How to Fix Assassin’s Creed Shadows Crashing on PS5
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows keeps crashing on your PS5, the problem is usually tied to temporary system glitches, corrupted game data, outdated software, or unstable console settings. The methods below are arranged from the most likely fixes first to deeper PS5-specific steps you can try if the crashes keep coming back.
Method 1: Restart Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Your PS5
A temporary game or system glitch can cause random crashes, especially after long play sessions or waking the console from Rest Mode.
- Close Assassin’s Creed Shadows completely from the PS5 home screen.
- Press the PS button and highlight the game.
- Press the Options button and choose Close Game.
- Turn off the PS5 fully instead of putting it in Rest Mode.
- Wait about 30 seconds.
- Turn the PS5 back on and launch the game again.
Method 2: Check for a Game Update
If the game is crashing because of a known bug, the newest patch is often the quickest fix.
- From the PS5 home screen, highlight Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Press the Options button on the controller.
- Select Check for Update.
- Download and install any available update.
- Restart the game after the update finishes.
Method 3: Update PS5 System Software
Running outdated PS5 firmware can cause compatibility issues, crashes, or poor performance with newer games.
- Open Settings on your PS5.
- Go to System.
- Select System Software.
- Choose System Software Update and Settings.
- Select Update System Software.
- Install any available update.
- Restart the console before testing the game again.
Method 4: Make Sure the Game Is Fully Installed
Crashes are more likely if the installation was interrupted or if the game is still finishing background content.
- Go to the home screen and highlight Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Press the Options button.
- Check the download or installation status.
- Wait for all game data, patches, and add-ons to finish installing.
- Launch the game only after the installation is fully complete.
Method 5: Check Free Storage Space on the PS5
Low storage can interfere with updates, saved data handling, and game stability.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Storage.
- Review how much free space is left on the console.
- Delete games, captures, or apps you no longer need if storage is too low.
- Try to keep a healthy amount of free space available before launching the game again.
Method 6: Disable Rest Mode Resume and Launch the Game Fresh
Some crashes happen when a game is resumed from Rest Mode instead of being launched from a clean start.
- Close Assassin’s Creed Shadows fully.
- Restart the PS5.
- Avoid using Rest Mode before relaunching the game.
- Open the game from a fresh boot and test whether the crashes stop.
Method 7: Turn Off Performance-Heavy Display Features Temporarily
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows crashes during gameplay, cutscenes, or certain visual scenes, video output settings such as 120Hz, VRR, or other display-related features can sometimes be a factor.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Screen and Video.
- Check Video Output settings.
- Temporarily disable VRR if it is enabled.
- Set 120Hz Output to Off or Automatic depending on your current setup.
- If you are using a special graphics or visual mode in-game, switch to a more stable default mode.
- Relaunch the game and test it again.
Method 8: Rebuild the PS5 Database
A cluttered or corrupted system database can lead to crashes, slow loading, or unstable game behavior.
- Turn off the PS5 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear the second beep.
- Connect the controller using a USB cable.
- Press the PS button to enter Safe Mode.
- Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
- Select Rebuild Database.
- Wait for the process to finish.
- Start the console normally and test Assassin’s Creed Shadows again.
Method 9: Clear the PS5 System Cache
Temporary system cache problems can affect how games load and run.
- Turn off the PS5 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until the second beep to enter Safe Mode.
- Connect your controller with a USB cable.
- Choose Clear Cache and Rebuild Database.
- Select Clear System Software Cache.
- Let the PS5 restart.
- Launch the game again and check if the crashing issue is gone.
Method 10: Check for Corrupted Save or Game Data Symptoms
If the game only crashes in one mission, one save file, or one specific point, the issue may be tied to a corrupted save or damaged local data.
- Test the game with a different save if available.
- Try loading an earlier save point.
- If you use cloud saves, compare local and cloud progress carefully.
- Back up your saved data before making changes.
- If one save always crashes while others work, continue using a stable save and monitor future updates for a permanent fix.
Method 11: Delete and Reinstall Assassin’s Creed Shadows
If the installation files are corrupted, reinstalling the game is one of the most effective fixes.
- Highlight Assassin’s Creed Shadows on the home screen.
- Press the Options button.
- Select Delete.
- Restart the PS5 after deleting the game.
- Reinstall Assassin’s Creed Shadows from your library or disc.
- Download all available patches before launching it.
- Open the game and test for crashes again.
Method 12: Disconnect Unnecessary USB Accessories
External drives, charging docks, adapters, or other connected accessories can sometimes interfere with game stability.
- Power off the PS5.
- Disconnect unnecessary USB accessories.
- Leave only essential devices connected.
- Turn the PS5 back on.
- Launch the game and see if the crashes continue.
Method 13: Move the Game to Internal Storage if Needed
If the game is installed on external storage or there is a storage-related problem, moving it can help improve stability.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Storage.
- Check where Assassin’s Creed Shadows is installed.
- If needed, move the game to internal console storage.
- Wait for the transfer to finish.
- Test the game again.
Method 14: Test the Console Network Connection
Some crashes happen during login, online features, syncing, or server-related transitions.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Network.
- Select Connection Status.
- Choose Test Internet Connection.
- Restart your router if your connection is weak or unstable.
- Try using a wired connection if possible.
- Relaunch the game and test online features again.
Method 15: Check the PS5 for Overheating Signs
If the console is too hot, the game may freeze or crash during demanding scenes.
- Make sure the PS5 is placed in a well-ventilated area.
- Remove dust around the vents.
- Do not place the console inside a tight cabinet or enclosed shelf.
- Let the system cool down if it feels unusually hot.
- Start the game again after the console has cooled.
Method 16: Reset PS5 Video and Game Settings to More Stable Defaults
Aggressive display or game preferences can sometimes make crashes worse.
- Open Settings.
- Go to Screen and Video.
- Return video settings to stable default values if you changed them recently.
- Open the game and reduce demanding graphics settings if the game allows it.
- Disable optional visual enhancements temporarily.
- Test the game after each major setting change.
Method 17: Use Safe Mode to Update the Console and Repair System Issues
If normal updates fail or the system still behaves oddly, Safe Mode can help repair deeper software problems.
- Turn off the PS5 completely.
- Hold the power button until the second beep.
- Connect the controller via USB.
- In Safe Mode, choose the option to update system software if available.
- Complete the update or repair action.
- Restart the console normally and test the game again.
Method 18: Contact Ubisoft or PlayStation Support if the Crashes Continue
If none of the fixes work, the issue may be tied to a deeper game bug, account problem, hardware issue, or a broader patch-related problem.
- Note when the crash happens, such as at startup, during cutscenes, in one mission, or after a certain action.
- Check whether other PS5 games are crashing too.
- Capture any error code shown on the screen.
- Contact Ubisoft Support and provide the crash details.
- Contact PlayStation Support as well if the problem appears system-related.