Football Manager 26 has officially entered advanced access beta, and although excitement is in the air, not everything is smooth sailing for the community.
Players are reporting a series of crashes that are impacting gameplay across both Windows and Mac systems. Additionally, the much-anticipated new game engine isn’t performing up to expectations visually.
But don’t worry; there are actionable steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of crashes until the full release on November 4.
How to Prevent Football Manager 26 Crashes
The ongoing crashes during the beta phase of Football Manager 26 appear to stem from its under-optimized state, even if your hardware meets the listed requirements.
Here are some practical tips to help you minimize crashes:
- Make sure to update your graphics drivers. This applies to both Nvidia and AMD users. You can check for updates within your system’s native client, and if there’s an update available, it will automatically download and install.
- Consider running the Football Manager 26 beta in Windowed mode rather than full screen. While this mode has its limitations, many players have found it enhances stability during matches.
Best Graphics Settings for Football Manager 26
I’ve compiled a list of settings that have helped me maintain a stable experience after initially facing some stutters and crashes.

- Screen Resolution: 1920×1080 (this is a personal preference)
- Text Scaling: Normal
- Graphics Quality: Balanced (you may lower this to Low or Very Low depending on your system capabilities)
If you opt for Custom settings, adjust the following:
- Mesh Detail: Low
- Shadow Quality: Medium
- Texture Quality: Low
- Anti-Aliasing: Disabled
If your machine still struggles with performance, switching to a 2D setup during matches is a viable option. While you might miss the new match engine’s visuals, you’ll ensure smoother progression in your game save, particularly if your hardware isn’t up to the task.
What are some common issues players encounter with Football Manager 26 during the beta phase?
Players frequently experience crashes and performance issues stemming from the early development version of the game. Optimizing settings can help alleviate these problems.
How can I check if my graphics drivers are up to date?
You can visit the manufacturer’s website or use your system’s native software to check for driver updates, ensuring optimal game performance.
Is it better to play Football Manager 26 in Windowed mode or full screen?
Many players find that Windowed mode offers increased stability and smoother gameplay experiences compared to full screen, especially in beta.
What graphics settings should I use for the best performance?
Set the resolution to 1920×1080, use Normal text scaling, and keep graphics quality on Balanced, adjusting other settings based on your hardware capabilities.
Are there alternatives to improve performance if my system can’t handle the game well?
Yes, switching to a 2D match setup can ensure your game progresses smoothly, avoiding prolonged crashes or stutters, especially on lower-end hardware.
For more tips and guidance on Football Manager 26 and other gaming discussions, keep exploring related content. Check out Moyens I/O for additional insights and updates!