20 Ways to Fix Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Crashing on Startup on PC

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of the most anticipated games, but nothing kills the excitement faster than a game that crashes on startup. If you find yourself frustrated by constant crashes, don’t worry! We have compiled 20 proven methods to fix the issue and get you back into action swinging through the streets of New York.

1. Check Your System Requirements

Before diving into complex fixes, ensure your PC meets the game’s minimum or recommended system requirements. Insufficient hardware can cause crashes right from startup.

Minimum Requirements: Ensure your processor, RAM, and GPU meet the lowest threshold.

• OS: Windows 10/11 (version 1909 or higher)
• Processor: Intel Core i3-8100 / AMD Ryzen 3 3100
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 / AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT
• Storage: 140 GB available space (SSD recommended)

Recommended Requirements: If possible, aim for the recommended specs for a smoother experience.

• OS: Windows 10/11 (version 1909 or higher)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
• Memory: 16 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 / AMD Radeon RX 5700
• Storage: 140 GB available space (SSD recommended)

2. Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause crashes. Update your GPU drivers from the official website:

• NVIDIA Users: Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s website.
• AMD Users: Get updates from AMD’s website.

3. Verify Game File Integrity

Corrupted or missing game files can prevent the game from launching properly. To verify integrity:

• For Steam Users:
  • Open Steam and go to ‘Library’.
  • Right-click on Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and select ‘Properties’.
  • Navigate to ‘Installed Files’ and click ‘Verify integrity of game files’.

4. Run the Game as an Administrator

Some games require elevated permissions to function correctly.

• Right-click the game executable (.exe file).
• Select ‘Run as administrator’.
• If the game launches, set it to always run as administrator under ‘Properties’ > ‘Compatibility’.

5. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Windows optimizations can sometimes interfere with the game’s startup.

• Right-click the game executable and choose ‘Properties’.
• Under ‘Compatibility’, check ‘Disable fullscreen optimizations’.
• Click ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’.

6. Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions can lead to compatibility issues. To update:

• Press Win + I to open ‘Settings’.
• Go to ‘Update & Security’.
• Click ‘Check for updates’ and install any available updates.

7. Disable Overlay Applications

Overlay programs such as Discord, Steam, or GeForce Experience can cause conflicts.

• Open each application and disable the in-game overlay.
• Restart your PC and try launching the game again.

8. Close Background Applications

Unnecessary applications can hog system resources.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Close any applications consuming high CPU or RAM usage.

9. Check for Conflicting Software

Some third-party software, such as MSI Afterburner or RivaTuner, can interfere with games.

• Disable or uninstall such programs and check if the game launches.

10. Adjust Virtual Memory (Paging File Size)

Low virtual memory can cause crashes.

• Press Win + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
• Under ‘Advanced’, go to ‘Performance’ > ‘Settings’.
• Navigate to ‘Advanced’ > ‘Virtual memory’ > ‘Change’.
• Set the initial and maximum size to recommended values.

11. Disable Ray Tracing and DLSS

High-end features can be too demanding.

• If you can access the settings before crashing, disable Ray Tracing and DLSS.
• Restart the game and check for improvements.

12. Install the Latest Game Patch

Developers release updates to fix bugs and crashes. Check for any available patches and install them.

13. Reinstall Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables

Missing or corrupted Visual C++ libraries can lead to crashes.

• Uninstall current versions from ‘Programs and Features’.
• Download the latest version from the Microsoft website.

14. Check for Disk Space Issues

Insufficient storage can affect game performance.

• Ensure you have at least 140GB of free space on the drive where the game is installed.
• Delete unnecessary files or move the game to another drive with more space.

15. Reset Game Settings

Corrupt game settings can prevent startup.

• Navigate to the settings folder (usually in Documents/Marvel's Spider-Man 2).
• Delete or rename the configuration file to reset settings.

16. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot ensures no startup programs interfere with the game.

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Under the ‘Services’ tab, check ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ and disable the rest.
• Restart your PC and launch the game.

17. Disable Overclocking

If you have overclocked your GPU or CPU, it may cause instability.

• Reset clock speeds to default settings.
• Try launching the game afterward.

18. Adjust Power Settings

Using the ‘Balanced’ or ‘Power Saver’ mode can throttle performance.

• Go to ‘Control Panel’ > ‘Power Options’.
• Select ‘High Performance’ mode.

19. Reinstall the Game

If all else fails, reinstalling the game can help.

• Uninstall Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 via Steam or the respective launcher.
• Delete remaining files in the installation folder.
• Reinstall and try again.

20. Check for Hardware Issues

If crashes persist, hardware issues could be the cause.

• Run a memory diagnostic (mdsched.exe) to check for RAM issues.
• Monitor CPU and GPU temperatures to ensure they are within normal ranges.

Final Thoughts

One of these methods should help fix Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 crashing on startup. Start with the simpler fixes and gradually move to more advanced solutions. If none work, consider reaching out to the game’s support team for further assistance. Happy gaming!