FIX: Elite: Dangerous Crashing on Steam Deck (2024)

Many players of Elite Dangerous on the Steam Deck have encountered a frustrating issue where the game crashes unexpectedly. This can be disappointing, especially when you’re ready to dive into the vast expanse of space and explore or do battle. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot and possibly fix the game crashes. It’s always best to start with some basic checks to ensure that the problem isn’t being caused by simple issues that can be easily resolved.

Solution 1: Basic Checks

Before trying anything else, it’s wise to check off some things.

1. You should check if Elite Dangerous is compatible with Steam Deck.
2. Are there any mods or something extra you have installed on your device? It’s important to have official/well-maintained files running on your Steam Deck to keep it clean.
3. If the game itself is running fine, check their official channels or forums.
4. Your internet connection is fine.
5. Your Steam Deck is not overheating.
6. Most of the errors are avoided just by this simple technique due to software glitches. The next thing you need to do is force reboot your console to overcome Elite Dangerous not opening.

Just follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds and if it doesn’t respond then it’s your software issue
2. To fix thisPress and holdthePowerbutton for at least12seconds
   
3. This will give a force restart to your console

Solution 2: Disconnect and reinsert the Micro SD Card

If Elite Dangerous is on yourSD cardthen first you should try to reinsert the SD Card, else disconnect the micro SD card from your Deck, and try to run anothergame.

If you don’t face Elite Dangerous crashingwhile playing in internal storage then the issue is probably in your SD card.

So, it’s best for youto check the current SD Card in another device and replace the micro SD card with a new one.

Alternatively, install the primary game on your internal memory.

Solution 3: Re-Initialize DNS

I know this might sound extra but I had to include it as some users have fixed their issue by changing the DNS settings as the crashing could be due to the network. Yes, this helps if your FPS drops randomly too.

This has also helped users solve lagging issues on Elite Dangerous

Re-initializingDNSis simple:

1. Hold the Steam Deckpower buttonto bring up the power menu.
2. Then selectSwitch to Desktopto switch over to the Linux desktop.
   
3. Make sure the desktop version ofSteamis running.
4. Now click on the Wi-Fi icon located at the bottom right and then clickConfigure Network Connection
   
5. Click on your current connection and then selectIPv4
6. Change the Method from Automatic toManual
   
7. In the DNS Servers, we are going to enter the DNS separated by commas to match theGoogleDNS.
   • 8.8.8.8
   • 8.8.4.4
8. To add, remove or modify the DNS manually you need to click on theEditiconas shown in the picture below
   
9. Andmanagethem from the window that appears
   
10. You can do thesame steps with IPv6if you want to change its DNS settings

Solution 4: Update the Steam deck

One of the most common reasons for crashing is an outdated SteamOS version causing compatibility issues.

To check if you are using the latest OS of Steam on Steam Deck, you need to:

1. Tap on theSteam Buttonto open the sidebar
2. Go toSettings
3. FindSystem(second option)
   
4. Ayellowicon will appear that will tell you if an update is available and what’s new
5. Click onApplyandRestartthe Steam deck to complete the update.
6. Repeat the processto see if there’s any other update pending until it says it is up to date

If you are unable to update your Steam deck, consider checking ourSteam Deck Not Updatingguide to help you.

Solution 5: Change Proton Version

Steam Deck uses Proton as a compatibility layer that enables the console to run PC games.

There are multiple collections of high-performance graphic APIs and Wine working together to make it work.

There’s a different proton version available for each game and sometimes one proton version works for one game and the other works for the other game.

How to Change the Proton Version in Steam Deck?

To change the proton version, you need to select your game

1. Then go toSettingsof the game
2. Now go toProperties
   
3. In the left sidebar, choose the second option: Compatibility
4. In the new menu opened check the box presented
5. You’ll find Proton Experimental
   
6. Tap on it to find all the versions you can select from.

Solution 6: Reset Steam Deck

Toreset Steam Deckfrom the console itself is one of the easiest ways:

1. Press theSteam Buttonto openSettings
2. InSystemMenu, scroll to the bottom of the page to theFactory Resetbutton
   
3. This will take the Steam Deck back to its original state without anything in its memory.

This will help you clear any cache/storage/software-related issues that may be causing your game to crash on Steam Deck.

If this is also not helping then it’s either a game or sadly a hardware issue you are facing, as faulty Steam Decks are common but repairs/returns are not a big hassle if you are in a supported country.

Solution 7: Contact Steam Deck Support

If you cannot get rid of Elite Dangerous not loading on Steam Deck after resetting or forcerebooting, you shouldcontact Steam Decksupport and ask them to perform the necessary repairs on the console. Check in the game discussion forums or comment here if you are still facing an issue, and I’d be happen to help you.

Dealing with game crashes can be an annoying interruption to your gaming experience, but with these basic checks, you have a good chance of getting back to playing Elite Dangerous on your Steam Deck with minimal hassle. Remember to keep your system updated, check your game files, manage your resources wisely, and seek out community support if needed. Happy gaming and safe travels across the galaxy!