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If you’re a fan of HELLDIVERS 2, you may encounter a frustrating black screen issue. This problem can occur when starting the game or during gameplay, resulting in a blank or black screen. The developers at Arrowhead Game Studios are aware of this issue, and various solutions have been shared within the gaming community. Before giving up, it’s worth trying a series of troubleshooting steps.

The solutions range from technical adjustments, such as updating your graphics drivers or checking game files, to simpler fixes like changing the screen mode. Each fix targets a different potential cause, whether it’s outdated software or improper game settings. By applying these solutions, you can potentially get your game running smoothly and enjoy the cooperative combat that HELLDIVERS 2 has to offer.

Troubleshooting Helldivers 2 Launch Issues

Understanding the Black Screen Issue

Many players encounter a frustrating black screen upon launching Helldivers 2. This can occur for several reasons, but thankfully, there are potential solutions to get you back into the action.

Potential Causes and Solutions

The black screen issue in Helldivers 2 could stem from various factors, including:

  • Fullscreen Mode: The game may struggle to launch in fullscreen mode.
  • Configuration Files: Corrupted or incompatible configuration files can hinder the launch process.
  • Anti-Cheat Software: Conflicts with anti-cheat software like NGuard might lead to the black screen.
  • Graphics Drivers: Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers could also be the culprit.

Quick Fixes to Try

  1. Wait it Out: Sometimes, the black screen resolves itself after a few minutes.
  2. Switch to Windowed Mode: Press “Alt + Enter” to switch to windowed mode. Then, try pressing the Windows key to see if the game proceeds.
  3. Verify Game Files: Use Steam’s “Verify Integrity of Game Files” option to ensure all game files are intact.
  4. Update Graphics Drivers: Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date to ensure compatibility.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the quick fixes don’t work, consider the following:

  1. Edit Configuration Files: Locate the “user_settings.config” file (usually in C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\Arrowhead\Helldivers2) and open it in a text editor. Set “fullscreen” to “false” and save the changes.
  2. Disable Steam Overlay: In Steam, go to “Settings” > “In-Game” and uncheck “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
  3. Disable Anti-Cheat: Temporarily disable NGuard anti-cheat software (if you can) and try launching the game. Re-enable it after launch.

Additional Tips

  • Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can often fix temporary glitches.
  • Contact Support: If the issue persists, reach out to Arrowhead Game Studios’ support for further assistance.

Please note that these solutions are based on user experiences and may not work for everyone. Patience and troubleshooting are key to resolving the black screen issue and enjoying Helldivers 2.

Possible Causes and Solutions:

  • Wait It Out: While uncommon, some users report the game taking an extended time (up to 3 minutes) to load past the initial black screen. Give it a chance to boot up fully before assuming the worst.
  • Verifying Game Files: Corrupted files can cause black screens. Luckily, Steam offers a verification tool. Right-click Helldivers 2 in your library, go to “Properties” > “Local Files” > “Verify integrity of game files.”
  • Changing User Settings: The culprit might be your configuration file. Navigate to C:\Users[your username]\AppData\Roaming\Arrowhead\Helldivers2 (make sure hidden items are visible). Here, you have two options:
    • Delete user_settings.config: This resets all your graphics and settings to default, but it can often fix the black screen issue.
    • Edit user_settings.config: Open the file with Notepad and change the value of “fullscreen” to “false.” This forces the game to launch in windowed mode, potentially bypassing the black screen.
  • Windowed Mode: If none of the above work, try launching the game in windowed mode from the start. This can be done through Steam launch options or by pressing Alt+Enter after launching the game.

If the issue persists:

  • Check for updated graphics drivers. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
  • Consider reporting the problem to the developers through the official channels or forums. This helps them identify and fix bugs for future updates.

By following these steps, you should be well on your way to eliminating the black screen and purging the enemy alongside your fellow Helldivers!

Key Takeaways

  • HELLDIVERS 2 black screen issues are common and can often be resolved through a number of fixes.
  • Accurate troubleshooting involves checking graphics drivers, game files, and adjusting screen settings.
  • Simple solutions are sometimes the most effective for resolving launch problems on PC and Steam.

Troubleshooting and Fixes

Dealing with the black screen issue in Helldivers 2 can be frustrating, but there are several fixes that players can try to get back into the action. These steps can help resolve the problem on platforms, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Verify Game Files Integrity

If Helldivers 2 won’t start, checking the game files should be your first step. Here’s how you do it in Steam:

  1. Open your Steam Library.
  2. Right-click on Helldivers 2 and choose ‘Properties’.
  3. Go to the ‘Local Files’ tab.
  4. Click on ‘Verify Integrity of Game Files’.

Update Graphics Drivers and Windows

Outdated graphics drivers might cause the black screen. Update them through your GPU manufacturer’s website. For Windows updates:

  1. Click on the ‘Start’ menu.
  2. Select ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’.
  3. Click ‘Check for updates’.

Adjust Game Settings

Changing game settings can fix display issues. Try switching between fullscreen and borderless windowed mode by pressing ALT+ENTER during a black screen. Adjusting anti-aliasing settings can also help.

Manage Steam Settings

Disabling Steam Input might improve your gameplay experience. In Steam:

  1. Go to Helldivers 2 ‘Properties’.
  2. In the ‘General’ tab, find ‘Steam Input’.
  3. Set it to ‘Forced Off’.

Running The Game as Administrator

Giving Helldivers 2 more permissions ensures it runs smoothly. Find the game executable, right-click, and select ‘Run as administrator’.

Disable Conflicting Applications

Background apps can interfere with the game. Close them or add game-related folders to your anti-virus exclusions. Turn off any unnecessary overlays, which can cause crashes.

Consult Support and Online Resources

If issues persist, head to the game’s support on Steam or the developer, Arrowhead Games’, forums for server status updates. Look for patches on Playstation or Xbox if you’re not on PC.

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