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If you’re eager to play the cooperative multiplayer game Helldivers 2 but are confronted with a black screen on startup, it can be frustrating. This issue can spoil the fun and excitement of any gamer. However, this guide has been designed to help you resolve the Helldivers 2 black screen on startup issue. By following the troubleshooting steps outlined here, you can ensure that your gaming experience is as smooth as the developers intended.
What is Helldivers 2 Black Screen on Startup Issue?
If you are experiencing the Helldivers 2 black screen on startup issue, you are not alone. This technical glitch is a common problem that prevents players from accessing the game. Upon launching the game, the screen goes black, leaving the player with no visuals, though in some cases, audio might continue to play in the background.
The issue can be attributed to a variety of factors. In some cases, software conflicts may be the culprit, where other programs or applications running in the background may interfere with the game’s launch. Outdated drivers can also trigger the problem, so it’s important to keep your drivers up-to-date. Incorrect game settings can also cause the issue, so be sure to check your game settings to make sure everything is set up correctly.
In more complex cases, the problem may be tied to hardware issues. So make sure that your system meets the Helldivers 2 PC system requirements. Also, graphics cards or other hardware components may be malfunctioning, preventing the game from launching correctly. In such cases, it’s best to seek professional help to diagnose and fix the problem.
Before you worry about your hardware, here are the methods to fix the Helldiver 2 black screen on startup issue.
How to Fix the Black Screen on Startup in Helldivers 2
To solve the issue you’re facing with Helldivers 2, it’s important to approach it in a methodical way by identifying and resolving the root cause. There are several solutions that have been tested and proven effective. We’ve listed them below so you can get back to enjoying Helldivers 2 without any problems.
Method 1: Wait 2 or 3 Minutes on the First Startup
Patience is a virtue, especially when starting Helldivers 2 for the first time. Initial launches can sometimes be slower as the game configures itself to best suit your system’s specifications. If you’re faced with a black screen, give it a few minutes before taking any further action. This simple patience test can sometimes be all that’s needed.
Method 2: Edit Your Config File To Change Fullscreen Mode
The easiest way to fix the Helldivers 2 black screen on startup issue is to stop the game from launching in fullscreen. You’ll need to manually change the configuration file on your PC since you won’t be able to access the in-game display settings.
The configuration file, called “user-settings.config“, can be found in “C:\Users\User-Name\AppData\Roaming\Arrowhead\Helldivers2” on your system. Open the file using a text-editing app and change the fullscreen field from true to false.
Alternatively, you can delete the config file to fix the black screen issue. Doing this will launch Helldivers 2 in default settings, so you’ll need to adjust your PC graphics settings again.
Method 3: Verify Your Steam Game Files
Corrupted or missing game files are often the reason behind startup issues. Steam’s built-in feature to verify the integrity of game files can help rectify this problem.
Right-click Helldivers 2 in your Steam library, select “Properties,” navigate to the “Local Files” tab, and click “Verify integrity of game files.” This process will check for any discrepancies and replace corrupted or missing files with fresh copies.
Method 4: Disconnect PlayStation Controller
If you’re using a PlayStation controller connected to your PC, consider disconnecting it before launching the game. Some users have reported conflicts that result in the black screen issue when specific controllers are connected.
Once the game has successfully launched, you can attempt to reconnect your controller. But even connecting the controller mid-game can cause the issue to occur. The post below has a perfect step-by-step guide to resolving the issue.
Helldivers 2 black screen on startup issue, while frustrating, is often solvable with the right approach. By methodically working through the potential fixes outlined in this guide, you can quickly find a solution that works for your specific situation.
