If Crusader Kings 3 keeps crashing on your PC, you’re not alone. Many players face stability issues due to low memory allocation, DirectX conflicts, fullscreen optimisations, or antivirus interference.

In this guide, you’ll find step-by-step solutions to fix CK3 crashes and make the game run smoothly again.

Why This Matters

Crashes in CK3 often aren’t caused by bugs in the game itself. Instead, they’re linked to:

• Low physical RAM or a misconfigured paging file

• Renderer instability with DirectX

• Fullscreen optimisation conflicts

• Antivirus false flags

Fixing these areas will stabilise your gameplay.

Step 1: Increase Virtual Memory (Paging File)

Windows uses virtual memory when physical RAM runs out. A low paging file can cause CK3 to crash.

1. Press Win + S, type Advanced system settings, and press Enter.
   

2. Go to the Advanced tab → click Settings under Performance.
   

3. In Performance Options, open the Advanced tab → click Change under Virtual Memory.
   

4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size.

5. Select your system drive (C:).

6. Choose Custom size:

   • Initial measurement: 1.5 × RAM (instance: 16 GB RAM → 24576 MB)

   • Maximum measurement: 3 × RAM (instance: 16 GB RAM → 49152 MB)

7. Click Set → OK.
   

8. Restart your PC and relaunch CK3.

Step 2: Switch Graphics Renderer to Vulkan

DirectX can cause rendering issues on some GPUs. Vulkan is often more stable.

1. Open Steam → Library.

2. Right-click Crusader Kings 3 → Properties.
   

3. Under General → Launch Options, type:

   -vulkan


   

4. Close the window and restart the game.

Step 3: Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations may interfere with frame rendering. Disable them:

1. Go to CK3’s install folder:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Crusader Kings III

2. Right-click CrusaderKingsIII.exe → Properties.
   

3. Open Compatibility tab.

4. Check Disable fullscreen optimizations.

5. Apply changes and relaunch CK3.
   

Step 4: Add CK3 to Antivirus Exceptions

Some antivirus tools block CK3 files, causing runtime crashes.

1. Open your antivirus/security app.

2. Navigate to Exclusions/Exceptions.

3. Add CK3’s folder:
   C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\Crusader Kings III

4. Save changes and restart your PC.

Extra Tips

• Verify integrity of game files (Steam) → Right-click CK3 in Steam → Properties → Installed Files → Verify Integrity.

• Update GPU drivers before playing.

• If all else fails → reinstall CK3 for a fresh setup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Setting paging file too small (causes the same issue).

• Forgetting to restart after changing settings.

• Running outdated GPU drivers.

• Relying only on antivirus auto-detection (add exclusions manually).

Check this: Fix Daemon Tools Conflict in Battlefield 6

Stay Connected WIth Socialreview For More