Cyberpunk 2077 Error Code FLATLINED: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes High Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
FLATLINED
Brand
Popular Games
Product Type
game
Severity
High
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
The FLATLINED error in Cyberpunk 2077 means the game has crashed unexpectedly, typically due to corrupted game files, outdated drivers, or hardware instability. CD Projekt Red designed this error screen to signal a fatal in-game crash that prevents the game from continuing. The good news is that most FLATLINED crashes can be resolved at home by verifying your game files, updating drivers, and adjusting a few system settings.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code FLATLINED

  1. Verify Game File Integrity

    Do not interrupt the verification process. Closing the launcher mid-scan can cause additional file corruption.

  2. Update Your GPU Drivers

    Always create a Windows System Restore point before installing new drivers so you can roll back if the new driver causes instability.

  3. Delete the Game's Config and Cache Files

    The AppData folder is hidden by default. Enable 'Show hidden items' in Windows File Explorer under View settings before navigating there.

  4. Disable Overlays and Background Apps

  5. Check and Update Windows

  6. Adjust In-Game Graphics Settings

  7. Test Your RAM for Errors

    If you need to physically reseat RAM, shut down your PC completely and unplug it from the wall before opening the case. Ground yourself by touching a metal part of the case to discharge static electricity.

  8. Disable CPU and GPU Overclocking

    Modifying BIOS settings incorrectly can prevent your PC from booting. Only change the overclock/CPU settings and use 'Load Optimized Defaults' — do not alter other BIOS values unless you know what they do.

  9. Reinstall the Game as a Last Resort

    Do not skip the manual save backup step. While saves are typically in your Documents folder and not affected by uninstall, it is critical to confirm they are backed up before proceeding.
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When to Call a Professional

If your RAM diagnostics return hardware errors, your GPU is crashing in multiple games (not just Cyberpunk 2077), or you are experiencing Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors alongside FLATLINED crashes, your hardware may be failing. At that point, take your PC to a certified computer repair technician for hardware diagnostics. If your GPU temperatures are regularly exceeding 95°C under load, consult a technician about reapplying thermal paste or improving case cooling before permanent damage occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does FLATLINED mean in Cyberpunk 2077?
FLATLINED is Cyberpunk 2077's custom crash screen, styled after the game's dystopian theme. It appears whenever the game encounters a fatal error it cannot recover from, such as a GPU driver crash, corrupted game file, out-of-memory event, or hardware instability. It is the equivalent of a standard crash-to-desktop but with a branded error message from CD Projekt Red.
Why does Cyberpunk 2077 keep crashing with FLATLINED even after verifying files?
If verifying files does not stop the FLATLINED error, the cause is likely outside the game files themselves. Common culprits include outdated GPU drivers, third-party overlays (Discord, Steam, GeForce Experience), overclocked hardware, insufficient VRAM for your current graphics settings, or failing RAM. Work through the full list of troubleshooting steps — particularly updating GPU drivers and disabling overlays — before concluding it is a deeper hardware issue.
Does the FLATLINED error cause you to lose your save data?
No. The FLATLINED crash error does not delete or corrupt your save files. Cyberpunk 2077 saves your progress at checkpoints and manual save points, and those save files are stored separately in your Documents folder (Documents\CD Projekt Red\Cyberpunk 2077\Saves). However, any unsaved progress since your last save point will be lost when the crash occurs.
Can mods cause the FLATLINED error in Cyberpunk 2077?
Yes, absolutely. Mods are one of the most common causes of FLATLINED crashes, especially after game updates. An outdated mod that is incompatible with the current version of Cyberpunk 2077 can cause the game to crash instantly. To test whether mods are the cause, temporarily remove all mods from the game's directory and run the vanilla game. If it runs without crashing, re-add mods one at a time to identify the conflicting one. Check Nexus Mods for updated versions of your mods.
Is FLATLINED a known bug that CD Projekt Red will patch?
FLATLINED itself is just the name of Cyberpunk 2077's crash screen and is not a specific bug — it can be triggered by many different underlying issues, both software and hardware. CD Projekt Red regularly releases patches that fix known crash triggers in the game engine. Make sure your game is fully updated via your launcher, as many FLATLINED crashes reported after major updates are resolved by subsequent hotfixes within days or weeks.

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