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Permafrost 'GPU Crash Dump Triggered': How to Fix It

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Quick answer: the "GPU crash dump triggered" error is a known Early Access problem. The most effective fixes, in order: disable multi-frame generation and super resolution, update (or clean-install) your GPU driver, clear the DirectX shader cache, and if nothing else helps, launch with -dx11.

Applies to: Permafrost Early Access, October 2026 builds. The developers shipped RTX-specific stability hotfixes on launch day (October 9) and further crash fixes on October 10 — update the game first.

Step 1 — Update the game and your driver

Both launch-day hotfixes targeted GPU stability, and FSR was disabled by the developers on RTX 20/30/40/50 cards. Then update your GPU driver; if the problem started after a driver update, roll back or clean-install instead.

Step 2 — Turn off frame generation

In the graphics settings, disable Multi-Frame Generation and Super Resolution, lower the preset one step, and toggle V-Sync. Frame generation is the most commonly implicated feature in crash dumps on RTX cards.

Step 3 — Clear the shader caches

Delete the DirectX and GL caches so they rebuild cleanly:

  • %localappdata%\NVIDIA\DXCache and %localappdata%\NVIDIA\GLCache (NVIDIA)
  • %localappdata%\AMD\DxCache (AMD)

Also disable hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling (Windows graphics settings) and overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, Steam overlay) while testing.

Step 4 — Force DirectX 11

In Steam: right-click Permafrost → Properties → Launch Options → enter -dx11. DX11 is slower than DX12, so treat this as a workaround, not a destination.

Game won't launch at all

  • Error 11c7 / "CreateProcess() returned 11": disable Windows Smart App Control (Windows Security → App & browser control), which blocks the game process.
  • Verify game files (Steam → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity).
  • Still stuck? Check that your PC meets the system requirements — 16 GB RAM and a 6 GB+ GPU are the hard floor.

If nothing helps

Post your crash dump and specs in the official Discord or the Steam discussions — the developers are actively reading crash reports during Early Access, and several known issues have been fixed within days.

Related: System requirements · Can't join friends · Updates

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