Arctic Drive troubleshooting

Stuck in rocks or snow

The demo has no unstuck button. Players report getting stuck in rocks and snow with no way out except reloading a save or being pushed. What to try:

1. Reverse and rock the car — alternate forward/reverse gently; a locked differential can break free.
2. Get out and push? The game is physics-based; another player may be able to nudge the car.
3. Reload the last save if you have one; do not lose hours of progress.
4. Report it to the developer — the “Stuck in rocks” thread asks for the save file through Discord: https://discord.gg/arcticdrive.

Save location (player-reported):

%USERPROFILE%\AppData\LocalLow\PlayTogether Studio and Pebbles Games\Arctic Drive\Saves

Back up that folder before a long run, especially if you plan to test a risky route.

Game will not launch (il2cpp / Smart App Control)

A player report describes the demo being blocked by Windows Smart App Control, with gameassembly.dll flagged as an unverified publisher. This is a Windows security feature, not a game bug. What to check:

1. Windows Security → App & browser control → Smart App Control. If it is blocking the demo, you can add an exclusion or turn Smart App Control off (only if you understand the security trade-off; turning it off is not reversible without a Windows reset in some builds).
2. Update Windows and your GPU driver. The thread includes players fixing launch issues with pending Windows updates.
3. Verify the game files in Steam (right-click the demo → Properties → Installed Files → Verify integrity).
4. Run Steam as administrator once, then launch normally.
5. Check the Steam discussions for the current patch; the demo is updated frequently.

EOS / connection errors in co-op

The demo uses EOS for online co-op, and the patch notes mention networking backend fixes for players who cannot connect to EOS services. If a friend cannot join:

• Update the demo on both machines. A version mismatch is the most common cause.
• Restart Steam on both machines.
• Try a different host. The host’s network may be the problem.
• Check your firewall — allow the demo through Windows Defender Firewall.
• Check the Steam discussions for the current EOS workaround; the developers are actively patching it.

The car will not start

This is usually not a bug:

1. Battery — the first suspect.
2. Fuel — check the gauge.
3. Handbrake/gear — the car will not move with the brake on.
4. Radiator/oil — an overheated engine can seize.

See repair guide and controls.

Controls feel wrong

• Handbrake: players report it only holds if you hold Space while opening the door and then press F to get out. The developer has acknowledged the controls need polish; check Settings.
• Item placement: the demo’s physics can feel janky; the developers say they are improving item placement.
• Controller: the demo lists full controller support; if it does not work, try Steam Input.

Performance and crashes

• No DLSS/FSR setting is confirmed. The community has asked; we have not seen an official answer.
• Lower shadows/draw distance first if the frame rate drops.
• Close background apps; 8 GB RAM is the recommended target.
• Update the GPU driver; the demo’s launch issues are often driver/Windows-related.
• Report repeated crashes with the save file and your specs through Discord.

Before you report a bug

Include:

• Demo version (bottom of the main menu or Steam → Properties → Betas).
• What you were doing (driving, recycling, co-op).
• The save file if you can.
• Your PC specs and GPU driver version.
• A screenshot/video if possible.

The developers are active on Discord and in the Steam discussions; a clear report is more useful than “it broke”.