Few things are more frustrating than preparing for a high-intensity football session in FIFA 23 only to be interrupted by sudden crashes or unexpected shutdowns. Whether you’re on PC or console, game crashes are a serious buzzkill—especially in the middle of a heated match or just as you’re tweaking your Ultimate Team lineup. But don’t worry, we’ve got a list of effective solutions that can get you back on the pitch without delay.
Why Is FIFA 23 Crashing?
Before diving into the fixes, it helps to understand why the game might be crashing in the first place. Common causes often include:
- Outdated graphics drivers
- Corrupted game files
- Software conflicts with background applications
- Hardware limitations or overheating
- Antivirus/firewall interference
Fortunately, there are several proven fixes you can try.
1. Update Your Graphics Drivers
This is the most common and effective fix. Graphics card manufacturers regularly release driver updates to optimize performance and squash bugs in new games.
- For NVIDIA users: Use the GeForce Experience app to update your drivers.
- For AMD users: Use the AMD Radeon Software for updates.
After updating, reboot your system and relaunch the game to check if the crashes persist.
2. Verify Integrity of Game Files
If you’re on PC (Steam or Origin), it’s essential to verify that your FIFA 23 files are intact. Corruption or missing files can cause sudden crashes.
On Steam:
- Right-click on FIFA 23 in your Library
- Select Properties > Local Files
- Click Verify integrity of game files…
This may take a few minutes, but it often resolves underlying issues without requiring a full reinstall.
3. Lowering Graphics Settings
If FIFA 23 is graphically demanding for your system, try lowering some of the visual settings. This can especially help older or mid-range PCs.
Reduce the following settings:
- Resolution Scaling
- Shadows
- Anti-aliasing
- V-Sync
Changing from Ultra to Medium or Low can make a significant difference in stability.
4. Disable Background Applications
Programs like Discord overlays, web browsers, or even Windows Game Mode can conflict with FIFA 23. Try playing with a clean slate:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
- Identify and close unnecessary background apps
Also consider turning off overlays from software such as NVIDIA GeForce, Steam, or Discord.
5. Run as Administrator
Some permissions may block the game from accessing key components. Running FIFA 23 as an administrator can help:
- Right-click on the FIFA 23 shortcut or .exe file
- Select “Run as administrator”
This grants the game more access to essential system resources, reducing the risk of crashes.
6. Check Antivirus and Firewall Settings
Overprotective antivirus software can block FIFA 23 from necessary server connections or even interfere with game files.
- Add FIFA 23 as an exception in your antivirus and firewall settings
- Temporarily disable your antivirus (only if safe to do so) and test the game
This can help especially if crashes occur while trying to play online modes like FUT or Pro Clubs.
7. Keep Your System Updated
Running an outdated version of Windows can lead to unexpected crashes, especially with newer games. Make sure your OS is patched and updated:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update
- Check for any pending updates and install them
Updates often include critical compatibility fixes for gaming software.
Final Thoughts
Crashing issues in FIFA 23 can be incredibly annoying, but they’re often fixable with a methodical approach. Whether you’re playing Career Mode or grinding away in FUT, following these steps should greatly improve your gaming experience. If the crashes persist, consider reinstalling the game as a last resort or contacting EA Support for further assistance.
Don’t let technical problems stop you from enjoying the beautiful game—try these solutions and get back on the virtual pitch where you belong!