The problem with Intel CPUs causing trouble for players continues and this time, Once Human players are at the receiving end. This post-apocalyptic survival title from Starry Studio came out on July 10, 2024. Since its release, Once Human has garnered good reviews thanks to the gameplay mechanics and visuals. However, the experience of the players has been quite poor at times because of frequent crashes. Especially the issue where the game keeps crashing on startup during shader compilation has bothered a large number of players. So, what are the possible fixes if Once Human crashes during shader compilation? In this guide, we have explored the different methods of fixing this issue. So, by the end of this guide, you should be able to fix the issue.
The problem with Intel CPUs (13th and 14th Gen) being unable to handle certain games has been around for a while now. Players noticed similar problems in The First Descendant from Nexon Games. So, this isn’t really a new issue that Once Human players are facing. However, this sure is a frustrating one as it prevents players from enjoying the game. Especially with the game crashing right at startup, players can’t even open the game, let alone enjoy it. So what do you do if Once Human crashes during shader compilation at startup? Let’s find out!
Once Human Crashes During Shader Compilation at Startup: How to Fix?
Multiple players have experienced the game crashing at shader compilation, and it’s absolutely frustrating. As Steam user 76561199680721544 explained, for them, the game was stuck at 0% on the shader compilation screen. However, for another Steam user, Anaximander, the game gets stuck after compiling 90% shaders. So, in any case, what are the potential fixes for the problem? Do we have any official update on the issue? Here’s what we know:
Official Fixes for the Issue
If you visit the official FAQ page on the Once Human website, you’ll notice that the developers have shared some insight into this particular problem. In fact, they shared two fixes that Intel themselves suggested the players try:
Update BIOS
So, according to Intel, you need to update your BIOS if you continue to face crashes in a game during shader compilation. However, the process to update the BIOS varies according to the motherboard manufacturers. You need to check the website of your motherboard manufacturer regarding the update process. Otherwise, you can find the information available online as well. Update your BIOS and then reboot your PC. Launch Once Human and see if your issue has been solved.
Lower the Performance Core Ratio
Another fix for players with 13th and 14th Gen Intel CPUs involves installing the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility app and then adjusting the performance core ratio. Set the ratio to 54x or lower from 55x and reboot your PC. Then, launch the game and see if the issue persists.
So, these were two of the official fixes that we have for the problem. However, since this is such a prevalent issue in the game, there are some other player-suggested workarounds that you can try as well.
Lower the Graphics Settings
Lowering the graphics settings often works wonders in fixing crashes and lags. If you are somehow able to launch the game, try lowering the in-game frame rate to 120 FPS. You can try lowering other graphical settings as well. Furthermore, disable V-Sync or G-Sync if you have it enabled. Steam user nosebleed shared that turning off Nvidia Overlay also fixes the crashing issue in the game.
Update Your GPU Drivers
If lowering the game’s graphics settings didn’t work, try updating your GPU drivers and see if it works. You can do it by downloading the latest driver updates from the website of your GPU manufacturer. Otherwise, you can use the official GPU Companion application for the same. Alternatively, try the steps shared below to update your GPU drivers –
- Press the Windows + X keys together to open the Quick Link Menu.
- Go to Device Manager and open Display Adapters.
- Locate your dedicated GPU and right-click on it.
- Click on Update Driver.
- Select the “Search automatically for drivers” option.
- Wait for the process to complete and your drivers will be updated.
- Run the game and see if the issue persists.
Delete the baking_ppk, db_py3, and patch_ppk Folders
You can fix the crashing issue in the game by deleting a few folders. Here’s how:
- Go to Steam and open your library.
- Locate Once Human and right-click on it.
- Select Properties and then go to Installed Files.
- Click on Browse Local Files.
- Go to the following path in the game installation directory: “Program Files (x86)/ Steam/ steamapps/ common/ Once Human/ Documents“
- Now, delete the baking_ppk, db_py3, and patch_ppk folders from here.
- Open the game properties again and go to the General tab.
- In the Launch Options text box, type the following command: “-dx12“.
- Then, launch the game, and see if the issue persists.
Disable All Services and Re-Enable the Important Ones
Steam user LTJ4CK shared that you can fix the crashing issue by disabling all services and then re-enabling the essential ones. Here’s how to do so:
- Go to the Start search bar and type “System Configuration“.
- Press enter, and then in the System Config window, click on the Services tab and select Hide all Microsoft services.
- Now, select Disable All.
- Now, manually enable the services associated with your motherboard.
- You will also need to enable the services related to your GPU (Nvidia or AMD services).
- Enable Steam services.
- Enable the services associated with the software or hardware you use.
- Now click on Reboot Now.
- After this, launch the game and see if it still crashes.
Change CPU Power Parameters
You need to try using Intel’s default settings for your BIOS profile if you want to ensure the best performance possible. Set the CPU Power Parameters as directed by Intel and this should help you avoid any crashing issue whatsoever.
Underclock Your CPU
Underclocking their CPUs has often helped players fix the crashing issue.
- Open your BIOS Settings by restarting your PC and pressing the associated key before it boots up. This is usually the F2, Del or Esc key on your keyboard.
- Inside your BIOS, look for a tab that says Advanced or Performance or Frequency.
- Now search for an option that says CPU Clock Speed or CPU Frequency or Base Clock.
- Now, set it to the default options. Remember that you can also lower the CPU Frequency but only if you have some experience in tinkering with BIOS settings.
Change Windows Power Settings
- Press the Windows + R keys together to open the Run Command Box.
- Use the “ms-settings:System” command to open your Windows Settings.
- Go to Power & Battery and select Power mode.
- Set it to Balanced or Power Saver mode and save your changes.
- Restart your PC and launch the game.
Limit Max Power Process in Windows Power Management
- Open the Run Command Box again as shown in the previous workaround.
- Use the powercfg.cpl command to go to Windows Power Management.
- Open the Change Plan Settings option.
- Click on Change advanced power settings.
- Locate the Processor Power Management option and expand it.
- Set Max Processor State to 99% instead of 100%.
- Run the game and see if it works.
Reinstall the Game
Well, if nothing has worked for you yet and Once Human still crashes during shader compilation, try uninstalling and reinstalling the game. This time, install it on a different SSD drive and see if the issue persists.
Well, these are all the workarounds and fixes for the Once Human crashing issue during shader compilation. Hopefully, our guide was able to help you fix the problem. If you found this guide insightful, keep visiting DigiStatement for more such gaming content and guides!
