Among Us Crashing: Causes and Fixes

Among Us crashes for a range of reasons, from outdated graphics drivers and corrupted game files to server overload and incompatible system settings. The fix usually involves updating drivers, verifying the game’s files, or adjusting the game’s settings to match your hardware.

Background: Why a Simple Game Still Crashes

Among Us is a lightweight, 2D social deduction game, so it doesn’t demand high-end hardware. Yet its simplicity can be misleading. The game runs on a custom engine that relies on certain system libraries and network connectivity. Crashes often stem from conflicts between the game and your operating system, especially after major updates to either the game or your OS. Additionally, the game’s popularity on mobile devices and low-end PCs means it must run on a wide variety of configurations, increasing the chance of incompatibility issues.

Common Crash Triggers and How to Identify Them

Before diving into fixes, it helps to know what kind of crash you’re experiencing. The game might close to the desktop without warning, freeze and become unresponsive, or show an error message. Here are the most frequent triggers:

• Outdated graphics drivers – The game uses DirectX on Windows, and old or corrupted drivers can cause crashes during rendering.
• Corrupted game files – A partial download or a failed update can leave the game’s files in an inconsistent state.
• Server connection issues – When the servers are overloaded (common after a new update), the game may crash when trying to connect or during matchmaking.
• Antivirus or firewall interference – Security software sometimes blocks the game’s network activity, leading to a crash.
• Incompatible display settings – Running the game in fullscreen with an unsupported resolution can cause crashes on some systems.
• Background applications – Overlays from Discord, GeForce Experience, or other software can conflict with the game.

Step-by-Step Fixes for Windows PC

If you’re on a PC, start with these fixes in order. They address the most common causes first.

1. Update your graphics drivers. Go to your graphics card manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver for your model. Alternatively, use Windows Update to install driver updates automatically.
2. Verify the game’s files. If you bought the game on Steam, right-click Among Us in your library, select Properties, go to Local Files, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. This checks for missing or corrupted files and replaces them.
3. Disable overlays. Turn off the overlay in Discord (Settings > Overlay) and in GeForce Experience (Settings > General > In-Game Overlay). Also close any other apps that draw on top of the game, such as MSI Afterburner.
4. Run the game in windowed mode. In the game’s settings, change the display mode from Fullscreen to Windowed. If it still crashes, try setting the resolution to a lower value, like 1280×720.
5. Add an exception in your antivirus. Temporarily disable your antivirus or add the Among Us executable to the exclusion list. If that stops the crashes, the antivirus was the culprit; keep the exclusion and re-enable the antivirus.
6. Reinstall the game. As a last resort, uninstall the game, restart your PC, and install it again. This clears any persistent file corruption.

Fixes for Mobile (iOS and Android)

Mobile crashes are often due to outdated app versions, insufficient storage, or OS issues. Try these steps:

• Update the app. Check the App Store or Google Play Store for a newer version of Among Us. Developers often release patches for crash bugs.
• Clear the app cache. On Android, go to Settings > Apps > Among Us > Storage and tap Clear Cache. On iOS, you may need to uninstall and reinstall the app, as iOS doesn’t offer a cache-clearing option.
• Check storage space. The game needs at least a few hundred MB of free space. If your device is nearly full, the game may crash when loading assets.
• Restart your device. A simple reboot can clear memory leaks and background processes that interfere with the game.

Server-Side Issues and What to Do

Sometimes the crash isn’t on your end. Among Us relies on official servers for matchmaking and hosting games. During peak times, especially after a major update, servers can become overloaded. Symptoms include being unable to connect, getting kicked from games, or the game crashing when you try to join. In these cases, the best course is to wait a few hours and try again. You can also check the official Among Us Twitter account or the game’s Discord server for status updates. There’s no local fix for server outages, but you can try switching between the North America and Europe server regions in the game’s settings, as one may be less congested.

Preventive Measures and Long-Term Stability

Once you’ve fixed the immediate crash, you can reduce the chances of it happening again:

• Keep your OS and drivers updated. Set Windows Update to automatic and check for driver updates monthly.
• Close unnecessary background apps. Before launching the game, close browsers, streaming apps, and other software that consumes memory.
• Adjust in-game settings. Lower the resolution and turn off visual effects if you’re on a low-end device. The game runs fine on low settings.
• Monitor your device’s temperature. Overheating can cause crashes on laptops and phones. Ensure proper ventilation and avoid playing while charging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Among Us crash when I try to join a game?
This is often a server issue. If you can’t join a specific game, it may be hosted by a player with a poor connection. If you can’t join any game, the servers may be down or your network is blocking the connection. Try restarting the game and your router.

Does Among Us crash on Mac?
Yes, Mac users can experience crashes too. The fixes are similar to Windows: update macOS, verify the game files through Steam, and check that your Mac meets the minimum requirements. Some older Macs may struggle with the game’s rendering engine.

Can mods cause Among Us to crash?
Yes. Mods, especially those that alter the game’s code, can cause instability. If you’ve installed mods, remove them and reinstall the game to see if that fixes the crashes. Only use mods from trusted sources, as malicious mods can also cause issues.

Why does Among Us crash on my low-end PC?
The game is not demanding, but it still requires a GPU that supports DirectX 10 or higher. If your PC is very old, it may not meet the minimum requirements. You can try lowering the resolution and closing other programs, but if the crashes persist, your hardware may simply be incompatible.

Is there a way to prevent crashes during online play?
Use a wired internet connection if possible, as unstable Wi-Fi can cause disconnects that look like crashes. Also, ensure your firewall allows Among Us to communicate freely, and avoid using VPNs, as they can cause lag and disconnects.

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