Updated November 11, 2026
If Ashes of the Singularity II freezes during Mission 2 on Linux, you may be experiencing a Proton compatibility issue that prevents you from progressing through the campaign.
The game can work normally during Mission 1, only to freeze when the second mission begins playing its opening cinematic. In some cases, the image stops updating and the game becomes completely unresponsive.
Some NVIDIA GeForce RTX users may also encounter NVIDIA Xid 13 errors, indicating that the graphics driver detected a GPU execution fault.
Unfortunately, switching Proton versions, lowering graphics settings, or changing NVIDIA drivers does not always resolve this problem.
This guide explains how to identify the Mission 2 freeze, check NVIDIA error logs, test safe troubleshooting steps, generate Proton logs, and report the crash.
Quick Answer: What to Do When Mission 2 Freezes
If Ashes of the Singularity II crashes or becomes unresponsive during Mission 2 on Linux, follow these steps:
- Check for NVIDIA Xid 13 errors in your Linux system logs.
- Verify the game files through Steam.
- Check your Proton version and test another available compatibility build if necessary.
- Record your NVIDIA driver version before making driver changes.
- Compare Mission 2 with Mission 1 and skirmish mode to determine whether the crash is mission-specific.
- Enable Proton logging and collect diagnostic information if the problem continues.
Important: There is no confirmed universal fix for this particular Mission 2 freeze. These steps can help identify the problem and rule out common compatibility issues, but they may not restore campaign progression.
If you use an NVIDIA GPU, begin by opening a Linux terminal and running:
journalctl -k -b --no-pager | grep -iE 'NVRM|Xid'
This searches the current boot's kernel messages for NVIDIA-related errors.
If you find an Xid 13 entry corresponding to the time of the crash, continue with the diagnostic steps below.
📋 Table of Contents
- 1. Mission 2 Crash Symptoms on Linux
- 2. How to Check for NVIDIA Xid 13 Errors
- 3. Which Linux Systems and GPUs Are Affected?
- 4. Troubleshooting Mission 2 Crashes
- 5. Proton and Graphics Changes That May Not Help
- 6. How to Generate a Proton Crash Log
- 7. How to Report the Crash to Stardock
- 8. Is There an Official Fix?
- Frequently Asked Questions
1. Mission 2 Crash Symptoms on Linux
The most recognizable symptom is a freeze during Mission 2's opening cinematic.
You may complete the first campaign mission without difficulty. However, after loading the second mission, the game stops responding during the opening sequence or camera movement.
Common symptoms include:
- Mission 1 launches and plays normally.
- Mission 2 begins loading but freezes during its cinematic.
- The picture stops updating and the game becomes unresponsive.
- The game may need to be force-closed.
- NVIDIA users may find Xid 13 errors in their system logs.
- Some Linux systems may also experience freezes during skirmish battles rather than the campaign.
Is your crash the same problem?
| Symptom | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| Mission 2 freezes during its opening cinematic | Mission-specific Proton compatibility |
| Mission 1 works, but Mission 2 does not | Campaign progression and rendering differences |
| NVIDIA Xid 13 appears after the freeze | GPU execution fault |
| Skirmish mode also freezes | Broader graphics compatibility |
| Game crashes before reaching the menu | Startup or installation problems |
| No NVIDIA errors appear | Proton logs and other system messages |
If the game reaches the main menu and Mission 1 works correctly, reinstalling the entire game should not be your first troubleshooting step.
Start by identifying exactly where the freeze occurs.
2. How to Check for NVIDIA Xid 13 Errors
NVIDIA Xid errors are diagnostic messages generated when the NVIDIA graphics driver detects certain GPU-related faults.
One error associated with some Ashes of the Singularity II freezes is Xid 13.
Step 1: Reproduce the crash
Launch Ashes of the Singularity II and attempt to start Mission 2.
If the cinematic freezes, record approximately when it happened.
Close the unresponsive game if possible.
Avoid restarting Linux immediately unless your system itself becomes unresponsive. The current boot's logs are generally easier to inspect before rebooting.
Step 2: Open a Linux terminal
Run:
journalctl -k -b --no-pager | grep -iE 'NVRM|Xid'
If your distribution restricts access to kernel logs, try:
sudo journalctl -k -b --no-pager | grep -iE 'NVRM|Xid'
You may be asked to enter your Linux password.
Step 3: Look for Xid 13
A relevant error may contain wording similar to:
NVRM: Xid (PCI:...): 13Graphics SM Warp Exception
This is an illustrative example. The complete message, PCI identifier, and exception details vary by driver and system.
If an Xid 13 error appears at approximately the same time as the freeze, the NVIDIA driver detected a graphics execution fault.
That is useful diagnostic evidence, but it does not identify the exact component responsible.
What does NVIDIA Xid 13 mean?
Xid 13 is associated with a graphics-engine exception.
Possible contributing factors include software, driver, or GPU execution problems.
An Xid 13 error does not automatically mean your graphics card is defective.
If the problem occurs only in Ashes of the Singularity II while other demanding games work normally, investigate the game's Linux compatibility before assuming hardware failure.
Likewise, an Xid 13 message alone does not prove that Proton or the NVIDIA driver is solely responsible.
What if no Xid 13 error appears?
You may still be experiencing a Proton-related crash.
Not every freeze generates a visible NVIDIA Xid message. Systems using AMD or Intel graphics also use different diagnostic messages.
If you cannot find an Xid 13 error, continue with Steam file verification and Proton logging.
3. Which Linux Systems and GPUs Are Affected?
Mission 2 freezes have been reported on several Linux distributions, including CachyOS, Nobara, and Ubuntu.
NVIDIA hardware appears in some of the more detailed crash cases.
| Linux system | GPU | Reported behavior |
|---|---|---|
| CachyOS | GeForce RTX 5080 | Mission 2 cinematic freeze |
| Nobara 44 KDE | Not specified | Mission 2 fails |
| Ubuntu | Not specified | Opening cinematic crash |
| Ubuntu 24.04 | GeForce RTX 5070 Ti | Skirmish freeze with Xid 13 |
The RTX 5070 Ti example involves a skirmish crash rather than a confirmed Mission 2 failure.
It is relevant because similar NVIDIA error messages can occur outside the campaign.
These configurations are examples, not a complete list of affected hardware.
Does Ashes of the Singularity II work on AMD GPUs under Linux?
Ashes of the Singularity II can run successfully on some AMD-based Linux systems using Proton.
However, this does not mean every AMD GPU or Linux distribution is unaffected.
If you use AMD graphics and experience a freeze, collect Proton and system logs rather than following NVIDIA-specific diagnostic instructions.
4. Troubleshooting Ashes of the Singularity II Mission 2 Crashes
The following steps can help identify common installation and compatibility problems.
Try one change at a time so you can determine whether it makes a difference.
Step 1: Verify the game files through Steam
Damaged or incomplete game files can cause crashes, although file corruption has not been established as the cause of this specific Mission 2 problem.
To verify your installation:
- Open Steam.
- Go to Library.
- Right-click Ashes of the Singularity II.
- Select Properties.
- Open Installed Files.
- Click Verify integrity of game files.
- Wait for Steam to finish checking the installation.
Steam may download replacement files if it detects a problem.
After verification, launch the game and retry Mission 2.
If the freeze continues, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Check your Proton compatibility version
Ashes of the Singularity II is a Windows game that can run on Linux through Steam Proton.
Different Proton builds can behave differently depending on the game, graphics driver, and system configuration.
To check your compatibility settings:
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click Ashes of the Singularity II.
- Select Properties.
- Open Compatibility.
- Check whether a specific Steam Play compatibility tool is selected.
If you have manually forced a Proton version, record it before changing anything.
You can test another available build, such as Proton Experimental, and retry the same Mission 2 sequence.
However, Proton Experimental and some GE-Proton versions have not resolved this freeze on affected systems.
Changing Proton versions is therefore a diagnostic test, not a guaranteed solution.
If another build makes the game less stable, return to your previous configuration.
Step 3: Check your NVIDIA driver version
On systems using a compatible NVIDIA driver installation, open a terminal and run:
nvidia-smi
This normally displays your GPU model and installed NVIDIA driver version.
Record the driver version before making changes.
If nvidia-smi is unavailable, check your Linux distribution's graphics-driver management tools to identify the installed driver.
If your distribution provides a newer compatible NVIDIA driver, review its release notes and installation guidance.
A driver update or rollback is not a confirmed fix for the Mission 2 freeze.
Avoid mixing incompatible driver packages from different repositories or replacing your distribution's graphics stack without understanding the consequences.
Step 4: Determine whether the crash is mission-specific
Before making further changes, compare different parts of the game.
Try:
- Loading Mission 1.
- Loading Mission 2.
- Starting a skirmish.
- Repeating the same Mission 2 opening sequence.
Record which modes work and which freeze.
For example, if Mission 1 and skirmishes work normally but Mission 2 freezes during the same cinematic every time, that suggests a reproducible mission-specific problem.
If skirmishes also freeze, investigate broader graphics compatibility rather than assuming the second campaign mission is the only affected content.
Step 5: Test graphics settings cautiously
If the game menu remains accessible, you can try reducing the graphics preset or individual quality settings.
Apply the changes and restart the game when required.
Then retry Mission 2.
Lowering graphics quality has not consistently resolved the reported freeze, so treat this as a diagnostic test.
If the game still freezes at the same point, restore your preferred settings rather than continually reducing visual quality.
Step 6: Protect your Proton data and save files
Proton stores Windows compatibility data inside a per-game environment called a prefix.
Deleting or resetting this environment can remove local configuration and potentially affect save data stored inside it.
Before experimenting:
- Back up important local saves.
- Avoid deleting the game's
compatdatafolder as a routine first step. - Record your current Proton version and launch options.
- Change only one setting at a time.
- Keep track of which configuration last worked.
If you do not know where the game stores its saves, avoid manually removing Proton directories.
5. Proton and Graphics Changes That May Not Help
Several commonly suggested troubleshooting methods have failed to eliminate the freeze on affected Linux systems.
| Troubleshooting attempt | What to know |
|---|---|
| Proton Experimental | Not a confirmed solution |
| GE-Proton 10-34 | Crash persisted on an affected system |
| Lower graphics settings | Did not consistently prevent the freeze |
| NVIDIA driver changes | Crash persisted after driver changes |
| Clearing shader caches | Did not resolve some crashes |
VKD3D_CONFIG=nodxr |
Did not resolve the reported crash |
These results do not mean the methods are ineffective on every possible Linux configuration.
They do mean that none should be advertised as a reliable Mission 2 fix.
Should you use VKD3D launch commands?
VKD3D-Proton translates Direct3D 12 workloads for Linux systems.
You may encounter launch options such as:
VKD3D_CONFIG=nodxr %command%
This changes VKD3D behavior related to DirectX Raytracing support.
It is not a verified solution for Ashes of the Singularity II's Mission 2 freeze.
Unless you are conducting a specific compatibility test, prioritize collecting diagnostic logs over experimenting with unrelated launch commands.
If you have already added experimental launch options, consider removing them before creating a clean crash report.
6. How to Generate a Proton Crash Log
If Mission 2 continues freezing, a Proton log can help identify what happens during the failure.
Steam provides a straightforward way to enable Proton logging.
Step 1: Open the game's Steam properties
- Launch Steam.
- Open your Library.
- Right-click Ashes of the Singularity II.
- Select Properties.
- Stay on the General tab.
Step 2: Enable Proton logging
Find the Launch Options field.
Enter:
PROTON_LOG=1 %command%
If you already use custom launch options, record them before replacing or modifying the command.
Step 3: Reproduce the Mission 2 freeze
Launch the game and attempt to start Mission 2.
If the game freezes, wait briefly to determine whether it recovers.
If it remains unresponsive, close it using your normal desktop tools.
Avoid forcing a complete system reboot unless necessary.
Step 4: Locate the Proton log
Proton typically writes a log to your Linux home directory.
For Ashes of the Singularity II, the expected filename is:
~/steam-3499790.log
Check whether the file exists using:
ls -lh ~/steam-3499790.log
If the file exists, inspect its final lines with:
tail -n 80 ~/steam-3499790.log
Look for errors or repeated messages near the point where the game stopped responding.
Not every Proton freeze produces an obvious error in this file. NVIDIA kernel logs may provide more useful information in some cases.
What if the Proton log file is missing?
If steam-3499790.log does not appear:
- Confirm that the game is running through Proton.
- Check that
PROTON_LOG=1 %command%was entered correctly. - Make sure the game starts far enough for Proton to initialize.
- Check whether your Steam installation uses a custom environment or log location.
Steam installations using Flatpak or other custom environments may handle file paths differently.
If the log remains unavailable, you can still collect your Linux system information, kernel messages, and exact crash reproduction steps.
Step 5: Remove the logging option afterward
Proton logging can produce large files.
After collecting the information you need, remove PROTON_LOG=1 from the launch options unless you are continuing to troubleshoot.
Privacy note: Review logs before sharing them publicly. They may contain usernames, file paths, environment details, or other system information.
7. How to Report the Crash to Stardock
If the freeze is reproducible, a detailed report is more useful than simply saying the game crashes.
Include the following information:
- Linux distribution and version.
- Installed Linux kernel.
- Exact NVIDIA or AMD GPU model.
- Graphics-driver version.
- Selected Proton version.
- Exact location where the game freezes.
- Whether Mission 1 works.
- Whether skirmish mode works.
- Relevant NVIDIA Xid messages, if present.
- Proton log and relevant game logs.
- Save file immediately before the crash, if requested.
Check your Linux kernel version
Open a terminal and run:
uname -r
Record the displayed kernel version.
Copyable crash-report template
You can use this template when preparing your report:
Game: Ashes of the Singularity II Linux distribution: Kernel version: GPU: Graphics driver version: Proton version: Crash location: Mission 1 works: Mission 2 freezes: Skirmish works: NVIDIA Xid error: Proton log collected: Steps to reproduce: 1. 2. 3. Additional information:
Try to describe the exact point where the game stops responding.
For example, mention whether the freeze happens immediately after loading Mission 2, during the opening cinematic, or when the camera begins moving.
Where should you submit the report?
Use the game's Steam discussion:
Mission 2 Crashing — Ashes of the Singularity II
You can also check the Valve Proton issue tracker for a relevant compatibility report.
Search for the game's Steam App ID, 3499790, before opening a new issue.
If the developer requests save files or detailed diagnostic logs, follow the preferred submission instructions.
Avoid posting private file contents or unreviewed logs publicly.
8. Is There an Official Fix for the Mission 2 Linux Crash?
There is no confirmed universal fix for the Mission 2 cinematic freeze described in this guide.
The problem can persist after changing Proton builds, adjusting graphics settings, and switching NVIDIA driver versions.
The exact underlying cause remains unconfirmed.
An NVIDIA Xid 13 error provides useful diagnostic information, but it does not establish whether the failure originates in the game, graphics driver, Proton compatibility layer, or an interaction between them.
What should you do while waiting for a fix?
If Mission 1 or skirmish mode remains playable, you can use those modes while avoiding repeated freezes in Mission 2.
Keep your current configuration documented and monitor:
- Ashes of the Singularity II Steam announcements
- Mission 2 crashing discussion
- Valve Proton issue tracker
After a relevant game update, Proton release, or graphics-driver change, retest the affected mission before making additional adjustments.
Experiencing black terrain instead of a freeze?
If your game loads but the battlefield appears black or textures are missing on an Intel Arc GPU, that is a different graphics problem.
See our Ashes of the Singularity II Black Terrain on Intel Arc? Shader & Graphics Fix guide for the Shading Quality workaround.
That Intel Arc rendering workaround should not be confused with a confirmed solution for Linux Mission 2 crashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ashes of the Singularity II crash during Mission 2 on Linux?
Some Linux players experience a freeze during Mission 2's opening cinematic when running the game through Proton. NVIDIA Xid 13 errors have appeared in certain crash cases, but the precise cause remains unconfirmed.
What does NVIDIA Xid 13 mean?
NVIDIA Xid 13 indicates that the graphics driver detected a graphics-engine exception. It can occur because of software or hardware-related problems and does not automatically mean your GPU is damaged.
Does Proton Experimental fix the Mission 2 crash?
Proton Experimental is not a confirmed solution. The freeze has persisted for some affected players after switching Proton versions.
Can lowering graphics settings stop the crash?
Lowering graphics settings is a reasonable diagnostic test, but it has not reliably prevented the reported Mission 2 freeze.
Does the crash affect AMD GPUs on Linux?
The detailed Xid 13 reports involve NVIDIA hardware. Ashes of the Singularity II can run successfully on some AMD-based Linux systems, but that does not guarantee compatibility across every AMD GPU and configuration.
How do I enable Proton logs for Ashes of the Singularity II?
Open the game's Steam Properties, find Launch Options, and enter:
PROTON_LOG=1 %command%
After reproducing the problem, look for steam-3499790.log in your Linux home directory.
If the file is missing, check your Proton configuration and Steam installation environment.
Final Thoughts
If Ashes of the Singularity II keeps crashing during Mission 2 on Linux, start by checking whether the freeze corresponds to an NVIDIA Xid 13 error.
Then verify the installation, check your Proton and graphics-driver versions, and determine whether the problem occurs only during Mission 2 or elsewhere in the game.
Because there is no confirmed universal workaround, avoid repeatedly reinstalling drivers, deleting Proton data, or changing graphics settings without a clear reason.
For a persistent, reproducible freeze, the most useful next step is to collect Proton and system logs and provide a detailed report to the developers.
Remember: A Mission 2 cinematic freeze, a Proton startup failure, and Intel Arc black terrain are different problems. Identifying the exact symptom helps you focus on the appropriate troubleshooting steps.
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