Can confirm I am having the same issue with or without AOE breaking objects. Direct Attack with Ranger skill Archion's Teachings in Anakis' Halls instant CTD.

Created new character.
Chose mage, at the beginning of the game where you can break the green eggs... instant CTD when using Direct Attack on them.
Both characters offline and in the new Season Bloodtrail.

As OP stated, this bug is gamebreaking since if you accidentally hit a breakable object you CTD and all progress lost up to that point. Have not touched game since. Cheers.

Exact same issue as OP, same places as well.

Same issue, just created another thread and sent a report testing this in the areas I've access too (Up to Anankis Halls 1)