🔧 What Causes the Error?
This crash usually occurs on launch and is due to:
Driver compatibility issues (especially with newer NVIDIA drivers)
Incorrect GPU memory pool settings
VRAM management bugs were introduced in recent patches
✅ Fix #1: Downgrade NVIDIA Driver to 566.14
This is the most effective fix for many users.
➤ Steps
Download NVIDIA Driver 566.14 from the official NVIDIA archive
.
Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) in Safe Mode (optional, but recommended) to fully remove current drivers.
Install 566.14 and restart your PC.
Launch the game again.
✅ Works especially well for RTX 30 and 40 series GPUs (e.g., RTX 3060, 3080, 4090)
✅ Fix #2: Edit Pool Size in Config File (for newer drivers)
If you don't want to downgrade your GPU drivers, you can tweak the memory pool manually.
➤ Steps:
Go to this folder:
C:\Users\<YourUsername>\Saved Games\MachineGames\The Great Circle\base\
Find the file named:
TheGreatCircle.local
Open it with Notepad (or another text editor).
Add or edit the following line:
is_poolSize = 1024
Save the file and restart the game.
✅ This tells the game to allocate a fixed memory pool size, avoiding overreach errors.
✅ Fix #3: Disable Ray Tracing (Optional)
Some users with low VRAM GPUs (like RTX 3060 6GB) found that the issue is tied to ray-traced global illumination.
➤ Steps
Launch the game with a safe config (or from launch options).
Go to Graphics Settings and disable ray tracing features (GI, reflections, shadows).
Restart the game.
⚠️ Visual quality will decrease, but it may prevent crashes.
✅ Fix #4: Update to Latest Game Patch (Update 5)
Ensure your game is fully updated. Update 5 includes specific VRAM management and crash fixes.
Check the Steam or Xbox app for updates.
Verify game files via the launcher to ensure all DLC and base game files are intact.
✅ Optional: Increase Virtual Memory (Page File)
If your system is running low on RAM or VRAM, increasing the page file might help.
➤ Steps:
Go to:
Control Panel → System → Advanced System Settings → Performance → Settings → Advanced → Virtual Memory
Click Change, then set a Custom size:
Initial: 8192
Maximum: 16384
Click OK and restart your PC.
🧪 Summary of Fixes
Fix Description
🔻 Downgrade to NVIDIA driver 566.14 Most reliable fix for most GPUs
✏️ Edit is_poolSize Tweak VRAM allocation manually (works with latest drivers)
❌ Disable ray tracing Helps for low-VRAM GPUs (e.g., RTX 3060 6GB)
🔄 Update game to latest patch Update 5 includes crash/VRAM fixes
💾 Increase virtual memory Prevents crashes if RAM/VRAM is insufficient
If you're still crashing after trying these, let me know your:
GPU model
Current driver version
Whether the crash is at launch or in gameplay
I can then give you a more tailored fix.
This has happened to me as well because I've seen some errors pop up in their recent titles. I think the management is weak in the newer patches and they've really got to deal with this quickly.