If you’re playing Wuthering Waves and suddenly encounter a DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG crash, you’re not alone. Many players, especially those using Nvidia graphics cards, have reported this issue after the latest game update. The problem appears to be linked to ray tracing, causing the game to crash either at startup or after 30-60 minutes of gameplay—regardless of whether you have a high-end GPU like an RTX 4080 or 4090.
In this guide, we’ll explore why this crash happens and provide multiple proven fixes to resolve it.
Why Does the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG Crash Happen?
The DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG error typically occurs when the GPU stops responding due to driver instability, hardware issues, or software conflicts. In Wuthering Waves, the primary culprit seems to be:
-
Ray Tracing – The latest update introduced instability when ray tracing is enabled.
-
Unstable Nvidia Drivers – Recent Nvidia drivers (especially the 576.xx series) have been problematic for many users.
-
DirectX 12 Issues – Some players report better stability when switching to DirectX 11.
Proven Fixes for DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG in Wuthering Waves
1. Disable Ray Tracing (Most Effective Fix)
Since the crash is heavily linked to ray tracing, disabling it often resolves the issue immediately.
Steps to disable Ray Tracing:
-
Launch Wuthering Waves.
-
Go to Settings > Graphics.
-
Look for Ray Tracing and turn it OFF.
-
Apply changes and restart the game.
Note: Many players on Reddit, Steam, and Discord confirm this fix works.
2. Downgrade Nvidia Drivers to a Stable Version
Recent Nvidia drivers (576.xx) have been unstable. Rolling back to version 566.36 has helped many users.
How to downgrade Nvidia drivers:
-
Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) – Get DDU here.
-
Boot into Safe Mode (to prevent driver conflicts).
-
Run DDU and select Clean and Restart.
-
Install Nvidia Driver 566.36 – Download here.
-
Restart your PC and test the game.
Why this works: Older drivers are often more stable for certain games, and this version has fewer known issues.
3. Switch to DirectX 11 Mode
If the game still crashes, forcing DirectX 11 can improve stability (though you’ll lose ray tracing).
How to force DX11 in Wuthering Waves:
-
Right-click the game in your launcher (e.g., Steam, Epic).
-
Select Properties and add the following launch option:
-dx11
-
Launch the game and check for stability.
Alternative: Some games allow DX11 selection in the graphics settings—check if Wuthering Waves has this option.
4. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings
If downgrading drivers doesn’t help, try these optimizations:
-
Lower Shadow Quality (High shadows can stress the GPU).
-
Reduce Anti-Aliasing (Try TAA instead of higher settings).
-
Cap FPS (Limit to 60 or 120 FPS to reduce GPU load).
5. Check for Overheating or Power Issues
Sometimes, the DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG crash happens due to:
-
GPU Overheating – Use MSI Afterburner to monitor temps.
-
Power Supply Issues – Ensure your PSU can handle your GPU’s power draw.
-
Overclocking Instability – Reset GPU overclocks to default.
What If the Crash Persists?
If none of the above fixes work, try:
✅ Verify Game Files (Steam/Epic can repair corrupted files).
✅ Reinstall the Game (Sometimes a fresh install helps).
✅ Wait for an Official Patch – The devs may release a fix soon.
Final Thoughts
The DXGI_ERROR_DEVICE_HUNG crash in Wuthering Waves is mainly caused by ray tracing and unstable Nvidia drivers. The best solutions right now are:
-
Disable Ray Tracing (Immediate fix).
-
Roll back to Nvidia Driver 566.36 (More stable).
-
Use DirectX 11 (If DX12 keeps crashing).
Hopefully, Kuro Games or Nvidia will release a permanent fix soon. Until then, these steps should keep your game running smoothly.
Did this guide help you? Let us know in the comments! 🚀
