🛠️ How to Fish Troubleshooting - Crashes, FPS, Saves
Crashes, black screens, low FPS, stuttering and save problems, collected in one place — starting with the official checklist (verify game files, update GPU drivers, disable overlays) before the community workarounds.
Quick Fix: The Universal Checklist
Before anything else, run the official-friendly six steps — they resolve most launch and stability problems in How to Fish.
- Update the game and Steam to the latest versions.
- Restart your computer and Steam.
- Steam Library → right-click How to Fish → Properties → Installed Files → Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Update Windows and GPU drivers (latest from NVIDIA / AMD official sites).
- Disable all overlay programs: Steam Overlay, Discord, NVIDIA GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar.
- Run the game as administrator.
Common Issues Quick Reference
| Issue | Try this first |
|---|---|
| Launch blocked by 0x11C7 | Update Windows / Defender + verify files |
| Black screen / gray screen | Run as administrator + verify files + update drivers + disable overlay |
| Low FPS / lag | Limit frame rate, lower resolution, reduce mouse polling rate, update drivers |
| High GPU usage | Same as low FPS + check temperatures |
| Save data lost / items missing | Check the LocalLow folder backup; for the Radar, try repurchasing |
| Unable to join multiplayer | Match game versions, create a new lobby, restart Steam |
| Fish not biting (Island 2) | Hold left click after casting the rod; check bait |
Recommended Troubleshooting Order
Work from the least invasive fix to the most invasive one — in this order.
- Restart your computer and Steam.
- Verify the integrity of game files.
- Update GPU drivers and Windows.
- Disable all overlays.
- Run as administrator / force the dedicated GPU.
- Try the launch options -dx11 or -dx12.
- Back up saves and reinstall the game.
- Check specific error modules in Event Viewer if crashes persist.
Where to Go Next
- Crashes and black screens (including error 0x11C7): the crashes page.
- Frame rates and GPU load: the low FPS page.
- Stutter and hitching: the stuttering page.
- Save files, Steam Cloud and lost items: the save page.