How to Fix Elden Ring Stuck on Black Screen at Launch

Elden Ring has captivated gamers worldwide with its intricate world and challenging gameplay. With the release of the highly anticipated Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, players are returning to the Lands Between in droves.

However, two years after the base game’s release on PC, some are still encountering the issue where the game gets stuck on a black screen upon launch. Fortunately, there are several potential solutions to the problem. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you troubleshoot and fix the black screen issue in Elden Ring.

1. Check System Requirements

Before diving into more complex solutions, ensure your system meets the minimum requirements for Elden Ring. Here are the basic requirements:

• OS: Windows 10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X
• Memory: 12 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB or AMD Radeon RX 580 4 GB
• DirectX: Version 12
• Storage: 60 GB available space

2. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted graphics drivers are a common cause of black screen issues. Ensure your graphics drivers are up to date:

• NVIDIA: Use the GeForce Experience app or visit the NVIDIA website.
• AMD: Use the Radeon Software app or visit the AMD website.

3. Run as Administrator

Sometimes, running the game with administrative privileges can resolve launch issues. To do this:

1. Right-click on Elden Ring in your Steam library, select “Manage,” then “Browse local files.”
2. Right-click on the Elden Ring executable (eldenring.exe).
3. Select “Properties.”
4. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
5. Check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator.”

4. Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations can sometimes cause compatibility issues with certain games. To disable this:

1. Right-click on Elden Ring in your Steam library, select “Manage,” then “Browse local files.”
2. Right-click on the Elden Ring executable (eldenring.exe).
3. Select “Properties.”
4. Go to the “Compatibility” tab.
5. Check the box for “Disable fullscreen optimizations.”
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”

5. Edit Steam Launch Options

Right-click on Elden Ring in your Steam library and select Properties. In the General tab, scroll down and enter “-windowed” (without quotes) in the text field below Launch Options.

6. Restart Display Driver

Try restarting your display driver, both before and after launching the game. To restart your display driver, press the Windows, Shift, Control, and B keys together.

7. Unplug and Replug Your Keyboard

Try unplugging your keyboard while the game is stuck on the black screen. Once the game is loaded in, you may plug your keyboard back in.

8. Unplug and Replug Your Controller

Unplug your controller while the game is stuck on the black screen. Once the game is loaded in, plug your controller back in.

Also consider uninstalling and reinstalling your controller’s drivers from Device Manager.

9. Wait a few minutes

Users have reported waiting up to 10 minutes before seeing the main menu. Once in, try switching the game to Borderless Windowed mode from its display settings and restart to see if the issue persists.

10. Verify Game Files

Corrupted or missing game files can cause the game to malfunction. Verifying the integrity of game files can fix this:

1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
2. Right-click on Elden Ring and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Local Files” tab.
4. Click on “Verify Integrity of Game Files.”

11. Update DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables

Ensure that your DirectX and Visual C++ Redistributables are up to date:

• DirectX: Visit the Microsoft DirectX download page.
• Visual C++ Redistributables: Visit the Microsoft Visual C++ download page.

12. Disable Overlay Applications

Overlay applications like Discord, Steam, or GeForce Experience can sometimes interfere with game launches. Disable these overlays:

• Steam Overlay: Right-click on Elden Ring in your Steam library, select “Properties,” and toggle off “Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.”
• Discord Overlay: Go to Discord settings, navigate to the “Overlay” tab, and turn off “Enable in-game overlay.”
• GeForce Experience Overlay: Open GeForce Experience, click on the gear icon for settings, and disable the “In-game overlay.”

13. Reinstall Elden Ring

As a last resort, reinstalling the game may fix persistent issues. Make sure to back up your save files before doing this.

1. Uninstall Elden Ring through Steam.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Reinstall Elden Ring from Steam.