they may be, they could also affect game stability. In this case, you can try disabling all these overlays and see how things go.

Now you can start Mass Effect and test the improvements.

If disabling overlays doesn’t help, you can try the next fix below.

Fix 5: Turn off VSync

Another possible cause of the crashes is Vertical Sync. It’s a graphics feature that resolves screen tearing by locking the FPS to 60. But there’re also reports showing that VSync could also lead to stability issues. So you need to make sure to disable VSync for Mass Effect.

Here’s how to disable VSync with NVIDIA graphics card:

1. In the empty area of your desktop, right-click and selectNVIDIA Control Panel .
   
2. In the left pane, selectManage 3D settings . In the right pane, clickVertical sync and selectOff from the drop down menu. Then clickApply to save the changes.
   

Now you can launch Mass Effect and check if it crashes again.

Fix 6: Disable extra peripherals at launch (Xbox)

There’re also feedback saying that Mass Effect is having issues withwireless peripherals on Xbox. So if Mass Effect is crashing on your Xbox, before the official patches come out, you can use these steps to work around the crash.

1. First you need to make sure your wireless headset is turned off.
2. LaunchMass Effect from your dashboard.
   
3. Enter one of the games from the launcher menu.
4. Once you’re on the startup screen of your game, turn on and connect your wireless headset.

Hopefully, this post helps you stop the crash of Mass Effect Legendary Edition. If you have any questions or ideas, feel free to tell us in the comments below.