Set either -d3d11 or -dx11 in Steam Launch Options, retest, then disable GPU-accelerated rendering in Steam web views and restart Steam if crashes continue.
Update to the current build before using the July 23 PC workarounds
Patch v1.0.13.0 fixed various crash causes, and v1.0.16.0 records another general stability pass. Neither note identifies every fixed crash signature or promises that all PC crashes are gone. Update first and retest the same scene before applying an older workaround.
If the crash remains, the July 23 official notice still provides two concrete troubleshooting paths: launch with DirectX 11, then disable GPU-accelerated rendering in Steam web views and restart Steam. Change one setting at a time and record the installed version, GPU, driver, operating system, and crash point for a useful report.
Update first
v1.0.16.0 includes general stability fixes, so reproduce the issue on the newest build before troubleshooting.
Try DirectX 11
Use either -d3d11 or -dx11 in Steam Launch Options, not both at once.
Restart Steam
After disabling GPU-accelerated rendering in Steam web views, restart the Steam client.
Record the result
Note the version, crash point, GPU, driver, and OS before sending a report.
Do this first
- 1Update and reproduce
Install v1.0.16.0 or later, then retest the same scene because the August 5 patch includes general stability fixes.
- 2Try DirectX 11
Open Steam Library, right-click Ascend to ZERO, choose Properties, and enter either -d3d11 or -dx11 under Launch Options.
- 3Retest the same scene
Relaunch the game and revisit the point that produced a repeatable freeze or forced shutdown.
- 4Change the Steam interface setting
In Steam Settings, open Interface, disable GPU-accelerated rendering in web views, confirm, and restart Steam.
- 5Send a useful report
If the crash remains, include the GPU, driver version, OS version, game version, and crash point through the official Discord or report form linked in the source.
Official PC crash troubleshooting sequence
| Step | Where | What to change |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Steam downloads | Install v1.0.16.0 or later and retest |
| 2 | Steam Library > Ascend to ZERO > Properties | Enter -d3d11 or -dx11 in Launch Options |
| 3 | Game | Relaunch and retest the same crash point |
| 4 | Steam > Settings > Interface | Disable GPU-accelerated rendering in web views |
| 5 | Steam client | Restart Steam, then retest |
| 6 | Official report path | Send GPU, driver, OS, version, and crash context |
Use this flow
- 01Update game
- 02Record crash point
- 03Try one DX11 option
- 04Retest
- 05Restart Steam
- 06Report if repeatable
Related video
Ascend to ZERO Gameplay - Time Stop Roguelite | Let's Try | PC
RinKa Plays
A long community gameplay session useful for observing the run loop at normal play pace.
Why it is useful: Players who want extended PC footage rather than a short trailer.
Watch on YouTubeCommon mistakes
Do
Change one decision, measure the result, and keep the source trail visible.
Avoid
- Skipping the latest stability patch
- Entering both launch options together
- Changing several settings before retesting
- Reporting a crash without system and version details
FAQ
Which launch option should I use?
The official notice lists -d3d11 and -dx11 as alternatives. Try one, relaunch, and record the result before switching.
Did v1.0.13.0 fix every crash?
The patch says various crash-causing issues were fixed and build stability improved, but it does not claim that every PC crash is gone.
What should a crash report include?
Include the graphics card, driver version, operating system, installed game version, and the scene or action where the crash occurs.
Sources
Official PC crash notice with DirectX 11 launch options, Steam GPU-rendering steps, and reporting information.
Official stability update focused on crashes during or immediately after specific boss fights.
Official patch covering progression, inventory, Handbook, Tech Chips, stats, Linux stability, Score Shop rewards, and temporary leaderboard removal.
Ascend to ZERO Patch Notes - v1.0.13.0 (+v1.0.14.0)
Flyway Games / Steam / accessed 2026-08-02
Official combined v1.0.13.0 and v1.0.14.0 post adding inventory name sorting, fixing stability and progression issues, relaxing two Handbook achievement requirements, and rebalancing boss behavior in Stages 2, 3, and 4. The post does not provide a separate player-facing v1.0.14.0 change list.
Official patch restoring revamped difficulty-specific leaderboards, significantly raising the maximum level, fixing Final Result DPS display overlap, tutorial-guide interaction, volume-setting behavior, and general stability while retaining two known issues.