🎮 Game Error Codes What it means & how to fix it

Assassin's Creed Shadows Error Codes

Assassin's Creed Shadows' errors split into DirectX 12 graphics crashes and Ubisoft Connect connectivity. DX12 error 0x887a0006 is a graphics/device fault, DX12 0x80070057 is often fixed by disabling the Ubisoft Connect overlay, and error code ANIMUS is a connection problem with Ubisoft services. Frame generation and a stale Ubisoft Connect cache are common triggers. Here's what each common error means and the fastest fix.

Error codes

DX12 error 0x887a0006 A DirectX 12 device error crashed the game

Cause: A GPU-driver fault or an unstable rendering feature such as frame generation.

Fix:
  1. Update your GPU driver with a clean install and reboot.
  2. Turn off frame generation in the graphics settings.
  3. Verify file integrity in Ubisoft Connect (options menu -> Verify files).
DX12 error 0x80070057 A DirectX 12 parameter/initialisation error

Cause: Frequently caused by the Ubisoft Connect overlay interfering with DX12 startup.

Fix:
  1. Disable the Ubisoft Connect overlay in settings.
  2. Update GPU drivers and disable other overlays (Steam/Discord/GeForce).
  3. Launch the game in offline mode (Steam and Ubisoft Connect offline) to test.
Error code ANIMUS Can't connect to Ubisoft's online services

Cause: A connectivity problem between the game and Ubisoft servers, or a stale launcher cache.

Fix:
  1. Check Ubisoft server status, then restart your router.
  2. Clear the Ubisoft Connect cache: close it, delete the contents of C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache, and restart.
  3. Sync your PC clock (Settings -> Time & language -> set time automatically) so the login handshake matches.
Crash at startup / won't launch The game closes before the main menu

Cause: Corrupted files, missing runtimes, an out-of-sync system clock, or overlay/antivirus conflicts.

Fix:
  1. Verify file integrity in Ubisoft Connect and install the latest Visual C++ Redistributables.
  2. Clear the Ubisoft Connect cache and update your GPU driver.
  3. Add the game to antivirus/firewall exceptions and disable overlays.

Fixes that work for most Assassin's Creed Shadows (PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S) errors

  1. Verify/repair the game files (Steam: Properties -> Installed Files -> Verify integrity; other launchers: repair) — this replaces corrupted files behind most crashes and fatal errors.
  2. Update your GPU driver with a clean install (use DDU), and install the latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributables (x86 and x64) plus the DirectX End-User Runtime — missing runtimes and stale drivers cause most launch crashes.
  3. Clear the DirectX Shader Cache (Windows Settings -> System -> Storage -> Temporary files, or Disk Cleanup) and delete the game's local shader/cache folder in AppData\Local, then relaunch.
  4. Disable overlays (Steam, Discord, GeForce Experience, Ubisoft Connect) and any third-party antivirus/VPN, and add the game to your firewall exceptions.
  5. Check the game's official server status before assuming a local problem — many named connection errors are a maintenance window or outage and clear on their own.

FAQ

How do I fix DX12 error 0x80070057 in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

This DirectX 12 error is frequently caused by the Ubisoft Connect overlay interfering with startup. Disable the Ubisoft Connect overlay in settings, update your GPU drivers and disable other overlays (Steam/Discord/GeForce), and if it persists launch the game in offline mode (both Steam and Ubisoft Connect offline) to confirm.

What does error code ANIMUS mean in Assassin's Creed Shadows?

ANIMUS is a connectivity error between the game and Ubisoft's online services. Check Ubisoft server status and restart your router, clear the Ubisoft Connect cache (close it, delete the contents of AppData\Local\Ubisoft Game Launcher\cache, restart), and make sure your PC clock is set automatically so the login handshake isn't rejected for a time mismatch.

Other games