Path of Exile 2 Deadlock Detected error: Potential causes and fixes

Path of Exile 2’s patch 0.4 is now live, and with another free weekend, the player count is rising fast. However, with the new update, there’s also a new error on the list. Many players are getting a new ‘Deadlock Detected’ error that either freezes their screen or crashes it entirely. A recent post from Grinding Gear Games also mentioned that they are looking into the issue.

If you’re trying the game for the first time, this is probably not the impression you were expecting. While we wait for an official fix, let's find out what band-aid methods you can try to fix the Deadlock Detected error in Path of Exile 2.

Deadlock Detected error in Path of Exile 2: Potential causes and fixes

Players are struggling to reach Clearfell due to a Deadlock error (Image via GGG)

Both Nvidia and AMD users are reporting the error, but the issues seem to be worse for Team Red. Furthermore, we still don’t have a cause, as GGG is currently investigating it.

Following multiple complaints on Reddit, it seems the error is most likely due to GPU drivers and occurs at random. Some players reported the issue as they crossed the Cemetery of Eternals, while others encountered it soon after reaching the Clearfell Encampment.

Potential fix for Deadlock Detected error in Path of Exile 2

Here are my settings for PoE 2. Graphics are set on Low (Image via GGG)

I haven’t encountered the Deadlock Detected error, and the performance is surprisingly good. However, if the problem is big enough to be acknowledged by GGG, then it’s clear something’s wrong.

Since we don't know the reason behind the error, here are some fixes I’d recommend based on my PC specs (3060 Ti and 5700X3D) and Path of Exile 2 settings. Do note that the fixes mentioned here are not guaranteed to work for everyone.

Update/downgrade drivers: One of the first things I’d recommend is checking your GPU drivers. If it’s the latest version, downgrade them. I’m using the Game Ready Drivers 581.29, so it’s worth trying out. As for AMD users, try downgrading them to somewhere around Adrenalin 25.10.2.
Change renderer: By default, Path of Exile 2 runs on DirectX 12, which is what I use. However, try changing that to DX11 or Vulkan in the graphics settings. It may affect your performance, but if it prevents Deadlock Detected, you’ll be able to play until there’s an official fix.
Use Windowed Fullscreen: I’m also running the game in Windowed Fullscreen mode. While not super important, some users have reported that the ‘Deadlock Detected’ error occurs after alt-tabbing out of the game.

That’s about everything you can do to try to fix the issue without uninstalling the game. If the Deadlock error persists, you’ll need to wait for an official patch and hope GGG extends the free weekend for PoE2.

Check out other guides for the game:

Edited by Mayank Singh Rathour