Experiencing the Assassin’s Creed Shadows DX12 error 0x887a0006 can derail your gaming momentum. This cryptic code often appears during launch or mid-gameplay, signaling compatibility or performance issues tied to DirectX 12. While frustrating, resolving it involves systematic troubleshooting. Let’s break down proven fixes, from driver updates to hardware checks, ensuring you reclaim seamless gameplay.
What Triggers the Assassin’s Creed Shadows DX12 Error 0x887a0006?
The DirectX 12 error often stems from outdated drivers, insufficient VRAM, or conflicting software. Modern games like Assassin’s Creed Shadows demand robust hardware and optimized software. When components fall short, crashes like error 0x887a0006 emerge. Common culprits include corrupted game files, memory leaks, or mismatched DirectX versions.
Fix 1: Confirm Your System Meets Minimum Requirements
Before diving into complex solutions, ensure your PC matches the Assassin’s Creed Shadows system requirements.
Minimum Specs:
- OS: Windows 10 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-4790 or AMD Ryzen 5 1600
- GPU: NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD Radeon R9 290 (4GB VRAM)
- RAM: 8GB
Recommended Specs:
- OS: Windows 11 64-bit
- CPU: Intel Core i7-8700K or AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
- GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 or AMD RX 5700 XT (8GB VRAM)
- RAM: 16GB
How to Check Hardware:
- Press Windows + R, type
dxdiag
, and hit Enter. - Navigate to the Display tab for GPU details.
- Compare your specs with the game’s requirements.
If components fall short, consider upgrades or lowering settings.
Fix 2: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated graphics drivers frequently trigger DirectX 12 errors. Both NVIDIA and AMD release updates optimizing game compatibility.
Steps for NVIDIA Users:
- Open GeForce Experience.
- Click Drivers > Check for Updates.
- Download and install the latest version.
- Restart your PC.
Steps for AMD Users:
- Launch AMD Radeon Software.
- Go to Updates > Check for Updates.
- Install available updates.
- Reboot the system.
Fix 3: Verify Game Files via Ubisoft Connect
Corrupted or missing files often cause game crashes. Ubisoft Connect includes a tool to scan and repair installations.
- Open Ubisoft Connect and navigate to Games.
- Right-click Assassin’s Creed Shadows and select Verify Files.
- Wait for the process to complete.
- Relaunch the game.
Fix 4: Tweak In-Game Graphics Settings
Overloading your GPU with ultra settings can exhaust VRAM, triggering error 0x887a0006. Optimize configurations:
- Launch Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Open Settings > Graphics.
- Lower Texture Quality, Shadow Resolution, and Anti-Aliasing.
- Disable Ray Tracing and VSync.
- Set Windowed Mode to Fullscreen.
Test stability after each adjustment.
Fix 5: Disable Background Applications
Software conflicts from apps like Discord or overlays (e.g., MSI Afterburner) strain resources.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- End tasks for non-essential programs.
- Restart the game.
For a permanent fix:
- Type
msconfig
in the Windows search bar. - Navigate to Startup > Open Task Manager.
- Disable unnecessary startup apps.
Fix 6: Perform a Clean GPU Driver Install
Residual files from old drivers can destabilize new installations. Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) for a clean install.
- Download DDU.
- Boot into Safe Mode (hold Shift while clicking Restart).
- Run DDU and select Clean and Restart.
- Install fresh drivers from NVIDIA/AMD’s site.
Fix 7: Address Memory Allocation Issues
The memory allocation problem arises when the game exceeds available VRAM or RAM.
Monitor Usage:
- Open Task Manager > Performance tab.
- Check GPU and RAM usage while gaming.
Increase Virtual Memory:
- Search for View advanced system settings.
- Under Performance, click Settings > Advanced.
- Select Change under Virtual Memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage and set a custom size (1.5x your RAM).
Fix 8: Reinstall DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables
Corrupted runtime libraries can break DirectX functionality.
- Download the latest DirectX End-User Runtime.
- Install Visual C++ Redistributables (2015–2022) from Microsoft’s site.
- Restart your computer.
Fix 9: Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft periodically releases patches resolving Windows error codes and compatibility bugs.
- Go to Settings > Windows Update.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Install all pending updates.
- Reboot the system.
Fix 10: Perform a Fresh Game Install
Persistent issues may require reinstalling Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Uninstall the game via Ubisoft Connect.
- Delete remaining folders in
Program Files\Ubisoft
. - Redownload and install the game.
Where to Find Logs for Advanced Troubleshooting: March 23, 2025
Logs pinpoint the root cause of DX12 error 0x887a0006. Navigate to:
Documents\Assassin’s Creed Shadows\Logs
Windows Event Viewer
(search for application errors)
Share these with Ubisoft Support if fixes fail.