How do I stop my game from crashing during cutscenes?

Red Dead Redemption 2 is a visually stunning and immersive game, but some players experience crashes during cutscenes, which can disrupt the flow of the story and gameplay. These crashes are often caused by hardware limitations, software conflicts, or corrupted game files. Below is a detailed guide to help you troubleshoot and fix these issues.\n\nFirst, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Red Dead Redemption 2. The game is resource-intensive, and running it on underpowered hardware can lead to crashes. Check your GPU, CPU, and RAM specifications against the game''s requirements. If your system is borderline, consider lowering the in-game graphics settings. Navigate to the Settings menu, select Graphics, and reduce options like Texture Quality, Shadow Quality, and Lighting Quality. This can alleviate strain on your hardware and prevent crashes during cutscenes.\n\nNext, update your graphics drivers. Outdated drivers are a common cause of crashes in modern games. Visit the official website of your GPU manufacturer (NVIDIA or AMD) and download the latest drivers. Install them and restart your system. Additionally, ensure your operating system is up to date, as system updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can resolve game crashes.\n\nIf crashes persist, verify the integrity of your game files. On Steam, right-click Red Dead Redemption 2 in your library, select Properties, then Local Files, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files. On the Rockstar Games Launcher, click Settings, select Red Dead Redemption 2, and choose Verify Integrity. This process checks for corrupted or missing files and replaces them, which can resolve crashes caused by file corruption.\n\nAnother potential fix is to disable overlays and background applications. Overlays from software like Discord, Steam, or NVIDIA GeForce Experience can interfere with the game. Disable these overlays in their respective settings. Additionally, close unnecessary background applications to free up system resources. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and end tasks for programs that are not essential.\n\nIf you are playing on a console, such as the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One, ensure your console is well-ventilated and not overheating. Overheating can cause crashes during demanding sequences like cutscenes. Clean the vents and ensure the console is placed in a cool, open area. You can also try reinstalling the game to resolve potential installation errors.\n\nFor PC players, adjusting the game''s API settings may help. Red Dead Redemption 2 supports both Vulkan and DirectX 12 APIs. If you are experiencing crashes, try switching between these APIs. Navigate to the Settings menu, select Graphics, and change the API under Advanced Settings. Restart the game after making this change.\n\nFinally, if none of the above solutions work, consider reaching out to Rockstar Support. Provide them with detailed information about your issue, including your system specifications, the steps you have already taken, and any error messages you have encountered. They may have additional troubleshooting steps or patches to address the problem.\n\nBy following these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of crashes during cutscenes and enjoy a smoother Red Dead Redemption 2 experience. Remember to save your progress frequently to minimize the impact of any unexpected crashes.