How to fix Cities Skylines II crash at random times to desktop.

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through fixing random crashes in Cities Skylines II that send you back to the desktop without error messages. These crashes can disrupt gameplay, but by limiting the frame rate, you can stabilize performance and enjoy smoother gameplay.

Step 1: Create an FPS Limit

To prevent crashes, you need to limit the maximum frame rate that Cities Skylines II can render. This process helps ensure that your GPU does not render too many frames at once, leading to simulation issues.

1. Open your graphics card control panel (NVIDIA Control Panel for NVIDIA GPUs).
2. Navigate to the Manage 3D settings section.
3. Locate the program settings for Cities Skylines II.
4. Set the Frame Rate Limiter:
   • Start with a limit of 20 frames per second.
   • This will help establish a baseline for stability.
5. Apply changes and close the control panel.

Step 2: Adjust the FPS Limit Based on Performance

After setting the initial frame rate, you can gradually increase it to find a balance between performance and stability.

1. Launch Cities Skylines II and monitor performance.
2. If the game runs smoothly without crashes, incrementally raise the frame rate limit by small amounts (e.g., 5-10 fps).
3. Test gameplay after each adjustment:
   • Play for at least 30 minutes to ensure stability.
   • If you experience a crash, revert to the last stable frame rate limit.
4. Find the sweet spot for your specific graphics card. Many users find that 60 fps offers optimal performance without crashes.

Step 3: Verify FPS Limit Implementation

To ensure the frame rate limit is effectively applied, you can check the performance metrics.

1. Use an FPS counter tool (such as MSI Afterburner or Fraps) to monitor your game’s frame rate.
2. Play the game and observe the frame rate:
   • Ensure it does not exceed the limit you set.
3. Adjust settings if necessary to maintain your desired frame rate during gameplay.

Conclusion

By following these steps to limit the FPS in Cities Skylines II, you can significantly reduce random crashes and enhance your gaming experience. Start with a low frame rate limit and gradually increase it to find the best setting for your graphics card. This approach not only stabilizes the game but also allows for enjoyable, extended play sessions. If crashes persist, consider checking for additional software updates or troubleshooting hardware issues. Happy gaming!