Returnal is a popular video game developed by Housemarque, initially released for the PlayStation 5 console. However, with the increasing popularity of the game, players have requested a PC version, and the game developers have finally granted their wish.
The PC version of the game offers an improved experience with higher frame rates and graphics quality. However many PC game, players have been reporting a Returnal fatal error that can crash the game and even cause the computer to freeze.
In this article, we have discussed the causes of the Returnal fatal error and a few ways to help you fix the error.
What are the causes of the Returnal fatal error?
Below we have mentioned a few possible reasons that might be causing the Returnal fatal error.
- Some game files are corrupted.
- Problems with the launcher overlay settings.
- Using high graphics settings.
- Outdated graphics drivers.
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How to fix the error?
Below we have explained a few ways that might help you resolve the Returnal fatal error.
Check the Returnal PC system requirements
It might be possible that this error might be occurring because you are trying to run the game on a low specs PC and your PC is unable to bear the game load. Check the PC system requirements for Returnal.
Returnal minimum PC system requirements
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 1500X (4 core 3.5GHz)/Intel Core i5-6400 (4 core 2.7GHz)
- Memory: 16 GB DDR4 RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 580 (8 GB)/NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6 GB)
- Storage: 60 GB HDD (SSD recommended)
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Returnal recommended PC system requirements
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 2700X (8 core 3.7GHz)/Intel i7-8700 (6 core 3.7GHz)
- Memory: 16 GB DDR4 RAM
- Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT (12 GB)/NVIDIA RTX 2070 Super (8 GB)
- Storage: 60 GB SDD
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
Verify the integrity of game files
It is possible that some of the files and folders of the game have been corrupted while installation and that might be causing the error. Follow the steps below to verify your game files:
Step 1: Launch Steam and click on the Library tab. Then Right-click on Returnal and from the drop-down menu, click on Properties.
Step 2: Find the Local Files and then click on Verify Integrity of Game Files.
It will re-install the files that are missing and eventually fix the error caused by them.
Disable Steam overlay
If you are playing Returnal through Steam then it is possible that it might be the reason for the Returnal fatal error as it might be interfering with the game. If you want to disable the Steam overlay then follow the steps.
Step 1: Open Steam then click on the Library tab.
Step 2: In the Library, right-click on Returnal and then in the drop-down menu click on the Properties option.
Step 3: In the General tab, make sure to uncheck the Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game option.
Save the changes on Steam and then restart the Returnal game again.
Adjust your graphics settings
It might be possible that you are using the high graphics settings which is causing too much load on your PC. Try lowering the graphics settings to reduce the load on your computer and improve the game’s performance.
Update the graphics device driver
You might be using an outdated version of the device driver and it might be a reason for this error to occur, so check for the update of the driver and update it. Visit the website of your GPU manufacturer to check for the latest drivers.
Click here to check out how to update NVIDIA graphics drivers
Reinstall the game
If none of the above methods works, you may need to perform a clean installation of the game. It can often fix more significant issues with the game’s files and settings.
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