If you're trying to play Grounded 2 on Steam but keep running into crashes or the game not launching when you click Play, this article will walk you through several fixes that should help resolve the issue. These steps can also address some of the common performance problems players have been experiencing. Make sure to follow each step to ensure the best possible results!

Takeaways:

  1. Learn how to fix Grounded 2 crashing problems on Windows 11
  2. Why does Grounded 2 keep crashing on Steam and how do you fix it?
  3. Why does Grounded 2 keep crashing on Game Pass and how do you fix it?

How to Fix Grounded 2 Crashing or Not Launching

Before doing anything else. Make sure your system BIOS and Windows are fully up to date.

  • Then, clean-install your GPU drivers using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
  • Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
  • Download the recommended stable NVIDIA driver (for example, from December 2024).
  • Disconnect from the internet.
  • Run DDU to fully uninstall your graphics drivers.
  • Reboot your PC.
  • Install the older driver manually.
  • Reboot again before reconnecting to the internet.

Verify Grounded 2 Game Files

Make sure no game files are missing or corrupted.

Steam:

  • Right-click the game in your Library
  • Go to Properties > Installed Files > Verify
  • Ubisoft Connect:
  • Go to the game page
  • Click the three dots > Manage > Verify files

How to Fix Grounded 2 Crashing or Not Launching

Xbox:

If you are playing Grounded 2 from the Xbox app and Game Pass, you can try verifying and repairing game files. This is a really easy process, but it can take a little time to complete.

  • To do this, open the Xbox app and right-click on Grounded 2, then click Manage.
  • Now, change to the Files tab and click Verify and Repair.
  • Once the process starts, you simply have to wait for it to finish and fix any problems.

How to Fix Grounded 2 Crashing or Not Launching guide

Disable Steam Beta

Unstable Steam beta builds may cause issues.

  • Open Steam.
  • Go to Settings > Interface.
  • Under Client Beta Participation, select No beta chosen.
  • Restart Steam.

Disable All Third-Party Overlays

Overlays can conflict with the game engine. Disable the following before launching:

  • Discord Overlay
  • MSI Afterburner / RivaTuner
  • GeForce Experience / NVIDIA App
  • Steam Overlay
  • Restart your PC after disabling all overlays.

Stop Using Alt+Tabbing During Launch

Alt+Tabbing while the game is launching can cause it to crash. Wait until the main menu fully loads before switching windows.

Reset Game Settings

Corrupted configuration files may prevent the game from launching.

  • Open File Explorer, go to:
  • Documents > My Games > Grounded 2
  • Open the folder with your Steam or Ubisoft ID.
  • Delete GameSettings.ini.

This will reset your graphics and input settings to the defaults.

Set DirectX Mode Manually

Choosing a specific DirectX version can help resolve compatibility problems.

In the game’s launch options, add one of the following:

-dx11 (recommended for older systems)

-dx12 (preferred for newer GPUs)

You can also remove any DirectX arguments to let the game choose automatically.

How to Fix Grounded 2 Crashing or Not Launching solution

Use Lossless Scaling

If you haven't already tried it, buy Lossless Scaling and use it as a frame gen tool. It's super cheap and does an amazing job of fixing FPS issues and some stuttering problems. It will also allow you to run the game in a lower resolution with upscaling which might fix performance related crashing.