How do I fix How to Fish crashing on launch?

Run the game as administrator, update GPU drivers from NVIDIA/AMD official sites, verify game files on Steam (Properties → Installed Files → Verify Integrity), and disable overlays (Discord, GeForce Experience, Xbox Game Bar). For error 0x11C7, update Windows instead of disabling Smart App Control.

Why is How to Fish showing a black screen?

A black screen on launch is almost always a GPU driver or overlay conflict. Run as administrator, update GPU drivers, and disable every overlay. A gray screen means corrupted files — verify integrity on Steam. A black screen in multiplayer means version mismatch — all players must update to the same version.

How do I fix low FPS and lag in How to Fish?

Lower the resolution (4K to 1080p makes the biggest difference), update GPU drivers, force the dedicated GPU in Windows Graphics Settings → High Performance, and close background apps and overlays. Check the frame rate cap in game settings first.

How do I fix stuttering in How to Fish?

Stutter is usually frame pacing, not hardware failure. Disable overlays, cap the frame rate (in-game or via NVIDIA/AMD control panel), toggle VSync, and close background apps. If you have an 8 kHz polling-rate mouse, lower it temporarily to test.

Where are How to Fish save files located?

Windows: C:\Users\ \AppData\LocalLow\Dazed Games\How to Fish\Saves\. Steam Deck: /steamapps/compatdata/4001890/pfx/drive_c/users/steamuser/AppData/LocalLow/Dazed Games/How to Fish/Saves/. The game is not on Steam Cloud, so back up manually.

How do I fix multiplayer issues in How to Fish?

Ensure all players run the same game version. Create a new lobby (old lobbies keep their original version). If one player still cannot join, switch the host. Restart Steam and the game if invites keep failing.

What does error 0x11C7 mean in How to Fish?

Error 0x11C7 means Windows Smart App Control blocked the game executable. Fix it by updating Windows and verifying game files. Do NOT disable Smart App Control — it is a system security feature. Remove any third-party mods or custom launchers first.

🛠️ 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.

Published August 26, 2026 · Last updated September 21, 2026

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

Issue

Launch blocked by 0x11C7

Try this first

Update Windows / Defender + verify files

Issue

Black screen / gray screen

Try this first

Run as administrator + verify files + update drivers + disable overlay

Issue

Low FPS / lag

Try this first

Limit frame rate, lower resolution, reduce mouse polling rate, update drivers

Issue

High GPU usage

Try this first

Same as low FPS + check temperatures

Issue

Save data lost / items missing

Try this first

Check the LocalLow folder backup; for the Radar, try repurchasing

Issue

Unable to join multiplayer

Try this first

Match game versions, create a new lobby, restart Steam

Issue

Fish not biting (Island 2)

Try this first

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.